MileSplit - How is your fitness now that you are in the middle of the 2013 season. What excites you most about the rest of the season?
Aidan - My fitness is right where I want it to be, I'm healthy and seeing consistent improvement from week to week. I am very excited about the upcoming 7 on 7 meet, and obviously, State Cross Country.
MileSplit - At the Mountain West Classic you won and improved your time by 33 seconds. What are your expectations for this season?
Aidan - Mountain West was a crazy race, and a confidence booster. I expect myself to race well when it counts, and to show up to State as healthy and as fit as possible.
MileSplit - When & how did you get started in cross country?
Aidan - ran cross country all three years of middle school, becoming competitive in eighth grade when training for a triathlon. Before that I had done a few local trail races, but nothing too serious or structured.
MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in cross country and why?
Aidan - Honestly, I feel like Zach Perrin, who now runs at CU Boulder, really influenced my success in cross country because as a freshman I saw how he conducted himself both on and off the course, and I realized that that was the kind of athlete and person I wanted to be. Of course, my coaches have also been very influential to my development as a runner as well, making me a more confident athlete.
MileSplit - Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?
Aidan - My close friend Dave Slaughter has been a great influence in my life, he too is a local runner and endurance athlete. I see him as a great role model. Also, my parents have influenced me, always supporting my ambitions and never discouraging me from taking on a challenge.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your successful cross country training program and what work did you put in to start off so well this year?
Aidan - My keys to the success I've had thus in cross country are fairly universal to all endurance athletes. I pay attention to the little things: a full eight hours of sleep, proper nutrition, consistent lifting sessions each week, and most importantly, recovering sufficiently after each race and workout. My coaches and I put a lot of emphasis on proper recovery.
MileSplit - What are the keys to your team's unity and how you train to reach your goals?
Aidan - I feel that the keys to my team's unity is basic respect, there's no hierarchy on our team, and I think it's important that everyone feels like they can contribute no matter their ability. All of us have regular talks with our coach about our progress, race strategy, and our overall fitness. Personally, I think it's super important that everyone on the team have a goal that they strive for.
MileSplit - Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
Aidan - Probably my favorite past performance was a Bronze medal at the 2012 Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships. It was my first national meet,and as a wide-eyed freshman it was a surreal experience.
MileSplit - Who are the cross country competitors you most enjoy competing against and why?
Aidan - Montana has some very fast and competitive guys this year. I particularly enjoy racing with Jason Holmes of Bozeman, and Chris Herrick of Montana. Both are excellent people and athletes, each time we toe the line together great things happen.
MileSplit - What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Aidan - My greatest non-running experience of cross country so far would probably be watching Makena Morley of Bigfork, Montana blow away her competition at this year's and last year's Mountain West Classic, she's such an athlete.
MileSplit - What are your goals for the 2013 cross country season?
Aidan - My number one goal for my 2013 cross country season is to stay physically healthy and mentally fresh. Another goal of mine is to contend for a top three spot at this year's State meet.
MileSplit - Do you have any long-term goals in running?
Aidan - I would like to run in college, and potentially after college in a more professional setting, but that's a long ways away, so we'll take year by year.
MileSplit - What was your favorite performance from the 2013 World Champs?
Aidan - My favorite performance of this summer's World Champs would have to be Mo Farah's double gold, the way he held off Jeilan was inspiring and amazing.
The Fun Run
What music do you rock while working out…
Aidan - Passion Pit's "Take a Walk.
Do you like to run in the mud or the grass…
Aidan - Grass.
Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter...
Aidan - I'm more of an Instagram guy actually, but given the choice I'd take Facebook.
Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Aidan - Going out.
What gear is your favorite while running...
Aidan - I love my Janji running shorts.