Jacob Evans - Aptos 800m Star talks about his running!!!

From: Jacob Evans

1) Briefly summarize your successes of the last few seasons in Track and Cross Country --

My freshman year I won the SCCAL league title in the 800m with a PR of 1:58.1. Sophomore year I did the same, but also took the CCS title in the 800m with a PR of 1:55.3. In cross country this year, I was hoping to take the CCS D1 title, but with a mile to go I became dehydrated and had to drop out of the race...Touchy subject, though.

2) What were your thoughts on the past Fall Cross-Country season?

I felt that, compared to my previous cross country seasons, I was much stronger. My season definately had it's up's, but it's down's came at the worst time of the season... the end. However, I was satisfied with my XC season because I realized: If I'm stronger now, I'll be stronger in track. Track is the reason I run cross country, it's basically just to build endurance.

3) How do you think Cross-Country helps you as an 800 meter runner?

Cross country has helped me very much in the 800. The 800 requires endurance and speed, and cross country allows me to further expand my endurance (speed comes out of track work, obviously). My coach wanted to use cross country as foundation work for track, and that's what we did this year. I sure hope all the work pays off in the end.

4) Have you give thought to moving up in distances to the 1600 or 3200 in track at all?

I have thought about running the 1600 a little more this upcoming season, but not so much the 3200. The way I see it is, keep it short and simple. I feel that I could excell more in the 1600 more than the 3200, and possibly even more than the 800. But that's what'll be exciting to see, I suppose. It'll be fun to see what comes of this track season.

5) Tell us about some of the areas you train at in the Aptos and neighboring communities - seems neat area near beach and hills and all--

Nearly every day I run at the Forest of Nisene Marks here in Aptos. It's a great place to run and is the most beautiful place to be after the first rain. There are never-ending trails there, so if I want to try something new, I can. Running on the beach and the road aren't really my style (the shin's start acting up after a while). Our school also just got a new all-weather track... so it's a little more convenient when it comes to doing track workouts.

6) What are some of your goals this coming spring track season?

My goals are just to improve and to become a better runner. I'm not going to place a heavy goal on myself and shoot for a certain time, because the time's will come with placing well in races. However, it would be nice to get a big PR. I just want to go out there and do my best and succeed. There's not much else I can ask for; there's not much else I want.

7) Who do you see as local competition in your 800 meter event?

There is always up and coming athletes who will put up a good fight. You can't exclude anyone from the competition. There are a few guys who I have raced this past year and who I am looking forward to racing this upcoming season (two being Kyle Kurani of Santa Clara and Victor Camacho of Watsonville). I'm looking forward to their success just as much as my own. It will be exciting to see what happens this year.

8) Where do you see yourself in ten years in life and running?

I hope that in 10 years I will still be running and hopefully competing. I really can't see myself running marathons or anything like that now, but who knows what will happen over time. I hope to attend a good college that has a great Track program, thus to make me a better runner in the future.

9) Any thoughts on college yet, wish to stay close to home or willing to move away?

I'm really not too sure as to what college I'd like to attend right now. I'd like to stay somewhat close to home (within the state), but if a good offer comes from a college across the nation, I'll have to think about it. It'll be hard to decide.

10) Quality 800 running is a tough event, what do you think in training prepares you the best for sub 2:00 running?

Quality work is definately key... but I have 3 words to answer this question: get it done! When your coach gives you a workout, for sure you're thinking, "I really don't want to do this," but if you tell yourself that, and don't do it, you're not going to get any better. I've had to tell myself this alot. Truly, you just have want it; you have to desire becoming a better runner. If you work hard at it and "get it done" breaking 2:00 will be withing anyone's reach.

11) Summarize your favorite track workout, maybe one you did on a Monday near the end of last spring's track season?

I love speed workouts! I love just running fast and powering through each interval. Perhaps a workout consisting of a few sets of 300m-200m-100m, or even 400m repeats is nice. Anything that allows me to fly on the last interval when I'm nearly out of juice...I just love it. Just recently I did a workout [10x(300-100)], and I must say, it didn't feel too good, but now that's it's over with, I love it.

12) What advice could you offer to someone just starting track who is
going to run the 800?

The 800 is definately tough. It's going to take a lot of hard work to become good at it. Put your heart into your training and give it your all. With time, only good things will happen. If you don't work, don't count on becoming better. Just think of it this way: it's 2x400 ...seems a little easier, right?

Thank's Doug Speck! I hope everyone out there has a great track season, and I wish them the best of luck as well!

Back to DyeStatCal News

is published by

Editors: Doug Speck and Rich Gonzalez
Publisher: John Dye

�2002 by DyeStat