Taos' Mateo Vigil (bib #756) has been an integral part of the Tiger attack since 2012. Photo by Adonis Trujillo.
With the Jamboree in the rear view mirror, we now are counting down the days until the state reconvenes in Rio Rancho for the Big Dance. Until then, we will pass the time getting to know this season's Senior Class.
Questionnaires were handed out at the Jamboree, or emailed to those who were not in attendance, and this is what we get. The Top 30 Seniors were determined from the 5K Rankings before the Jamboree, then adjusted after the Jamboree. If a kid was Top 30 before the race, they received a questionnare, if they raced themselves into the 30, then they were emailed a questionnarie after. With that, we continue our series with the second Taos Tiger to respond, Mateo Vigil.
NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #31 Mateo Vigil
What are your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are the progressing toward them?
I would like to set a new personal best before I graduate and win another state title with my amazing team. As long as we stay focused and run for each other we should be alright.
What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?
My typical training week starts off with a tempo run to get the legs movin' then advances into a hard speed session. In between the speed workouts are 7 mile recovery runs to loosen the legs from the day before. In the summers I bike EVERYWHERE to add a little extra strength to my legs.
Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.
I really enjoy short speed workouts because I'm movin' so quick I could be flyin'! Speed workouts are also the workouts where you have to put the petal to the metal and dig deep to hit the times; I like that.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since my freshman year track season. I played football before but was peer pressured by my now teammates to run Cross Country. I found I was pretty good at it and loved the competition so I laced up my running shoes and never looked back.
What is your favorite and toughest race so far?
Favorite Race - Any meet I PR! Winning state last year was pretty sweet as well though.
Toughest Race - Junior Olympics Nationals last year in San Antonio.
Describe your favorite XC memory.
Walking out of the state stadium with my teammates after winning the state title.
Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?
I made it out of my coaches mile repeats…alive. Above all that's got to be my greatest accomplishment!
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite period in school would have to be lunch. A guy’s gotta eat, right?
When you’re not running, what do you like to do?
I like to eat, sleep, and eat some more! But hanging out with my team is pretty chill as well.
How have your Coaches influenced you?
My coaches have been there for me through thick and thin on and off the course. They have pushed me to not only be a better runner, but a better person in life as well.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on running at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. I also would like to study Psychology, but hey who knows? I could end up being the next Dr. Suess for all I know!
Fast 6
- Your favorite pre-race meal: Eggs! Gotta have them huevos to run, right!?
- What shoes do you train/race in: I train in Adidas, but like to race in Nike Waffles.
- Favorite athlete (running or non-running): Steve Prefontaine and my very own teammate Hannah Gunther. They both run/ran with the most guts I have ever seen!
- Favorite song: “Dunked on” by Froggy Fresh or “Here for a Good Time” by George Strait
- Favorite book: Runners' Wisdom by Andrew Smith
- Favorite quote: "Bueno Bye"- Every Taoseno that ever lived, and "No."- Rosa Parks
Thanks for your time Mateo and best of luck in the coming weeks.