Elswick (2655) rolled to a very fast runner-up position in OH Saturday. (Photo by Phil Grove)
MileSplit - How is your fitness as you begin the 2013 season. What excites you most about the coming year of HS XC?
Nick - I'm coming into this season in great shape. I've done a good job of staying on my training, doing all the right things that will help me to succeed. I'm right where I wanted to be so far. I'm excited for what the season has in store, mainly the opportunity to run at the highest level and be competitive there.
MileSplit - After qualifying and finishing 30th at Foot Locker last fall and running 9:00 this spring, what are your plans for this season?
Nick - At the end of every season, I always set goals for myself for the next year. I reflect on the season and ask myself what it is that I want to do with my next year, and this year after New Balance Nationals in the 5k, I told myself that I wanted to take a shot at winning Foot Locker Nationals. Looking at the runners that have come before me motivates me to be the best I can be and surpass all odds. Will it be difficult? Absolutely. There is always great competition to be had at that level. We'll see what happens, but it's going to be a fun ride either way.
MileSplit - When & how did you get started in cross country?
Nick - I got started running in 7th grade, after seeing my older sister run in middle school. I could hardly call myself athletic at the time, rather preferring to use the term “studious book lover.” After 8th grade I decided that I wanted to get a lot better, and that summer before my freshman year I trained my butt off and started running pretty well, and just kept progressing each year.
MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in cross country and why?
Nick - My family definitely has to be some of the most influential people for my success. They have always been my biggest fans and have encouraged me every step of the way. My grandpa loves coming to watch my meets, and it's great to have him there to support me. My parents taught me how to be successful and to pursue my dreams, and everyday I try and do exactly that. I wouldn't be the person I am without them. Another person would have to be my coach. Coach Shafer has shown me how to train hard and run fast, and I'll always be thankful to him for that.
MileSplit - Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?
Nick - My parents, they have taught me how to work hard and be true to who I am. They've always been my role models and I'm proud to have them there for me.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your successful cross country training program?
Nick - The key to our program is strength. Strength, and the discipline to train the way you're supposed to in order to succeed.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your team's unity and how you train to reach your goals?
Nick - We're a close-knit group with high expectations of each other, and we use that to help motivate us. Personally, I'm very internally motivated. I enjoy setting goals for myself and chasing after them. I like the challenge of striving to get better, and helping others do the same.
MileSplit - Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
Nick - Qualifying to Foot Locker Nationals at the Midwest meet last year. When I crossed the line and heard the magic words I was so ecstatic, I would've danced around and yelled if I could have moved my frozen limbs. That was a dream come true for me.
MileSplit - Who are the cross country competitors you most enjoy competing against and why?
Nick - I love racing Mark Hadley, we always have great races against each other. He's a fierce competitor and it's always great to race someone that's as aggressive as he is.
Editor's Note: Watch these two this year! They hammered to a 1-2 finish, .10 apart at the Boardman Invite yesterday.
MileSplit - What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Nick - Being paraded around on the shoulders of a teammate my sophomore year after running at the state meet. He's a close friend of mine and it was just funny how excited he got.
MileSplit - What are your goals for the 2013 cross country season?
Nick - My goals for this season are to win my state championship and help get my team there if I can. Beyond that I'm giving everything I can at Foot Locker Nationals and seeing where that leaves me. I'd like to finish this season with a national title.
MileSplit - Do you have any long-term goals in running?
Nick - I've always had the dream of running professionally, I think that would be very cool.
MileSplit - What was your favorite performance from the 2013 World Champs?
Nick - The Americans dominating in the 110 hurdles, that was very cool to watch.
The Fun Run
What music do you rock while working out…
Nick - I don't really listen to music when I work out, but when I'm getting ready for a race nothing beats dubstep for me. Gotta have my wubs.
Do you like to run in the mud or the grass…
Nick - Both are just peachy. Racing in the mud makes for a fun, tough experience.
Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter...
Nick - Probably more on Twitter than on Facebook. I like following Flotrack for all the updates during big events. It's cool because it's easy to reach out to people you know that way.
Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Nick - Chilling at home. I like to tell myself the party is wherever I'm at, but I could easily be mistaken. When I do go out I like hanging with the guys on my team, playing volleyball or ultimate, sometimes a movie.
What gear is your favorite while running...
Nick - I'm usually big on Saucony shoes and Nike clothing, but I'm starting to dabble more on the Nike side. Half-tights are where it's at though.
Check out Nick's MileSplit Athlete Profile...
Nicholas Elswick Interview from Foot Locker Nationals 2012
Foot Locker Nationals 2012 Race Highlights
