Plant High School senior Rob Leverone ran a new personal best of 16:16.80 to finish 19th at the 4A Cross Country Finals. Coming off a 7th place finish at the state track championships in the 3,200m, Leverone plans to give it his all in 2015. (Photo By Jeremy Danzie)
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since my freshman year. My dad encouraged me to run going into 9th grade and I really enjoyed it.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race was at the Newsome Wolves Invitational in 2012. It was the hottest race I've ever run and barely broke 20 minutes.
How was your summer training?
Summer training was great. It's tough sometimes when it's in the dog days of summer in Florida, but I've stayed pretty healthy which was my main goal going into this summer.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is "the bear". We do it once a year about and its 4 miles then 3 miles then 2 miles then 1 mile all at faster paces than the previous set.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
This year we will be running Seffner Christian Invitational, Ridgewood Invitational, Pre-State, County Championship, and then the state series.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course is the state and pre state course in Tallahassee, I've always ran well there.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
I think the toughest course is at Sydney Dover Trails which is where the Seffner Christian Invite used to be every year. It has two pretty steep hills and lots of sand so it makes for a really challenging course.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My most memorable running accomplishment would be medaling in the 3200 at the state meet in May. Being able to run with guys that I looked up to made it a really memorable race.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
My goals for this are just to simply give my best effort during every race and to continuously improve throughout the season.
What do you love most about running?
My favorite part about running is that it's one of the only sports that whoever puts in the most work will be best runner. You don't have to be naturally talented to be a great runner.
Finish the sentence... Rob Leverone is ____.
Rob is determined and motivated.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Rob. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
My favorite quote is "it's a great day to be great." - Unknown
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I don't have a set pre-race ritual. I usually just like to relax and get mentally prepared for the race.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Chipotle.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was South Paw and it was awesome.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train in a variety of shoes, but I race in Nike Victorys only.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I would like to meet Johnny Manziel or Jameis Winston.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know I have an aunt that ran for Ireland in the Olympics.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
I would bring a TV that has Netflix set up, a boat, and a cell phone.
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