It's a cool evening at the tranquil forest trails around
Laurentian University.
The peaceful harmony is suddenly disrupted by the sounds of
light footsteps crashing down on the earth.
Around a corner comes Laurentian University cross-country
runner Meghan Juuti.
Her face is locked in a determined look as each thrust of her
legs sends her faster and faster through the trees.
In a blur, she roars by with dirt and mud flying up with each
step.
Juuti runs through pain, through rain, through snow. She just
loves to run regardless of circumstances or weather.
In the last two years, Juuti has developed into a marquee
runner for Laurentian and for the 2007 season.
Juuti has battled injury problems over the last two seasons.
Yet, despite the aches, Juuti has pushed through it.
This year, she wants to run by the injury bug and set new
personal best times in her events.
Recently Juuti took time out to talk to Northern Life reporter
Scott Haddow to discuss her season, hopes and life in general.
SH: What's your background and how did you get into
cross-country running?
MJ: I went to Elliot Lake Secondary School (obviously my
hometown is Elliot Lake) and began running in Grade 10. My
family really encouraged me to join the high school cross
country team since I was already a swimmer on the local
competitive swim team. They have definitely supported me
throughout my running years. I am proud to say they are the
main reason I began running.
While my roots began in Elliot Lake, my academic and athletic
endeavours have taken me to Laurentian University where I am
enrolled in the Concurrent Education program, majoring in
English. I will graduate this year with my Bachelor of Arts and
next year with my Bachelor of Education. I have a passion for
reading and writing and wish to instill this love into others.
Hopefully my chosen profession will enable me to do so.
SH: What did you want to accomplish and prove this season and
why?
MJ: The main thing I wish to accomplish this season is to
remain healthy. Each day that I am able to run is a good
day-one that I am truly thankful for. There are goals that I
have set for myself in terms of 5 km times that I would like to
reach, but there are also team goals for the season. After
losing a few top runners last year, we really want to come
together to achieve personal bests.
SH: What's your motivation and drive for this year?
MJ: My motivation and drive this year revolves around the team.
I really want to be able to contribute as much as I can,
wherever I can; I would like to be a role model both on and off
the course.  There are so many girls on the team who are
so motivated and driven-girls that have trained all summer
long, always keeping in mind the upcoming season-I don't want
to let them down. 
SH: You've battled injuries. Can you describe them and their
affect?
MJ: Oh, the famous injury question. I have, indeed, battled as
you put it, a number of injuries over the past few years-a few
pulled muscles, creaky joints, and the odd tweak and pinch. On
the same light note, it seems as though nothing but positive
things have come from these experiences. It is through these
adverse events that I have found what works in keeping me
healthy. Doing the little things such as proper nutrition,
stretching, athletic therapy, and really being in touch with
how I am feeling on a daily basis, are things that I have found
work in avoiding injury this season. Also, I have always had a
lot of support from my family and friends. They provide a
considerable amount of encouragement in times of difficulty.
Coach Dick Moss has always had faith in me and has done
everything in his power to help me overcome adversity.
SH: If injured, why continue pushing yourself so hard in this
sport? Why do you do it?
MJ: This question reminds me of a famous quote by Henry
Wadsworth. He says that "if you only knock long enough and loud
enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody." By
persevering, I figure that something good will have to come
about eventually. I seem to live by this concept quite
literally. On a more serious note, running, and by extension
the sport of cross country and track, is something I love to
do. Whether it means I am on the sidelines cheering on my
team-mates in times of injury, or on the trails when I am in
racing form, just being involved in the sport is something that
is essential for me. I cannot imagine not being involved.
SH: You ran in the NCAA, what was that experience like for you?
What really stood out?
MJ: Running in the NCAA was a great experience. I was able to
travel all over Michigan and compete against some of the best
runners in the state. I definitely learned a lot about
competition that I have brought back with me to Canada.
SH: What's the biggest difference between NCAA and OUA? Which
do you prefer and why?
MJ: In all actuality, I am not so sure the two are comparable;
there are positive things to take from both.  The NCAA has
many bodies and the OUA is highly competitive-I have enjoyed
running in both.
SH: What have you gained from your time at LU, both in the
classroom and on the trails?
MJ: In terms of academics, I have had many valuable teaching
experiences as part of the Concurrent Education program. I
believe that these will help me when I enter the teaching
profession. In terms of running, every day I learn more and
more about running and training-what works and what doesn't
work. I am always eager to learn more and Dick can attest to
the fact that I never stop asking questions. In fact, he and I
joke that he will never be able to get rid of me. I really
would like to come back after graduation and help coach. The
way I see it: if I can't run for Laurentian, hopefully I will
be able to coach for Laurentian. Continuing to be involved in
LU athletics is certainly something I am interested in. Being
on the team has also enabled me to develop life-long
friendships with individuals who share my passion for
running.  There are many individuals on the team who are
incredible athletes, students, and just good people in general.
Being a part of that is something that I embrace and am
definitely thankful for.
SH: What role did you want on this team this season and why?
What do you want to be counted on for each day?
MJ: Since cross country running is both an individual sport and
a team sport, I think that all the girls on the team, myself
included, would like to see themselves in a leadership
position. As I mentioned before, leading on the course or off
the course is irrelevant, I just want to be a leader and
someone who other girls can look up to. I think that I have a
lot to offer through the experiences that I have had. In terms
of what I would like to be counted on for each day, I think
many girls on the team would agree that I can be counted on for
a laugh. We run hard, but we also have a lot of fun doing it.
This is a great team and I am dedicated to contributing in
whatever way I can.
