Jane Hedengren, a sophomore at Timpview High and the reigning Utah 5A state champion in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters as well as the runner-up in cross country, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss her preparation to compete Oct. 25 at the UHSAA Cross Country State Championships at the Regional Athletic Complex in Salt Lake City. Hedengren reflects on her state debut last season and competing against Raygan Peterson of Timpanogos, who prevailed by an 18:15.0 to 18:16.5 margin in the 5A final. She also revisits winning the 1,600 in 4:50.91 and the 3,200 in 10:34.58 in May at the 5A state track and field championships, holding off Mountain View standout Julie Moore in both finals. Hedengren, who was slowed by mononucleosis during the fall last year, explains the challenges she has faced this season with injuries to her hips and gluteus medius, along with a torn labrum, and how she has had to rely on cross training in the pool and the elliptical bike for the past month in an effort to compete at the state final. She expresses gratitude for her coach Jaimie Ribera, along with her teammates for their support, along with the perspective she has gained from her family members in helping Hedengren with her recovery and rehabilitation. Hedengren explains what an asset her father John, a 2015 inductee into the Brigham Young Athletic Hall of Fame, has been throughout her career, along with sharing how instrumental her older brother Isaac has been in not only developing racing strategy, but also practicing patience and demonstrating resilience and perseverance. She analyzes the depth of the 5A girls state final, especially with Peterson returning, along with Moore and Mari Konold from Mountain View, and the potential for the Timpview girls competing against Springville, Orem, Timpanogos and Mountain View. She reminisces about running 10:17.67 in April at the Arcadia Invitational, and how that created motivation for her summer training, which led to Hedengren winning the UIAAA Invitational in August with a 3-mile effort of 17:10.8 and prevailing Sept. 24 at the Bob Firman Invitational with a 5-kilometer victory in 17:25.8. Hedengren also explores the potential of competing Nov. 19 at NXR Southwest in Arizona, but also evaluates the possibility of not competing again following the state meet in an effort to completely recover in preparation for the 2023 track schedule.