With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Saguaro senior Alex Stevens 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: Alex Stevens (Alex's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Saguaro High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 15:21
3 Mile: 15:58
When did you get started as a running:
I started running in the 4th grade for fun.
Which meets will you be running this year?
This year we will be attending the Sunny Slopes invitational, the Chandler invite, and the Desert Twilight Invite.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
This season I just plan on doing the best that I can with what I have. My goal is to win city with my team, and individually for a second time and possibly set the course record.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Well this summer I ran 0 miles per week. I was injured for my whole summer but after visiting Dr. Ball I have improved tremendously.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I enjoy biking although I couldn’t do it while I was injured, and I attempted to pick up swimming but I don’t think that my body was meant to float.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I just try to eat healthy even though I have no will power against ice cream.
Have you ever been injured?
Well now that you mention it - yes. Over the summer I was diagnosed with peroneal tendonitis, cuboid syndrome, or a combination of the two.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
Getting to run at Trask mountain assault in Oregon has been my favorite cross country memory as of yet. Nothing better than racing through puddles of mud and over big hills with your buds.
What is the best part of running?
Honestly I can’t say what the best part of running is. I fell in love with the sport years ago and I’ve only grown fonder towards it throughout the years. But if I had to put my finger on it I’d say that I love what it does for me outside of running. Running has taught me that it is like life you get out what you put in, and that has helped me to become a better student and a better person.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Well colleges seem to like the fact that I ran a 9:10 at Arcadia so I suppose that would be my stand out accomplishment.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I like to go to the mall to window shop, go to Jamba Juice, hang out with friends, and sleep.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have taught me everything that I know throughout the years. Most importantly they have taught me to chase my dreams (in new shoes every 6-8 weeks of course), take advantage of every opportunity you are given in life, do your best with what you have, and to never settle for less.
Shout outs?
My family, the Wynn family, the Gilbreath family, Coach Prather, Dane Nielsen, Tyler (Wildman/ my fish) Beauchamp, Hayden Cullins, Dr. Ball, Dan Edwards, the Super 7 from my sophomore year, Oliver Gunther, Alec Carter, my friends on and off the team, and the countless other people who have helped me become the person I am today.
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Pasta!!!!!!!
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nikes.
Flat course or hills?
Hills
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
"American" by Macklemore