By Alexis Skarda
“Will we make our mark this time?” is part of the song to Rooftops by Lostprophets. This is the last song that is playing on junior Alexis Skarda’s iPod as the last bit of preparation before a race.
Of all the songs in the world this is one song that can describe an illustrious collegiate career for Skarda. This past Dec., Skarda became the most decorated athlete in Mesa State College history after earning All-American honors in cross-country as she placed 8th in the 5k (3.1 miles) at Nationals after placing 19th the year before. Skarda has earned All-American honors three times including twice in cross country and once in track and field.
“It’s a good feeling to do well and to represent Mesa State and good to get our name out there.” Skarda said. She also would like to qualify for nationals again and place better that she did the year before.
Skarda has achieved many goals and won many awards and races, including Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) runner of the year, RMAC 1st team, RMAC Champ in cross-country as well as RMAC champ in the one mile in track and field. Skarda has new goal for the season including running a personal record in the one mile of 4:51:00. Skarda contributes her success to running a lot and to the thing that inspire her the most.
“I like to test my limits, see what i can do and how much i can handle, that keep pushing me forward and through faith I’m motivated.” Skarda said. But Skarda says her father is a big reason in why she runs.
“My dad is a big runner and I just kinda followed in his footsteps.” I’m sure her father is very proud of her success at the college level.
One would think that runners would follow a certain diet to maintain strength, but try telling that to Skarda. Skarda tries to incorporate healthy foods into her diet but just stays away from fast food
“I’m not a big fan of fast foods that’s for sure, I try to get healthy foods in there with all the other foods i eat, I don’t eat less, i just add in good foods to my diet.”
Skarda is only a junior at Mesa State and has one more season left in cross country and two in track as she redshirted as a sophomore.
The future is bright for Skarda with many options out there. From running around the world, to running the biggest named marathons, to maybe even representing the United States at the Olympics. Skarda doesn’t know what she wants to do yet but is keeping her options open.
To answer the Lostprohets “will we make our mark this time?” Alexis Skarda has already left her mark on Mesa State distance running now, and for the future.