Charles Hicks of the Bolles School was the 2016 2A runner-up and ended his season as a Foot Locker National finalist. Learn more about Hicks and his preparation for 2017.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running for about four years now at Bolles. Before that, I would compete once a year at my school in London, England and I really enjoyed the sport so when I came to the States, I was lucky enough to start running immediately.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race was the UNF invite which I ran in seventh grade and I finished with a time of 20:43. It was a great experience for me as I got to compete against guys 4-5 years older than I was and I really took to the sport. The adrenaline rush and the competitive aspect of improving your times has stuck with me as some of the main reasons I love XC.
How is your summer training going?My summer training is going really well, I've been able to be consistent with my practices and stayed true to my training schedule. I'm really looking forward to competing this season.
What was your 2016 XC season like?
My 2016 season was a real breakout year for me. During my 2015 season, I struggled the entire year to break the 16:00barrier which was somewhat frustrating. However, in my first race of the 2016 season, I ran 15:44 and ran each of my remaining races under 16:00 finishing my season with a PR of 15:07, which gave me confidence in my training and myself. Going to Footlocker Nationals was also a fantastic opportunity which I will cherish forever. The athletes were all treated so well and being able to race against such high calibre runners was such a blessing and I hope to reach the national level again this year.
What's a typical training week for you?
A typical training week starts off on Sunday with average mileage in some semi-hilly trails. On Monday, we run an all-out run over a couple miles which is always fun. Tuesday mornings, some of the guys meet at 5:45 in the morning to have a nice recovery run which is always fun because your run takes place over the course of the sunrise. Wednesday mornings we run long mileage with short sprints worked into them. Thursdays we do the same run as Tuesdays but with varying mileage. Fridays we run progression runs on the bridges of Jacksonville. Finally, on Saturdays we do our long run and then prepare for the next week.
Do you have a favorite workout?
My favorite workout is the Long PPM which is all you have for 5-8 miles depending on the week. This workout really pushes each athlete to his or her limits and feels very rewarding if you really push yourself.
My favorite workout is the Long PPM which is all you have for 5-8 miles depending on the week. This workout really pushes each athlete to his or her limits and feels very rewarding if you really push yourself.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
I'll be running in various meets across Florida this year apart from going to the Great American meet in North Carolina.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
I think out of all my running accomplishments, making it to Footlocker stands out the most but going forward I would like to have some records to my name as well.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
This Cross Country season, I would like to win the state championship as a team and as an individual, break the 15:00 barrier, and qualify for a national competition.
What do you love most about running?
What I love most about running is the ability to improve ones self. Regardless of natural talent, each runner has the power to decide whether or not they want to fully commit to their training and this choice will reflect their performance for the rest of their careers. I love the camaraderie of my team as we sweat and endure together looking ahead to November 11th and each asking ourselves, "What have I done to be a state champion?".
The Low Down
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote comes from my coach, It is "you don't have to, you get to" which is a team mentality we have really applied as we understand that the practices are not trials but rather stepping stones to achieve our goals.
My favorite quote comes from my coach, It is "you don't have to, you get to" which is a team mentality we have really applied as we understand that the practices are not trials but rather stepping stones to achieve our goals.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Before every race, I listen to songs from my pre-race playlist which consists of EDM and Woodkid's album "The Golden Age" (highly recommend). I used to carry a speaker on my back and play this music for my teammates and myself to listen to on long runs. Because of this, when I listen to it before a race, it reminds me of all the work and miles I have put into this single moment in my life and how I have the power to make it all worth it. It also reminds me of my teammates and how we have trained hard together and how we are all fighting for each-other as we have been for the past 3 years.
What is your favorite food?My favorite food is Orange chicken, you can't beat it.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was Dawn of the Planet of the apes and it was awesome! Absolutely loved it.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train and race in different brands of shoes. For comfort runs with mileage and recovery, I run in thick and heavy Mizunos. For shorter runs at faster paces I have New Balance lightweight training shoes. For spikes, I have historically gone with Nike however this year I'm deciding whether or not to wear my New Balance National spikes.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I would love to meet Mo Farah. Coming from England, Mo has always been a big inspiration to me and a household name. I've been following him for years now and his continuous success at the international level is awe-inspiring.
What are some things most people don't know about you?
Some things most people don't know about me are: I'm an awful swimmer (though I'm improving), I'm a fanatic for Game of Thrones, I used to hate the taste of water, and I am deathly afraid of puppets and mannequins.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If I were stranded on an island with three things, I would choose a cooler of cool blue gatorade, one big sun umbrella, and the twilight saga as firewood.
