After coming through with a big track season last spring that culminated in a 9:35 3200 at region, Steven Fernandez had even bigger plans for cross country. The Colonial High senior was one of the top cross runners in Central Florida and the 4A. He ran a PR of 15:35 at flrunners 10, had impressive runner-up finishes at Orlando Metros and the Disney Classic and took the tape at Edgewater and District before finishing 8th in the state with a 15:58 at Little Everglades.
In this interview I talked with Steven about the past season, his training, and what's next for this up-and-coming distance star.
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- Jason Byrne, flrunners.com
Congratulations on such a great cross country season. It was a really big breakthrough season for you. You showed some signs of it last track season with that 9:35 at regionals, but I don't think most people expected you to be as strong: 8th place at State, 15:35 PR at flrunners, great performance at Metros and Disney. Were you surprised or what are your reflections back on the season?
- Steven Fernandez
Thanks, yeah, many didn't expect me to be as strong this past cross country season due to the fact that my junior year I didn't do so well because I didn't put in a good summer, but I definitely made it up during track season running that 9:35--which surprised many, even myself. I wasn't satisfied with that cross season so I really did a lot of stepping up and worked real hard last track season. Knowing what I was capable of doing, I put in a great summer running a little over 700 miles which really did pay off and (everyone saw) the results. (I was very proud of) all those results cross season because I worked real hard and both my coaches, Coach Plascencia and Coach Calhoun, pushed me and encouraged me to keep going and never stop. My team also helped a lot on pushing me and motivating while at the same time running their best and having a great season, which there is still more to come for them in the future.
- JB
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
- SF
Well I started running in 8th grade. It all started due to the fact that I played for Liberty Middle School soccer team. I played mid-field so I did a lot of running and my soccer coach, Coach Bannon told me I should run track for Liberty. So i tried out, made the team and ended up being their fastest miler and 800 runner. From there Coach Plascencia called me and told me I should try out for their cross country team and, (by the middle of my freshman season, I) ran varsity and became their number four runner with my fastest time of 17:25.
- JB
What have you been doing with yourself and your training since November 21 (state meet)?
- SF
Since the State Meet I haven't stopped running. During December I did a lot of easy running such as 6-10 miles and tempo runs. I have done my long runs on the weekends and now in January we have started our workouts. I've been focusing a lot to prepare myself for whats coming this track season and looking forward to it.
- JB
I'm sure you have a favorite "light day" or fun workout to keep it light. What is your favorite workout or activity to mix it up and keep it fun?
- SF
My light days are mostly the days I don't have workouts, so as a team we go for a easy 6-8 mile run and talk with the teammates and coaches and have a couple of laughs during the run which entertains us. I also like running trails and having nice scenery around me . My favorite workout would be 666, which involves six 300 meters, six 200 meters, and six 100 meters. Even though they hurt, that's the only sprinting I really get to do since I'm a distance runner and they are over quick.
- JB
Are you looking more toward focusing on the 1600 or 3200 this spring? And what are your goals for yourself?
- SF
This track seaso--just as last year--I'm focusing more on the 3200. I believe that's where I have my biggest shots in accomplishing my goals and coming in the top places in State. My goal is to run low 4:20's or high 4 teens for the mile. I'm trying to break the school record which is 4:18. I broke the school record which was 15:40 and I ran 15:35 for 5k. And I also want to break the school record for the 3200 which is 9:10. While trying to break those records, which are held by Alex Wills, I should be one of the fastest for 4A this season which is going to be really exciting.
- JB
Have you made any college visits yet and any announcement coming soon?
- SF
Yes, I have made the decision and I committed to run for USF, I can't wait and it's going to be an interesting exprience there.