Cole, It's October and you are still undefeated this season! Has this been a dream season, did you think this sort of start was possible?
This season has been very special, Crossing the line first is something I never take for granted, and I've been fortunate enough to be able to do it in every race so far. Coming into the season I knew I had put in the miles and thought I had the talent to have a solid start so I knew it was possible but I didn't know I'd still be undefeated in October.
10th in the 3200 at State- The last time you lined up at the start line in Jefferson City you were 62nd. Some may think you came out of nowhere, but we know that is not the case. Tell us about your journey.
The main reason people think I've come out of nowhere this season is because I did not have a cross country season last year due to a back injury. I have been training hard ever since I've been cleared to run again. My 10th place finish in the 3200 at State was not the finish I had hoped for so I used it as a motivator to try and have a break out season in cross. I put in a lot of miles over the summer and I've been working hard to get where I am now. People might think I have come out of nowhere but I don't think I have.
Tell us more about your injury that kept you out in 2011?
The back injury I mentioned earlier was not so much of an injury. I had an aneurysmal bone cyst in my T1 vertebra. I found out about the cyst because it caused a stress fracture in the same vertebra, which is what caused the pain that made me unable to run. I had surgery to remove it and everything went well, I am thankful and blessed that it was only a temporary setback and I have learned not to take my health for granted. I now appreciate my ability to run so much more.
The Kansas City area has had a great tradition of distance runners - What have your learned from them?
Some of the most important things about running, I've learned from great runners from the KC area. My old team mate Justin Brown taught me to always have fun, and stay relaxed before big races. Zach Herriott has given me quite a bit of advice, like to never put too much pressure on yourself and how to use races that you're not happy with to motivate yourself. Then just by racing runners from the KC area I've learned how to race smart.
Where do you race next?
My next race is Districts at lake Jacomo in Lees Summit.
Photos courtesy of Michael Frazier
