In what some may consider an upset, Kevin Colon blew past Matt Estlund of Chaminade in the last 200 meters to capture the coveted individual title in class 4A at the MSHSAA Cross Country Championship. Not only did Kevin win the 4A individual title, but he also led the Lee’s Summit West Titans to their first state team title, defeating pre-season favorite Saint Louis University High School. Kevin’s time of 15:51 was the twelfth fastest time in Missouri State High School Cross Country Championship history. I recently interviewed Kevin and asked him about his training for and thoughts during the state meet.
Missouri Runners (MR): What was your training like the week before state? Did you taper much?
Kevin Colon (KC):We averaged around 50 miles all year. We would have rejuvenation weeks throughout the year where we would drop our mileage close to 40 miles. We are not big into a lot of mileage, so we would always take sunday off. We didn't taper all year until sectionals weekend, so we could be feeling our best at races that matter.
MR: What were some goals going into the season?
KC: My goals were to run under 16:00, and to win state. I also wanted my team to win state.
MR: When did you begin to run?
KC: I started in 6th grade. I got into the sport because my sister and my dad were both runners. I wasn't really training that much when I was young though, I was just doing like local 5k's. I really got enthused about running when my sister Kristen won state with her team (LSN).
MR: How did the race unfold for you? At what point did you know you could win?
KC: The race went very well - it happened exactly how I envisioned it. I wanted to be up with the leaders from the start, and that is exactly what happened. I was getting a little nervous during the last mile though, because i didn't know if i could catch Matt Estlund or not. Luckily I was still feeling good and could make my move up Fireman hill and just kick it in from there.
MR: How did the cold weather affect your race?
KC: I thought the weather was perfect for a good race; maybe a little windy.
MR: You got 5th last year in Footlocker in the freshmen/sophomore race; what are you planning to do this postseason?
KC: For post seasons races, original I was going to run Footlocker, but since my team is running so well, we are going to run the Nike Midwest Regional. Editors note: the Titan Track Club competed this past weekend in Terre Haute where they finished 6th overall. Kevin finished 18th.
MR: You and your sister both run; where do the running genes come from?
KC: Well, my dad ran ran in high school for Fort Osage. He was pretty talented, I think he ran like a 4:35 mile and around 10 minutes for the two mile.
MR: Which meant more for you - winning the Indivdual or team title?
KC: I would have to say the team title. I am just so happy for our seniors, Jake Henry, Cameron Cox, Phillip Miller, and Brennan Hampton. I am glad that we could finish our great season off well. The individual title just made it that much more sweet.
morunners.com quick six:
MR: Favorite pre-race song?
KC: Don't listen to music before.
MR: Do you have any pre-race rituals?
KC: We always huddle up and pray.
MR: Favorite cross country course?
KC: Missouri Southern was pretty fun.
MR: Favorite competitor?
KC: I respect them all.
MR: Favorite workout?
KC: Mile Repeats