XC Watchlist: Dan Lesko - Mt Blue HS
Athlete Name: Dan Lesko
School: Mt Blue HS
Year of Graduation: 2015
2013 State Meet Finish: 11th in Class A 17:20.19
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training is going really well. I've been doing some morning lifting and lots of running with team mates. Aaron Willingham and I have done some great workouts together.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
As far as goals, I am really pushing to break 16:00 this season... That would be amazing!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in middle school, but I didn't take it seriously and I was not very good at all. My running really started when I moved to Farmington and started high school cross country. My coach, Kelley Cullenberg really showed me what it took to be successful and I have been working toward that ever since.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
For out of state competition this year, I am definitely planning on New Englands, but I don't know beyond that...
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?
My favorite course to run in Maine is definitely Brunswick's course. It is where I broke 18:00 for the first time!
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?
The hardest course though is definitely my home course at Mt. Blue.
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
I would say that I put equal emphasis on all of my races because I am always pushing for that PR... However, as soon as Festival starts and the championship meets begin, the pressure to do well definitely builds.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?
My favorite cross country race so far was probably KVACs last year... It was a breakout race for me and I was able to run with my team mates Josh Horne and Aaron Willingham. Also, Cony is up there in my favorite courses. My favorite cross country memory is probably the super muddy regional's two years ago at Belfast. That was a blast!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I am not running, my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends and play games and watch movies.
Favorite quote?
My favorite quote is actually a Calvin and Hobbes quote: "It's a magical world Hobbes ol' buddy, let's go exploring..."
What shoes do you train in?
I train in Brooks ghost 5s and Saucony kinvara 5s.
What shoes do you race in?
I race in Brooks spikes.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
I would love to meet Ben True.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
Something that most people don't know about me... I force myself to smile just before the gun of every race, no matter how nervous I am.
More on Lesko
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run4:41.24
- 2.x Mile Run (CC Short Course)11:19.00
- 3,200 Meter Run10:20.28
- 5,000 Meter Run16:38.03