We begin our new series, Thursday Conversations, with Amos Bartlesmeyer, MICDS senior and two-time state champion. The reigning Class 3 1600m champ opened his track season at the Arkansas HS Invitational with incredible times of 4:13.26 for the full mile at 1:52.56 for 800m.
MoMileSplit: How is winter training going? What kind of workouts had you done to prepare for Arkansas?
Amos: Going very well. I took a week off after state XC and then got back to work. I have been doing some longer workouts, for example 1200s at a brisk two mile pace and tempo runs, mixed with speed workouts, for example 200 repeats at 800 pace. The goal for this phase of my training is to develop my endurance and muscular coordination.
MoMileSplit:What were your goals for the meet?
Amos: My goal was to run a faster mile time than last year and to win. I accomplished nearly all of my goals, but just got beat at the line in the 800. However, I was still very happy with my double.
MoMileSplit: How did you feel going into the last lap of the mile? Obviously you closed incredibly strong, do you think you could have gone even faster?
Amos: I'm confident in my ability to close quickly, so throughout the race I made sure I was sticking on Trevor and covering his moves. Going into the last lap I was right where I wanted to be. I'm sure I can go faster than that in the mile, but I'm not sure how long that will take. This race played to my strengths, it was a negative split, but with a quicker first half I think I can run faster overall.
MoMileSplit: Whats next on your schedule? What other indoor meets will you be doing before outdoor starts up?
Amos: I will only be doing one indoor meet as of now, the Kentucky HS Invitational in late February.
MoMileSplit: Why did you chose to go to Georgetown? What was the deciding factor?
Amos: All the schools I was choosing from were excellent academically, and I was able to narrow it down to two that in my mind had the best track programs. I chose Georgetown because it felt like the right place for me, a place where I would be happy and motivated to work hard day in and day out. However, the great coaching staff, and highly talented runners at Georgetown and in my recruiting class also played into my decision, as well as their ability to give scholarships. Its location in DC and the connection that has to my academic interests didn't hurt either. I'm excited to be a Hoya this fall.
MoMileSplit: What other schools were you looking at?
Amos: In addition to Georgetown, I made official visits to Brown, Penn, and Princeton. I considered other schools before as well, but it came down to those four.
MoMileSplit: Why did you choose to commit so early?
Amos: I wanted to make my decision before the spring so it wouldn't be a distraction and I could focus on school and track. It just worked out that I planned all my officials in early-mid fall and could decide by November. I think it also allowed coaches to prioritize me, because I wasn't making them wait.
MoMileSplit: What are your goals for this season and on at Georgetown?
Amos: My goals this season are to run sub 1:50 in the 800 and under 4:05 in the mile. I want to continue my success at Georgetown and be a contributor to the team on relays.
MoMileSplit: What is your favorite event - 1600m or 800m?
(Amos after crossing the line to win the 1600m for Class 3 in 2012)
Amos: The 1600 is my preferred race. The magic of a 4:00 mile, 60 seconds flat per quarter, has always held an allure for me.
MoMileSplit: What has been your favorite race so far?
Amos: That is a tough question. The mile on Saturday at Arkansas ranks up there pretty high, but the greatest feeling I've ever had in a race might be coming up the final stretch of the state cross country meet this past fall. The energy, crowd, and atmosphere on that day, and in XC in general, are incredible.
More Coverage
Amos Bartelsmeyer's Athlete Profile