For most people, the falling leaves and cooler nights signify fall. But for women’s cross country runner Alienor Gilchrist, it means it’s time to get outside and run.

Gilchrist, junior in pre-med, has been running competitively for so long that it just comes as second nature to get out on the course when the weather begins changing.

Not only does she compete in cross country, but Gilchrist also competes on the track squad in the spring.

“There’s not one that I like better. In the fall, it’s cross country and in the spring, it’s outdoor track,” she said. “I wouldn’t feel right doing just one or the other.”

Gilchrist, a graduate of Ames High, didn’t have to look far for a chance to further her running career after helping her team win the 1996 Iowa 3A state track championship.

“I decided that Iowa State was the best program for me to get the most out of my running,” she said.

She added that Coach Dick Lee is an excellent coach, letting his athletes know what is expected from them while being flexible and understanding to the rigors of college life.

“He’s an awesome coach,” Gilchrist said. “He really looks out for his athletes.”

Gilchrist was the Cyclones’ top finisher at last season’s NCAA Midwest regional meet, placing 24th.

She also placed 18th among 67 competitors at the 1998 Big 12 Conference Championships.

With good team chemistry and the added depth of a solid recruiting class, Gilchrist said she expects this to be a successful season.

“It’s going to be a real exciting season. In our first meet this season, we had a lot of depth. We haven’t had that luxury in the past,” she said.

That depth came in the form of seven runners finishing within one minute of each other in the ISU Open that took place on Sept. 12, Gilchrist said.

“[We’re] immediately focusing on our next meet, but we would like to finish in the top four in the Big 12 Championships and make the NCAA Championships as well,” she said.

As for now, the team is preparing for this weekend’s Minnesota Invitational and the ISU Memorial Invitational on Oct. 9.

“We have a real good blend of older, experienced runners and new incoming runners to help out the team,” Gilchrist said.