Kyle winning the Class 3A State meet last year
We talked with returning class 3A state champion Kyle Doty about the region of mud, how he plans to approach the state meet and more in today's Road To State Q&A.
Texas MileSplit: Can you describe in detail what was it like running at regionals in the muddy mess?
Kyle: Running in regionals with all the mud was definitely a messy race but a fun one as well, it tested not only the body but as well as the mind to stay in the race.
Texas MileSplit: Would you consider that one your hardest races? Why or why not?
Kyle: Running the race was definitely one of my hardest races I've run before mainly because of the mud and because it was a challenging yet fun course.
Texas MileSplit: How did it feel to have the 3rd fastest time of the day, even though you are in a smaller class?
Kyle: It feels pretty good to have the third fastest time but I feel like I should've been the fastest time of the day.
Texas MileSplit: Being the defending state champion do you feel any added pressure heading back to the State meet this year? Why or why not?
Kyle: I don't feel any added pressure being the defending champion, only the pressure of running at the state level once again.
Texas MileSplit: What is your goal this year at the state meet, and how have you been training all year to accomplish that goal?
Kyle: My goal this year at the state meet is to first, win the gold medal, but also I would like to best my personal record and to do that I have been constantly pushing myself in my training in a hard yet smart way.
Texas MileSplit: What has training been like the past few weeks after Regions? Describe the type of workouts you've had over the past two weeks preparing.
Kyle: Training in between regionals and state has been a number of various workouts ranging from mileage to speed workouts such as repeats and other various workouts.
Texas MileSplit: How has having experience at the state meet helped you to prepare for this year? How do you plan on approaching the race?
Kyle: Experience at the state level has definitely helped prepare myself because I know the type of course it is and also it helps to relieve some of the nerves. I plan to approach this race just as I would any other race, confident and prepared to do what it takes to win.
Texas MileSplit: What has been your favorite/most memorable running related experience this year?
Kyle: My favorite, most memorable running event this year was definitely the race at regionals. It was a fun and challenging race I'd like to run again.
Texas MileSplit: What are some of your pre/post race rituals?
Kyle: My pre race rituals tend to be to carbo load leading up to a race, I like to focus myself and envision my self winning the race and plan out the possibilities of how the race may play out so I may be prepared. My post race rituals tend to consist of hanging with the team on the way back from the meet and celebrating with my family.
Texas MileSplit: Do you plan on Running the Nike South Regional again this year? What are your goals there/ what are you looking forward to about that race?
Kyle: I do not plan on running at Nike south this year but, I do plan on racing at Footlocker Regionals and I hope to achieve a personal record and to qualify for Footlocker Nationals.
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Kyle winning this years Region 3-3A race
Top 3 Times at Region 3
Region 3-3A Results
| M 5,000 Meter Run - Finals | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Athlete | Team | Result | Points | ||
| 1 | Doty, Kyle | 11 | Bruceville-Eddy | 17:47.60 | -- | |
| 2 | Bressman, Reo | 12 | Whitney | 17:58.60 | 1 | |
| 3 | Gudjohnsen, Ericsen | 11 | Eustace | 18:14.00 | 2 | |
| 4 | Hammontree, Hunter | 12 | Elysian Fields | 18:19.80 | 3 | |
| 5 | Harris, Dylan | 10 | White Oak | 18:20.40 | 4 | |
