Friday Focus: Key West Freshman Nicole Matysik Ready To Make Waves At FLR16 ROC


(Photos by Marie Ohayon)

Key West freshman Nicole Matysik isn't afraid of a little competition. As a matter of fact, a majority of the team's meets are treks from the southernmost point in the continental U.S. to the rest of the mainland. Despite the long drives, Matysik's 18:54.87 at the Pine Crest Invitational is the second fastest of any freshman in Florida behind only Mt. Dora Bible's Rebecca Clark. We caught up with Matysik to talk about the 2015 season and her preparation for the Flrunners.com Invitational 16 Race of Champions.

How did you get started in running?

I started out by running some of the local 5Ks and soon I really fell in love with the sport. I remember my first race. I was nine and it was the Earth Day 5K. I loved it and started training a few times a week and I've been running ever since.

A lot of people think of Key west as fun and lively, lots of fishing as well. What's it like training down there?

It's really hot, but I love it. The atmosphere is always great. I especially love when we run downtown and the tourists always say something like "run Forrest run!"

Does that kind of mix it up a little knowing you have the beach to run on , roads downtown, and then the golf course with the "gauntlet".

It does! We don't run on the golf course except for the meet that we host, but running downtown or along the beach is always nice.

What's a typical training week like?

Monday's is our long run. Tuesday is a track workout. Wednesday is more of a recovery. Thursday is our second track workout. Friday's is usually a recovery too and on Saturdays we usually have a meet, but if we don't we have some type of track workout always. Sunday is our off day. We run on the road almost everyday because even on track days our warmup is done on the road, and the golf course we only run twice in our season.

What's it like being a freshman and being the #1 runner on the team?

Being the first runner on the team is a good feeling, but I know I always have to push myself more because my competition Is training jut as hard even if they're not right next to me at the moment. I usually run with the boys during the workout and that always pushes me.

With Key West being so far away how hard is it for you to get competition?

It's a little difficult because even our closest meet is a good few hours away. We often have to run a meet after spending the last few hours in the car but I don't mind the drive.

This weekend you have been invited to run in the Race of Champions. How have you prepared for this race and what does it mean to you to be in a field with such great competition?

This weekend we've been doing the same basic concepts of the workouts that we have been doing just increasing the amount of reps. Racing in the ROC is really an amazing opportunity and it is taking me to a whole new level. I know that the girls from the team won't be on the line with me but I always run my own race , and I know my teammates will be cheering me on.

What is the game plan coming into Saturday? I know you are familiar with the Pine Crest girls, Brittany Gill from Dillard, Satellite and girls and a couple of others.

I don't really have a "blueprint " for the race, but I do know that I'm going to give it all I have. Knowing that I've given it 101% and knowing I couldn't have given any more than I did is what I would call a success.

The Low Down

Get to know Nicole on and off the course!


Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?

I have a few stretches I always do, including spider man jumps at the start.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Paula Radcliffe.

What is your favorite food to eat the night before a race?

Pasta and salad.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

This one is tough, but I would have to say " pain is temporary but victory lasts forever."

Finish this sentence. Nicole Matysik is ______.

Nicole Matysik is a determined athlete with a love for the sport.

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