Alex Lizarribar has a simple philosophy for running – just run.

It must work, as she is heading to the NCAA national championship meet today in Terre Haute, Ind.

After finishing 10th at regionals more than a week ago, Lizarribar received an at-large bid for the championship meet.

Lizarribar, a junior and a walk-on for the Kent State cross country team, has been a powerhouse for the women since her first race in Iona, N.Y. Lizarribar has not finished outside the top 10 in any race.

“I still get really nervous before races, but I tell myself it’s just a workout, it’s just a workout,” Lizarribar said. “I have just been trying to be more relaxed, thinking it is just another run.”

Kent State coach Mark Croghan, however, has seen Lizarribar grow as a runner since the start of the season.

“You could see her get confidence as the seasons went by,” Croghan said. “You saw her learn how to race; you saw her step up and finish 10th in a tough region.”

Lizarribar said she thought she would never make it to nationals, but Croghan did.

“She showed some ability from Iona,” Croghan said. “From an ability standpoint right there, this (going to nationals) was something she could accomplish.”

Lizarribar said her strategy for nationals will be the same as before.

“I just go out and run.”

Contact sports reporter Brian Thursby at [email protected].