XC Spotlight: Luke Peterson - Shorecrest Prep
Source/Author: Todd Grasley, Flrunners.com
August 16, 2015
Shorecrest Prep senior Luke P. is the third best returner in 1A after running 16:09.90 at the 1A Region 1 Championship. Luke was 12th at the state meet and will look to lead the charge for the Chargers team title run.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running track when I was 7 years old. Competitive even as a second grader, I was disappointed with my consistent second place finishes in the mile for the Presidential Fitness testing we participated in for PE. I asked the boy who won every time how he had gotten so fast, and he told me that he ran track and the name of his track club. A week later, I went to my first practice for the Running Soles Youth Track Club, and I’ve been running ever since.
Do you remember your first real race?
Yes. My first cross-country race was as a sixth grader. I managed to break the top 7 on our team at an early season time trial and ran at the flrunners.com Invitational 10, finishing in a time of 18:29.
How is your summer training going?
My summer training is going very well. Our team went to the Appalachian State Team Camp where we got to experience hilly conditions and bearable running weather. I’ve increased my mileage and hope to see positive results once the season begins.
What is your favorite workout?
I love speed workouts. I recently ran a 14x400 workout, and doing more than a 5K of 400s felt great.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
The Mountain Dew Invitational, flrunners.com Invitational, and Pre-State for the first time.
Do you have a favorite course?
My favorite course is on Holy Trinity’s campus. This has been the 1A Region 3 course for the past 2 years; however, we aren’t in their region anymore, so I won’t get to run there this year.
What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
The course at Wide World of Sports was tough in the past, but with the addition of multiple Mount Mickeys (7 or 8 small, steep hills back to back for about 100 meters total) near the start of the race, the course, mixed with mid-afternoon October heat, takes a toll on any runner’s body, making for a challenging race.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
This track season, three members of our cross country team (Justin S, Casey C, and myself) along with freshman Evan S were brought together in the 4x400 a week before the District meet. We were district champions, region runner-ups and finished 8th at the State meet in a school record of 3:31.62.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
This season, I am hoping to break 15:30 and help my team compete for the 1A state title.
What do you love most about running?
My favorite thing about running cross-country is the experience to be had before, during and after the race with my team. Singing and dancing to some “classics” such as Fergie and High School Musical is a great way to avoid tensing up before a race and to unwind on the long ride home. I’ll definitely miss the music, NERF wars, and overall foolishness that has made high school cross-country so enjoyable. A post-workout/race ICEE makes any amount of leg pain worth it.
Finish this sentence: Luke P. is _______.
Luke P. is ready to succeed.
