What is your PR in XC so far?
15:47
What are your college plans, if you have them figured out?
I am talking to a few coaches and have a few official visits scheduled.
What's your most memorable race or race you're most proud of?
The most memorable race I have run was last year's GA Highlands Invitational. It was the first race I have won, but everyone's time was 1:30-2:00 minutes slower then their PR because the course was so bad. Going in we thought we were going to be racing one of the fastest courses in GA, but the course was under construction and the new course included several concrete bridges and paths as well as a stretch of asphalt road. This eliminated the possibility of racing in spikes. The rest of the course was gravel and in regular running shoes you slipped a lot. All of these things made for race I won't soon forget, for better or for worse.
What is your favorite meet in cross country season and why?
My team runs in GAPPS, so we compete in our own state meet separate from public schools. It's usually a pretty fun meet, and it's smaller than most meets I compete in. Our team (Johnson Ferry Christian Academy) has won State every year I have run, and it's always fun to win. But it is also just a great time and a great way to wrap up the regular season.
What has been your biggest challenge in high school or what has been the hardest obstacle to overcome?
For me, the toughest challenge is just figuring out what I am supposed to be doing. I have injured myself several times by not taking easy runs easy. I started running in ninth grade, and no one in my family runs, so I thought that easy runs were still supposed to hurt because that's how you get better. It was not until this past summer that I finally learned that easy runs shouldn't be painful to be productive.
What is your daily/weekly mileage like?
Mon-Thurs=8-13mi Friday=6-7mi Saturday=13-14mi Weekly~63mi
What do you think is the biggest part of training that has helped you achieve success?
Consistency is key. Doing something every single day builds you physically, but more importantly, it trains your mind to stop making excuses.
What is your all time favorite workout?
I am better at longer workouts like thresholds, but I prefer workouts like 500/400/300/200 repeats because they are shorter and get over sooner.
What is your least favorite or hardest workout?
I hate 1200m repeats.
Who do you have to thank for your success?
First, God for giving me my abilities. I'm also grateful to Coach Todd for meticulously planning my weekly training, and to my parents for supporting me every step of the way.
Who do you look up to the most in your event?
I look up to my coach's son, Joey Sandel, because he's a top runner at Georgia Tech and sets a great example for me.
What gets you pumped up for a workout or race?
I use a lot of self talk and mental run through of the course during the weeks leading up to a race.
What is your favorite food and/or movie and/or TV show and/or song?
My favorite food is tacos. My favorite show is The Office. I don't really like music.
What will you miss the most about high school?
My friends and family, as well as my coach.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take easy runs easy, and know that you can be fast.
