Cross Country Q&A - Quincy O'Connor

I'll start with my weaknesses as a runner because I think they are easier to pick out. I would say that I tend to worry about pace and splits too much at times. During workouts my coach often has me take off my watch because if I start falling off the pace even slightly I tend to let it get inside my head and the workout as a whole will be effected. My biggest strength I would say is just my passion for the sport. I am able to run so many miles over the summer simply because I love what I am doing while I am out there.

 

You came to Florida from  Buffalo, NY. That is quite a difference in scenery than Orlando isn't it?

 

Yes. I moved from Buffalo, NY after my sophomore year, so a little over a year ago. I started running up there in 7th grade and have been running varsity track and cross country since 8th grade. Both places have been great, but the main difference is the climate and the running environment. Up north I ran a lot of trails and was able to run hilly or flat courses depending on the workout for the day. I find that is much more difficult to find good trails to run on, which is one thing that I have had to adjust to since moving down here.

 

How does all that hill work up north benefit you down here?

 

I think that initially it was a huge benefit. Not only physically, but mentally as well. Having always ran and trained up in New York it was a much easier transition than it would have been if I had moved in the opposite direction. I also think that have ran so much on hills my whole life that they don't seem as daunting to me as they may to someone who is not familiar or comfortable on them. I would definitely say that when it comes to hilly races down here (of which there are few), being from up north gives me a bit of an edge simply because that is what I am used to, and to be honest, I love the hills.

 

What did  your summer training consist of?

 

My summer consisted of around 75-85 miles every week and was mainly just pure running. I didn't do much speed or temp stuff. I focused on building my base for the season. I also spent about a week in Flagstaff, AZ at a McMillan Elite camp. That was great and a nice change of scenery as well running at elevation and with the elite runners out there (including Nick Arciniaga who is running the WC Marathon). Overall, it was a high mileage summer with a bit of hills, but no real speed or tempo work. I also tried to incorporate a lot more core and strengthening exercises than I have in the past. I am really trying to stay healthy throughout the year.

 

Last  year you finished 14th at the 3A Cross Country Championships  in 16:07. Why do you consider that race a slight disappointment and one of your worst races of the year?

 

States last year was at the end of a rough transitional season after moving from New York. I was battling some injuries that had been with me throughout the year and it all built up to that point. I was not in the right place physically or mentally when I got on the starting line. I was upset afterwards mainly at myself for letting all of that get to me and effect my race. 

 

Are there any races you'd consider highlights in your short time at Celebration?

 

My best race last year was probably at districts even though I finished second. It was a learning experience for me. I learned a lot about how to race due to the close race between myself and Will Bridges. I think that race will help make me a better runner this upcoming season.

 

Has anything funny or unusual happened in your time as a runner?

 

The funniest thing that has happened to me running was probably my eighth grade year when I was still living in New York. A bunch of teammates and I were running a warm up mile before a summer practice around 6:30 in the morning. We were all pretty tired and out of it and as we ran all of a sudden we saw two large deer about five yards away from us.  So we had a bit of a stare down before they eventually ran off and we finished warming up. It woke us all up for sure.

 

What are your hobbies outside of running?

 

Outside of running I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have quite a large family (five siblings all close in age) so it's good to be able to spend a lot of my down time with them. Also living so close to both Disney and Universal I hang out with friends a lot either at the parks or around Celebration. I would consider myself a slight nerd. I spend a lot of time reading and studying. I always enjoy a good book. I also am a huge movie buff. I watch movies and go to the theater whenever I have a chance. As far as my favorite movie goes, I would say either Back To The Future 1 or Pulp Fiction. My favorite book is either The Great Gatsby or Crime and Punishment.

 

What are your goals for your senior season?

 

The focus of the season is states, so that will be the most highly anticipated race of the year for me. I will also be running in the Mountain Dew Invitational for the first time this year and that should be fun.  As far as times, I generally am not a time oriented runner. It would not matter to me if I ran 15:45 to win a state title or 14:30. However, my ultimate goal is to run sub 15 and improve my times from all of the courses I ran last year.