What
are your running goals for 2004-2005?
Scott: This year I would like to go undefeated which would include
winning state cross country, and state track in the 1600 and 3200, as well as
Footlocker Nationals. As for my times I would like to break under 15 mins at the
state cross country course and break that record. I also want to break the 3200
meter record, I came close last year and want to get it this year. Hopefully, if
I'm feeling good I can take a stab at the 1600 record also.
What type of workouts did
you do this summer to prepare yourself for your Senior year?
Scott: This summer I just did miles. A lot of quality, long miles. No
speed. I started the summer with 30-40 miles per week and built up to 50–60
miles a week. I have been holding my mileage at about 55 miles per week since
then.
What was your first
experience like at Foot Locker Nationals last year?
Scott: Footlocker was one
of my best weekends ever. It was a lot of fun, and I treasure every moment of
it. I was very fortunate to be able to go and hope to go again. It was pretty
much a runner's paradise.
That course at Nationals looked like it had some brutal hills in it, are you
preparing differently this season now that you know what to expect?
Scott: Absolutely,
Plano
is unfortunately a very flat city and I have to drive pretty far to get a
decent hill workout. I will be doing my hill workouts all the way through
district and region until state, unlike last year when I stopped hill workouts
around district.
I have seen you race numerous times
and you seem to like to push the pace early in the race. Do you prefer running
as a frontrunner or are you forced to be a frontrunner because your talent?
Scott: I feel comfortable in front. That way it's honest. I can
control the speed when I lead. I usually run that way no matter whom I am
racing. Even at
Texas
relays last year, Logan Sherman and I pushed the pace, unfortunately leading a
lot of the way caught up to me. I don't really like the sit and kick style.
When I race I like to see who can run faster longer.
Is there a lot of pressure on
you this year being defending state champion in Cross Country?
Scott: There is pressure, but it is welcome. It's the kind of
pressure that makes you think about the race every night before you sleep and
every morning on your run. I think it has just focused me more.
You ran a great race at McNeil in terrible conditions. The course was muddy
and you ran all by yourself from the gun. Take me through the race?
Scott: Well the year before the race went out faster than this year
so I went out expecting that. All of a sudden I was leading so I decided to go
then instead of waiting. There were some spots on that course that made you feel
as if you weren't making any progress. It was slippery and muddy and wet,
although frustrating it made it fun. I wanted to run a great time but the course
and conditions didn't allow you to do that. I felt great at the mile although
I'm not really positive where it was, (it was under water) so I just relaxed
and got into a rhythm. At the two mile I knew the time was slower than what I
wanted but I decided to push because you have to push the last mile on that
course. I really felt smooth and relaxed the whole way. I almost lost my shoe
with the chip on it with about ½ a mile to go. But luckily it stayed on. I was
very happy with the results considering the conditions. I can't wait for
state. I really like that course.
Everyone has their favorite
staple workout they do, what is yours?
Scott: I don't have one favorite workout, I like repeat miles and
quarters. A month ago I did 3 x mile at
4:45
,
4:45
,
4:41
, and felt really good. I like to pride myself on consistency in all my
workouts. During track last year my quarter repeats were always very consistent.
For example 10 x 400 the first 5 in 63 then the next 4 in 62 and 61 for the
last.
I am sure you have been
contacted by numerous Universities starting at the end of you Junior year give
me your top 5 choices.
Scott: Right now I am trying to narrow it down. I have some choices
and am trying to figure out which colleges are in my top 5 so I can take visits.
So as for now I would have to say no comment. I don't want to say anything
until I'm sure.
Here
are 7 general questions I ask all of my interviewees:
- What
is your favorite word?
Phlegm
- What
is your least favorite word?
Hate
- What
is your favorite thing about running?
Competing,
pushing your body to its limits and beyond, and winning. (I know that's three
things but I like running a lot, and I had to narrow it down to those.)
- What
is your least favorite thing about running?
Losing
- What
sport other than yours would you like to attempt?
Cycling
- What
sports would you not like to attempt?
Synchronized
Swimming
- If
heaven exists, what would you like to hear god say when you arrive at the
pearly gates?
WOW!
