Recently, we reached out to Reed Brown with some questions about this season and his team's trip to California for the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic. While there, Reed ran a 14:11:70 and won 3rd in the 3 Mile XC Race. Currently, he is ranked #4 in the state of Texas, and #4 in the Nation. Below are our questions and his answers.
Texas MileSplit: How does it feel to race against teams that you normally don't run against?
I was really looking forward to it. That's the reason we go out to California is to race against some of the best in the nation so we can get a feel of what bigger races are going to feel like in the future.
How was it mixing it up with Cooper Teare again after racing him last spring?
Racing Cooper is a lot of fun. After meeting him at Brooks PR and Nike Elite Camp, we became good friends. It was awesome to go out to a race like that and meet and race against friends that you haven't seen in awhile.
Do you prepare any differently for racing teams in California versus racing teams in Texas? If so why? What was your race strategy coming into the race?
No, we just did our normal thing going into the race. Nothing special. My strategy was to just get up front and hang on.
What was it like getting out so fast, being that you said you're not used to that? How has this prepared you for future races like this?
I was a little bit prepared before seeing that all of the races were going out fast, but it definitely was a shock to the system. That race was great preparation for the future to get a feel of what a fast pace feels like in a race, so I'm looking to carry the same intensity into my races to come.
In your post race interview, you mentioned that you have high expectations after this race. What are some of those expectations and how did this race maybe change or make them more significant?
Individually I felt I had a pretty good race. I got a little mixed up with some people at the mile and a half and lost contact a little, so I felt if I kept contact for longer than it could have been better for me. Team wise was a little disappointing. Coming away with 6th after traveling that far to race, but we also ran without our #4 who would have helped us a lot. Overall I felt that individually everyone ran really well. Almost everyone PR'd, so it was a great meet.
What is the most challenging part of running in an out of state competition?
I think the most challenging part is trying to stay healthy on the travel so you can have your best race possible. I have a little trouble with allergies and sickness when I travel so that would be my biggest challenge.
What was your favorite part of the trip to California, and why?
My favorite part was definitely the race since that is why we went out there. Seeing Cooper again and catching up was also fun. Also going to the beaches and messing around with the guys outside the race was an awesome experience.
Who is your inspiration when you run, and why?
My inspiration is definitely my teammates -- seeing them in practice giving everything they have, putting it all out on the line to get everything out of the workouts every day. I do the same thing. Every day I give everything I have so I can help my team score as few points as possible.
Related Links:
Southlake Carroll Team Profile
Reed's Post Woodbridge Interview
