We are starting our Arizona Watch List series and will continue with it for the next few weeks. As the cross country season gets underway new athletes will be added to the list. Good luck to everyone! See you on the course!
Journal Questions:
Name: Samantha Mattice
High School:
Xavier College Preparatory
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:35 at Desert Twilight XC Festival
3 mile: 18:00 at Sole Sports Running Zone Cross Country Festival
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My goals for the upcoming season are to "be the best we can possibly be" as individuals and a team. We hope to work hard and let our fitness show this season. As a personal goal, I hope to do exactly what my coaches say so that I don't get injured this season!
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training was memorable. We worked through the heat and got the work done each day, whether it was a workout or a recovery day. I also had the opportunity to run in Paris and London before the Olympics and that was a blast. My favorite workout is doing mile repeats and a run called "the Beast." We do a lot of volume and average about 60 miles a week.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
I started to run with my mom's running group when I was in 8th grade. Coach Fred Moore helped me start running and I enjoyed running from the start. The moment I knew I loved running was when I ran in the rain with my mom on the Central Bridal Path and experienced my first "runner's high."
Will you be competing out of State this season? If so, when and where?
Yes, we will be traveling to California for the Mt. SAC Invitational and last year I loved going to Portland for Nike Nationals. We are working hard as a team to qualify for Nationals again this year.
What are your favorite courses and the toughest courses to run in State and out of State.
My favorite course is Desert Twilight XC Festival Invitational because the atmosphere is so exciting and the course is fast! The Mt. SAC Invitational in California is challenging with the different types of hills but if you have a good strategy, it is a great race.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is performing our camp dances for the team and coaches. Julianne Vice, Savannah Gaffney, Kate Welty, Shelby Brown, and I made a dance to "My Chick Bad" and it was our best.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I'm not running, I usually have homework to do. But I love to relax with family and friends, listen to music, or sleep!
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
Yes, I usually bike (stationary) or tread water for my cross training. I have also been working on some core training a couple times each week.
Do you think you would like to run competitively after high school?
Yes, if I have the opportunity, I would love to run competitively after high school.
What were your favorite Olympic sports and did they inspire you in any way?
The Olympics inspires me to work hard and overcome any obstacles. The running and swimming are always fun to watch, but I always find the gymnastics very interesting and exciting to watch, too. My grandma, dad, and I went to London the week before the Olympics and I'll never forget running in Hyde Park while they were preparing for Olympic events.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
A banana and toast with peanut butter.
Kind of shoes you train in?
Asics Nimbus
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Missy Franklin
Favorite TV show or movie?
Modern Family and Legally Blonde
Favorite song?
"Outta Your Mind" or "And We Danced"
Favorite quote?
"The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen." -Nike