XC Watchlist: Erik Losacco (Scarborough HS)

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I've been running since when I was about 8 years old. My dad would always run in the local road races, so I think it was watching that made me want to give it a try. I'd do the kids races at 5ks and the community services summer track.

 What has your summer training consisted of? How much mileage you putting in?

This summer I've been running more miles so I'm in better shape for the beginning of the season, so usually I'll do 7 a day.

 What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I would really love a 16:35 for this year, and with the extra work I've been putting in I think I have a shot.

 What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is the 800-600-400-300-200-100 workout that we usually do once a season. Although there really is no such thing as a truly enjoyable workout, this one is the best.

 What did you learn from last xc season that will help you improve in 2019?

Last season the most important thing I learned is that you can improve much faster if you work together with your teammates. Find someone who runs a pace close to yours, run together and pace off each other. To this day, my favorite race I've run in my high school career is the one on the golf course, where I stuck with Zach Barry all the way through for a side-by-side finish.  

 When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?

I love going to the beach, even though the water never makes it above hypothermic temperatures.

 Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?

No, I find that the best way to stay calm and avoid pre-race anxiety is to just keep your mind clear. I don't think about the race, I don't visualize the course, I just wait for the race to start, and then I run it.

  Favorite quote?

"They don't think it be like it is, but it do." - Oscar Gamble

 Snapchat or Instagram?

Snapchat is by far the more useful of the two.

 What shoes do you race/train in?

I don't know yet what shoes I'll be racing in this XC season, but I always train in the Brooks Neuro, and for indoor and outdoor I race in Nike Streak LT flats.

 What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

Usain Bolt. Being quite literally the fastest human being alive, if you tell someone that you've met Usain Bolt, they will know exactly who you're talking about.

 What is your favorite food?

 Fried haddock is by a million miles my favorite.