Matt Baum (flrunners.com): So, how did the winter treat you, Austin?
Austin Joiner: Coach Butler really got me ready this Winter. Hopefully the base will lead to a successful Spring.
MB: You recently ran the 3,200 at the Steak 'N Shake Invitational held at USF and placed 3rd with a solid time of 9:47. Were you expecting to go that fast this early in the season?
AJ: The race didn't really go exactly as planned. But I PR'd so it's fine.
MB: Rumor has it you're going after Ryan Deak's freshman 2 mile record at NIC.
AJ: That was the plan, but I needed a 9:33 at Steak 'N Shake to qualify for the 2 mile at NIC. Now we are going to try and place well in the Freshman mile.
MB: Are you tossing any times out there for this upcoming track season?
AJ: I just hope to compare to the best Freshman in recent years. The set the bar at 9:19 and 4:20ish, so those are my goals for this season.
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Personal Facts: Birthdate: August 29, 1987 Height: 5'8 Weight: 120 Training Shoe: Mizuno Phantom Racers Racing Shoe: Nike Elderot |
AJ: My most immediate goal is a good showing at the NIC Freshman mile. After that we will have to make some plans for a good 2 mile. Then I would like to help my team through Districts and Regions and do well at State.
MB: You and Trinity Prep Sophomore, Tim McLeod battled it out all season long during cross country. He finally beat you in Tampa at the State Meet. Are you out for revenge?
AJ: Wow, Tim really surprised me at State. He beat me bad. Tim's a funny guy. I guess I owe him one. I always try to compare myself with Tim, like that 4:22 mile is my next goal.
MB: How is your training going now?
AJ: It's going great. We are getting in a lot of good runs and I am excited about the season.
MB: After a huge freshman cross country season, many people are considering you one of the best freshman in the state, perhaps one of the best all-time. How are you approaching that from a mental standpoint?
AJ: Well, ah... I really don't think that's right. Guys like Ryan and Andy are who I think about being the best. I just try to go after their old times. As for mentally, I'm more stressed by this interview than by most races!
MB: Alright, now some easy questions. How exactly did you become a runner and when?
AJ: I started cross training for swimming when I was in the 6th grade. We use to run 3 miles, so Mom mentioned going out for cross country and we did. So I really started with Coach Butler in the 7th grade. That promptly ended my swimming career.
MB: What is a normal day like in the shoes of freshman phenom, Austin Joiner?
AJ: During cross country we have practice at 6 am, so I am up at 5 and out at 5:30. Workouts usually go to 7 or so, then I shower at school and go to class at 8. Two days, after school I go for an extra recovery run. Track practice is usually after school and we work out till about 5. The it's homework, dinner and bed.
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Personal Records: 400: 56 800: 2:08 1,600: 4:31 3,200: 9:47 5,000 15:45 |
AJ: I look to my parents as everyday role models. Ryan Deak is definitely my running role model.
MB: There's a rumor going around that your coach, Doug Butler once had hair. Can you confirm this?
AJ: Yeah, it's true, he had hair. Everyone shaved their heads before State 2 years ago, and his didn't grow back. Just kiddin', he still cuts his.
MB: Well, I believe that concludes the interview. Thank you very much for your time, Austin. FLRunners.com wishes you the best of luck this spring!
AJ: Okay, thank you!