Class: Junior, East Chapel Hill

Parents: Jane Wheeler & Jesse Baskir

Sport: Cross-Country

I run because: "I feel good when I'm running, and I feel good after. I do have a competitive side, so I do like racing. I push myself."

Before every meet: listens to Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Up Around the Bend.' ... "I have to get that one song into my head."

Coach Stephen Marquis says: "Carolyn is a great person and a great runner, and that's saying a lot in a community like this. Her work ethic is fantastic and her tolerance for pain during workouts is through the roof. ... The really great thing for us is that she's going to improve a lot over the next year."

This weekend: Baskir competed in the NCHSAA 4-A cross-country Tanglewood Park in Clemmons.

Best sports moment before this weekend: "Winning the regional meet last weekend in Cary."

Admired athletes: runner Jordan Hasay and Valerie Waugaman, a former 'American Gladiator' and weight/fitness guru.

Favorite TV show: 'Dog Whisperer' ... though she doesn't watch a lot of TV.

Best movie last 12 months: 'Into The Wild.'

In 5-6 years: "I'll be in vet school ... or doing something for animal rights."

Phobia: "I've always had a weird fear that I was going to develop a heart problem. I'm terrified at the idea of having a heart attack."

I wish: "Eating chocolate-chip cookie dough was good for you."

Can't live without: "My dog, Maitri."

On her mp3 player: Classic rock, The Who.

Three people to invite to dinner: John Lennon, Ghandi, Lance Armstrong.

Dream vacation: Switzerland.

Best holiday: "Christmas, because I get to go to Massachusetts and Maine to see my family."

If I had a million dollars: "I'd do whatever I could to free all the animals in factory farms or help abused animals."

Best kept secret: "I'm really into lifting weights. ... Valerie Waugaman is so cool."