Athlete: Tony Russell
School: West Chester Henderson
Class: 2014
Profile: Won the PIAA Class AAA state meet a year ago with a time of 15:45, helping West Chester Henderson claim a team title in the process. Was 27th as a sophomore.
So far in 2013:
» 12:20.00 in 2.5-mile at Manhattan Invitational on 10-12, winning Eastern States
» 15:20.00 at West Chester Henderson on 9-25
XC PR:
» 15:11.00 at the District 1 Championships in 2012
PennTrackXC: How is your fitness now that you are nearing the end of the 2013 season. What excites you most about the meets to come?
Tony Russell: My fitness is coming along very well, i still have a lot left in the season too. I'm was excited to race against CBA this Saturday.
PennTrackXC: Which 2013 meet has been the most important for you thus far, and what did you learn from the race?
Tony Russell: I haven't actually had a real race yet besides a tri meet. Manhattan was my first big race -- ed. note: Russell came away as the Eastern States champion with a time of 12:20 in the 2.5 mile race.
PennTrackXC: What kind of adjustments, if any, have you made this season?
Tony Russell: We're sticking with the same training as last year. I actually started my season with a stress fracture. I began training in July and I've been rolling into shape ever since.
PennTrackXC: Who has influenced you the most in your life and what they meant to you and your success?
Tony Russell: I'd say the person that's influenced me the most is my coach without a doubt. I wouldn't be where I'm at without him and I wouldn't have all of the opportunities that I have now without him.
PennTrackXC: What are your keys to success when it comes to your training program?
Tony Russell: I do the same training as the 8th guy on the team and I think that is what helps me the most.
PennTrackXC: What is your most memorable performance in a cross country race over your career and why?
Tony Russell: My most memorable performance would have to be my regional win [District 1 Championships in 2012] when [teammate] Reiny Barchet placed third [in 15:22]. That was the coolest moment in my running career.
PennTrackXC: What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Tony Russell: My greatest non running experience in XC would be meeting Galen Rupp at [Nike Cross Nationals] during dinner with the pros.
PennTrackXC: What are your goals for the 2013 cross country season?
Tony Russell: My goals this season are to break 15 minutes, win states and regionals again, and maybe even add a team national championship.
Striders:
What's your favorite running related movie?
- Prefontaine -- ed. note: Not Without Limits?!?
What's your favorite jam during a long run?
- I never listen to music on a run,
Favorite cheat food?
- I also don't have a cheat food, i eat whatever I want during the season. I never really watch my diet.
CHECK OUT TONY'S MILESPLIT STATS PAGE | NEWS FEED AND PR'S