When Shark Attacks

Matt Baum (flrunners.com): How did your summer go, Bryan?

Bryan Sharkey: It went pretty well, I started a week after Adidas Outdoors and I went on a couple of family trips to Maine and the Bahamas and ran there. Maine really helped because of the altitude and cool weather so that was fun. After that for 2 1/2 weeks went to running camps. First I went to Appalachain State with Tampa Jesuit. We had a lot of nice runs there and I enjoyed hanging out with the team. Then I met up with my teammates and running club in Blowing Rock with Andy Biladeau and stayed at Zap Fitness. We had amazing runs there and I got in a decent amount of mileage. All the kids were great and it was a ton of fun hanging out with all these cool kids (Jose Garcia, Andrew Martin, Jordan Adler, and Andy). All around it was great and the first year I really dedicated myself to training consistently.

MB: How was ZAP? Did you get to run with any of the guys there?

BS: Actually we ran with the two of the girls on runs. It was fun because they are just as fast as you and aiming for the same sort of goals, so it was variety. About Zap Fitness it was a lot of fun. The guys there are awesome, so nice and willing to talk about anything. The stories about their careers starting in high school to present were unbelivable. One of the main guys who runs the place Pete was such a nice guy and really had some great pointers on training and stuff. It was so much fun and we are thinking about going back next year. Les Adler who headed the thing always comes up with the best places to stay and train and i trust his judgment thoroughly after this experience.

MB: Can you tell us how your training is going now?

BS: It's ok. At the start of the summer I think I was pushing it a little too hard with like 3 workouts a week. After getting to the running camps I kind of got a better sense what i should be doing. With all the base I've been putting in a tore a tissue in my knee and had to take off a couple days. After consulting the doctor he said I could run but I had to be on medication. I am still on the medication, but it doesnt really hurt anymore (the doctor thinks it was cause by my patella's being moved around too much). Anyways, I toned it down after the injury but now I am picking it up again. I really just want to stay healthy because I had a couple serious sicknesses during track last year and I want to avoid that. My coach really knows what he's doing, with Les' help I think he can really help improve the team and I when it comes time for State.

MB: Saturday you competed in the Gulliver Invitational. How did that go for you?

BS: It went pretty well actually. I mean I was not that nervous going in being the first CC race and all but I love the course and the 10 hours of rain before made it even that much crazier. I would have to say I was looking for the win but it was really to get a time basis for the rest of the season. as a team we only ran five guys so i knew I had to help them out but Belen looked too good. It was really a four man race between Eddie Arguello, Javier Cruz, Larry Woerner, and me. We went out in like 5:17, but then slowed to like 10:50. I didn't really feel a change of pace but after that they started pushing pretty hard and I dont think I had the power aerobically right now to stay with them. That was probably the biggest dissapointment I thought I was stronger then I was. It was fun though racing again and having a teammate to run with. Javier did great and there was no excuse for me not beating him, he is very strong and it should be fun between all of us the rest of the season.

MB: How's the rest of the team looking for this season? You guys took a pretty big hurting because of graduation.

BS: Yea, Andrew and Jordan weren't only great runners but great leaders and friends. I learned so much from them and I'm using it to motivate the rest of the team this year. We aren't that strong right now, but were definitely getting there. We really have five seperate from the rest and the next five guys are all close so we want to see who deserves those last 2 spots. All the guys are great and motivated and since the other four besides me are seniors look for them to really put everything on the line this year. They all love running and are more into it then ever this year. I dont think we are at Bishop Kenny's level yet, but hopefully we can work up to that as the season progresses.

MB: Fast fowarding a little bit to the end of the season. What do you think about State as an individual? Think you have a shot at the title?

BS: It's definently a goal of mine. I think I have a good shot but there a lot of great runners out there. Andy is the clear favorite but most of the other runners are down here. I really just want to work first with the guys in Dade County and then with their help I can work up to putting myself in position for that state title. I'm looking foward to the challenge and I know it's going to be really hard with all the talent in the state this year. I really want to work with Larry to help get that individual title but I really just want to help the team accomplish their goals and pull them closer to a state title. I really enjoy all the competition our class has and thats what makes it fun. I am really looking foward to the next couple months.

MB: You ran a monster PR at Footlocker South last fall (15:48). That time would have placed you within in the top 50 in the seeded race and puts you as the 15th returnee. Do you think qualifying for Nationals is in reach?

BS:Yes. I mean there are a lot of guys who didnt run the seeded race last year that might come this year so that makes it that much harder but I really love that meet. It's been a goal of mine for a long time but there a lot of guys that are better then me in the race. I have no doubts though that I won't be able to race with them come Thanksgiving. I enjoy the whole atmosphere of the race and I hope Florida can qualify at least 2 guys like last year, but right now though I'm first aiming towards running well at State, but I would really love to qualify for Nationals.

MB: I know it's probably about a year away, but have you narrowed down any colleges?

BS: Not really. I mean I have some time, but i read Running With The Buffaloes and that really got me interested in Colorado. My parents both went to UF, so that is another school that is up there on my list. I mean I am kind of thinking D1, but I also have to look at a good academic school. I am not basing my choice fully on running. It will really be what has the best combination of athletics, but somewhere I can really recieve a good education to help me after running.

MB: Alright, Bryan. That does it. Thanks for the interview and good luck to you and your team this fall.

BS: Thank you, Matt. I really appreciate it!