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Top Boys Take On COVID-19 With Training, Waffles, Music And The Minecraft Ender DragonPublished by
Elite Distance Runners Keep An Eye On Possible Late-Season Opportunities By Fiona Max for DyeStat The nation has managed to boredom-snack through another week of social distancing. The Castle Crasher Xbox games (yes, that is what I think boys do in their free time, correct me if I am wrong) have gone stale. Perhaps the anticlimax of the racing season has led to runs feeling less inspiring. Pre-workout bangers just don’t sound the same whilst social distancing. This week, some may find themselves staring into the depths of the pantry, past the Terra chips, past the instant oatmeal packets – if you start looking beyond the saltines you REALLY should find a hobby – and wondering if there is something more; something more they could be learning, reading, listening to, or training for in this time. Luckily there is. I reached out to some of the nation’s fastest boys for just that reason (not because they’re fast, mainly because I’ve watched them entertain themselves for two hours with the side-jumping challenge.) They have some answers for you. Read on to hear what the squad (they are reportedly looking to buy their first home together and quarantine as a family) have to say on social distance on goals, free time, workouts, songs and inspiration. Note: Photo below was taken before the outbreak, so no social-distance shaming! Bonus: The world premiere of a Nico Young waffle recipe. Oh, and they made a Spotify list of their favorite tunes.
Nathan Green (Borah, Idaho)
- finish The Alchemist - Defeat the Ender dragon in Minecraft, 360 no scope, all with Matt (Strangio) - learn the song “How Do You Like Me Now?!” by Toby Keith on guitar COVID Quote: “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day” (quote for these weeks while were quarantined) Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? Pretty disappointed, found out a day before I was leaving for New Balance Nationals. I was looking forward to seeing my grandparents that I rarely see in one of my favorite cities in America. And racing, bummed about not doing that. How have your training goals shifted to accommodate for this crazy time? Has your mileage changed? Are you experimenting with new workouts? Training goals are now for... Whatever meet pops up really, whether it be Idaho state meet or an underground race with Matt Strangio. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? 20 pushups/35 crunches/25 squats in between each match of COD/fortnite with the boys What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? Physically, I’m trying to develop more muscle in the parts that hurt the most during races (arms), so I can become stronger throughout upcoming races, whenever those may be. No better time to work than now! Mentally, I’m just trying to stay motivated for the next thing, whenever it may be. Album: What You See Is What You Get by Luke Combs Song: On My Way To You by Cody Johnson
Matt Strangio (Carmichael, Calif.) COVID QUOTE: “Life will go back to normal one day and what you do while you’re isolated is going to show. Everyone will know who worked the hardest and who didn’t work at all. Be one of those people who everyone else looks at and goes ‘Wow (s)he is really doing good now!’ Social distance Bucket List: -Get a quarantine girlfriend -Defeat the Ender Dragon with Nathan Green assuming his mom doesn’t shut off his WiFi, 360 no scope
Where are you running next year: University of Portland!! Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? I was pretty bummed to hear the season got cancelled. I had some really big goals. I had just finished practice with my team when I found out. Biggest disappointment is not having an official race to break 4:00 in. I was most looking forward to Arcadia and State. How have your training goals shifted to accommodate for this crazy time? Has your mileage changed? Are you experimenting with new workouts? Right now I’m still able to meet with a few teammates, there’s some open tracks in my area so we’re able to do workouts and stuff; I also borrowed some weights from the school my mom teaches at so I have a fully functional weight room in my garage. My mileage has gone up a bit, I'm running every Sunday now. I’m fortunate enough to have a really good 800 teammate who can pace me in a mile when I’m ready (very soon, can’t give a date or location though). My workouts have been more of the same really. They are geared a little more towards strength than speed but it’s all pretty standard. The goal is to get a few guys together and run an underground race. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? Favorite workout has been all these dang push-up challenges I get tagged in. What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? Running right now is the only time I get to see my friends so it’s easy to get up and do it. I also feel like having a routine is helping me stay sane. I also am holding onto hope that there will be either postseason meets or open meets in the summer to run in. Also with the Olympics being pushed back a year, I feel that the trials standard isn’t out of reach so I’m trying to put in as much work as possible to potentially make the trials next year. When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? I want to be able to tell them that it was a time where I put my head down and grinded to become the runner and person I one day will be. I also want to tell my children that they can stay home for one night instead of going out because I had to stay home for weeks when I was a teenager. Album: Artist 2.0 A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Song: PTSD by G Herbo, Chance the Rapper, Juice World, and Lil Uzi Vert
Easton Allred (Draper, Utah) COVID Quote: “Live for the process and love the process. Any achievement is just a bonus. I learned that from Connor Ohlson! He knows his stuff” Where are you running next year? Brigham Young University Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? When I found out the season was cancelled I was just getting finished with a run and was definitely bummed. It’s my senior year and I have been incredibly close to winning about seven different individual state championships between track and cross, but with different injuries, being ineligible, and getting sick I’ve never been able to do it. I was hoping this was my year to do that and reach some of my other goals. That being said I needed more time to get in shape and running isn’t about the glory. I will still time trial and throw together some small races of my own. To me running is about the process and that has yet to be taken away so I am still happy! Favorite workout so far from quarantine? I’m a big fan of long tempos and we did a 4-mile tempo last week that was fun! What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? With being injured for so long the main goal I have is to hit my stride and focus on believing in myself and my progression process. I am hoping to get back to my best shape and be prepared for college training. Mentally I think it is really important to stay sharp while not being able to go out of the house much, so I am trying to be as productive with my time as possible. The time is best used improving and learning new skills. I think I am going to take up some cooking! What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? I love running and that’s why I do it! I love pushing myself and growing as a person. I love being outside and all the people in the sport. Not having a season makes it a bit harder, but the goal was always the process anyway. Running with people that I love spending time with and reminding myself that I do it on purpose helps me stay focused. Album: Happy Endings by Old Dominion Song: Shoe Shopping by Old Dominion
