XC Watchlist: Ben Breton Windham HS

XC Watchlist: Ben Breton - Windham HS

Athlete Name: Ben Breton

School: Windham HS

Year of Graduation: 2017

2013 State Meet Finish: 32nd in Class A 18:01.22

 

Tell us how your summer training is going?

My summer training has been going great so far this summer.  I’ve made sure to not increase my mileage too much from week to week, but I’m definitely running much more mileage than last year. I’ve also been biking a lot, which really feels nice to be able take a break from running and still get a nice workout.

 

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goal for the season isn’t to get any specific time, but to finish each race with nothing left.  Hopefully a more specific goal will arise as the season gets closer, but the season is a little too far away to make an accurate goal.
 


How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I joined the track team in 6th grade on a whim, but I didn’t really start distance running until the summer after that.


Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

I won’t be running out of state at all this season, but it would be nice to in the future.  
 


What is your favorite course to run in Maine?

My favorite course is probably Twin Brook.  Although it’s one of the tougher courses in southern Maine, it’s the epitome of a true cross country course.


What is the toughest course to run in Maine?

The toughest course in my opinion is Massabesic.  The long, rolling hills really take a toll and by the end of the course, it felt as though I’d just run a 4 miler.


 What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?

The meet that I really want to do my best at during the season would have to be Belfast.  There’s some fantastic competition there and it’s a great place for a PR.



What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?

My favorite race was one of our home meets last year.  Me and my cousin, Nate Skvorak, really worked together throughout the whole race and both pulled out good times.  He was a great captain to our whole team because of his incredible work ethic and leadership skills. I’ll miss working together with him in races like that.


When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?

When I’m not running, I love to hike, bike, and swim. I love doing these things because they’re not only fun, but you can get a great workout too.


Favorite quote?

“It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” – George Sheehan
 

What shoes do you train in?

I train in Saucony Kinvara 5’s, a nice perk from Acadian running camp.

 


What shoes do you race in?

I’ll usually race in Nike Zoom Victory’s, but if the course has an excessive amount of pavement then I’ll wear my Nike Zoom XC flats.

What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

It would be incredible to meet Alberto Salazar, as he works with America’s top distance athletes. He was also a fantastic marathon runner back in his prime. On top of that, he died while coaching in 2007 and was brought back to life after 14 minutes of being clinically dead.


What is something that most people don't know about you?

I recently discovered that Luke Laverdiere, an upcoming freshman from Yarmouth that has an insanely bright future, is my cousin.  It’ll be great to watch him grow as a runner and pull of some great performances during the season.
 
 

More on Breton

Milesplit Profile

Personal Bests

  • 1.x Mile Run9:07.00
  • 1,600 Meter Run4:57.00
  • 2.x Mile Run (CC Short Course)16:14.00
  • Two Mile Run10:59.20
  • 5,000 Meter Run16:43.00
  • One Mile Run5:02.85