Matt Rand Q & A

Maine Milesplit Q & A with Matt Rand

 
You are coming off a fine performance at your conference championship meet last Friday, where you won by 18 seconds over Alex Moser, with the 2nd fastest time ever on the Falmouth course, with a 16:15. What was your race plan going in? At what point in the race did you know you had seized control?           
 
I wanted to get out in good position the 1st mile and then start to push the pace and take over the lead on the hills in the 2nd mile. Coming out of the woods at about the half way mark, I glanced back and did not see anyone. At that point, I knew I was in control and had to keep pushing it through the field loops to hold the lead.
 
 
 
 
You finished off last year as one of top Maine runner at the New England’s. So coming into this XC season what did you do to prepare to have a successful senior season? What are some key workouts you have been doing this fall to get ready to run well in the championship meets?
 
I ran indoor track for the first time this past winter instead of playing basketball. I think that has benefited my leg speed. I increased my weekly mileage in the summer and the beginning of the season. I have run some double sessions and had a lighter racing schedule early in the fall. I’ve had some tough workouts at Twin Brook and on the track that have definitely been beneficial.
 
You run for one of the top XC programs in the state of Maine, Cape Elizabeth. When did you first start running? Who has been your biggest influence? Were you aware of the strong XC tradition at Cape?
 
My first real race was the Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler in Portland when I was 9. My parents have been running for as long as I can remember. I started out doing the kid races at all the road races they ran. I played Saturday soccer and never scored a goal so I took up cross country in 4th grade. Early on I didn’t know Cape had such a strong XC tradition, but coming in as a freshman I quickly realized the type of program it was.
 
Speaking of Cape Elizabeth XC, your team has been very successful in your 4 years, including 2 state championships in 2005 & 2006 & a 3rd place finish at the New England’s in 2006. What has it been like to run in such a successful program? Your team just finished 2nd at your conference meet behind a real good Greely team, what are your team goals for the rest of season?
 
As a freshman, I was the 7th runner on a state championship team so I gained some valuable big race experience early. My sophomore season was the most successful team I have ever been part of. Traveling to the Stanford Invitational was a lot of fun and representing Maine with a 3rd place finish at New Englands was a great end to the year. This year, Greely has been very strong and we look to challenge them in the state meet. We feel we have improved throughout the year and are ready to run well in the big meets.
 
 
You’re a senior this year; do you plan on continuing your running in college? What schools are you looking at right now? Have you gone on any recruiting trips?
 
I do plan to continue running in college. I have been looking at NESCAC and Patriot League schools primarily. I have gone on a recruiting to Tufts, but will go on more later this fall. My college search is keeping my very busy right now.
 
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
 
I always pack a granola bar and a bag of goldfish in my running bag, but I never eat them. That’s about it though.
 
 
Final Question … What’s your favorite meal?
 
 Either seafood linguini or meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes. Double Stuff Oreos for dessert.
 
Thanks Matt for a great interview, best of luck with the rest of your season.