AIR FORCE ACADEMY — It was five years ago when Katie Rainsberger came to a couple of realizations.
One was that her mother, Lisa Rainsberger, was a world-class distance runner. Lisa is the last American woman to win the Boston Marathon, in 1985. When officials of the race sent a driver and limousine to pick them up because Lisa was going to be the grand marshal of the 2010 race, her daughter had a whole new appreciation for her accomplishments.
“(She) looked at me like I was a rock star!” Lisa said.
And, two, Lisa’s daughter, then in middle school, understood what she wanted to do in sports — compete in distance running.
“I think my mom was the one who showed it to me,” Katie said. “I just really connected with it. My mom planted the seeds, but I decided what it was I wanted to do.”
It was after she was exposed to youth basketball, swimming, soccer and even Irish dancing.
“But she kept coming back to it,” Lisa said. “And I’m delighted it was on her terms.”
Now a junior at Class 4A Air Academy, Rainsberger is making her own mark in the sport. Last fall she won the Class 4A cross country championship in 18 minutes, 50.3 seconds — the best time by a girl at state in any class. She placed second in 2012 and 2013 behind Niwot star Elise Cranny, who’s now running for Stanford.
Rainsberger also was on the heels of Cranny on the track, finishing second three times and third once over two years of 4A competition in the 800 and 1,600 meters.
Out of state, Rainsberger has competed in the Nike Nationals for cross country, finishing sixth, and went to Stanford this weekend for the Payton Jordan Invitational, where she was to run the mile. She also has traveled to Colombia for the Pan American Games and to China for the Junior World Cross Country Championships.
“Nationally, she’s high up there,” said Alan Versaw, head coach at The Classical Academy.
Rainsberger enjoys distance running and all that goes with it, physically and mentally.
“Running-wise, it helps clear my head,” she said. “When I’m angry, mad or sad, it’s just doing something you love, there’s that feeling of accomplishment and strength. I feel clear. This is clarity.”
Clarity? Rainsberger’s view of running seems to be as clear as nearby Pikes Peak.
“She’s one of those special athletes that you hope you come across as a teacher and coach, and it’s fun when you do,” said Air Academy track and field coach Phil Roiko.
While an ambitious club schedule awaits her, as well as selecting a college, Rainsberger has qualified for the state track and field championships, May 14-16 at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood, in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters. She also will be a part of the Kadets’ 3,200 relay team.
Fatigue isn’t a factor for the 5-foot-9, 125-pound runner.
“I’m doing pretty well, I feel good and I feel strong,” Rainsberger said. “I don’t feel too tired. To this point, the wheels are moving and I’m ready to go to state.”
Outside of high school, Rainsberger’s taxing summer schedule includes the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., the Adidas Dream Mile in New York and the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. Her credentials can easily carry her onto the club circuit, but locals revel that she returns to represent Air Academy.
“We’re all glad she did,” Roiko said. “And she can continue (getting better) for a couple of reasons. Katie likes what she’s doing; she truly enjoys it. And she also enjoys just being with teammates. She has a national schedule, but she’s very grounded. She likes the high school experience.
“She makes everybody feel special, and she wants to be a kid.”
Rainsberger, an aspiring doctor who has a 4.5 grade-point average, can virtually choose her college. In addition to Stanford, she has interest in Michigan, where her mother competed, as well as Harvard and Georgetown.
“I want her to have an ‘a-ha’ moment, ‘this is where I want to be,’ ” her mother said.
For Katie, it’s simple. She likes running, what it does for her and where she thinks it can take her. It’s about giving something to running, then getting something in return.
“It’s sort of like a runner’s high you get inside,” she said of lacing up her sneakers and taking off. “I’m thinking that each time I set a goal and achieve it, it inspires me to set more goals.”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
