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Drew Porter (La Costa Canyon, Carlsbad) is one of the State's top 800
runners, returning with a best of 1:56.17 and a fifth place from the San
Diego Section Finals. For his senior year he is concentrating on running
as a sport, taking part in Cross-Country this Fall. His first effort on
the track this winter was a fine 1:59.5 for 880 yards in the LA Indoor
Meet, a very good mark on the none too quick Sports Arena 160 yard oval.
Based upon the information he passes on below it seems he is setting up
for a fine senior year of spring running, with some good goals in mind
and a college choice that has already been made. He offers some thoughts
on workouts and the two lap event that should be good information for
good runners!!!
Best of Luck Drew
Doug Speck - DyeStatCal
1) Describe your track successes over the last few years briefly--
3 year varsity letter, two school records (800 and 4X400 relay, second
place at league in 800/ first in 4X400, first at CIF finals in 800 and
4X400, raced at state in the 4X400, ranked in top 20 on dyestatcal.com.
2) What other sports have you taken part in along the way during high
school (and before)--
I have played recreational soccer for 8 years, competitive for 4. This
year, my senior year, I quit both club and school soccer so that I could
focus on running and try out my first season of CC.
3) How do you mentally approach the different segments of the 800 meter
race?
I like to burst out right after the gun fires. After about 150 meters
I set into a comfortable pace. My freshman and sophomore seasons I did
not pay much attention to split times, but now I try to stay consistent
in the 200 and 400 splits. After the first lap I like to pretend that
I just started the race so that I can increase my speed once again. I
love to kick in the last 100 meters.
4) Describe how the LA Indoor 880 race went - what was your strategy
going in, how did it work out, and how did the race unfold for you?
The LA Invite was quite an experience. I went in not expecting anything.
I tried to prepare myself mentally and physically, but also decided that
I would treat the meet as a chance to meet the competition for this season's
state race. I found that running indoor does not allow for much thought
while racing. Most of the time I was just trying to figure out what lap
I was on! All in all it went well. I ran a 1:59.5/1:58.9(c). I think that
is a good place to be in this stage of the season, but I also realize
that I have a long way to go before reaching my goal this year.
5) What is your favorite kind of 800 workout?
I really enjoy running straight track workouts. Something like a small
pyramid or sets of 400 hurt like hell when you run them, but make you
feel good after.
6) What is your least favorite kind of workout for the 800?
I do not enjoy long runs. Anything above 5 miles is way too long for me.
I get bored running out on the road, Sometimes I find myself doing math
calculations in my head, which is always marks the point when I turn around
and go home.
7) What are you working on differently for your senior year than others
during your high school career?
Yes: I ran my first season of CC (which I think have improved my endurance),
did not play soccer, and I have been training with a former 800 olympic
medalist at a local university.
8) What are some of your goals for the spring track season in 2003?
My ultimate goal since freshman year has been to break 1:50 in the 800.
A little more realistically I would like to run a sub 1:52 800, crack
49 in the 400 and maybe around 4:30 something in the mile?
9) Background to choice of UCSB for college running--
My sister goes to UCLA and I have always wanted to carry on the UC tradition.
UCSB has what I am looking for athletically, academically, and socially.
They have a strong Division I team and I don't think any other school
can beat the location! Also, they were the first to send me a letter.
10) What advice could you give to beginning 800 meter runners?
Run your first competitive 800 for fun. Get a feel for the dynamics of
the race. Pretend you are running a mile, and then after the first 400
just think: "wow, I only have a 400 to go!". The 800 is a hard
race, but I think it is the most fulfilling
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