Name: Anthony Haren
School: Perry High School
Grade: Junior
Where are you from and when did you begin competitive running?
I was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona and began running in 8th grade at Payne Junior High, and competitively during my freshman year of high school at Perry High School.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
On Monday, I usually will run a 4-mile tempo run and then a long run of 7-8 miles the next day. On Wednesday I will have a hard workout and then a recovery run of around 5-6 miles the next day. On Friday, I will do another long run of 7-8 miles. On Saturday I have another hard workout, and then Sunday is a day for rest.
What is something that helps you mentally prepare for a race?
Listening to music as I warm up and before a race helps me relax and calms my nerves.
What music do you usually like to listen to before a race?
I like to listen to alternative music. Some songs I listen to are, "Feel Good Inc.", "Simple Song" and "Handlebars."
What's your favorite XC memory?
My favorite XC memory was when I placed first this year at Titan invitational. The first mile I was sitting at second, pacing myself and as I approached the second mile I moved into first place. Another runner was right on my heels for the whole race and I knew that I was going to have to stay mentally focused if I wanted to finish first. At the last 800 meters, I began my kick and did not look back. I pushed myself and was able to finish first in the race.
What's your favorite pre-race meal?
My favorite pre-race meal is spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread.
What's your season goal?
My goals this season were to run under 15:30 for a 5k, and finish 1st at City, Sectionals and State and place in the top 10 for every race the entire season.
(Photo by John Hays)
Do/Did you have any role models on the team or from years past?
The success former Perry High runner Cade Burks, had during his high school career that led to a college running opportunity at NAU was something I have set out to beat. I would like to break all his school records.
What's one piece of advice he gave you?
Cade's simple advice was, "If you want to place higher, just run faster". So far this year I have run faster in each of my races from the previous year.
What motivational advice of your own do you give the younger athletes?
My advice to our younger runners is that running angry is not a great running strategy, and that they should not get too down on themselves when they don't perform like they wanted to. Instead just look at what they did right, and what can be improved and make those changes as soon as possible, like in the next race.
(Photo by Anthony Haren)
Do you have a favorite pro-runner/athlete?
When I was younger and before I started running I had the opportunity to play for and train with Kelly Stinnett. Kelly played Major League Baseball for 13 years and finished his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and setting goals in pursuit of success.
What's your favorite subject in school? Why?
I enjoy all of my classes, but if I had to say one it would be Spanish. Since my mom is Mexican and speaks Spanish I can now understand what she is saying when she yells at me.
What's something unique about you outside of running?
Outside of running I know a few magic tricks, and have a pretty good sense of humor to keep family and friends entertained.
Will you be racing any post-season meets (NXN or FL West)?
I will be running at NXR after the State meet and possibly in a USA Track and Field event in Florida in December.
