KYtrackXC.com: How about a little background info since you are from New Jersey. What were your best times in HS? 800, 1600, 3200, XC
JR: I was a NJ state champ in the 800 and 1600, won the Penn Relay mile, and finished second at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals in the 800. In high school my pr's were 1:50.67, 4:09.19, and 9:21.1. While I had some success on the track, I was not as strong in cross country. My pr for the 5k was 15:39.
KYtrackXC.com: You ran a 4:05 mile last week in Washington against some tough competition. Do you feel you are ready for the SEC Indoors next week?
JR: To be honest I'm not really sure how I ran 4:05. I have been having some IT band problems and the only real training I've done since Christmas are a few 30-40 minute runs. Although, I had been hitting the eliptical and the wooden skis on the Nordic Track very hard. That just goes to show though that if you are persistent with your cross training you can overcome injury and maintain, and maybe even improve fitness. I feel ready for the SEC meet and the 4:05 in Washington certainly helped my confidence. Even despite my lack of running lately I feel as though I will be pretty tough to beat, especially on my home turf.
KYtrackXC.com: Do you consider it a advantage or disadvantage that the SEC Indoors is in Lexington this year?
JR: I think it is certainly an advantage to have the meet here in Lexington. Being able to sleep in my own bed, not having to deal with the hassel of traveling, and being in front of UK fans on our track is something that is very helpful. I've been dreaming about winning an SEC title in Lexington ever since I saw David Freeman win when I was a freshman. This race cannot come soon enough!
KYtrackXC.com: What do you feel is your best event in track?
JR: Tough question. As of right now I would say its a toss up between the 800 and 1500/mile. Ultimately I will be better at the 1500/mile, and maybe even the 5k eventually, but until I am no longer successful at the 800 I'm going to continue to run the event. I love the mile, but the 800 is more fun, only two laps, come on now. If there were an outdoor 1000 or 1200 I think that would be my best event.
KYtrackXC.com: How has having Pat Tyson as your Distance Coach made this indoor season different than past seasons?
JR: Being that I've been injured most of indoor I cannot really comment on the training personally. But, I can attest to what it has done for some of the other guys. Tyson, in his own way, gets the best out of people. He knows his stuff. Even aside from the physical element, he is just a positive person that is good to have around to build excitement. He has a certain aura about him that breads success, he is motivating and encourages you to work hard and take care of business. It is a very encouraging time here at UK. Our team has made great strides (pun) in the past few years and it's great that Tyson is here to be a part of it. I'm very glad that I'm only a junior athletically and will be around for a fifth year. In the future I really belive that with the coaching stuff we currently have, we will be a top ten track team.
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JR: I was a NJ state champ in the 800 and 1600, won the Penn Relay mile, and finished second at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals in the 800. In high school my pr's were 1:50.67, 4:09.19, and 9:21.1. While I had some success on the track, I was not as strong in cross country. My pr for the 5k was 15:39.
KYtrackXC.com: You ran a 4:05 mile last week in Washington against some tough competition. Do you feel you are ready for the SEC Indoors next week?
JR: To be honest I'm not really sure how I ran 4:05. I have been having some IT band problems and the only real training I've done since Christmas are a few 30-40 minute runs. Although, I had been hitting the eliptical and the wooden skis on the Nordic Track very hard. That just goes to show though that if you are persistent with your cross training you can overcome injury and maintain, and maybe even improve fitness. I feel ready for the SEC meet and the 4:05 in Washington certainly helped my confidence. Even despite my lack of running lately I feel as though I will be pretty tough to beat, especially on my home turf.
KYtrackXC.com: Do you consider it a advantage or disadvantage that the SEC Indoors is in Lexington this year?
JR: I think it is certainly an advantage to have the meet here in Lexington. Being able to sleep in my own bed, not having to deal with the hassel of traveling, and being in front of UK fans on our track is something that is very helpful. I've been dreaming about winning an SEC title in Lexington ever since I saw David Freeman win when I was a freshman. This race cannot come soon enough!
KYtrackXC.com: What do you feel is your best event in track?
JR: Tough question. As of right now I would say its a toss up between the 800 and 1500/mile. Ultimately I will be better at the 1500/mile, and maybe even the 5k eventually, but until I am no longer successful at the 800 I'm going to continue to run the event. I love the mile, but the 800 is more fun, only two laps, come on now. If there were an outdoor 1000 or 1200 I think that would be my best event.
KYtrackXC.com: How has having Pat Tyson as your Distance Coach made this indoor season different than past seasons?
JR: Being that I've been injured most of indoor I cannot really comment on the training personally. But, I can attest to what it has done for some of the other guys. Tyson, in his own way, gets the best out of people. He knows his stuff. Even aside from the physical element, he is just a positive person that is good to have around to build excitement. He has a certain aura about him that breads success, he is motivating and encourages you to work hard and take care of business. It is a very encouraging time here at UK. Our team has made great strides (pun) in the past few years and it's great that Tyson is here to be a part of it. I'm very glad that I'm only a junior athletically and will be around for a fifth year. In the future I really belive that with the coaching stuff we currently have, we will be a top ten track team.
Download this as a file