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It's been an incredible time for running sensation Danica Penner and the 12-year-old from the Blumenort area plans to keep on doing what she loves.
"I started doing cross-country in grade 5," Penner explains. "My mom had suggested that I should try it out because I was good at running. That first race I placed really, really well, so I figured that if it works out, why don't I just keep trying."
Distance running is tough both physically and mentally, but Penner is always finding new levels as she pushes through it all. "For me, the biggest challenge is to keep going, not convincing yourself that you're tired, but actually knowing you can go harder."
It's not just longer runs, Penner says she's stuck mainly to one type but has tried sprinting. "I have not done any other races except for cross-country. In track and field though, I have entered the 100 meter sometimes and I've ran as far as four miles. But, other than that, I usually stick to about one."
Going from running long to trying sprinting is a very unique change, as Penner explains. "It's so much different, like when you're training for a certain distance, you're used to burning all that energy in that one certain distance, so after the sprints, I often feel less tired than running a longer distance. I'm more used to running longer."
Training for her runs has become second nature and a big part of the enjoyment for Penner. "Some days for track and field, I'd just run the distance that I'm running. In the most recent case, it was 800 meters. While training, I'd run it twice a day and then some days, I'd have a really good run, so I'd be excited and joyful. Other days, I did not run as fast and it's on those days that it becomes hard to say that it's okay and I'll be faster tomorrow."
What's going through Penners mind when she's running is more technique and not running to a beat to keep timing. "I try to steady my breathing and make breathing a beat. I often listen to my footsteps. I listened to music just once and even then, I just tuned it out and it didn't make much difference for me."
Recently, Penner took part in a meet and says she really loved the experience. "The most recent one was at the end of the year, we did the HSD track and field meet. Going up against other kids from other schools, I will admit I was pretty nervous. There was some competitors from last year that I knew would be there and I knew they could run pretty fast and would be hard to beat. I figured I'd just try and if I beat them, then I do. If I don't, I can still be nice to them."
Penner says she takes a lot of pride in representing her school and her community in athletic events. "I was actually really excited to represent my school. There were some really great athletes from my school, but it was so cool that I could help show that we have some really great runners at our school."
Being a part of that track and field community means the world to Penner. "It shows me they care about me," she says with a big smile. "It means so much when they are excited for me. I've had a lot of friends cheer me on, as well as teachers and family."
Down the road, Penner says she could see herself doing a marathon, but for now, she's content doing what she does. "It's crossed my mind, I think it would be cool. I don't think now is the time for that, I may wait until I'm a little bit older."
Danica Penner set 2 new HSD records at Track and Field 2025:
Her 1200m time was 4:07
Her 800m time was 2:37