FAIRFAX, Va. – GoMason.com went off the course with Lauren Givens, a senior from Spotsylvania, Virginia.  Givens most recently finished fifth for the Patriots at the James Madison Invitational with a time of 20:31.20 in a 5k.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose to run for George Mason?

Givens: I chose to run at Mason because it had everything I was looking for. It had the major I wanted, and when I came and met the coaches and team, I knew I would fit in well.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Givens: Last year was my best year of running yet, and I hope to improve even more since this will be my last cross country season. I want to get my times down in the 5k and 6k, and also keep our team spread tight at every meet.

GoMason.com: Who is your inspiration for running, who do you look up to the most?

Givens: Well I have two, Jennifer Nakamura and David Rushing. Jennifer is such a hard worker and I aspire to be like her one day. She helps me run faster at practice by whispering sweet words of encouragement to me during workouts. David used to run here at Mason. He helps me a lot with training and having a good mindset. Whenever practice is tough or I am feeling negative about running, he always reminds me why I love it and need to stick with it.

GoMason.com: What kind of activities do you do in the offseason to keep in shape?

Givens: In the offseason I try and do as many outdoor activities as possible. These include: biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing.

GoMason.com: How do you spend your free time?

Givens: Lately I don't have any free time, but when I do I love to bake and watch The Office.

GoMason.com: Favorite quote?

Givens: “Would I rather be feared or loved? Um, easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.”

-Michael Scott