Returning Champions: Paul Casavant Class A 2 Mile

Dec 10, 2016

Returning Champions: Paul Casavant Class A 2 Mile

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

This season I really just want to improve my times from last year. I want to really focus on my strength and possibly try the 5k at Nationals this year. Cross was good, but definitely not satisfying. I am going into the season ready to make up for time lost.

What have you done to improve in the off-season?

So far I've just taken rest. I just started running again a week or so ago. I'm looking to try to really build mileage during December, focusing mainly on strength to try to get my base back. I'm also adding swimming and a strength routine and have greatly improved my diet.

What does a typical week look like for you training wise?

At this point in the season I'm just building mileage and strength, usually we go to UMaine twice a week to use the track, but I will most likely be doing long reps to really hammer the strength. I am starting to swim two or three times a week and incorporating a strength routine. Hopefully I can fit in some tempos or progression runs as my mileage ramps up again. And last, but most definitely not least, a weekly long run.

What competitions are you most looking forward to this season?

I am really looking forward to States and Nationals this year. I think the entire state made huge leaps and bounds and there are a bunch of guys I'm looking forward to racing. I also am just really excited to try to get back to Nationals and possibly try a new race.

What was one thing you learned last year that will help you the most this season?

One thing I learned last year was to never set a limit on a race. When I had my big breakthrough, I was hoping to run sub 9:40, but, because there was no pressure, I went out at a more aggressive pace and held on to have possibly one of the best races of my career so far. It really showed me what you can do if you just go for it.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?

Before races I usually just stay relaxed, listen to music, roll out, stretch. Nothing in particular too out of the ordinary. But every race I wear my hat!

What is your favorite food to eat the night before a meet?

Usually spaghetti and sauce. It definitely needs to have some meat though.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

The best piece of advice given to me wasn't actually given to me. Before xc regionals my sophomore year, one of my friends was complaining about the pain of racing. My dad told him to just embrace it. I think that is just really important. You can't go into a race dreading it. You have to ready, maybe even excited. I've found that embracing the stress and relaxing instead of fighting it makes racing so much more enjoyable and makes it much easier to have a good race.

Finish this sentence. Paul Casavant is ______.

getting ready for a come back.

Casavant's Milesplit Profile

Personal Bests

800m (in) - 2:01.06
1 Mile (in) - 4:23.97
2 Mile (in) - 9:22.63