Mickey with his breakthrough 9:02 at the NY State Champs. (Photo by Kyle Brazeil)
MileSplit - How is your fitness as you begin the 2013 season. What excites you most about the coming year of HS XC?
Mickey - My fitness has been better than ever. Last year I felt like I stepped it up to the elite level with my training so this year I was able to train at the elite level that I know I'm at. I'm excited about the opportunities for races, opening doors and seeing colleges, and of course to compete at big races like nationals.
MileSplit - After a competing at Nike last year and nearly cracking 9:00 this spring, what are your plans for this season?
Mickey - This outdoor season when I ran the 9:00 (8:57.1 3200m converted) I proved to myself and everyone else that I wasn't just dangerous on the xc course but on the track, too.
MileSplit - When & how did you get started in cross country?
Mickey - My whole family were and are runners so I felt like it was almost a legacy and an honor to represent the name Burke in the running community.
MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in cross country and why?
Mickey - My brother Colby really helps to influence me. He runs for Geneseo college and he's been through every unfortunate event you could think of but each time, he keeps on coming back and having the same, if not higher goals than before-- He's a warrior!
MileSplit - Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?
Mickey - Obviously my coach and my family have pushed me to reach further and seek out my potential. They have given me the opportunity to pursue what I love.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your successful cross country training program?
Mickey - I like to keep a pretty level head about things when it comes to races, training, and just life overall, so I think that definitely helps play a role into my success on and off the course.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your team's unity and how you train to reach your goals?
Mickey - My team and I year in and year out are just a close-knit group of guys. We really build bonds and close relationships through our long, dragged out runs and the blood, sweat, and tears of our workouts and racing (not that anyone cries during a workout haha).
MileSplit - Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
Mickey - I have a couple favorite races for cross country. One would be my freshman year winning sectionals for the first time. The other three are states, regionals, and nationals of my junior year simply because I performed well (also Manhattan because I won a watch!).
MileSplit - Who are the cross country competitors you most enjoy competing against and why?
Mickey - I don't think I have any preference of who I enjoy competing against the most. All of us New York guys get along fairly well and we all share the respect that one another deserves.
MileSplit - What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Mickey - For experiences in cross country non-running, that's tough because there's so many! The Manhattan trips my team and I always take are quite fun but I also hung out with my training partner from last year Brennan Root everyday last year in and outside of running so we've shared some wild experiences. But this summer I had Brennan Root, Philo Germano, TJ Hornberger, and Benito Muniz over at my house for a week of training and fun and that week was unforgettable. We built bonds that will last forever.
MileSplit - What are your goals for the 2013 cross country season?
Mickey - My goals for Cross Country have to be to progress and stay healthy and specifically a state title and to compete for a national title!
MileSplit - Do you have any long-term goals in running?
Mickey - For long term, I just hope to sign to a college that I feel comfortable and that can progress me to my potential.
MileSplit - What was your favorite performance from the 2013 World Champs?
Mickey - For worlds, you have to love watching the underdogs like my girl Mary Cain and Ryan Hill! But it's always a unique experience to witness greatness run as well like Mo Farah, Galen Rupp, Usain Bolt, Evan Jager, and so on.
The Fun Run
Mickey - The "Fun Run" would have to be a nice 6-8 mile run at around 6 flat (tempo) pace because it helps build the confidence that a distance runner needs!
What music do you rock while working out…
Mickey - Honestly, I like a lot of music but if you ever see me around listening to music, I am probably dancing. I love EDM music especially house/ progressive because the beat and the dancing always lightens the mood!
Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter...
Mickey - Social network, I'd say hands down I'm an Instagram and Vine especially type of guy. It just gives you more of a chance to be creative and make people laugh!
Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Mickey - For the weekends, it all depends on what I feel. I have nights where I sit at home, watch T.V. with a bowl of pasta and just grub! But I love hanging out with my friends and being the teenager that I am!
What gear is your favorite while running...
Mickey - Gear meaning attire? I've always worn Asics GT 2000 for my trainers but for racing I like the Nike spikes (Matumbo's, Mamba's, or Victories). And I have to have my short shorts on!
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