XC Watchlist- Paul Casavant Hampden Academy

Sep 07, 2016

XC Watchlist: Paul Casavant

School: Hampden Academy

Year of Graduation: 2017

2015 State Meet Finish: 2nd in Class A 16:31.26

Tell us about your training?

Summer training has been interesting. This outdoor season I got a stress fracture, but I only

realized it was a stress fracture late June. I did the whole boot and crutches thing for 5 or 6

weeks. I started run/walking in the beginning of August, but basically all of my training has been

in the pool.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I would really like to (finally) break 16. I really should have done it last year, but I didn't feel good

at regionals and fell short. Other than that, because of the issues with training I'm going to try to

focus more on New England's and Footlocker to try to make the best of my season.

How did you first get into running?

I first got into running because of my brother. I decided my 7th grade Spring that I didn't want to

play soccer anymore. My brother did cross country and I decided to try it and absolutely loved it!

Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

I am hoping to compete at New England's and I will probably compete at Footlocker.

What's your favorite course to run in Maine?

My favorite course is either Belfast, just because its so fast, or Cony.

What is the toughest course to run in Maine?

Probably MCI. Ski hills and golf courses. Mind numbing and leg numbing.

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

Normally I put lots of emphasis at Festival, just because its a good time to mingle with the

runners from Southern Maine. I'm not sure about this year though.

What has been your favorite cross country race/moment so far in your high school career?

My favorite XC race is probably New England's last year. I had the best race of my season and

got All New England.

What shoes do you race and train in?

I train in Altra One 2.5s and race in Saucony Shays.

What was your favorite Olympic moment in Rio?

I loved watching the steeplechase! That is something I really want to try at some point and it

was great to watch Evan Jager win silver!

What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

Ben True or Evan Jager.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

I can't really think of anything specific. I always wear the same clothes, especially the hat, but

that's all I can think of.