AZ 2014 Cross Country Watch List - Alexis Nichols

 

With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners.  Chandler High junior Alexis Nichols is our next Watch List athlete.

As the season starts we will continue to add athletes to the list.

Keep checking back as we highlight some of Arizona's  best. Good luck to everyone - see you on the course!!

 

Journal Questions:

 

Name: Alexis Nichols (Alexis's Milesplit Profile)

 

High School: 

Chandler High School

Year of Graduation: 2016

 

Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:

5k: 18:33

When did you get started as a running:

I got started as a runner around 5th grade when I did Running Club at my elementary school.  I didn’t really start focusing on it until around the end of my 8th grade year.  At that point, I decided to quit club basketball and focus on running.

Which meets will you be running this year?

We will be running in meets including:  The Chandler Invite, Doug Conley Invite, Desert Twilight XC Festival and the O’Connor Invite.

What are your goals for the upcoming track season?  What do you look forward to the most?

My goal for the 5K this season is to run in the low 18s.  I am also looking forward to seeing how the team progresses throughout the season.  We have talented runners that are new to the program this year.

Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?

Over the summer, and during other off-seasons, I train at a group fitness gym called The Pitt.  They have a great elite collegiate athlete program that really pushes you.  It is a combination of weight, strength, core, speed and agility training.

 

Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?

I don’t follow a specific nutrition program, but I do try and focus on eating healthy foods.

 

Have you ever been injured?

I have been injured, but thankfully only minor injuries such as shin splints and runner’s knee.

 

So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?

 My favorite cross country race for the past two years has been the Desert Twilight race.  I love the course.  The race time of the day makes it more enjoyable.

What is the best part of running?

In my opinion, the best part of running is the competitive atmosphere.  Also, being part of a team makes the experience more enjoyable.  It is less stressful when we work together and help each other during races and workouts.

Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?

The biggest accomplishment so far was during track season.  Winning the Hohokam mile event last year stands out to me because I PR’d with a time of 5:03.  This brought me closer to my goal of a 5:00 mile.    
 

When you are not running what do you like to do?

 I enjoy spending time with my friends, especially my cross country and track teammates.

 

How have your coaches influenced you overall?

Coach Lincoln has influenced me through teaching me how to be a better runner in general.  He has done this through sharing racing strategies, explaining how to be efficient while running and making suggestions about food and running equipment to improve performance.
 
 
 
 

Quick 6:

 

Favorite Post-race Meal?

A slushy

 

Kind of shoes you train in?

Nike Pegasus

Flat course or hills?

Flat

Facebook or Twitter?

Strange, but I don't do social media

Hot or cold weather?

Hot
 

Favorite song at the moment?