As part of the Future Stars series presented by Hoka One One, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclassmen cross country runners throughout the country. In this athlete spotlight, we feature Guilderland High School (NY) Sophomore Noah Carey. As a freshman, Noah took 44th overall at the Federations Meet. On the track, Carey began to improve, clocking 4:21 for the full mile, placing 3rd at Outdoor Nationals Freshmen division. Carey has already kicked off his 2014 campaign with a third place finish at his home invitational.
Interview with Guilderland High School (NY) Sophomore Noah Carey
Last season, you came very close to making your first state meet. How does that experience fuel your passion coming back now as a sophomore?
It’s something I’ve been thinking about since sectionals ended. I’m not necessarily disappointed in how I ran, but I really wanted to make states. I know I can make it this year. It won’t be easy, but I’m using it to motivate me.
At New Balance Outdoor Nationals, you made a big statement in both the freshmen mile and 2 mile. What was the decision process for doing both, and how did your outlook change after placing
top 3 in both?
The main reason I decided to do both was because I wasn’t sure which one I was better at. I knew I could be competitive in both so I thought why not do both. My outlook hasn’t really changed. Like I said I knew I could be competitive in both, and I was. I’m really happy with my performance.
Section 2 is well known for their depth in cross country. Have there been any athletes in the area that have influenced you, or helped you get past certain experiences?
Jake Johnson from South Colonie has definitely motivated me. He’s someone I’ve been running against since I started in 8th grade. I remember between my 8th and 9th grade seasons setting his times as my standards.
Coming into the sophomore season, you have the highest speed rating of any other athlete in your grade. Does that add any pressure to your racing, or is it something you take pride in?
Speed rating is something I don’t really pay attention to. I didn’t really get it at first, so I never got into it. But I know a lot of people do pay attention to it, so it does add pressure.
You’ve already started competing, taking third in your home invitational, against some of the state’s top runners. What does it mean to you to be able to hang with some of the guys with more experience?
It means a lot to me confidence wise. Coming into races now I feel more confident that I belong with some of these guys. I think it will also allow me to take more risks in races.
How do you motivate yourself when you are heading into big races? Any pre-race rituals?
I motivate myself by thinking about the feeling after a race. Thatfeeling is always great, especially after a good race. As for pre-race rituals I don’t really do anything special. I usually try and do the same warm-up and eat the same things.
What are some of the meets you most like to race in?
Our home invy has definitely one. I know the course well and I’ve always ran well. It was also my breakout meet. I wasn’t really fast until that race in my first year in 8th grade. I ran a 12:37 my first time trial, then 10:59 at the invy.
How has your training been influenced over the summer, based off the trial and errors of last year?
I think the biggest thing this summer was staying healthy. Last year I missed a couple weeks in July because I sprained my ankle. I also broke my arm playing hockey in the summer before my 8th grade year, causing me to miss the first couple weeks if practices.
Do you have any goals, either time or performance, for the upcoming season?
My biggest goal this year is making states. I just missed it last year, and like I said earlier, I’ve been using it as motivation ever since.
What’s one interesting fact about yourself, outside of running?
I play defense for my high school hockey team, GMS Storm. We aren’t that great so it’s not much to brag about. It isn’t easy playing with 9 or 10 guys, but I love playing hockey.