Josie Farley knows exactly what can keep her moving when a cross country race begins to hurt: the runners in front of her.
The Idabel High School sophomore brings a competitive edge to the course, pairing it with the work ethic she has learned from her father and the encouragement she receives from the people around her.
“When I am running, all I think about is, ‘I can’t let these people beat me,’” Farley said.
That determination has helped Farley continue developing as a runner. Her approach to the sport is rooted in the belief that improvement comes from what an athlete is willing to put into the work long before race day.
“You only get better by practicing, and the work you put in will determine your outcome,” Farley said.
It is a mindset that has been reinforced at home. Farley said her father has been her biggest inspiration because of the way he challenges himself while encouraging her to do the same.
“My dad inspires me the most because he always pushes himself and me to be the best each of us can be,” Farley said.
Farley lives in Battiest, where some of her favorite training takes place close to home. She enjoys running the backroads around her house, giving her a familiar place to put in miles and continue working toward her goals. Her advice to younger runners reflects that same straightforward approach: keep running.
Although cross country requires each athlete to work through the difficult stretches of a race individually, Farley said the people beside her are an important part of what makes the sport meaningful.
“What I enjoy most about our team is everyone is like a family,” Farley said.
Farley’s life outside of running is just as active. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family and is involved in FFA, where she shows livestock. She also participates in her church youth group.
“In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family,” Farley said.
In the classroom, math is Farley’s favorite subject, while a teacher from much earlier in her education remains especially memorable. Farley named Mrs. Wortham, her second-grade teacher, as her favorite.
Her plans after high school already point toward a career centered on helping others.
“My plans when I graduate are to attend college and become an L&D nurse,” Farley said.
There is still plenty of high school ahead for Farley, but the lessons she is learning through running are already shaping how she approaches what comes next. Whether she is pushing through a difficult race, training on the back roads near home or preparing for her future, Farley believes the work she puts in now will help determine where she goes next.
