The 2013 Cross Country Arizona Watch List series continues. 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: Nathan Rodriguez (Nathan's Mileplit profile)
High School:
Corona del Sol
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 15:35
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
To have high finishes at invitationals and to win the state championship as a team.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Summer training has been going well, our group is looking really strong so far. Off-season mileage we try to keep around 70-75 miles per week. In-season is slightly less.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
I have been running competitively since the 6th grade. My dad was my biggest influence, being a successful runner and always brining me along to 5k road races sparked my interest and made me pursue it competitively in middle school.
Which meets will you be running this year?
Our team will be attending the Sole Sports XC Festival, Chandler Invitational, Ojo Rojo, Doug Conley, Twilight and our respective city, section and state meets. Hopefully this year, earning out ticket to NXN.
What are your favorite and toughest courses to run in State and out of State?
My favorite course would definitely be Toka Stix for Twilight. It is the fastest and flattest in the valley.
The toughest course would have to be Rolling Hills golf course for Doug Conley, that race is always a challenge.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory will always be the time spent with my teammates and all the fun times we have had as well as crazy experiences over these 4 years.
What do you look forward to the most this season?
The thing I look forward to the most this year is exceeding expectations not only as an individual but as a team as well.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
The accomplishment I'm most proud of is the knowledge and experience I've been able to earn. Trying to learn from every race and apply it to the next.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I'm not running I am listening to various types of music on pandora, including stand up comedy skits (my favorite), cross training at the gym, or hanging out with my friends. Recently we've been working at our skills in the kitchen.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
When I'm not too busy with school work after practice I cross train a lot. During the summer and winter off seasons I swim at the gym 6-7 days a week for 60+ min.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have influenced me immensely in my growth not only as a runner but as a person. They are the people I have learned the most from throughout my 4 years in high school instilling great principles in me to use in the future.
Are you considering running after college?
My goal is to continue running in college and after as long as possible.
Shout-Outs?
I wanna give a shout out to my team. You all are the best, wouldn't be the same without any of you. You've made it a great experience and I know we'll take it all this year.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Peanut butter and banana sandwich
Kind of shoes you train in?
Currently I'm in the Saucony Kinvaras
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Alan Webb, Mo Farah and Jordan McNamara
Favorite song?
"I'm gonna miss her" - Brad Paisley
"The Town" - Macklemore
What time of day do you run?
Ideally, very early. Currently, before school and at practice.
Favorite quote?
"It is necessary to dig deep within oneself to discover the hidden grain of steel, called will." Ryan Shay, RIP