Trinity Prep junior Chas Cook has the second fastest time in class 2A, a 16:01.00 at the Katie Caples Invitational. Cook has finished no worse than second in all three races he has run in 2014. His speed is also evident by his 4:34/9:32 1,600 and 3,200m times on the track this spring. We caught up with the Saints number one runner to talk about his start in the sport, the 2014 season, and much more.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I began running when i was in 5th grade. Running was the family sport and my father was the middle school cross country coach.
Do you remember your first real race?
The first real race i remember was when my current teammate Trent Mandato beat me by a fraction of a second in one of my 7th grade races.
How was your summer training?
Summer training in my opinion is harder than in season training. There are very difficult workouts, along with long runs. However it is also one of the most enjoyable part of the season. When I cross train, I usually swim or bike. As far as nutrition goes, on race days Ii have a peanut butter sandwich three hours before the start. Always. Total mileage from this summer is somewhere around the 700-800 miles; about 55-60 miles a week in the peak of the summer training.
What is your favorite workout?
By far my favorite workout is a workout we do at our summer running camp. Its location is to remain secret, but it consists of a 5K race from the bottom of a mountain to the top. There is no flats or downhill.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
The 2013 state championship stands out the most to be. The bond I formed with my brothers that day is one that will never fade. My favorite memory is finishing that race and seeing the look on my coaches face.
What are your goals for the year?
My goal this cross country season is to go well below 16 minutes in the 5k and to place top 10 in state, along with the team winning state as a whole.
What do you love most about running?
The thing i love most about running is the relationships I have formed with the guys on the team. They are my family and the real honor is to run with them.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Chas. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from the movie Cool Runnings said by the fictional coach Irving Blitzen. "Gold medals are wonderful things, but if you're not enough without one, you'll never be enough with one."
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
My pre-race ritual is to eat a peanut butter sandwich 3 hours before the start. Also the chip is always put on my left shoe and if there is water sloshing in my stomach, it will be a good race.
What was the last movie you saw?
The last movie I saw was Draft Day and it wasn't bad. Im not a football guy, but I enjoyed it.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train in the Newton Gravity and I race in the Saucony Kilkenny.
If you could meet any athlete who would it be?
If you could meet any athlete who would it be?
If i could meet a pro athlete it would be, Haile Gebrselassie.He has the 5th fastest marathon time ever recorded, only 50 seconds from the top.
Lastly, what is something most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know that I also participate in triathlons in the summer.
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