XC Watchlist: Tucker Barber
School: Mt Blue HS
Year of Graduation: 2017
2015 State Meet Finish: 6th in Class B 19:59.46
I ran a bit in road races and for Nordic supplementation, before switching from soccer to cross country in 8th grade. Then, I switched back in 9th. And back once more to cross country in 10th. From there, I stuck to what felt right, and have kept running until today.
I guess my first race experience would be a 1 mile road race I ran in my hometown. I don't remember much, but I do recall the vague feeling of finishing that race. I wanted to race again and do better.
My summer training was quite enjoyable, really. I tried to push myself to some longer runs, while keeping it stimulating and free-form. I think very few things are worse for a season than to burn yourself out.
The race at Leavitt was a weekday meet, so I felt a little lubberly, but by the time the race rolled around, I felt quite good, actually. It was my first chance this year to really go for a personal record 5K time. I knew that going in, and I tried to hit some solid splits, and ended getting the time I did.
I would say Tempo Runs are probably one of my more favorite ones.
I want to see my team continue to do as well as we've done, and keep our momentum into the rest of the season. Personally, hitting some more 16's would be nice.
In some manner, the sensation of liberation. Basically, that feeling of running alone, shirtless on a single track trail somewhere far away. My theory is if you can capture that and fit it into a race, you're golden.
"I can't be worrying about that... life goes on, man." -The Dude
If it were to be determined by quantity of consumption, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Not anything particularly interesting. I just like to stay comfortable and in control before a race, if possible. Sometimes I break out my race day slippers.
For training I switch between my Merrell Vapor Gloves, and some Saucony Mirages. For races I have been using the Asics Hyper MD 5.
Though perhaps not a movie, most recently I watched the Bo Burnham special Make Happy for maybe the third time. I am captivated by the meaning and truth that can be stuffed into absurdist comedy. It's ridiculous and cynical. And meaningful.
I believe that Phineas and Ferb is one of the most clever works of modern television.
Even though I am not a sprinter, the moment that most stood out to me at Rio was watching Usain Bolt win his final olympic 100m medal. Watching the event live, there was this twinge of doubt that was followed by a strong visceral feeling of seeing a person so profoundly prolific achieve a feat that won't be forgotten for a very long time.
I don't know. Do I get bonus points if I say I choose nothing, because all I need to run is my own body, or something like that?
Personal Bests
- 800m - 3:01.03
- 2 Mile (xc) - 11:14.00
- 2.x Mile (xc) - 11:44.00
- 5K (xc) - 16:35.00