2020 Maine XC Watchlist: Sam Wilson, Greely


Notable Finishes: 4th Southern Maine Regional 2019, 5th Class B State 2019, 10th Southern Maine Classic 2019


Comments: Wilson was excellent for the Rangers in their title run last fall as he placed fourth in the Regional Championship, and then scored a low stick with a 5th place at the state meet. Sam had a big indoor state meet where he won the mile and was the runner-up in the 2 mile in Class B. He will be an individual title contender this fall.




How has COVID-19 affected you?

COVID has affected me in a few ways, the biggest being social events. However, I seem to get around it by doing purely outdoor and spread apart activities with friends. Other than that it really hasn't affected me all that much.

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

My summer training has consisted of mainly just trying to get my mileage up and a few hill workouts. My summer milage is, I believe, somewhere from 280 to 300 miles. It's not as much as I would have liked, but it's up there from previous years when I was doing around 250 or below.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goals for this season are to not get injured and to hopefully hit sub 16.

What is your favorite workout that makes you feel most prepared for success?

My favorite workout would have to be mile repeats. It seems to give me a good understanding of what running level I'm at. 

What did you learn from the last xc season that will help you improve in 2020?

Last season I think I learned that at the end of a race I really need to dig deep and give it my all for the sprint and try to push myself beyond my limits without needing someone there to push for me. In other words, this season I'm trying to get to the top of my ability by myself, and I can't rely on other people to get me there. 

How is your team looking for the fall?

Our team is looking strong. However, our number five runner recently broke his ankle on a trail run, but hopefully, someone else will step up and fill those shoes.

How do you stay motivated when you don't want to run?

It's hard to stay motivated when I don't want to run but knowing my whole team is counting on me to do the best I can pushes me to get out there and run

What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?

The most memorable piece of advice I have been given was from my middle school coach, Mr. Ross on one of my last days with him. He told me that I could be one of the best runners that Greely has ever had and to never stop pushing myself. He saw that in me when I was an average 8th-grade runner, and him seeing that in me when I didn't, sticks with me and motivates me all the time.

What are the top three "little things" that you do to prevent injury?

The top three little things I do are probably listening to my body and knowing when it needs a break, stretching well, and doing a good cool down after a hard workout.

What is the one thing you have done during COVID-19 that you have never had time for in the past?

During COVID I've started doing a lot of blacksmithing, which in the past I've done a bit but not nearly as much as I have recently.

What's the farthest you've ever run at one time?

The longest run I have ever done is 18 miles.

If every day were a holiday, what would yours be?

If every day were a holiday I would definitely choose national hugging day.

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is math

If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

I would 100%, without question, go on a run with Danny DeVito. I love Danny DeVito.

If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?

A superlative I think my team would give is interesting.