Fill out Salute to Seniors Form
Name: Kyle Hartford
Team: South Portland
When and how did you get into track and field?
I got into track in middle school because I couldn't do soccer as a 6th or 7th grader. My dad also wanted me to run because he used to do track/xc when he was in high school. My good friend Jack Nickerson who I met through track also got me into doing xc, which I'm very grateful for.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would say my greatest competition was probably my best friend Brady Guay. I first met Brady at a local 5k (when I was in 8th grade & he was in high school) and from that point on I looked up to him. Brady was much better than me but doing summer mileage/runs with him got me really motivated and inspired to be like him. I also had some good competition with Harrison Jones and Jack Smart which was always really fun. We would always race each other on strides (they would dust me every time) but get a good time and laugh out of it.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
I would have to say one of my greatest accomplishments was breaking 17 minutes in the 5k. When I was a freshman/sophomore I would've never thought that I could run that. It definitely took a while to set in, but it was one of my big goals in high school running.
How has track and field impacted your life?
Track/XC has only impacted my life in so many positive ways. I've learned great life lessons, I've met lifelong friends, and I've experienced some amazing memories. This sport means a lot to me and I'm very glad that I chose to stick with it. I would also like to say that I'm very proud to be a part of the South Portland teams and the people that are on it. I'm very thankful for all the memories over the past 4 years and I wouldn't trade them for a thing. The best decision of my life.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My greatest obstacle was probably myself. It took me a while to really not doubt myself, or tell myself I can't do something or that I'm not good enough. I also had obstacles during my sophomore and senior year. In my Sophomore year, I had (what I believe) were growing pains in my lower back. This didn't get any better with running and after almost every practice I was unable to move without having sharp excruciating pain. In my Senior year, I experienced a lot of sickness and shin splints during my outdoor season. This was very hard on me as it was my last season and this affected races, training, and confidence.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I usually try to get some good sleep the week leading up to the race along with the night before. Then I eat a good breakfast with foods I'm used to and aren't too heavy such as eggs, toast, or a bagel. Before my race/event, I try to focus on what I'm running and get a good warmup in (usually alone) and some good stretching.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
My coach had a massive influence on my high school career in so many ways. My coach taught me many life lessons not just with running but also in the real world. Something the coach would always say and live by is "no negativity", this is something that I took to heart and used in my high school career.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
No. Quite literally all I do is run.
What are your college plans?
I plan to major in exercise science and run XC/Track at the University of Southern Maine.
What are your long-term goals?
My long-term goals are to graduate with a degree in exercise science and also hopefully coach for xc/track one day. I also hope to gain some guidance from the USM training, coaches, and program.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would first off like to thank my parents for always supporting me, especially my dad. He has shown up to every race/meet of my running career and that means a lot. I also want to thank my Coach (Kahill) for shaping me into the person I am today and being the best coach I could've asked for. I want to thank my teammates and friends for being the best teammates I could ever ask for as well as pushing me day in and day out. Lastly, I would like to thank Brady Guay for being my best friend and taking me under his wing. He has taught and inspired me so much and I look up to him, Thank you, bro.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Some advice I would give to younger athletes is good sleep/sleep schedule, lifting, consistency/work ethic, and lastly to have fun.
