Salute to Seniors: Peter Giles



When did you first start running, and do you recall any of your childhood races?
I started in 7th grade. I remember winning my first medal at our cross country home meet when I was 13. I placed 14th.

Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?
It was a home track meet and we put together 4x800 that had not been run before and with this team we crushed the rest of the field. That was my sophomore year

What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
I had my first major injury Junior year when I tore my hamstring and was out for 2 weeks. Before I could recover from the I just the season was cut short in early March by COVID

How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?
COVID kept the team from being able to meet up as much during the summer.This just made training not as fun not being able to see the team as much. Had to stay disciplined to make sure I got my runs in with just me and my brother. The team made up for lost time over the summer by meeting up to play ultimate frisbee on Sundays.

Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?
I'm going to Columbia College and I will run for the cross county and track teams

Let's discuss the college searching process. What was that like, and what schools did you look at?
I wanted to stay close to home, find a good coach, good team, and good educational programs. I found all of that in Columbia College. What helped me make the final decision was talking to Grant Uthlaut. He was a senior for Hermann when I was a 7th grader. He ran for Columbia and told me he had a great experience there.

What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running?
I like to play table tennis with my twin and playing PE games outside with my friends.

Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is my dad because he works hard for our family. He's up at 4am and home by 5pm. I know when I'm running at practice he's out there working for our family so I work to make them proud.

Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of things on your list!
Skydive. Bungie jumping. Scuba diving. Ride an elephant. Drive a tank.

What is the best advice you have received?
Better to have and not need then to need and not have.

What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Having Spaghetti and milk the night before every race at team dinner.

If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?
Tennis because I get together with my friends to play sometimes and we always have a good time. It'd be cool to be really good at tennis