Catching Up: Philo Germano of Albany

As we head off into the blue skies and sunny weather of spring track (if only), we still have some catching up to do.  There were so many quality athletes in New York State, that we didn't get a chance to speak with all of them.  So were bringing you a new feature called "Catching Up," where we get to talk to some of the athletes that have been showing success in the parts of the state we may not always get to.  This week for the boys, this is Philo Germano, out of Albany in Section 2.  The final qualifier for NXN in the fall, he'll be making a return to the scene for Spring Track, after taking the Winter Season off.  What did he have to say about the experience?  Check it out below.

 

Now, you had a great cross country season, but you took off for indoor track, as you have in the past couple of years?  Do you play another sport in the winter?  Resting your legs?

I don't do any other sport in the winter, I just like taking a break after Cross Country. Especially having my season go as far as it did, I just wanted to take some time off and get a good base in before outdoor.

What goes through your head as a competitive runner, seeing the times people are putting up in indoor season?  Does it motivate you to work harder in spring, or you more relaxed because you knew you were able to run with them in XC?

I think the time taken off during indoor definitely feeds my competitive nature. I love going out and watching my friends race during indoor. It's great to see things from a viewers perspective for a change, yet watching races does make me hungrier for the outdoor season to start back up. As fun as it is too watch, I'd rather be part of the action and I'm counting down the days till my first outdoor meet.

You had been running well all XC season this year, taking the top spots at big invitationals, including a second place in your letter race at Manhattan.  How was this informing you on how well you would be running in the post-season events like NXN etc?

Well before Cross Country started I broke my season into two main parts: the time leading up to Manhattan and from Manhattan to the postseason. I thought Manhattan was huge for me because I got to face such great competition before heading to States and beyond. Also to gauge my development as compared to everyone else's. To be able to do so well against great runners and take third place gave me so much confidence heading into the backstretch of the season and I've found confidence is such a vital part of progressing as a competitor.

At the state meet, you finished 13th in Class A, 19th in the Merge.  How did that race play out for you?  As expected, better than expected, otherwise?

States was not ideal for me, but it definitely had a huge impact on my season. Before the race, I planned to take it out slow for the first mile of uphill and then try to pick it up and finish out strong, but during the race I felt too worn out and couldn't make a move when I wanted to. I was definitely disappointed with my finish because I always want to be in contention, but the race was important in that it made me realize my body was fatigued and ultimately led to my decision not to race at Feds. Without taking that break I don't think I would have felt as good as I did the day of Regionals.   

Lets talk about NXN Regionals, which could be argued was a season-defining moment for you.  Going into the race, you knew you would have to increase your finish placement by at least 13 spots.  How was that weighing on you in practice for the week prior?

Regionals was big moment for me. I knew I had some work to do coming in but my main focus was just getting physically ready in the two weeks leading up to the race. I went down and watched Feds so I could walk the course and have a feeling of what I was up against. I think taking the time to rest up do a little scouting really got me where I needed to be before the race.

What clicked for you that day?  You had a ten point gain in your average Tully Speed Rating that day, and surprised a lot of great runners.  Describe that race.

What clicked was being on such a great stage. The opportunity to achieve my dream of going to nationals just made me really excited. It was also sort of a second chance to redeem myself after the bitter taste I had after States. My plan for the race was just to get to the top of the hill in the top 10 and go all out downhill to the finish. I was just trying to execute a plan to give me the best chance to qualify and it worked out.

What went through your mind as your cross the line at Bowdoin Park, knowing you had earned a spot in Oregon?

Crossing the line was one of the best feelings I've ever experienced. My family, my friends, and even some of their families came down to support me, so giving them a great race to watch, and to celebrate with them meant a lot to me.

We understand you are still close with some of the other members of team New York from NXN.  What can you describe about your experience that weekend?

 

And now for some lighter stuff.


Favorite song to run too

Favorite thing to do with the team when you're not running

With the team, we've actually had a few occasions where we've gotten together and played the computer game Slenderman. We did it before a cross country meet and it just kind of seems to be a tradition. 

Favorite snack

Teammate shout out goes to....

Teammate shout out goes to Alessio Fasullo and Jacques Chaumont. They're always supportive and there when I need them.