With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Senior Shannon Molvin from Xavier College Prep 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: Shannon Molvin (Shannon's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Xavier College Prep
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:50
3 mile: 18:30
When did you get started as a running:
I began running in 6th grade with my dad and I absolutely loved it! After lots of begging, my parents let me join the Phoenix Bobcats and in 7th grade I joined Go the Distance Track Club.
Which meets will you be running this year?
Our first meet is Peaks up in Flagstaff and then we will travel to Woodbridge for the first time! Later in the season we’ll race at Twilight, Sectionals, State, and Nike Cross (Southwest).
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
This season my main goal is to be the best athlete, competitor, and teammate that I can be. I’m more excited about racing this season than I’ve ever been before, so I am really eager to race well and help out my team as much as possible!
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training has been going great so far! Coach Van Sickle has been helping me build up strength, endurance, and leg speed. I LOVE track and hill workouts. Right now I’m running between 50 and 60 miles each week.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I bike for my second workouts during high mileage weeks. I also lift and work on general strength a few times a week.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I've always been conscientious of how I eat. I love eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and unprocessed grains such as rice and oats. My parents buy fish and grass fed meat, so I definitely get my protein! And of course, I have a “slight” weakness for dark chocolate!
Have you ever been injured?
Throughout my freshman and sophomore years I battled injuries that kept me out of both track seasons and limited my races in cross country.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country races are Twilight and Mt. SAC because the race atmospheres are absolutely amazing, which makes racing so much more exciting and fun! All of my favorite cross country memories are with my team, on and off the track!
What is the best part of running?
For me, the best parts about running are pushing my body past any mental limits and feeling that “second wind” or runner’s high.
Pushing my body to train smarter, race harder, and knowing that my hard work will pay off are exhilarating feelings that get me back out there each day.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My biggest accomplishment was last summer when I was coming back from my injuries and was able to break through the self-doubt and nervousness that I was feeling. Even though I was excited to be back, I was really tentative to start training again. Thanks to my team, my coaches, and my family, I was able to make that break through those challenges and fall in love with the sport all over again!
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I love spending time with my friends, family, and of course, my dog!
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
I have the best coaches in the world. Coach Van Sickle has been my coach for 6 years now and he has helped me so much in all aspects of running. He’s taught me how to train smarter, race harder, and be a good teammate and leader. I’m so thankful for Coach Vito and Coach Higgins for always motivating me to do my best and never failing to make the team laugh.
Shout outs?
My team. Love ya guys
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Chocolate
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nike Pegasus
Flat course or hills?
Hills
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
I like both!
Favorite song at the moment?
“Splendid” – by Annie Brooks