CHAMPAIGN — Jessica Franklin is used to quick turnarounds after hard runs.
Throughout the winter, the All-Area first-team cross-country runner would run 5 to 6 miles during the day. Then she’d head to basketball practice at Arthur Okaw Christian, where workouts for the Conquering Riders’ point guard doubled as her speed work.
“I was actually used to it, being tired and ready to go,” Franklin said. “That’s kind of my thing. I recovered pretty fast, which is a good thing.”
After winning the women’s side of Friday night’s Presence Health Illinois 5K in 19 minutes, 16 seconds, to defend her race title, the 17-year-old from Mahomet admitted her legs were a little shaky.