For the love of running
Julia Tremeer was a double winner at the Niagara Catholic Athletic Association Zone 2 track and field meet Wednesday at the Niagara Olympic Club.
The 15-year-old Grade 10 student at Notre Dame placed first in the junior girls 800 and 1,500-metre races, which was her goal coming into the day.
“I won them both last year as well so I was looking to post good times so I can get into the faster heats at SOSSA (Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association) and continue to get my times faster,” the Pelham resident said.
Tremeer, who is a member of the Niagara Olympic Club, crossed the finish line with a time of 5:17 in the 1,500 and 2:27 in the 800. Her personal bests are 5:04 in the 1,500 and 2:24 in the 800.
“I wasn’t close (to a PB) with the 1,500 but I couldn’t even feel my feet this morning because it was really cold,” she said.
Tremeer said dealing with the elements are a case of mind over matter.
“You have to keep your clothes on until you race and have the right mindset,” she said. “I know it’s cold but I just had to do it anyway, then I’m usually fine.
“This morning it was running pretty late so we warmed up pretty early so it was stretching and warming up and making sure my muscles were warm before I ran.”
The top four individuals and top four relay teams from Wednesday’s meet advance to the SOSSA championship meet which will be held Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26 at Centennial. After that it’s regionals and then OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations).
She was candid when asked if a medal was the goal at OFSAA.
“No, probably not. I would love to make it to OFSAA,” she said. “I made it last year for both the 1,500 and the 800. It’s more about the times than places. I just want my 1,500 to be under five minutes and I’m trying to work on my technique for the 800 as well.
“I just know who else is going to be there. It’s so competitive.”
Tremeer is also a promising cross-country runner, placing 16th at OFSAA last fall.
“I was really happy with that,” she said.
Tremeer joined NOC when she was 12.
I’ve always loved to run, ever since I was little,” she said. “We decided in Grade 7 to get into the more competitive stuff and start training.
“I love it so much. It makes it so much easier to come out to these meets and perform and then I’m not worried about who’s there, I’m more worried with how I want to perform.”
NOC president and coach Sharon Stewart loves Tremeer’s attitude and athleticism.
“Julia is a very dedicated athlete,” Stewart said. “She also has great enthusiasm for competition and there is never a day Julia comes to train without a smile on her face.
“She’s a joy to coach. Her bubbly nature just passes over everyone else and she brings us all up and makes us all laugh.”
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