Shane Moskowitz (Sr., Central Kitsap, WA) is having a great cross country season thus far, but he is far from finished.  The Washington state standout entered this fall as one of the top returnees in the nation after a big track season, which saw him run sub-9 for 3,200m at the Washington State T&F Championships.

Distance Gala co-meet director Scott Bush caught up with Moskowitz this past weekend, with the senior discussing a variety of topics, including where he's going to college next fall, how his season is going and being part of the strong distance running community in Washington.  Read about Moskowitz in what is to be the first athlete interview of many as the championship races approach.

Scott Bush (SB): You've had a nice start to your season thus far.  At this point in the year, how are you feeling about everything?

Shane Moskowitz (SM): Thus far in the season I am feeling very confident. I have been having some of my best workouts lately, even with a minor calf injury. Probably the best workout was about two weeks ago when I ran 6x1600 at 4:41 pace with 4-5 minute rest. And all together fitness-wise, I think I am in the best shape of my life.

SB: Last year you really took a big step forward during the cross country season, then took it even further with a great track season.  What have you learned from all the success you've had over the past year and how are you using that to take one more leap this fall?

SM: Definitely the thing I have learned most about my success is that the off-season training is key to any runner's success. Putting in the base mileage has really shaped these last two seasons and I am hoping it will do the same for the post-season coming around the corner.

SB: Washington is such a strong state for distance running.  What's it like being part of such a strong distance running community?

SM: Competing against guys in Washington is something I am very fortunate for. I don't think I would be as successful if I hadn't had guys like Rob Webster, Miles Unterrainer, Johnathon Laufler and Joey Bywater to look up to, and try to strive for what they have done. It really is a motivator . 

SB: You recently accepted a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University.  Why'd you pick OSU?

SM: I chose OSU because they represent orange and black which are my high school colors, as well as the great camaraderie I felt they had when I took my official visit! It was something else to hang out with a group of talented guys that knew how to have a lot of fun, but when it came down to business you could see that they all wanted the same thing! A team national title. And when your part of a national caliber team, it almost certainly says you're going to have the best group of training partners to push you! 

That's what I'm looking for, to get pushed to the next level, everyday. And lastly, but most importantly, Coach Dave Smith is an awesome guy, who really has taken that team from the bottom to the top since he's been coaching. And I have full confidence that with his help, and the help of a strong training group, that I can get where I want to be in this sport.

SB: Your sister runs as well, and it seems you two are pretty close.  What's it like having your sister on the team, and both of you succeeding at such a high level?

SM: Me and my sister are best friends. And I honestly can say she is my biggest fan, as well as I am her biggest motivation. She cheers me on all the time while I just nag on her to go out and run everyday. So I guess I am the bad guy of the two :) and I was really proud to see Shannon have a break out season last year.  I am just hoping she gets back to strength after some bad iron deficiency problems this year.

Quick Six

SB: Favorite movie?

SM: Knocked Up

SB: Shoes you train in?

SM: Brooks Adrenaline or Axiom

SB: Best band?

SM: John Mayer

SB: Favorite pre-race meal?

SM: Wafflers and peanut butter w/ syrup

SB: Car you drive?

SM: I wish I drove

SB: Favorite professional runner?

SM: Bernard Lagat