Alex Aldaco (Txrunning): You are a 2 time Texas Relays Champion in the 3200m winning it your Fr and So years. How is the atmosphere different from any other race this season?
Craig : Its my first serious meet of the track season each year and marks the beginning of the championship training cycle. My coach and I stress race strategies and look at what has worked the best in the local meets up to this point. Also, its my first time to be in a fast 3200 for the season so its always fun to be able to open up, especially on my favorite track.
Alex Aldaco (Txrunning):The Texas Relays record is 8:52.92 by Brian Sullivan in 2004, What do you think of the record?
Craig : To be honest, I'm not sure I'm physically ready to hit that at this point in the season. Its still a goal but breaking 9 is the big one of the weekend for myself.
Alex Aldaco (Txrunning):In the 2004 race I remember Brian Sullivan, Scott MacPherson and Logan Sherman working together alternating the lead, Any plans of doing that this year or is it every man for himself?
Craig : It would be cool if that's how it laid out this year. This is going to be a loaded group for the race and I'm confident breaking 9 will have to be done to win the race.
Alex Aldaco (Txrunning): With all of your accolades in cross country not many people realize you have never actually qualified for the State Meet in Track. Is that one of your goals this season?
Craig : Yes, were doing everything possible this year to make sure that qualifying happens. Last year ended abruptly with a stress fracture and the theme this season is monitoring my body to make sure that nothing gets injured, and after talking to many people since the 09 season, that means no Capitol 10k.
Alex Aldaco (Txrunning): Are you planning any post season track races after the state meet?
Craig : My coach isn't to big on the post season stuff, that's our time to relax and ease into the xc season with base mileage and the extra weeks of track racing shorten my base season. So probably nothing this summer.
Here are 7 general questions I ask all of my interviewees:7
- What is your favorite word?
Craig : Shenanigans
- What is your least favorite word?
Craig : Cat
- What is your favorite thing about running?
Craig : The feeling you get at the end of a hard workout.
- What is your least favorite thing about running?
Craig : Realizing that at the sixth mile, you still have six more to go in your long run and your already cramping.
- What sport other than yours would you like to attempt?
Craig : Football
- What sports would you not like to attempt?
Craig : Underwater basket weaving
- If heaven exists, what would you like to hear god say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Craig : Well done my good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23
