(Photo by Tom Connor)
With Joe Granberg putting up a recent victory and unfortunate runner-up placements against some of South Florida's best runners, he is quickly making a name for himself as one to look out for come November in Tallahassee. Being his coach, I decided it was time the rest of Florida gets to know the Vero Beach High School stand-out a little better.
How long have you been running and how did you start?
I'm going on my fourth year of running cross country and track for Vero Beach High School. I've always enjoyed running for as long as I could remember. My brother Ray and sister Ashley ran cross country at VBHS, which influenced me greatly to join as a Freshmen. When I was younger, I would watch my siblings at meets running through the mud and couldn't wait to join!
How did summer training go?
My summer training went great! I worked very hard over the past couple of months and ran at a higher level of mileage then ever before. My brother Jimmy and I went to a running camp at the University of North Florida in July. We had a great experience! I learned so much about how to be the best runner I can from Coach Pigg, Coach McCarty, and some of the student athletes. I also trained hard in Northern New Jersey for three weeks in August to finish off summer running.
What are your goals for this season?
My goals are to see my team and I go back to the state championship, run as fast as I can, and to improve my times.
What races are you looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to competing in the Spanish River, FLrunners.com , and Fleet Feet invitational, and of course the district, regional, and state meet as well
What's your favorite workout?
By far, my favorite workout is mile repeats. They are an excellent way to get mentally stronger and very effective way to get faster for cross country. Also, the mile is my favorite event.
What's your favorite course?
The toughest course I've ever ran on is definitely the Mount Dora Bible Bulldog Invitational because of the super steep hills.
What's the toughest course you've ran on?
My favorite course is the Mt. Dew Invitational in Gainesville because I had such a awesome experience running there as a freshmen. I liked the nice golf course grass, Spanish moss hanging from the trees, the nice hills, and the dew on the ground. When I think of "cross country", I think of that race.
What do you love most about running?
My favorite part about running is there are no limits, you can always improve yourself if you continue to work hard and never give up. Also I have met some of my best friends thanks to cross country. (Shouts out to my boys, VBHS XC) I like how everyone is good friends with each other and we hang out together, like we're one big family. Also getting support from my coach, Mrs. April, my family, and my friends.
Out of all your accomplishments thus far, which one stands out the most?
I would have to say my biggest running accomplishment thus far is coming in 11th in the 4A state championship 1600m, and 12th in the 4A 3200m.
(Photo by Jeff Adams)
What attributes do you have that you think sets you aside from other elite high school runners?
I'm always looking to develop as a stronger, faster runner. I give everything I have all the time.
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
I like to eat pasta with teammates the night before a race. Before the race, my team and I pray and do our sick Indian war chant, which has been school tradition for years. I would say its the loudest, best chant on the start line.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway"- John Wayne
What brand of shoes do you prefer for training and racing?
I train in Nike Pegasus and Nike Zoom Elite's. I race in Nike Victory's and Nike Matumbo's.
What athlete would you most like to meet?
I'd most like to meet Roger Bannister.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know that the Vero Beach High School Boys Cross Country Team and I will be dropping our DEBUT MIXTAPE! Its going to be hype! Shouts out to the boys : Slim Jim, P Money Zatz, D Money Hillary, Stevie B, Big Money Mouso, Yung Money Yoerin, Joven Pacante, Little Money Zatz, Big Money Brian, Big Money Ells, Heavy Money Huesca, and Rolls Royce Rustay.
If you were stranded on an island with three things, what would they be?
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, jumper cables, and soy sauce packets.
