When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Blake - I started running the fall of my 8th grade year. I was sitting the bench in football and Phil Vittetoe, a parent of one of the cross country runners, ask if I would run a 2-mile race to complete a full team. I figured I didn't have anything else to do so I gave it a shot and loved it.
Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Blake - My brother Adam is currently running cross country and track for Daniel Boone. My dad was a football player and ran to keep in shape.
What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Blake - The most memorable event I've competed in has to be this years state meet. It was the last one for Coach Moody and for the six senior guys on the team, so it was very emotional. I don't think I ran my best race, but just being down there with my team was awesome.
Do you have a favorite cross country course?
Blake - My home course at Boone is by far my favorite course. I've ran that thing at least 300 times, but never get tired of it. The giant hill at the mile mark called "Mt.Moody" is my favorite place on the course (besides the finish line).
How has your training changed from the conclusion of cross country for track?
Blake - Basically I've just decreased my mileage and upped my speed workouts.
Can you give us some insight to your training? (i.e. milage, two a days, cross training, and workout samples)
Blake - Right now I am averaging about 20-30 miles a week. I am a low mileage guy and do my best on rested legs. My favorite workouts are 400 repeats at 60-62 second pace. I also run a lot of hills and lift weights.
How would you say your training has been going for you and your team?
Blake - So far this year training has been going great. The distance guys and I have been putting in some incredible speed workouts. We have also had very few injuries.
Can you tell us about your injuries this season (if any) and how you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
Blake - Lucky for me I've never had an injury my entire running career.
What events are you looking to focus on this on this season.
Blake - This season I've ran everything from the 2-mile to the 400m. I'm really focusing on the mile and 800m.
Based on your performances in the 2005 track & field season, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
Blake - I'm looking forward to running a sub 4:20 mile and a sub 1:56 800m. Hopefully I can run these times and make another state appearance.
Do you have a specific pre-meet tradition/ritual, individually or as a team?
Blake - My close friend Andrew Stafford made an amazing cross country video that follows the teams progression throughout the season. I usually try and watch that to remind me of where I've been and what I need to do now. If I don't watch that I watch "Without Limits" because I'm a huge Pre fan.
When a race strategy changes from how you planned, how do you react?
Blake - In that situation I usually try to keep in contact with the leaders and use my kick at the end.
Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field and how did this rival develop?
Blake - Zach Moss, Micheal Danehy, Josh Jaynes, Todd Smalling and Stephen George are my biggest rivals locally. I race against one of them almost every race and they always make it tough. They are all great guys and I have a lot of respect for them.
Have you decided on a college? if so where are you going / if not where are you considering?
Blake - I will be attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall. I prayed really hard when making my decision and I feel that UTC is where I need to be. I can't wait to compete on the college level.
What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
Blake - Right now I am seriously considering being a history teacher/track coach. I love working with others and I feel that a career in education will suit me best. Plus I'll get paid to coach track!
Do you have a favorite running book or movie?
Blake - "Without Limits" is without a doubt my favorite running movie. Pre had so much guts, I just try to run with half as much determination as he did.
What do you see happening with track and field in Tennessee in the future?
Blake - I think that track will continue to grow in Tennessee. With the attention that Bumby, Sorrell, Smalling, and others have brought to our sport I don't think people can ignore us anymore. I have confidence that the younger runners, like Josh Vasquez and Griff Graves, will only help track and field grow in the future.
Blake - I would also like to say that I would have never competed at the level I did if it hadn't been for God and my teammates Josh Armentrout, Cameron Shelton, James Hite, Andrew Stafford, Chris Smith, and Coach Moody