Cooper LaBrant might be one of the smallest runners on the cross country course, but don't let that fool you. We caught up with LaBrant who finished 8th last year in 1A in our latest Spotlight Athlete Feature.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since 6th grade. I started running because my dad was the coach and my older sister Bobbi was on the team.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race was the summer of my 6th grade year. It was called the "Turtle Trot" My grandpa told me if I got below a 24:00 he would buy me ice cream. I got a 23:58 so he bought me ice cream.
How is your summer training going?
My summer training went very good. I felt healthy and did not push my self too hard.
What was your 2016 XC season like?
My 2016 season went great up until I hurt myself. This year I'm taking it a bit more slowly.
What's a typical training week like?A typical training week consist of a long run, speed workouts, fartleks, and recovery runs.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is mile repeats. My coach has us do them probably 2 times a year, but I like them a lot.
My favorite workout is mile repeats. My coach has us do them probably 2 times a year, but I like them a lot.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
This year I'm going to be running a few new courses I've never done. The big meet I'm doing is the FLRunners.com Invitational. I'm trying to talk my Dad (coach) into taking our team to Northport.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course is Taylor Park. I have run there since 6th grade.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
I think the toughest course in the state is Sand Key Park. You start on the beach and then finish on the beach. Almost the whole course is in thick sugar sand, and there is no shade anywhere. Luckily we are not doing it this year!
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My favorite running accomplishment is when I beat my sister Bobbi for the first time. When I was in middle school she would always beat me. I wanted to beat her so bad. The last race of my 8th grade year I beat her time, and also her PR. She didn't really care, but I did.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to stay healthy, set a PR, and place at states.
What do you love most about running?
What I love most about running is the camaraderie between the team. I love showing up to practice and just talking/running with my team.
The Low Down
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is "Never, never, never give up." -Winston Churchill
My favorite quote is "Never, never, never give up." -Winston Churchill
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Something I do before a race is eat a fun size Snickers bar. I did it before my first 5k and have just kept doing it. Plus it tastes good.
What is your favorite food?My favorite food is a bacon burger.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was Wonder Woman ( I liked it a lot ).
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train in Nike. I race in Sketchers or New Balance.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
If I could meet any professional athlete I would pick Jamie's Winston. Plus he got me a ton of points last year in fantasy football.
What are some things most people don't know about you?
Some things people don't know about me is that I'm a huge 'Office' fan. I think that Michael Scott is the funniest person.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Three things I would bring if I were on a stranded island would be. 1- a fishing pole. 2- Chapstick. 3- Boombox with 80's music.
