Athlete Spotlight: Grant Gardner

Athlete spotlight interview with Springville junior Grant Gardner. Grant has had an amazing XC high school career and starts this season off ranked 21st in the Saucony Flo 50 rankings  He currently holds the all time fastest state performances for the freshman and sophomore class. Grant has already set a new personal best and state leading time in the 3 mile.  He is leading a deep Springville team who finished 15th at NXN last season and will be looking to return to Glendoveer Golf Course this December. Grant finished 2nd at the Utah State XC Championship in the 4A division.  He is the top returner in the 5A division this season.



800m1:59.45Region 8 Championship (2016)
1600m4:20.31Utah State Tack and Field Championships (2017)
3200m9:06.84Arcadia Invitational (2017)
2.X mile14:10.00Murray Invitational (2016)
3 mile14:17.41Pre Region 8 Meet (2017)
5k15:29.70Bob Firman Invitational (2016)


How did you first get started running?
I started running just watching my older brothers run and trying to be like them. I've been running around and racing other kids as long as I can remember, but got more serious about it in like 4 grade when I wanted to go to Hershey Nationals. I trained "hard" and made it, which made me like running even more.

Favorite Workout?
My favorite workout is probably long runs either going up the canyon near my house, or on a flat or rolling dirt road. I love finishing the last 6 or 7 miles at a pretty fast pace and I feel like I get so much benefit from that.

Least favorite workout?
I don't have a least favorite workout, because if it isn't going to be beneficial then we just do something else. And if a workout is just hard, I like it that much more because it is helping me to get better.

How do you personally prepare yourself for mentally and physically for a race?
I prepare mentally for races by trusting my training and having a plan. Mental strength comes for me when I know I have done everything I need to do to be successful. Physically, I prepare with sleep, training, stretching, and all that kind of stuff.

Pre race superstitions?
No pre-race superstition, just get in the training and make sure I get the right foods and sleep.
 
Most memorable race?
Most memorable race is a hard one, cause ive had so many, but I really liked state xc last year. Even though I took 2nd, I really gave it a good effort and stuck with my tasks. I executed my race well and ran faster than I ever imagined I would run at the state course. 

Where are you at on college decisions?
As a junior, I'm just getting started on this process. There are several schools that I would be interested in talking with, so hopefully that will start happening.

What are your top 3 goals you wish to accomplish this season?
My top 3 goals:
Win state as an individual and team in 5A
Help my team qualify for Nationals
Take top 3 at Nationals as a team