Week of October 15-20, 2007
James Attarian (Dublin HS) NCS


Margaret Gallagher photo
James Attarian had the top California performance in the
Mt. SAC Invitational last weekend - 14:59 on a very hot Friday

Continuing his fine running in big-meet settings, our Athlete of the Week for the Boys' side this week statewide is Dublin's James Attarian, who has emerged from the Stanford Invitational and this past weekend's Mt. SAC Invitational with, all conditions considered with heat into the low 90's, the top California performance of the meet, a Division 3-4 Sweeps run this past Friday of 14:59 on the hilly Walnut venue.  With the season taking a turn into November and championship meet time it is interesting to visit once again with one of the State's best.   

Doug Speck
DyeStatCal.com

DyeStatCal - Last time we talked it was after your fastest California of the day clocking at the Stanford Invitational. How has the running gone since that time?

James Attarian - The running has gone really well. I’ve had some strong races since and have felt pretty healthy.
I have also been fortunate to not have had any injuries which would have affected me and my training.

DSC - What have you focused on in training during the first three weeks in October leading up to your Mt. SAC run?
We have been keeping our training steady. We focused on being strong for Mt. Sac due to the hills.

JA - What do you think have been your most beneficial type of workouts as we have really gotten into the meat of the season here?
The threshold workouts have probably helped me the most. The speed work combined with going at varying distances has been good.

DSC - Had you run Mt. SAC before, and what were your thoughts on the race and strategy coming in, and how did the race go for you compared to your plans?

JA - I have run Mt SAC twice before. Last year I won the division 3 varsity race so I have had good success there. My strategy was to utilize the downhills and keep up a good pace on the uphills. The race went according to plan. I was able to take it coming down the switchbacks. I felt pretty strong coming down reservoir and was able to maintain my pace and then increase it on the last stretch to the finish.

DSC - Could you share briefly what you did for running the week prior to Mt. SAC, Sunday through Thursday--
Sunday: Distance run  -   Monday: Threshold workout  -    Tuesday: Distance run, easy

Wednesday: Threshold workout   -    Thursday: Distance run, easy

DSC - Is it a help to have another outstanding individual on your squad in Jeremy Grace along for workouts? Explain—

JA - It is definitely a help to have Jeremy run with me for the workouts. We push each other and encourage each other. We have been running together for three years. I think that we have helped each other develop and improve our running in both cross country and track.

DSC - Where does the season take you from here? What is the schedule down the road leading to the Section competition?

JA - I have one dual meet this week. After that I will begin to prepare for league championships and NCS. After NCS on to State and then Footlocker Regionals.

DSC - What changes do you see happening to your training during the next month leading to state?

JA - We will make a few small adjustments, however the way we have been working out has been pretty successful so far.

DSC - Where is your level of confidence off the success you have had in events such as Stanford and Mt. SAC?

JA - After Stanford and Mt SAC I know I can now compete with anybody. This has really raised my confidence level. I have also learned how to race smarter.

DSC - Any more thought to college and all?

JA - For college I am keeping my options open. I haven’t decided whether to stay in California or attend college in another state.

DSC - Many students are able to kind of go the first few weeks of the school year on the after-burners and excitement of the start of school and the season and all. Then they hit a low point where many become injured or sick. Did you have to make any adjustments in your daily schedule at any point this fall, or did you start the year and continue basically the same daily schedule each week (sleep, etc)? Explain--

JA - I have my routine down. Fortunately I have been healthy all season and have not had to make any adjustments. The only thing that changes is sleep due to homework demands but I try to maintain my schedule.

Thanks much - Best of luck
Doug Speck
DyeStatCal

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