(Photo By Jeff Adams)
Mason Jones owns the fastest time of any junior after running 15:47 at the Holy Trinity Fall Classic. He was district champion, fourth at regionals, and sixth at the 2A Cross Country Finals.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running for about four years. I got started in sixth grade when I ran the mile a lot faster than my classmates.
How is your summer training going?
Training this summer is going great I have about 500 miles just as my previous years although I have been running much faster than my years before.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout would have to be mile repeats because I always feel like I have gotten stronger and I have bettered myself.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
We are starting off the season with the Warrior Jamboree. Then we will be running at Wickham Park, then the Astro invite, Katie Caples, UF Mt. Dew invite, Flunners.com Invitational, FSU/Pre-State, Terrier Invite, and then post season races begin.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course is Apalachee Regional Park(Pre-State) because there are a lot of great teams and it gives me a good idea of of my time at state. I think the toughest course is at the UF Mt. Dew invite because there are nice long hills on the course which makes it a nice challenge.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Out of all my running accomplishments I think placing 6th in 2A in the 3200 with a 9:41 last year stands out the most because freshman year I did not make it to state in track.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
My goals for upcoming cross country are to run under 15:30 before post season begins and to be top three in 2A. With all of the summer training I have done I feel stronger than ever and I am ready for the season.
What do you love most about running?
What I love most about running is that I get to be with all my friends and everyone is very supportive of everyone else.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Mason. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." -Rikki Rodgers
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
One pre-race ritual that I have is that I say a personal prayer. We have a team prayer as well but I always do my own too. I just feel like it helps build my strength and confidence.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is baked ziti cause what runner doesn't love carbs?
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was minions. I went to watch it with my family and I thought it was crazy but funny!
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I like to train in Brooks Ravenna because they are very supportive and the fit my feet very well. Although I race in Nike Victory because they look cool.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
One professional athlete I would like to meet would be Mo Farah because he is really fast and he seems like a very nice guy.
What is something most people don't know about you?
One thing that most people don't know about me is that I always think about eating healthy but then I remember how amazing candy is so I definitely need to work on that!
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If I was stranded on an island, three things I would need would be a tent, a water purifier, and sunscreen. (Don't worry I can run barefoot)
