2017 Maumee grad, Zak Kirk joined the MileSplit Ohio podcast to detail his decision to transfer from Eastern Kentucky to the University of Portland Pilots.
Tune-in above to hear about Kirk's journey from the high school ranks to his rise through college competition, plus take note to various instances where he offers advice to upperclassmen regarding training, the recruiting process and how to maximize your potential as an athlete.
* Interested in participating in the 'Alumni Focus' series ~ submission guidelines HERE
Coverage -
Time Stamps -
- 0:35 -- Episode Introduction
- 1:20 -- Talking training at altitude in Flagstaff
- 2:55 -- Getting acclimated to training at altitude
- 4:15 -- What a typical day of training resembles
- 5:25 -- Describing his current training partners
- 6:10 -- Outlining current regimen of 100 mile weeks
- 7:45 -- Discussing his transfer from Eastern Kentucky to Portland
- 8:45 -- Explaining why he ultimately decided on attending Portland
- 9:55 -- Feeling welcomed by his new teammates with the Pilots program
- 11:20 -- Reviewing his experiences with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels
- 15:05 -- The transition from leading races in high school to mid-pack in college
- 16:40 -- Feeling urgency to prove himself right away when he entered college
- 18:00 -- Highlighting what training looks like while in-season
- 19:30 -- Detailing his strengths and areas where he needs to improve as a runner
- 21:05 -- Looking ahead to XC and track team goals with Portland
- 22:10 -- Excitement to compete against other Pacific Northwest teams
- 23:25 -- Reminiscing on his time spent at Maumee High School
- 25:20 -- When he realized he needed to start having more fun with running
- 26:55 -- Choosing his best high school event, the 3200
- 27:50 -- Shout-outs to coaches and teammates at Maumee High School
- 28:40 -- How Coach Snyder impacted his development as a runner
- 30:45 -- Offering upperclassmen tips on the recruiting process
- 32:30 -- How he balances his academic and athletics schedules
- 33:40 -- Tips for how an in-coming freshman can be successful on day one
