Averi Lowen has become one of Georgia’s standout high school runners, earning three state cross country titles before her senior year and quickly becoming one of the top athletes in the country. In our conversation, the Bowdon High School junior talks about how she fell in love with running, what it’s like training mostly on her own, and the mindset that keeps her motivated season after season. She also shares her favorite workouts, the races that mean the most to her, and the big goals she’s chasing next.

This interview has been edited lightly for clarity and length.

Jasmine Fehr: What first got you interested in running?

I ran while playing soccer, so I thought maybe I could run cross country to stay in shape. That’s what got me started, and I started running more and more. Then I decided I loved it.

Do you still play soccer now or are you just focused on running?

I’m solely focused on running. I quit soccer in ninth grade.

When did you realize that running was something you could really excel at?

When I started hitting my goals during freshman or sophomore year, I really thought, Hey, I could be really good at this. I realized that if I kept working, I could get even better.

Since freshman year, has your approach to training and racing changed, or is it pretty similar to when you started?

It’s changed a lot. When I first started, I was just doing it for fun. But once I got really into it, I started increasing my mileage and hitting the weight room.

You said in another interview that sometimes you get up at 4 a.m. to train. What motivates you to get up so early and get your runs done?

I just think about the results the sport is going to give me if I keep working and training hard. I think about all the good things that will come if I put in the work.

When you’re out there running early in the morning, are you by yourself or with a team?

It’s just me and my Spotify!

What kind of music are you listening to while you run?

Any type of hip hop or rock music. It’s a mixed playlist with a little bit of everything.

If you had to choose your top three running songs, what would they be?

I like “Bleed the Freak” by Alice in Chains, “California Love” by Tupac, and any song by Rihanna. I like a mix of everything.

You don’t have any training partners? It’s mostly just you on your own? What does that look like at practice?

It’s mainly my dad. He takes me everywhere, but I do the workouts alone. I train alone because I’m the only member on my team. I’ve gotten used to it, but I’m excited to have teammates once I get to college.

Have you started looking at schools? What are you looking for in a program?

Yes! I’ve been doing my research and talking to coaches. I want a team with a great dynamic where everyone loves and supports each other and the environment is really positive and nonjudgmental.

What does a typical training week look like for you during cross country season?

I usually double twice a week and do two workouts a week. On workout days, I’ll cross train instead of running to stay healthier. On race weeks, I only have one workout. Then I do a long run on Sunday.

What’s your favorite workout that makes you feel the most strong and confident?

8x4 minute repeats at five-flat pace.

Wow, that’s a big one!

Yeah! It’s tough, but it makes me feel strong.

After this past weekend, you’re now a three-time cross country state champion. What keeps you hungry and motivated each season?

Racing against myself, beating my own times and just focusing on getting better every day.

Can you walk us through your state race this past weekend? What was your mindset heading in?

I knew I’d be out there mostly by myself, so I focused on not getting discouraged to keep going. I told myself to get a good start. I knew the hills would be rolling, so I was like, Just keep going, don’t look back, just finish.

Looking back on your high school career, is there a race that stands out as most meaningful or special to you?

Sophomore year when I won NXR Southeast. That was a huge, eye-opening experience. I was so shocked. I never would have imagined winning a Nike race. I used to watch those races on YouTube in ninth grade and dream of being there.

How did winning that race shape your goals and lead you to where you are now?

It showed me that I have way more potential than I thought. Your body can do so much. I realized I could push myself even more.

How are you handling the pressure and expectations that come with your success?

I don’t think of it as pressure, I think of it as a privilege. I don’t really feel pressured because I love the sport. If I have a bad race, I just move on and get back out there the next day.

You have NXR coming up and then NXN. What are your goals for those meets and how are you preparing?

I really want to make a statement. I want to do my best on race day, get a PR at NXR, and then do really well at Nationals.

You’re only a junior with another year of high school ahead. What goals do you have for your final season?

I want to break 16 minutes on the cross country course. Yes, it’s a big goal, but I think I can do it. I also want to bring my mile time down a lot and break 10 minutes in the two-mile.

What’s the best piece of advice your coach has given you?

Just to keep running. Social media can be loud and people will hate sometimes, but you just have to keep running and do you.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you go back to before races?

I don’t really have a quote, but I think about my mom a lot and what she’d want me to do. She’d want me to do my best every day, so I run for her.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of running?

I love to cook, I love hanging out with my family and my dog, and I love graphic designing on the computer.

Since you love to cook, what’s your favorite thing to make?

I love to cook salmon, a really good salmon dinner!

If you could go for a run with anyone, who would it be?

Faith Kipyegon! I have her t-shirt that says, “I’ve got faith.”

Thanks for reading! This interview is part of our 2025 Nike Cross Nationals Series, where we’re catching up with some of the top high school athletes in the country as they prepare for the biggest meet of the fall. Stay tuned for more Q&As with the rising stars of high school distance running.