What keeps Maddie Dorsch running?
A sophomore at Pinecrest High, Maddie opened eyes in the fall with a title-winning performance at the N.C. High School Athletic Association 8A cross-country championship at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville. With a time of 17 minutes, 9 seconds, she finished more than a minute ahead of any other runner.
Although running is like a religion in her household, Maddie didn’t really start the pursuit until high school. She participated in cross-country in middle school, but was focused on another sport before that.
“I did soccer through elementary and middle school,” Maddie, whose dad was in the military, said. “My family is a very big running family. I’ve been around it my whole life.”
As for what led her to get serious about putting on sneakers and spikes, the commitment shown by a sibling was an inspiration.
“My older brother took a strong passion to it,” she said. “It really influenced me.”
Along with cross-country, Maddie runs track – both indoor and outdoor – at Pinecrest. The teams’ seasons keep her going through the school year.
“There’s a break between cross-country and indoor track,” she advised.
To avoid injuries that plague many runners, an example being shin splints, her legs get time off each week.
“We run, typically, six days a week,” she said. “I do a lot of cross training on the elliptical.”
Ellipticals are designed for low-impact cardio workouts. The stationary machines increase cardiovascular fitness via a blend of walking and stair-climbing movements.
Maddie has flirted with giving other sports a look, but a desire to excel in one takes precedence over participating in several.
“I tried to do soccer my freshman year, but it didn’t really work out,” she said. “I decided to do just one sport. I’m really determined and passionate for the sport. I love running. I love the sport.”
Along with passion, she has a grasp of factors that can derail runners.
“Some people aren’t driven enough,” she said.
In Maddie’s case, falling into that rut seems unlikely.
“I would like to run competitively as long as I can,” she said. “I definitely want to run in college.”
Ultimately, she wants to enter the medical field, but that won’t stop her from hitting the trails, streets and tracks.
“I want to race as long as I can,” Maddie, who was born in Ohio and has lived in Florida, said.
Away from running, she’s developed an interest in multiple academic areas at Pinecrest.
“This year, I took AP Psychology,” Maddie informed. “It really gets into why people do what they do. A more generic one (subject) is English.”
College-level courses available in high school, AP (Advanced Placement) classes prepare students for standardized tests. Additionally, AP offers the potential to earn college credit and enhance applications to colleges and universities.
Between now and completing applications, she’ll continue representing the Patriots at meets and races.
“I definitely prefer cross-country,” she said. “It’s a different vibe or atmosphere.”
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Feature photo of Maddie Dorsch captured by Samuel Kearns.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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