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: Samantha Mattice (Samantha's Milesplit profile)
High School:
Xavier College Prep
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
3 Mile: 18:00
5k: 18:21
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My main goal for this upcoming season is to remain healthy. I'm also working towards training correctly so that I improve progressively throughout the season. In addition, I want to truly enjoy my last high school season and accomplish great things with my team!
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Summer training has been awesome! My team and I worked through the grueling heat and got the work done, whether it was a tempo/hill workout or a recovery run. My favorite workout is our long run every Saturday in which we include tempo and hills. I love the feeling after these longs runs because I always feel very accomplished and excited about running! We ran a lot of volume this summer but made sure to stay controlled and not over-work ourselves.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
I began running in 8th grade with my mom's adult running group. Coach Fred Moore helped me start running and taught me many valuable lessons that I will always remember!
Which meets will you be running this year?
We are beginning the season at the Sole Sports Invitational and will also be competing at the Desert Twilight XC Festival, the Mt. SAC Invitational, and State.
What are your favorite and toughest courses to run in State and out of State?
My favorite in-state course is the Desert Twilight XC Festival because it has such a fun and exhilarating vibe that makes me excited to race! I also love the Mt. SAC Invitational in California because of its challenging hills and competitive energy!
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is the time my team and I spend at cross country camp every summer. This past summer we went to Lake Tahoe and had such a great time running, going to the lake, and spending time together.
What do you look forward to the most this season?
I look forward to doing my best this season and having a great time doing it!
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My most memorable accomplishment is getting 4th place at State last year because it was one of the first times I truly felt like I just went for it and didn't hesitate or question my racing strategy.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I'm not running, I love to spend time with family and friends, sleep, drive around with friends, or watch Gossip Girl.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
On days that we have doubles/second workouts, I always cycle or swim. I also do core work everyday to try to strengthen muscles that I don't normally use when running.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have always been a great influence on my running and support me to be my best. They helped me understand the importance of recovery runs so that I'm recovered for the next workout and not pushing myself too hard everyday.
Are you considering running in college?
If I have the opportunity to run in college, I would absolutely love to!
Shout-Outs?
S/O to Lauren Kinzle, Shelby Brown, Jane Miller, Meghan Moroney, Julianne Vice, Sierra Brown, Savannah Gaffney, Kate Welty, Spencer Mattice, Laura Orlie, Allison Maio, Bre Perrone
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Toast with peanut butter and banana
Kind of shoes you train in?
Pearl Izumi
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Gabby Douglas
Favorite song?
Slow down and Gone, Gone, Gone
What time of day do you run?
Early morning (5 AM)
Favorite quote?
"The only one who can tell you 'you can't' is you. And you don't have to listen." -Nike
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!