Athlete Spotlight: Brennan Benson

Athlete spotlight interview with Timpanogos senior Brennan Benson. Brennan Benson has now taken the role as the frontrunner for the Timpanogos boys. Last year it was Joe Benson, and before that William Handley. Brennan has come out strong this season with his team and they are showing how they are one of the top programs in the nation.  Brennan is coming off an excellent track season that saw him PR in all of his events and he has already set a PR in the 3 mile this season. Last year Brennan finished 9th overall in the Utah State XC Championship 4A division.  He will be the 4th top returner in the 5A division this season.


800m1:56.99Utah State Track and Field Championships (2017)
1600m4:18.75BYU High School Invitational (2017)
3200m9:32.62Utah State Track and Field Championships (2017)
2.x mile14:55.50Highland XC Invitational (2016)
3 mile14:17.72Pre Region 8 Meet (2017)
5k15:41.42Nike Portland XC Invite (2016)


How did you first get started running?
My two older brothers ran and would drag me out of bed to go to summer practice as a Freshman and I hated it so much it was the worst thing ever.

Favorite Workout?
Partner 400's. You run a 400 then you get the rest of your partner running a 400.

Least Favorite Workout?
Squaw Peak, it is a 4.3 mile push up a super steep hill and is the worst.

How do you personally prepare yourself mentally and physically for a race?
Mentally I just try to get in the zone, and that for me starts the night before the race. I envision myself in the race and map out what I am going to do. I review my goals every night before a race and revise if needed. Physically the day before we do our run then a 400 at 5K pace and then 4 starts with the team.

Pre Race superstition 
I don't know if it's really superstition but 2 Days before a race I like to eat liver.

Most memorable race?
All of my races my Sophomore year were really memorable, winning state, going to nationals and placing 5th as a team, that was probably the most memorable race just because we were all so happy.

Where are you at on college decisions?
I have some colleges that I'm thinking of but hopefully I can go out this season and really see what I can get from them.

What are your top 3 goals you wish to accomplish this season?
Win State as a Team
Win Southwest as a Team
Podium at Nationals as a Team