XC Watchlist: Harrison Knowlton - Leavitt
Athlete Name: Harrison Knowlton
School: Leavitt HS
Year of Graduation: 2015
2013 State Meet Finish: 17th in Class B, 17:39.96
You just had a personal best performance at FOC, how did that race go for you and what does it do for your confidence?
FOC went essentially how I wanted it to go. I spent a lot of time thinking about strategy for this race, especially in not getting trapped in the funnel like last year. My goal was solely sub-16:20 and I didn't really consider going for a certain place, but when I finished and found out I had gotten 9th I was super pumped. This race was a great confidence booster because the courses I run early in the season are tough courses and so this race is the first chance I get to see what I can do with a flat course and fast competition.
What are your goals for the the rest of the season?
I think top 3 for KVAC and then top 5 for the regional and state meet are high goals but within reach. I also want to qualify for New Englands and USATF Nationals. For time, I think I have it in me to get below 16:10 at State.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since I was 10 but I didn't join the XC team until I was a sophomore. I did soccer up until then. I started running because I was overweight when I was younger. My mom had us do a bunch of road 5ks and I got hooked and kept with it even while doing other sports.
What is your favorite workout to do during xc season?
I know its wrong but I love to do any sort of track speed during XC season. We also have a small loop in our trails that we'll do repeats in and I enjoy that too.
What shoes do you train in?
I train in Asics Gel Noosa Tri 9s and New Balance Fresh Foam 980s.
What shoes do you race in?
I race in the New Balance XC 5000 spike.
Favorite Post-race Meal?
I'll eat anything really post race but usually some combination of pickles, a brownie, and a protein bar.
Flat course or hills?
In some really twisted way I enjoy the hillier courses, maybe because I run them so often. Hillier courses separate out the tough runners from the weak runners.
Facebook , Instagram or Twitter?
I use all of them but I would probably have to say Twitter.
Favorite song at the moment?
Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj and Fireball by Pitbull feat. John Ryan are really good pump-up songs. I really couldn't pick just one song to be my favorite because the music I listen to is all over the place but pop songs make good pre-race music.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
I would want to meet Nick Symmonds or Alexi Pappas.
More on Knowlton
Milesplit Profile
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run4:42.78
- 3,200 Meter Run10:03.00
- Three Mile Run17:45.08
- 5,000 Meter Run16:18.95