MileSplit Fast Four: A weekly glimpse at four of our nation's best
Each week here at MileSplit we will be giving you a quick look at four of the nation's best runners. Featured this week are Michael Wallace (FL), Amanda Winslow (GA), Brian Shrader (AZ) and Megan Goethals (MI).
Michael Wallace
Jr., Bishop Kenny
Jacksonville, FL
Highlights: Won third consecutive 2A District 2 XC Championship (15:38) … Placed second at Elite Pre State Invite with a personal best time of 15:21 … Finished third (16:00) at Great American Race of Champions behind Tennessee standouts Bill Mathews and Matt Sonnenfeldt … Ran 15:54 at the Katie Caples Invitational, placing first … As a sophomore he was the 2008 2A 3200 state champion (9:22) and 1600 meter district champion (4:21) … Wallace (Photo courtesy of Kristin McWilliams) finished third at the 2007 Florida State XC Championships
Coach (Kristin McWilliams) says: “Mike is one of the most coachable athletes I have been blessed to coach over the last 8 years. Not only is he gifted athletically, but also he listens carefully to my instructions for training and race strategy and works incredibly hard, which in turn motivates his teammates. He has developed into an incredibly intelligent racer over the last 2.5 years, and has the ability to react to his competitors’ race tactics, utilizing his phenomenal finishing speed. He takes care of the little details in his nutrition and training to ensure his success, and has developed a true passion for running. Mike’s confidence and superior work ethic have allowed him to achieve many lofty goals over the past two years, and his leadership and sense of humor make him a pleasure to coach. I am excited to see what the postseason will entail, as well as his junior track campaign.”
Wallace says: “When I got into high school I decided to run cross country and found out it was my passion. This year I want to make it to Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego that would be awesome. I want to go to college and get a scholarship for running. After that, try to make it to the Olympics. The thing I really love about running is the feeling of success after a race. It kind of becomes a part of you.”
Summer mileage (max): 75
Weekly mileage: 65-75
Training shoes: Brooks Adrenaline
Superstitions: Watches Entourage before every race
Hobbies: Ping-pong, playing the guitar
Favorite movie: Pineapple Express