Fiona Smith, a senior at College of Saint Benedict and a two-time NCAA Division 3 indoor champion and All-American in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Nov. 18 at the NCAA Division 3 Cross Country Championships at the Big Spring Course in Pennsylvania. Smith, who arrived in Minnesota after living in Saudi Arabia, is the only Division 3 female cross country competitor to eclipse the 20-minute barrier in 6-kilometer races multiple times in a season. She placed fifth in the Division 3 final in 2021 in Louisville, Ky., and secured runner-up honors last year in Lansing, Mich. Smith shares how meaningful it will be to compete along with teammate Annie Kiolbasa, who also qualified as an individual entry to race at the NCAA final. She shares how proud she is of the consistency in her racing this fall, remaining unbeaten in six competitions entering the championship meet. Smith also speaks about being able to motivate and challenge herself during races, despite often leading by more than a minute throughout the competition. She expresses gratitude for the leadership and support of Saint Benedict veteran coach Robin Balder-Lanoue, who often accompanies Smith on her training runs. Smith also explains how she has learned to adapt more throughout her running career, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she and her family were forced to stay at home due to the country's strict guidelines, often covering a 100-meter loop inside their house and backyard in an effort to maintain fitness. She examines her improvement and confidence gained since returning to NCAA competition in 2021 and how valuable racing in several Division 3 championship meets has been in her preparation for pursuing her first cross country championship. Smith also analyzes how beneficial it was to be able to preview the Big Spring Course over the summer during a scheduled trip to Baltimore. She also speaks about how meaningful it would be to win the Division 3 title for Balder-Lanoue and the Saint Benedict program, as well as the support of her entire community in Minnesota.