With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Rio Rico senior Carlos Villarreal 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: Carlos Villarreal (Carlos's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Rio Rico High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 15:55
3 Mile: 15:24
When did you get started as a running:
I used to play basketball for Rio Rico so I decided to join track my sophmore year just for conditioning. I started out as a sprinter running the 400, 4x400, and the 4x100 meter relay. I wasn’t a very good sprinter so I got kicked out of our 4x1.The Sabino Distance Classic was coming up so I asked Coach Schadler if I could give the 800m a try just to see how I would do in it. So I ended up running a 2:05 and I got my first medal ever and I qualified to State. When State came around I placed 4th in the 800 with a time of 1:58.54 and I was the lead leg on our 1st place 4x800 meter relay. I decided to give cross country a try and I loved it. I ended up quitting the basketball team and I haven’t looked back ever since.
Which meets will you be running this year?
My team and I will be competing at the Chandler Invitational, Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, Twilight, Rattler, State, and Nike Southwest.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My goal coming into this season is to run to my fullest potential and I really look forward to running with some of the best runners in Arizona.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
This summer I was able to get pretty good mileage in despite not starting my summer training until July. I started out running around 35 miles a week and I gradually picked it up to about an average 60 miles a week. I attended Anasazi Training Camp and I was able to train in high altitude for a whole week with some great runners. My favorite workout has to be Steady States (tempo runs).
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
During the summer, I lifted about 3 times a week and now that I have a weights class I will continue to lift throughout the year.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I don’t really follow a certain diet but I stay away from Soda, Candy, and Junk Food. After the season is done, I usually give myself a week to eat whatever I want and not feel bad about it.
Have you ever been injured?
Unfortunately, I have been injured before. I sprained my Achilles tendon last year which caused me to miss Doug Conley. I’ve also sprained my ankles a couple times here and there.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory has to be state last year. Despite not claiming the team State Title, state was a lot fun. It was my first time running on the state course and I improved my 5K time by four seconds. We had a great team lunch afterwards.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running in my opinion is working hard to achieve your goals while getting to meet new people along the way.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Out of all of my accomplishments so far, winning the open 800m race at the Arcadia Invitational is the most memorable. The great competition helped me I break my school record and hit pr of 1:53.23. At night, I was able to watch some of the great races, and support the Arizona runners that were competing in them.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I like to play Xbox, hang out with friends, and eat a lot.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
Coach Schadler has taught me everything I know about running and I highly look up to him. He’s a great role model and an awesome coach. He was the one to encourage me to go out for cross country and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without him and his great coaching philosophy.
Shout outs?
Shout out to my family who support me in everything I do. S/O my great coaches: Coach Schadler and Coach Starr and to my awesome teammates Oscar Amaya, Allie Schadler, and the rest of the Hawk Squad. You guys make running a whole lot of fun. S/O to my good friends who will be running in college next year: Mali Smith, Jacob Boubion and Josh Hoskinson, best of luck guys! S/O to the Rio Rico Alumni: Dro, Jopa, Ben, Max, G, Rob, Ryan, Lee, Braulio, and the rest of the guys that helped shape what Rio Rico Cross Country is all about. S/O to the Anasazi Crew: Sawyer, Joe, Dane, Austin, Joey, and all the other great runners who made Anasazi Training Camp a blast! Last but not least, S/O to the only guy I know that can make the Visor look cool and who also rocks the Polo Sleeve headband during his races, my good friend from Perry badecurks also know as Cade Burks.
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Chocolate Milk and Pizza
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nike Pegasus
Flat course or hills?
Hills
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
"Fancy"- Iggy Azalea
