MileSplit.us recently caught up with Blake Heriot, Gahanna Lincoln OH, who became the number-one ranked athlete in the 60 meter dash (6.75) and 400 meter dash (47.59) at the UK Invite last weekend. This weekend Blake ran 6.77 at the Buckeye HS Qualifier in the 60 meter dash. He also won the 400 in 49.64. Blake talks about his gift of running and where he sees himself in the future.
MileSplit.us: When did you get your start in T&F? When did you first discover that you could have a pretty bright future in the sprint events?
Blake Heriot: I first started running in seventh grade for my middle school. I would have to say my sophomore year when I won my first state title in the 200 meter dash after suffering a slight hamstring pull the week prior to states.
MileSplit.us: You ran your indoor 400 PR at UK last year. You were faster in the 60 this year compared to last. Did you have expectations of going faster this year in the 400 or are you focusing more on the shorter stuff?
Blake Heriot: I am always trying to get better and whenever I step on the track I want to run fast. The Wednesday prior to the UK track meet I talked to one of my Florida teammates, Jeremy Rankin, and he said if you want to run fast do not think about time, just think about winning, and that’s what I went out there and did. I am very thankful to God that I was able to get US#1 times in both events.
MileSplit.us: You are pretty versatile from the 60 to the 400. Do you train specifically for a certain event or attempt to train for them all?
Blake Heriot: Well, most of my training is strength-based, meaning I run longer distances like 300, 400 and 500, never past that though. I train to keep my body fit at all times. The speed work I get is through block work and resistance belt. I must say I have a lot of God-given ability.
MileSplit.us: What are your plans for competing at a national meet? Which meet? What goals have you set?
Blake Heriot: I will participate in the Nike Indoor National meet. I have not decided what events I will run yet but I do know that I will run two events at a high level. My goal is to get the gold.
MileSplit.us: Who has been your biggest inspiration for running track? Why?
Blake Heriot: I would have to say my dad, who past away my freshman year. He was a great athlete in high school and he always pushed me to get better. I always remember our last phone call where I told him I will win Junior Olympic Nationals for him.
MileSplit.us: Where do you see your running career taking you? College? Beyond?
Blake Heriot: Honestly, the sky is the limit. In college I want to be a strong contributor for the University of Florida track and field team. After my 5 years at University of Florida I will have a bachelors in Accounting and Finance and become a registered CPA. Then I would like to run professionally for a period of time. I would like to be a Chief Financial Officer for a major company.