1. How did you get started in running?
My running "career" began very early, around the age of 10 I believe. I was always a very active kid and played 3-4 sports a year and sometimes even two sports at one time while growing up. I dabbled in baseball and basketball but I ended up being best at soccer and hockey. One day my dad convinced my older sister, Candace who is four years older than me, to come out and run a few miles with him before school a few times a week in order to get into shape for club soccer tryouts. I always wanted to be involved in all things athletic and I especially wanted to try and outdo my sister at any and everything. So I went out and ran with my dad and sister and I tried my luck at a few kiddy road races and I was hooked.
2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I pretty much just tell them that a lot of what has to do with my participation in our sport is because I enjoy being successful and running has seemed to offer that to me. If I was good at the 400 or football I would most likely do that instead, it is hard for people who dont get our sport to understand why anyone would spend so much time, "just running" but i think when you explain to them that you enjoying being passionate about something you are good at then they will begin to understand.
3. What are you current PR's?
1500-3:52
5000-14:08
10000-29:14
4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Definitely the hardest thing any Student Athlete has to deal with is the balance between academics and athletics and if you're lucky enough to have a social life then you must add that weight into the balancing act as well. I think the key is to be honest and know oneself when it goes to classes you will be taking. I do lots of doubles and I also like to get lots of sleep but I am not much of a nap guy, so therefore I know I need to make sure that I am not scheduling any classes before like 10 a.m. or else it will be bad for my running because I will be rushing and not doing things right in the morning as well as my academics because I will end up skipping that class more so that not in order to do the running things right.
5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I would have to say that my favorite runners would have to be Matt Centrowitz, Luke Puskedra, and Galen Rupp. I do realize that there is an obvious Ducks bias here but that is really not what all three of these guys have in common for me. I think what attracts me the most to looking up to other runners is their ability to inspire me. That being said, since I am around Centro and Luke so often and I get to be involved with what they are doing on a day to day basis and then get to watch how their every day efforts solidify into the amazing performances on race day. Unfortunately, I can not say the same about Galen but the few times and experiences I have had with him along with his incredible performances have left an impact on me.
6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best part about being a distance runner would have to be the purpose, if only for a relatively short time of your life, and direction it offers in my life. Whether it will all work out or not I am very grateful to have such a straight forward goal in my life so that I do not find myself doubting the path in which I am traveling.
7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
I have been running for about 9 years now and I don't think I ever choose a favorite moment of my distance running career. So many experiences, and performances have been great and special in their own way. Besides, I like to think the reason why I can't pick a favorite moment is because that moment has yet to come in my distance career. I am hoping the best is yet to come.
This is I hope the first of many Professional and/or College Distance Running Interviews that I do. Thanks Parker, for being my first interview
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