Salute to Seniors: Carter Blunt

1. What was your most memorable race/moment?

My most memorable moment would have to be our second place team finish in the District XC meet, to advanced to regionals. In only our second season after Independence was opened, expectations for our team were not very high. Our runners put in a lot of work during the summer and throughout the season, and to see it pay off was very satisfying. It was a special moment, not only for those of us advancing to regionals, but also and important step for the entire program. 

2. Who would you consider your biggest competition over your past four years?

I had great competition that varied from year to year, but if I had to pick one runner it would probably be Alex Rogers. We've always had pretty good showings when we raced each other... I always made sure to bring my A game when going up against him.

3. What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment would have to be receiving  All-American at Nike Nationals, at Foot Locker Nationals, along with NB Nationals my junior year. These were my first national races and provided some major competition.

4. If you could do it all over again what would you do to change your running career? 

One approach I would change: I wouldn't push every single run. When I was a freshman,sophomore, and even a little into my junior year, I really didn't take a true recovery day so my body was never fully rested. My race times would start off really strong at the beginning of the season, then start to plateau. It was very hard for me to grasp the fact that running at a slower, or more measured pace, was better for me over time.  Once I added this into my training, I realized the benefits in my workouts and races almost immediately. 

5. What was the most difficult obstacle for you to overcome?

This past XC season, between State to FL regionals, I tore my plantar fascia.  It was devastating. I had worked all year to get ready to compete against some of the best in the nation and I was feeling really good about my training.  After the injury was confirmed, and I was advised to take 8-10 weeks off, I began to also worry about my upcoming track season as well. I dealt with this challenge by finding other ways to train and maintain my fitness. I joined the swim team (Shout out to Coach Yeates) and worked on the elliptical. It was a minor setback; however, since the injury I have added swimming into my training on a more regular basis.

6. What will you miss most?

The thing that I will probably miss most are the rides down to state with the famous prankster "Coach Petty". That man has some great stories. He kept us laughing the entire trip to Round Rock.

7. What advice would you give to younger athletes?

I would tell them to take to be patient with their training. Map out your goals for your high school career. Once you establish your goals you can better determine the appropriate training, along with the mileage necessary to reach your goals. Also, for freshman, I advise that you slowly start to raise your mileage each year.  For example, if you start at 30mpw then add 10 miles each year so that you are progressively becoming stronger rather than maintaining your fitness.  

8. What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and your life goal?

My coaches have helped me enjoy running and to learn each race.  They helped me to keep things in perspective...not to get stressed and have some fun.

9. What are your college plans?

I am going to UCLA (GO BRUINS!). I Can't wait to get out there to train with the team!

10. Who would you like to say thank you to?

I would like to thank my track and cross country coaches from Frisco Heritage and Frisco Independence: Coach Davis, Coach Littlefield, Coach Laster, Coach Petty, Coach Briones and Coach Stokes. They have all been so supportive. My middle school cross country and track coach, Coach Evans, for getting me starting in running. I would also like to thank my family for supporting me and cheering me on during a lot of early morning and late evening XC and track meets over the past four years.  And a big shout out to my older brother, Clark.  He's been a great influence on my running career.

11. Is there anything you want to add?

I would just like to thank Milesplit and Texas Milesplit for all of the coverage and interviews that you do for both XC and Track and Field. Our sport doesn't always receive a great deal of recognition.  I appreciate the coverage around Texas, as well as the meet coverage across the nation.

12. What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

Coach Eric Davis. The man is hilarious.