EJ Holland (Ashland, Oregon) Social Distance Bucket list -Learn to dunk -Work on piano skills COVID QUOTE: "I am the best golfer in the world… I've just never played." - Muhammad Ali What school are you attending next year? University of Oregon!! Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? At first, like many other athletes across all sports and levels, I was in utter disbelief. I had big goals, dreams and aspirations that I had already been working towards for months. In just a few days it seemed all that effort had gone to waste. But, the biggest blow was coming to the realization that I would never get the chance to help my team win the first track and field state title in school history. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? I've had some surprisingly good workouts throughout all this. Hopefully that will continue. Bored-out-of-my-mind-can't-think-of-anything-better-to-do core workouts are always a win too. What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? I am enjoying being outside right now so much. Right now, that's enough motivation to get me out of the house. Also, using this time as an opportunity to get as fit as possible for both late-season opportunities to race and next cross country season at UO! When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? I'm going to tell them how I fearlessly fought off Covid-19 with my bare hands. Then I'll tell them how incredibly boring the whole event was, but how I got to learn how to juggle! Album: Music To Be Murdered By by Eminem Song: Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant
Nico Young (Newbury Park, Calif.) COVID Quote: “I think staying motivated is the hardest part, so that is super important. As long as you are motivated, you will find things to do and find each day much more fulfilling.” What school are you attending next year? Northern Arizona University How have your training goals shifted to accommodate for this crazy time? Has your mileage changed? Are you experimenting with new workouts? My training goals have changed slightly. Since I don’t have a specific race to prepare for I have started transitioning into more training that will prepare me for training in college. My mileage has stayed relatively the same, except for an occasional longer long run. We have done some new workouts, because now we have more time. The major thing that I have changed with my workouts is switching to 5k workouts, because that is what I think I’ll run in college and I might be able to get into a 5k this year. What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? Physically, I’m just listening to my coach and my body to see what is best for me moving forward. Mentally, I am doing my best to stay motivated without a specific race to train for currently. What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? Looking forward to my future college career gets me out of the door and for the hope of a possible race this season. I also love running and that gets me out the door to start running. When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? I want to be able to say that when you're forced to be that bored and stay motivated to go on Zoom for online school then you will learn to find many things to do that would have seemed very boring before. It also has allowed me to be much more creative with everything I do each day. Nico’s Corona Cinnamon Chocolate Waffles
- 1 cup mashed banana Mix it together and put in a waffle iron. I’ve also been just baking random things and experimenting with trying to make cool recovery post-run baked goods that I can have. I also have been making a lot of pizzas in my pizza oven and homemade pasta 🍝 Album: Narrated for You by Alec Benjamin Song: Weak When Ur Around by Blackbear
Ryan Schoppe (LaPorte, Texas) COVID Quote: “Don’t put your head down. Everyone is going through the exact same thing you are. Keep on staying motivated and this will end before you know it.” Social Distance Bucket List: - Grind it out on Warzone with the boyz - Watch The Office over and over again What school are you attending next year? Oklahoma State University!!! Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? When I heard about it I was heading up the Texas Distance Festival. I told my dad about it and he turned the car around to head back home. I was really looking forward to having the chance to go sub-4 in the mile and win both the (1,600m) and (3,200m) at my state meet. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? Any workout I have the chance to do! I’m very lucky to still be able to run outside and get some good quality work in! What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? I’m hoping to change my diet. I’ve never really eaten healthy, but now I think it’s the perfect time to start. This will allow me to get implemented into the routine before I leave for college. Mentally just to come out with a positive mindset. Everyone is in the same boat, so I’m just going to keep on doing what I usually do. Run, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.. I have nothing else to do so… What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? Running is really the only time of the day I get to go outdoors and get out of my house. I do have a backyard but I feel trapped. Also, the motivation that my career is not over, this is only a small bump in the road for everyone! When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? That you’re going to have tough moments in your life. (I will mention this exact moment to them) you have to push through them and you’ll come out stronger than before. Song : Anything with Post Malone
Connor Ohlson (Littleton, Colo.) COVID Quote: “Pick up a book! DM me for suggestions.” Where are you running next year? United States Air Force Academy!! Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? After hearing, I just kept planning for the next goal, the next race. It seemed after each cancellation I said “well we will catch the next one.” My coach and I decided all we can do is train as normal and continue to train through the season as normal, so when the opportunity to race comes we will be ready to lay down some fun times. As of right now, we are training for the state meet. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? Not technically during quarantine but I had a great workout with Cole when this was all starting. He whooped my behind but it was still one of the better ones I’ve had this season. What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? Really trying to learn some new skills, which I have never had time to in the past. I have spent lots of time learning a 3D Rendering software, which I have always wanted to learn. It's nice for making pictures or animations of plants and stuff. So that's neat.
