There are a lot of great runners across the country this season, perhaps proving to be the deepest talent in U.S. high school history. One of the leaders of this year's talented group of harriers is Arizona's Brian Shrader (Sr., Sinagua, AZ). Shrader is one of the top returnees from 2008-2009 after an extremely successful cross country season and a track season that saw him win three state titles (800, 1600 and 3200).
This fall Shrader has high hopes, training more than ever before in order to perform his best at the end of the season. Midwest Distance Gala's Scott Bush caught up with Shrader earlier this week, as Shrader talked about his season thus far, his training, the college recruiting process and what type of sunglasses he races in, among other topics.
Scott Bush (SB): Congratulations on a great first half to your season. How's your season been thus far? How's your training going?
Brian Shrader (BS): Thanks! My season has been going great so far. I am getting big course pr's and training has been going smoothly. I'm really happy with where my fitness level is at this point of the season!
SB: You're one of the top returnees in the country this season. What are the expectations as the season starts to get to the big meets now?
BS: As one of the top Foot Locker returnees, I know that there will be high expectations, but in order to reach those expectations I know it will take a lot of hard work, especially with the group of really talented runners this year. I can only control my race though so I try not to worry about anyone else right now. That way, no matter who shows up on the line, I will know that I have done everything I could have to be ready on that day.
SB: What's a typical week of training look like during the season?
BS: Right now my mileage is around 45. This is the most it has been during the season, so I am feeling stronger than I ever have! Monday's and Wednesday's I have workouts and Tuesdays, Thursday's and Friday's are longer runs. Saturday usually is a race and Sunday I do some really easy running. I do core work every day and try to get in some light lifting about twice a week.
SB: I read the other day that you made an official visit to the University of Texas. How's the recruiting process going for you thus far? Any upcoming official visits?
BS: The recruiting process is definitely really demanding! It is overwhelming at times but I am still trying to enjoy it! The visits are fun but very tiring as well. So far I've gone on visits to Texas and the University of North Carolina, which have both been awesome! I also have visits for Oregon and will either do an official or unofficial to Arizona. I still don't know where I will commit though, but I can't wait for when I do! It's so hard to choose!
SB: You have a good rivalry it seems with fellow Arizona standout Steve Magnuson. What's it like having someone like Steve in your state to push you?
BS: Steve and I have been racing since freshman year, so it's really cool to see how far we've come! We actually live pretty far from each other though, with him in Tucson in the south and me in Flagstaff in the north, so we don't get to race too much. But when we do it's always really fun and we bring out the best in each other.
Six Quick
SB: Favorite TV show?
BS: Chuck
SB: Best vacation you've taken?
BS: I went on a cruise last year. You can't beat 24 hour buffets and ice cream!
SB: Favorite professional runner?
BS: Ryan Hall
SB: Favorite food?
BS: Pizza
SB: Car you drive?
BS: Navy Blue Hyundai Tucson
SB: Type of sunglasses do you race in?
BS: Smith Baseline Square
