XC Watchlist: Jacob Gamache
School: Edward Little HS
Year of Graduation: 2017
2015 State Meet Finish: 18th in Class A 17:30.76
Tell us how your summer training is going?
Summer training has been going well, though the mileage hasn't been as high as I wanted it to be. I've been focusing a lot on strength work so it's mostly consisted of hills, tempo runs, and weights.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
For my upcoming season I'd like to see how deep I can get below 16 minutes but I want to try focusing on placing well and using different strategies racing as well.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since the eighth grade. I joined the outdoor team that spring to try something different and realized I was decent at running distance (probably because of all the times I missed the bus and would run to school). I picked up cross country in the fall of my freshman year and decided to quit hockey to run in indoor as well.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
During the regular season I'm going to be in state with my team. I'll probably go to New England's this year. After that I'd like to keep the season going but I haven't made any solid plans yet.
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?
My favorite course is definitely Belfast. It's fast, flat, grassy, and it's always a fun course to run on.
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?
The toughest course for me is Cony's. The hill in the second mile is massive but it's the two smaller climbs after it that are the worst because you're exhausted from the big one, you wreck your legs flying down it, then you've got two more to go.
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
During the last few years I've tried to put as much effort into every regular season meet I can because we race the same teams for most of our races I've always been chasing after someone, usually from Lewiston. This year I want to focus on trying different strategies instead of just running after the guy in front of me so that I can go to States and New England's as a strong runner and a strong racer.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?
I honestly can't think of my favorite race in my career because I've never had a race that was even close to perfect. I usually dissect my races after and try to correct my mistakes in the next one though so I can constantly see change and growth from my mistakes.
My favorite memories from cross country over the years would have to either be bus rides back from meets when we would stop at Hannaford's and buy tons of junk food and have a great time on the bus ride back or when we would get donuts and cider from the apple orchard after a hard tempo run or hill workout. There's nothing better than being exhausted and pigging out on junk food with the team
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I'm not running I'm probably lifting or just chilling out at home resting up for the next workout. I used to have a hard time lifting because it was so much more fun to be running but over the past few months I've really enjoyed it. That and the YMCA has air conditioning.
My favorite quote would have to be "The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials" from the book Once a Runner. It's specifically referring to the character's training through the story but while trudging through the snow or freezing in the rain it always reminds me that life and running are intertwined in a unique way and because of that every trial you face makes you a better runner and every mile you run makes you a better person.
What shoes do you race/train in?
I don't know what shoe I'll be racing in this fall. I'm still looking for a good pair. I realized the benefits of a good shoe this spring when i switched from a pair of beat up Victories that were at least six years old to Mamba 3s. I've been training in New Balance for a couple years and I'm using 575V2s right now. They're not an amazing shoe but i'm not prone to injury, they're light, and they're fairly cheap. I've got about 200 miles left in one pair and a new pair I haven't used yet.
What was your favorite Olympic Moment in Rio?
The Men's Olympic Marathon was really fun to watch especially towards the end. I figured Kipchoge would win after watching him in the London marathon earlier this year and when he broke away from Lilesa and Rupp he was flying. I thought Rupp might have actually had a shot at second if he had a crazy last mile or two but I guess it makes sense that he can't put in a kick like he can in a 10k. Also for his second marathon ever it was an impressive PR and overall performance. Meb slipping on the finish line was hilarious too.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
Frank Shorter would definitely be cool to meet. Though he's not actually a pro anymore, he and Pre really helped bring the sport into the mainstream with his success and he's been vocal against doping in the sport which as a competitor and a fan I think is important.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I guess something that most people don't know about me is that I've been a vegetarian for over a year now.
- 800m (in) - 2:12.59
- 800m - 2:08.43
- 1600m - 4:30.60
- 1 Mile (in) - 4:39.68
- 3200m - 9:37.81
- 2 Mile (in) - 9:54.70
- 5K (xc) - 16:32.21
