An Underclassman Who Is Running up a Storm

Bella Stenhouse

Height: 5’5”

Eye color: Blue

Hair color: Brown

Birthday: 3/6/2005

1. When and how did you get into running?

When I was in third grade, my gym teacher, who was also the track coach at my school, asked me if I wanted to come to a meet, and I just said yes. I really liked it—I really liked running with my friends, so I just continued to do that in fourth and fifth grade. Then, I ran on my own and on a club team in middle school.

2. What events do you specialize in?

My favorite events and the ones I’m best at are the 3000-meter run and the 5000-meter run in cross country. I also do the 1500-meter and the 800-meter runs.

3. What’s your favorite part of running?

I like the stress relief on an everyday level. I also think that running is a really fun way to make friends and be part of a community, like the one at Stuyvesant; I like the team aspect. I think it’s also a great way to relax after a long day.

4. What are your future goals with running?

I want to continue to improve my personal records in all the events I run, and I want to continue to qualify for and run at our state championships again. I would also like to win a city championship at some point in high school.

5. How have you stayed in shape during the quarantine?

I’m pretty lucky that I’ve been able to run consistently throughout quarantine, and I live near a park, so that helps. I’ve been able to keep running as normal throughout quarantine and do some strength training and stretching. I haven’t been able to use weights, so I just do some body weight exercises at home.

6. How has your experience been on the girls’ cross country and track and field teams?

I really love the Stuyvesant team. It’s like the best thing about Stuyvesant because as a freshman, I didn’t really know anyone, so it was a great way to get to know other people and to have friends. I knew someone in most of my classes and would always see someone in the hallways. It’s a really close-knit team, and it’s amazing to be a part of it.

7. How do you balance running with schoolwork?

It’s definitely hard, and it’s not something I’m perfect at. But I think the key is to do work whenever you have free time and not procrastinate. I think that it’s helpful to wake up early in the morning because I just focus a lot better in the morning than late at night. For me, running’s a pretty big priority, so I’m not going to skip practice even if I have a lot of homework; I just always make time for running and then fit in my schoolwork as well.

8. What is your proudest memory?

I think my proudest memory is qualifying for the Federation Cross Country Championships with the team this past cross country season. It was really special to go as a team, especially because we weren’t sure if we were going to make it. It definitely was a team goal throughout the season.

9. What is your funniest memory?

When we were at the Federation Cross Country Championships in Bowdoin, I just remember we were walking to Walmart on the side of this highway. It was super weird because it was dark and freezing, and we were all singing “Hamilton” lyrics.

Drink of choice: Water or a smoothie with frozen fruit

Favorite food: Frozen blueberries

Motto to live by: Keep showing up.

Fun fact: I have a very long tongue.