Nicholas Elswick Footlocker Nationals Post Race Interview – A Goal Set, A Goal Accomplished!

Chardon Junior Nicholas Elswick admittedly didn’t have his best run last Saturday in the Footoolocker Nationals.  In his words, “I didn’t give myself a chance.  I just ran the race.”  Elswick finished 30th in a time of 15:59.  He is very pleased however with his season and has set big goals for track this Spring.  Running in the Footlocker Nationals has motivated him to work harder and to push his limits even more. 

OHRunners:  Nicholas.  It was a pleasure to recieve your call following the race and to have the opportunity to interview you.  You qualified and had the opportunity to run in a prestigious meet with 40 of the nations top runners. Of the 40, there were only 11 underclassmen.  Two sophomores and nine Juniors.  

What was your experience like at Footlocker?

Nicholas:  The experience here has been great. Getting to meet other runners that are just as talented as I am and that have the same ambitions is awesome. Everyone is so friendly and very willing to meet others and get to know each other.

OHRunners:  In the Midwest Regional, you ran 10th in a time of 15:12.  What were your expectations getting prepared for the national race?

Nicholas:  My expectation coming into this race was that I would take my shot at being all American, which is top fifteen. I figured if I raced well and executed a good race strategy I could make that happen.

OHRunners:  Unlke the majority of XC races where their can be over 100 runners, in the Footlocker Nationals, their are only 40 runners.  What was your race strategy?

Nicholas:  My race strategy was to get out hard into a good position and try and hold strong in that position til the end. I knew if I didn't get a good spot early everyone else would run away from me on the hills.

OHRunners:  Standing at the starting line,  what were your thoughts?  

Nicholas:  Coming up to the starting line, I was thinking, this is it, the moment I've been waiting for all year. Being here had been the goal from the day I left the State meet in track last spring. I was excited to race.

OHRunners:  You were 30th place in a time of 15:59. Describe your race?

Nicholas:  The race went out kind of like I expected it too, very fast through the first mile. From the gun, I was not in a good position, about the back half of the pack. From there I just fought to not let myself slide back further. The hills were definitely killer, something even I wasn't expecting. Coming around the second time I made the critical mistake of letting my mind take control. I put myself out of the race and decided to just finish. This was the first time all season where I've reached that crucial point and decided not to fight for it, which left me slightly disappointed in myself. Coming in the last 800m I knew I was around 30th, so I really pushed down the hill and into the finish to get that. This race left me hungry to come back next year for redemption.  I would say this season has been pretty dominating, especially since I won all my regular season races up til state meet. I've been working since track last spring at State meet for this. This was the goal all along. Compared to our State meet, Footlocker was by far the better overall experience. I wasn't worried so much about how well I did at the State meet this year as I did at Footlocker. I definitely focused my training more for this race. The atmosphere amongst the runners here is great. It makes you feel welcome and takes the stress off of racing.

OHRunners:  How would you describe your Junior year, 2012 XC season. Compare your experience at the Ohio State championships with that of Footlocker?

Nicholas:  Overall, I'm very pleased with this season. I think it set me up really well for track this season and next year at cross. I've got big goals, and I plan on making them a reality very soon. This race has motivated me to work even harder than I have before and to push my limits. You can bet I'm going to hit it hard this year.