He first told the world about his goal in cross country. At the state meet, as long time commentator Ricky Quintana asked him about his plans for the spring, his eyes lit up. "All great miler's goal is to break four... and I'm going to go after that (this spring)" While most runners who have run competitively in the mile may dream of one day running a four minute mile, few will actually say it out loud. Fewer have the courage to announce it to the world, especially attached with a timeframe. But that's exactly what Joe did.
This discussion blew up on the forum this winter, where keyboard pundits put his chances at anything from even odds to non-existant. No matter, he won't let anyone shake his faith. And one thing few would doubt: if anyone has a shot at it this year, it is Joe. Few high school athletes can claim to have the versitility, natural ability, determination, confidence, and genes that Joe has--all of the elements needed to challenge the almost untouchable barrier that was once thought to be humanly impossible.
Joe has a history of defying critics who try to put boxes around his abilities. Not long ago, he wasn't considered a great distance runner. But then this fall he proved them all wrong with an undefeated regular season, including a state championship and a 15:22 5K PR to cap off his season at the All-Star Meet. It wasn't long before that that some questioned whether he should focus on the mile, afterall as a sophomore he ran a 1:50.92 800 in the slow heat at Nike Outdoor. Joe answered that by setting the state meet 1600m record with a 4:08.84 time. He combines 47 400m speed (some say he splits 46.high) with a 15:22 5K!
And now we come to the present. His father, himself a former SEC Champion, has made him well aware of the sacrafices it takes to take his game to the next level. And Joe has accepted the challenge. In past seasons Joe has accomplished these impressive marks with a fairly skrawny 135-pound frame, but this winter he is hitting the weights hard. The Godby High senior is adding on some strength and another 15 pounds, more typical for true mid-distance runners, to go along with the stamina the summer and fall of endurance focus has built. He may just prove the doubters wrong again!
And even if he doesn't.... it will be an exciting trip. And we plan to take you on the ride with him this spring. Starting today we will get as close to walking in Joe's shoes as we can, as he tells us of the trials and tribulations, training and dedication, careful planning and emotions that he experiences in his quest.
In his first two entries published today, Joe talks about the training he is doing this week leading up to his January 26 appearance at the Boston Indoor Games. Enjoy!
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