Shorecrest Prep senior Luke Peterson is the third best returner in 1A after running 16:09.90 at the 1A Region 1 Championship. Peterson was 12th at the state meet and will look to lead the charge for the Chargers team title run.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running track when I was 7 years old. Competitive even as a second grader, I was disappointed with my consistent second place finishes in the mile for the Presidential Fitness testing we participated in for PE. I asked the boy who won every time how he had gotten so fast, and he told me that he ran track and the name of his track club. A week later, I went to my first practice for the Running Soles Youth Track Club, and I’ve been running ever since.
Do you remember your first real race?
Yes. My first cross-country race was as a sixth grader. I managed to break the top 7 on our team at an early season time trial and ran at the flrunners.com Invitational 10, finishing in a time of 18:29.
How is your summer training going?
My summer training is going very well. Our team went to the Appalachian State Team Camp where we got to experience hilly conditions and bearable running weather. I’ve increased my mileage and hope to see positive results once the season begins.
What is your favorite workout?
I love speed workouts. I recently ran a 14x400 workout, and doing more than a 5K of 400s felt great.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
The Mountain Dew Invitational, flrunners.com Invitational, and Pre-State for the first time.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course is on Holy Trinity’s campus. This has been the 1A Region 3 course for the past 2 years; however, we aren’t in their region anymore, so I won’t get to run there this year.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
The course at Wide World of Sports was tough in the past, but with the addition of multiple Mount Mickeys (7 or 8 small, steep hills back to back for about 100 meters total) near the start of the race, the course, mixed with mid-afternoon October heat, takes a toll on any runner’s body, making for a challenging race.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
This track season, three members of our cross country team (Justin Scoby, Casey Cureton, and myself) along with freshman Evan Stypinski were brought together in the 4x400 a week before the district meet. We were district champions, region runner-ups and finished 8th at the state meet in a school record of 3:31.62.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
This season, I am hoping to break 15:30 and help my team compete for the 1A state title.
What do you love most about running?
My favorite thing about running cross-country is the experience to be had before, during and after the race with my team. Singing and dancing to some “classics” such as Fergie and High School Musical is a great way to avoid tensing up before a race and to unwind on the long ride home. I’ll definitely miss the music, NERF wars, and overall foolishness that has made high school cross-country so enjoyable. A post-workout/race ICEE makes any amount of leg pain worth it.
Finish the sentence: Luke Peterson is _______.
Luke Peterson is ready to succeed.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Luke. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“I’m not talented enough to run and smile at the same time. Good thing it’s not figure skating. You only get points for speed, not style.” - Emil Zatopek
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Before every race, I douse my legs with Biofreeze, sing with the boys, and lead our active stretches and stride-outs.
What is your favorite food?
In my opinion, nothing beats a 16oz ribeye medium-rare.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
I recently saw Mission Impossible Rogue Nation. Someone told me that Tom Cruise does his own stunts right before the movie, so I pretty much sat in my seat stunned at what he was doing for the entire movie.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train in Mizuno Wave Rider 18s and race in NIKE spikes or flats depending on the course’s surface.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
As I am a lifelong Seattle Seahawks fan, I’d love to meet Russell Wilson.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Once I began running as a 7 year old, I ran everywhere and didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was 15.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
An ICEE machine, DirecTV (with NFL Sunday Ticket), and my dog, Reno.
More Coverage