XC Spotlight: Ilio Sanchez - John I. Leonard

John I. Leonard junior Ilio Sanchez likes his weeks jam packed, running two meets and training in between. The strain hasn't gotten to his legs as Sanchez continues to win area meets and place highly in others including the Cobra XC Invitational and Spanish River Invitaitonal. We caught up with him recently to see how he started in the sport, his favorite courses to run on, goals for 2014, and much more in this XC Spotlight!

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I have been running track since the 6th grade. At first I started running as a training method for BMX, but when I got into the 8th grade I decided to stick to running. 
 
Do you remember your first real race?
 
I remember my first race because it was in 7th grade when I first started cross country and the course was all wet and muddy from the rainy season. 
 
How was your summer training? 
 
My summer training went great although it was always hot. It was the only thing that entertained me during vacation. 
 
Do you do any cross training or specific nutrition plan?
 
My cross training is either cycling, swimming, or racket ball. 
 
What is your favorite workout?
 
During the summer I would run 10-12 miles total every day either continuous or split it between the morning and afternoon. My favorite type of training is a type of duathalon style, which is biking 12 miles all out and running four miles all out right after I get off the bike. 
 
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
 
My favorite course would probably be the state course at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. I think the toughest course in the state would be my home course, because of all the twists and turns it has in it. 
 
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most? 
 
Out of all my running accomplishments so far the one that stands out the most is getting back to back wins at Martin County Under the Lights and TKA Lions Invitational a few hours later for my second year in a row so far. My favorite race would be the Fleet Feet Invitational presented by Saucony because of all the mud and water it can get from the rainy season. 
 
What are your goals this XC season? 
 
My goals this cross country season are to be able to get to a faster time around 15:30 or less and to be one of the top contenders at the Cross Country Finals. 
 
What do you love most about running?
 
What I love most about running is that it's the only thing I look forward to everyday and to be around my teammates as well. 


The Low Down

We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Ilio. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
 
My favorite quote would be, "It's easier to get to the top, but it's a lot harder to stay up there."
 
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
 
My pre race rituals would be putting my legs up against the wall while laying down on my back for an hour the night before a race so that I can get fresh blood circulating through my legs. 
 
What is your favorite food?
 
My favorite food would be pizza for sure!
 
What was the last movie you saw?
 
The last movie I saw was the Italian Job and thought that I would want to drive my dads mini like they do in the movie. 
 
What shoes do you train/race in?
 
The shoes that I would train in would be my Saucony Kinvara 5's and the shoes I race with are the Saucony ShayXC 4's. 
 
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
 
The professional athlete that I would like to meet the most is Mo Farrah because I admire his pace for the mile and the half marathon
 
What is something most people don't know about you?
Something that most people don't know about me is that I'm known around the state for running, but not really known around school since I like to lay low at school. 
 
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be and why?
 
If I were stranded on an island with three things they would be: a spear to catch my food with, a runway for a plane, and a small plane  that I can fly off the island and back to civilization.


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