-Athlete Name: Nicholas Elswick
-School: Chardon High School
-Year of Graduation: 2014
-Best time in a 5K race and in which meet: 14:28, New Balance Nationals Outdoor (2nd)
-Tell us how your summer training is going?:
This summer went really well for training, I kept increasing my mileage and just strengthened everything I could think of. So far I think I'm in the best shape of my life, and I'm excited to see what I can do with it this year.
-What are your goals for the upcoming season?:
I'm looking to garner a state title in cross this year, and hopefully bring my team along with me. At the National level I'm hoping to score pretty high as well.
-How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 7th grade, after I saw my sister do it. It looked like a lot of fun, so I gave it a shot. Back then I would hardly have called myself athletic, but I kept working at it and got to high school and started to do alright.
-Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?:
This season the only trips out of state that I'll be making are for Foot Locker. Hopefully the OHSAA decides to allow expenses for that trip to be paid by the sponsors of the event, to help give all athletes equal opportunity.
-What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?:
In my humble opinion, it has to be the Woodridge CVNP course. They don't call the one section "Killer Hill" for nothing. It'll make the toughest runners want to keel over and take a nap afterward.
-What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?:
Definitely the Boardman Spartan Invitational. It's a great opportunity to see the regional course, in addition to having some fierce competition from some stellar runners.
-What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?:
Brecksville Bruce Lerch Invitational, junior year. The course was sloppy and muddy, I didn't see the sign to turn, and I went the wrong way with a mile to go, lost my entire lead, ran an extra 100 or so meters, and still came back and won the race. My teammate Aubrey Jordan, who recently graduated and is running for Ashland, always gives me a hard time for winning since he would've won if I hadn't come back the right way. It was just a fun, humbling experience all around.
-Favorite cross country memory?:
Finishing in the last qualifying spot for Foot Locker Nationals at the Midwest meet. That was a dream come true for me. I could hardly believe it when I crossed the line and the people at the finish told me I was tenth.
-When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?:
I'm an outdoors kind of guy. I love going kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, rock climbing. Sometimes it's nice to be out on a trail somewhere and actually look at what's around you instead of running right by it.
-Favorite quote?:
"Run like you've got a pair." Classic.
-What shoes do you train in?:
Saucony Kinvara's have always treated me pretty well. I have the benefit of working at a shoe store, Achilles Running Shop, so I usually have some good options. Nike Air Pegasus are a close second.
-What shoes do you race in?:
Depends on the year. Last season it was the Nike Zoom Victory XC, this year it might be the Saucony Carrera. The lighter and flashier the better in my opinion.
-What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?:
I can't say I've ever really listened to music when I run.
-What professional athlete would you most like to meet?:
I'm inspired by Matt Elliot, 1500m runner for Brooks. His story and his outlook on life are both incredible. That man has got a lot of faith in God, which is pretty cool. Plus he's fast haha.
-What is something that most people don't know about you?:
I've been in the choir at our school for a long time. I've sung in a few honor choirs and Chardon's chamber ensemble for a couple years now.