What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? Process over outcome! Do the things that need to be done today so that you can pursue bigger goals down the road. The first goal for everyday should be to get out the door. Album: Eternal Atake (Deluxe) by Lil Uzi Vert Song: Inside Out by Eve 6
Cole Sprout (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) COVID Quote: “I believe everything happens for a reason and even if it’s hard to see any upside to this I think it’s important to stay optimistic and take advantage of all the time we now have.” Social Distance Bucket List: - Spend quality time with family - Grind out some Netflix - Work on tan Where are you running next year? Stanford University!! How have your training goals shifted to accommodate for this crazy time? Has your mileage changed? Are you experimenting with new workouts? For the most part training/mileage has remained the same but in the absence of competition for a while I’ve been planning some solo time trials just to stay sharp in case some meets pop up in the future. I haven’t done many time trials in the past so this is all a little experimental. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? Anything I’m able to do to get out of the house is my favorite right now haha
Honestly I’ve just been trying to work on my tan and it’s been starting to be pretty nice out so I’ve had an awesome time getting out of the house and getting some runs in. When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? I want to be able to say that this whole time was an opportunity to find the beauty in the little things we usually take for granted. I think it’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important and in a way this has been a time to regain some of that, even amid this crazy of a time. Album: III by the Lumineers Song: San Luis by Gregory Alan Isakov
Carter Solomon (Canton, Mich.) COVID QUOTE: “Don’t be so hard on yourself, but never quit” also, “There is no harm in trying something new, you never know what it could lead to.” Where are you running next year? University of Notre Dame! Original reaction to season cancellations? Where were you? What was your biggest disappointment? What had you been looking forward to? When I first learned the season would be cancelled, I was at practice with the team. We had just finished a run and were planning a time trial within the next few days. After a long winter training alone or with another teammate, it was nice getting back to practicing with all the guys. We were just starting to get into a swing of things. I was most definitely disappointed about not being able to represent my high school another time. Going for school records and placing at state were goals of mine, only to be stopped abruptly. Favorite workout so far from quarantine? Track workouts have been tough, especially when people bring their dogs to the track ‘‘because the dog park is closed.’’ Hilly tempos are my favorite anyway. Those have been a staple so far What are you hoping to implement/change/work on during this time mentally/physically? Mentally I have tried my best to stay focused. Time trials help keep me in “race shape.” For mileage runs, throwing on a podcast or music helps tremendously. Meeting with a teammate once in a while is a good idea as well. Physically, I am doing standard mileage. Listening to my coach for advice about workouts and doing what he says. What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door? The love of the sport keeps me going. Not having a season is a real bummer, but this provides a time where we can enjoy more runs without necessarily going all out, or having that pressure to perform. This time off provides a chance to really enjoy running, and remember the purpose as to why we run. When you’re 100 years old, what do you want to tell your great-grandkids this time meant for you? It is all about perspective. Some people believe it is all happening for a reason, some people are mad, sad, angry and upset. Everyone has an opinion, and I have heard many of them. So for me personally, I don’t know what this means for me yet. I haven’t quite formed my own opinion about how I entirely feel. Album: The Colour And The Shape by Foo Fighters Song: Otis by Jay Z, Kanye West, Otis Redding More news |
Social Distance Bucket List:
One recipe that I have been working on right now that I will post on my Instagram at some point are these chocolate cinnamon waffles that I am trying to make healthy, too. This is what I have so far: (I made them today and they were very good so I think I’m there or almost there)
What is your WHY or your motivation to get out the door during this time? What helps you get out the door?