Matt Baum (flrunners.com): Things seem to be going really well this season, Eric. Everything seems to be clicking at the right time.
Eric Mayes: Yeah, I've been working over the summer and the past months to peak right about now and it seems to be working.
MB: I assume your training is going well. Can you tell us a little about what you're doing?
EM: Well I started easy over the summer and then in July I went to running camp in North Carolina. Since then about 50 miles a week and 2 workouts a week.
MB: You had a pretty good race today at your District meet. Can you bring us through that a little bit?
EM: Today was a very good day for myself and my team. Everything's finally coming together. The race started at a slow pace and Alex running right next to me. We went through the mile somewhere around 5:12. We stayed with the pack until 2 miles where Alex made his move and I gave everything I had staying with him till the end where he had more kick than I did.
MB: Yeah, as the 3A boys pollster, I've really noticed some sort of improvement each week. That has to be a pretty good feeling to have your team running really well.
Personal Stats
Birthdate: 10/30/86
Height: 6'0
Weight: 145
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EM: We always like getting some props every week in the rankings. It gives me a little drive to see that all my hard work is paying off. But that is our goal to improve a little each week until State.
MB: I'm sure you guys have some sort of goals in mind heading into Tampa.
EM: PR's for everyone is the main goal. Our other main goal is to get 2nd place and bring home some glass.
MB: Will you and your team be heading up to Footlocker South at the end of November?
Training Shoe: Nike Air Skylon
Racing Spike: Nike Kennedy/Ventulus (depending on course)
Favorite Runner: Clarence Williams
Favorite Bands: Rage Against the Machine, Swishahouse, The Offspring
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EM: I'm going to go and a couple other guys have shown interest. But I think we're going to see how the legs are holding up after State.
MB: You kind of made your breakout during last track season. You broke 10:00 a few times, are you looking foward to this spring?
EM: Oh, definitely. I'm going to try and hit some big marks in track this year. I'd like to go 4:20 and 9:20. I think I'm going to try and get in some big races instead of just local ones like last year.
MB: Will we see you in any indoor races this winter?
EM: If I can find one that I qualify for I'd like to. I've never raced indoor before so that would be cool if I could get into one.
MB: I heard you have a pretty cool coach. I've heard some things about a donut workout. Can you tell us about that?
EM:The Donut Workout is like the gut workout. It starts by eating a donut and then running a lap under 75. Then you're on a 3:30 clock to eat and run a lap as many times as you can. The record is 14 by Brent Schneider and I won last year with 12. As I was shoving the 13th one down I threw up everywhere so it was a good time.
MB: I also hear you're in a band, ATO.
AB: Yeah we used to play all kinds of shows almost every weekend. We even played at our home Cross Country meet. But we're laying back a little now since I'm running every weekend. But we'll be back on the scene in December.
ATO FACTS
Members: Ryan Godwin (Guitar, Vocals), Ben Hill (Bass), and Eric Mayes (Drums, Vocals)
Established: Fall of 2000
Equipment: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Dollar Bin Sticks
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MB: Alright, I think that about does it. Thanks a ton, Eric. Good luck to you and your team on the rest of the season.
EM: Thanks, it was fun.