We are beginning our 2013 Cross Country Arizona Watch List series and will continue with it for the next few weeks. As the season gets underway new athletes will be added to the list. Good luck to everyone! See you on the course!
Journal Questions:
Name: Harvey Nelson
High School:
Catalina Foothills High School
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
3 Mile: 16:15
5k: 16:17
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My goals for this season are to run under a 15:30, win Division 2 state, and qualify for either Nike Nationals or Foot Locker Nationals.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training was a little off because I was trying to make up for a bad track season where I was constantly struggling with different injuries and not being able to hit the times I needed to run. Although, since I began bringing back up my mileage I have been improving again and getting stronger. Right now I’m at 50 miles and I will continue to build until I hit 60 miles for two weeks and then I will drop to 40ish miles a week the rest of my season. My favorite workout is my Saturday long run, I absolutely love letting my mind wonder free as I pound out a ten miler.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
I have been running since my freshman year and I started to get into shape for lacrosse, but I fell in love with running and decided to quit lacrosse and just run.
Which meets will you be running this year?
As far as my invitationals go I will be competing in Ray Wherley, Desert Twilight, Rattler, Mt. Sac, Nike Cross Regionals and hopefully (fingers crossed) Nationals.
What are your favorite and toughest courses to run in State and out of State?
My favorite in state course is the state course because I feel I run my best races with hills involved and my favorite out of state course is Mt. Sac for the same reason.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country race thus far is definitely my state race last year because even though it hurt I found a way to continue to push myself through the huge amount of pain and placed very well!
What do you look forward to the most this season?
I look forward to seeing how much I’ve improved over the year because I have put in a great amount of training to make as many gains as possible.
I look forward to competing with my new teammates and seeing how well we can do as a team at the state meet.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My 3rd place at state last year.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
In my free time I love to read, play my C tenor steel drum (This year I made it into our schools advanced steel drums band), and hang out with my friends.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I lift 4 days a week and during the summer I join a swim team to have the motivation to swim workouts and build up my lunge strength.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
I believe I have picked up little lessons from all my coaches over the years. My first cross country coach Doug Keen introduced me to the beauty of running and taught me what kind of runner I am. My Junior Olympic coach Phil Pasena taught me to hone in the mental aspect of running and that when it comes down to it, it is on me to push myself to run fast. Lastly my current school coaches Adam Columbo and Mike Smith have taught me not to over work myself and be open to new kinds of training.
Are you considering running after college?
I’m definitely going to continue to run for the rest of my life because I love to run but I don’t know if I will run competitively or just to run because I love to
Shout-Outs?
I’d like to give a shout out for my dad pushing me to be where I am and constantly giving me support even if I don’t like hearing what he has to say for me to improve.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
I always eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich, and drink a bottle of coconut water
Kind of shoes you train in?
I constantly change my shoes because I don’t like when shoes upgrade their models when they really just completely change the shoe but currently I train on a light weight pair of Asics and a light weight pair of New Balance
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
My favorite athlete is Ryan Hall. I have so much respect for how humble and down to earth he is. I love the fact that he has integrated his faith into his running.
Favorite song?
My favorite song to get pumped up for a race is “Lose Yourself” by Eminem but my favorite song all together is “Ain’t No Respect For The Wicked” by Cage the Elephants.
What time of day do you run?
I run every morning at 6 a.m.
Favorite quote?
"Pain is temporary, but glory is forever."