Matt Baum (flrunners.com): So, you just had your Regional Meet the other day and had some pretty good performances. Were you satisfied with your times and how things went?
Justin Harbor: I was pleased with my pr in the 1600 meters it was what I projected it to be. I was pleased with the meet and the nice facilities, the competition was stacked. My 3200 meter was a challenge after coming back from the 1,600 meter against Coleman Hoover and the competitiors were fast.
MB: The 1,600 was extremely close. Coleman Hoover just edged you out. Will you be gunning for him at State or do you think you'll lay back and focus on the 3,200?
JH: Oh, I will do everything that I can to win the 1,600 and the 3,200 meters. I believe in that every race you do at that level, that you do it 110% so I will go for the double and hopefully succeed.
I feel I have a lot of pressure coming into the State Meet because of FPC's wins in the 1,600 the past four years in a row and a few others so I hope to make this year #5 on FPC's 1,600 meter wins at state and #2 for the 3,200 meter
MB: Do you have any time goals in mind? Perhaps go after your 9:18 PR?
JH: Well, after the 1,600 meter I'm sure I will not be feeling up to par for it, but if my 110% effort takes me to a new PR then so be it. In the 1,600 my main goal is to PR, a specific time I can not say, I am just going to go as fast as possible.
MB: Can you give us some quick insight to how your coach, Peter Hopfe has you tapering for the State Meet this weekend?
JH: I am not tapering for the State Meet. My main focus is AOC and other post season races.
Personal Facts:
Birthdate: February 25, 1988
Height: 6'1
Weight: 136
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MB: Speaking of Coach Hopfe-- There are some rumors that he might be retiring at the end of this track season. Is there any truth to this buzz?
JH: Coach Peter Hopfe's status has changed at the high school. Yet he still coaches me.
MB: Getting back to what you mentioned before-- You specified that you'll be focusing mainly on AOC and other post season races. What's your plans for those races?
JH: My plan in those races will be to represent Florida as best as possible and go for a major PR in th 3,200.
MB: Other than AOC, what other races will you be running?
Favorites:
Favorite Band: Jack Johnson
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Runner: Haile Gebreselassie
Favorite Hobby Besides Running: Suring with the teammates
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JH: We have a tentitive schedule with meets and are awaiting confirmation and travel arrangements. AOC for sure. Possibly Golden South, Boston races that Sam [Vazquez] did last year maybe, and possibly JR. Nationals.
MB: Will you attending any camps this summer?
JH: Yes, Brevard Running Camp in the beautiful North Carolina for two weeks. Everyone should come! Great experience.
MB: OK, man. I think that about wraps it up. Thanks for the interview and good luck to you this Saturday.
AJ:Thanks, man and I enjoyed it!
Matt Baum (flrunners.com): So, you just had your Regional Meet the other day and had some pretty good performances. Were you satisfied with your times and how things went?
Justin Harbor: I was pleased with my pr in the 1600 meters it was what I projected it to be. I was pleased with the meet and the nice facilities, the competition was stacked. My 3200 meter was a challenge after coming back from the 1,600 meter against Coleman Hoover and the competitiors were fast.
MB: The 1,600 was extremely close. Coleman Hoover just edged you out. Will you be gunning for him at State or do you think you'll lay back and focus on the 3,200?
JH: Oh, I will do everything that I can to win the 1,600 and the 3,200 meters. I believe in that every race you do at that level, that you do it 110% so I will go for the double and hopefully succeed.
I feel I have a lot of pressure coming into the State Meet because of FPC's wins in the 1,600 the past four years in a row and a few others so I hope to make this year #5 on FPC's 1,600 meter wins at state and #2 for the 3,200 meter