QUICK Q&A: SAM NOFZIGER, TARTAN FRESHMANHow long have been a cross-country runner? I'm in my second year. I joined last year as an eighth-grader.
Why? Some kids I knew were running cross-country and they said I should go out. I've always enjoyed running, so I thought, "Why not try?"
Biggest misconception? A lot of people said that it's a wimpy sport. But to be a good runner, you have to have dedication, give the effort and have a high pain tolerance.
What is the most pain you've experienced? This year, at the conference preview, it was 95 degrees. It was really tough. You had to keep telling yourself to keep going.
What are your strengths? I think I'm good at pace work. I run pretty smart, like knowing how to draft (off) other runners or having a variety of strategies.
Best race this season: The Milaca Mega-Meet. I PR'd there [17:05]. It was great weather, about 47 degrees, sunny, no wind. We did really good as a team that day.
How do you eat during the season? The night before every meet, I have some kind of pasta or carbs. Other than that, nothing special. I eat healthy, but not too healthy.
Goals: My goal is to make all-conference at the conference meet. To put all the hard work and dedication together and run a good race.
