World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships Schedule/Results
Wayne State College alum Christina (King) Elder will be representing the United States in the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland March 26-April 2. A graduate of Wayne State in 2010 with a degree in 7-12 history and physical education, Elder will compete in the 800-meter run semi-finals Wednesday, March 29th with the final March 30th and participate in the 1,500-meter final on Saturday, April 1. Elder is in her 11th year of teaching and coaching at Platteview High School. She was a two-time All-American for the Wildcats in the 2011 indoor season, placing sixth in the 400-meter dash (55.54 seconds) while also running a leg on the 1600-meter relay team that placed eighth in a time of 3:51.31.
King Elder still holds school records in three individual events and one relay for indoor track and field and holds the 400-meter dash outdoor school record along with the distance medley relay team school record for outdoor track and field.
When did you graduate from WSC?
I graduated a proud Wildcat in 2010, but still had eligibility through the end of indoor season in 2011.
What was your degree in at WSC and what are you currently doing for a career?
My degree was in 7-12 History and Physical Education. I am currently in my 11th year of teaching and coaching at Platteview High School.
What was your favorite memory as a WSC athlete?
My favorite memory was competing at the 2011 NCAA Indoor Nationals. Where I became an All-American alongside some of my closest friends! We placed the highest Wayne State ever had as a team, and that was an incredible experience with my teammates.
What made you decide to keep competing after you finished your college career?
I never ran track in high school (I was a soccer player), so I felt like I had more to give to the sport! I never enjoyed the longer road racing scene, and I still had a fire to compete. I just love being around track! God has given me a passion to always push myself with running ever since I was little. I didn't want to hide that passion just because I am getting older. Masters track and field has an amazing community for people who want to continue to pursue track and field post collegiately. We want to continue to expose the community so people can see that there are options to continue to be competitive after college, and its so much fun! I also want to set an example for my own children and the kids that I coach that dedication can make your goals reality.
How do you find time to train, work and also have a family?
It is definitely a balancing act. I love being an athlete, but I am a wife and mom first, teacher and coach second, and then an athlete. Training has become my "me time" and fitting in my training is best for my overall mental health. I find 45 minutes to an hour every day to fit it in, and it de-stresses me to take that time for myself. I have always loved running fast, and I didn't want to give that up just because I am aging. As a masters athlete I am much better about listening to my body as well. If I am tired, I know to take a break. I'm not hard on myself about missing a session if I need to. I have also learned that a bad race does not define me, so I don't let it ruin my day. At my age I have learned that running is not my identity, and knowing that truth has helped me learn proper balance. With this balance, training and racing never feels like a burden, it just feels fun!
Who is your coach and/or who are you training with?
My track coach is Aaron Yoder (who is the head track and field coach at Bethany College). He started writing my workouts when I decided to get competitive again 3 years ago. He is my husband's best friend from college and was the best man in our wedding. He is like a brother to me, and knows exactly how to train me to be the absolute best I can be. Since the 800m and 1500m are new and different events to me I really count on his knowledge and guidance! I also have Nick Crouse as my strength coach. He is the strength and conditioning coordinator at Platteview High School where I teach. He has been my strength coach for over a year now, and I am the strongest and more injury resistant I have ever been! I am beyond grateful for my amazing coaches. As of right now I don't have any training partners. I train alone, which has been a major adjustment for me. I have gotten use to it now, and actually enjoy the alone time out on the track!
How were you selected to compete with Team USA?
USATF Masters Track and Field has indoor and outdoor National Championships every year where you can go and compete against your age group. There is also a Masters ranking system, which ranks your performances in comparison to others in your age group internationally. Team USATF builds a team, and provides stipends to Worlds every two years based off of likely hood to be a podium contender with your masters rankings marks.
Will your kids be traveling with you? What are their ages?
My kids are staying home with grandma and grandpa. My husband Tyler is coming with me. My daughters are 8 and 5, my son is 3.
What does it mean for you to wear the Team USA uniform in competition?
When I received my uniform and warm-ups from USATF I was extremely emotional. It was a full circle moment for me. In college, it was just a dream to just think about representing my country doing something that I love. I didn't think it would ever be possible, until I found USATF Masters and it provided me an avenue to compete with other women my age on the international stage. There has been a little bit of a dry spell for USA women in the 35-39 age group in the middle distances, so I am looking forward to putting the USA back in contention for a possible medal.
