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Notable Finishes: Southern Maine Regional Champion 2018, 2nd Class B States 2018, 6th Class B States 2019, 8th Class B States 2017
Comments: Horne has been a top runner in Class B since his freshman year when he finished 8th. His sophomore campaign was his best to date with a runner-up finish in the state meet. Last fall was another solid effort with a 6th at the state meet. He'll be looking to contend for the individual title this fall which would cap an outstanding four-year career.
How has COVID-19 affected you?
COVID has been pretty rough so far. Online school was probably the worst part. Its also been tough training mostly solo for so long.
What has your summer training consisted of? How much mileage are you putting in?
My summer training has been great. After some track work in the spring and an 800-time trial, I started building up an xc base. I've been low 40s for mileage for the last few weeks, and I'll probably peak at 45 in the next few weeks. Most of the mileage is easy, but for the last few weeks, I've done a few miles at tempo pace. Strength training, core, and band work have also been part of my routine since spring.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
If there's a season, I want to get as close to 16min as possible and pick up a state title. If not, I'll probably get together with some other runners and do a couple of 5k time trials. I might also time trial a mile while my fitness is good.
What is your favorite workout that makes you feel most prepared for success?
My favorite workout is either fast repeats(2s and 4s) or longer(4-5mi) tempo or threshold. I also like doing barefoot strides a few times a week.
What did you learn from the last xc season that will help you improve in 2020?
I think the most important lesson I learned last season is not to peak too early, and to train in a way that makes me feel fit. I felt good coming off summer training, but by states, I had lost some strength
How is your team looking for the fall?
Our team's prospects are kind of up in the air right now. Our 3 runner is injured, and we don't have many upperclassmen, but I think we have some young talent that can make some gains this year.
How do you stay motivated when you don't want to run?
Most of the time I feel like running, but when I don't, I think about my goals and the many things I haven't achieved yet. There are also a lot of races that didn't go well that I look back on for inspiration to improve.
What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?
The greatest piece of advice I've ever received is the idea that all you can control is your effort and mindset. I get pretty nervous before races but I've found that thinking about those two things helps me stay calm and focussed. It's reassuring to remind yourself that the outcome of a race is mostly out of your control, and all can do is run as hard as you can
What are the top three "little things" that you do to prevent injury?
I think the most important thing I do to prevent injuries is hip exercises with a resistance band. I do a few sets of crab walks twice a week, and that seems to keep my hip muscles pretty strong. My nordic coach showed me how to do hip exercises and gave me a band when I got injured freshman year and I haven't been injured since. It also helps to keep track of mileage so you know when to get new shoes
What is the one thing you have done during COVID-19 that you have never had time for in the past?
I started skateboarding at the beginning of COVID which has been fun. Luckily, no injuries yet. I've also done a fair bit of hiking in the whites
What's the farthest you've ever run at one time?
I'm not sure exactly what the longest distance I've run is, but I've had a few 80 minute runs in Bradbury Mt. Park. The trails are pretty rough though so I probably didn't get in over 11 miles.
If every day were a holiday, what would yours be?
If every day were the same holiday, I'd have to pick thanksgiving. The weather is usually great, there's a lot of good food, and usually, some extended family comes up.
Favorite subject in school?
Calc, but I think physics is going to be interesting too.
If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I'd want to run with Steve Prefontaine. What he was able to achieve is incredible, and his mentality and pain tolerance is legendary.
If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?
Focussed.
