With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Senior Keith Durking from Cactus Shadows High 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: Keith Durkin (Keith's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Cactus Shadows High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 16:13
3 Mile: 15:44
When did you get started as a runner:
I started running in sixth grade and have continued it throughout my middle and high school career.
Which meets will you be running this year?
I will be running in the Pioneer Invitational, the Prescott Ray Wherley Invitational, the Adobe Invitational, the Doug Conley Invitational, the Twilight Invitational, the O’Connor Invitational, Sectionals, and the State Meet.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My main goal for the upcoming season is to break 15:40 in a 5k, and I am looking forward to hopefully helping lead my team to a successful performance at State.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Summer training went very well. My favorite workout is mile repeats.
Have you ever been injured?
I have been fortunate enough to have never been injured in my running career.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running is the competition that races offer, which pushes one to become their best.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
In my opinion, my greatest running accomplishment so far is helping my team win the Division II State Championship my sophomore year in 2012.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I am not running most of my time is filled with school work, but I like to spend time with friends whenever I get the chance.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance, and that both can lead to success if used correctly.
Shout outs?
Mom, Dad, Shannon, Chelsea, and Patrick Durkin. Thanks for all the encouragement and support guys!
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Italian B.M.T. at Subway
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nike Free 5.0
Flat course or hills?
Flat course
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Cold
Favorite song at the moment?
“Prospekt’s March” by Coldplay
Oceans (where my feet may fail) by Hillsong United
Young Volcanoes by Fall Out Boy