Another piece to the Brooks PR puzzle is Lafayette High School (VA) middle distance runner Derek Holdsworth. An indoor national champ indoors in the 800 and Virginia state champion in several events and relays, Holdsworth will bring his US #9 ranked 1:50.49 800 meter PR to the 2014 Brooks PR Invitational on Saturday, June 21st in Seattle.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
Holdsworth: I found our last week and I was like wait what? I got in?!
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
Holdsworth: It means a lot I've never really traveled for a meet except for nationals and the Penn Relays, so I'm excited!
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
Holdsworth: I hope to just have fun and run a fast 800 really!
What music do you listen to before races?
Holdsworth: I listen to a lot of music like The Word Alive or I See Stars even the band The xx before races it really calms me down and gets me focused.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Holdsworth: If I were stranded on an island:
1. I would probably bring someone I really care about someone that I'm connected to
2. I would have to have some source of music.
3. I would need something to write things on for sure.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
Holdsworth: That's a pretty tough question. I think Southern Track Classic this year was my favorite because I just go out in 53 I wasn't tired and I felt great! Minus the rain and wind.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
Holdsworth: Well people at our school knew I was in choir for 5 years! Also some people might see me as a really hard person but I'm actually really caring and I like to do things for others.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
Holdsworth: I only got into this sport to become fast for football and man did I have the wrong idea about running! I ended up just sticking with it after breaking my hip freshman year and decided I wanted to run cross country and see if I could get any faster!
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
Holdsworth: I would say my training has gone pretty well I think because of it people don't know what to expect from me.
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
Holdsworth: I'm super excited to just get out of Virginia, but I'm more excited to race in a new place and just see what I can do.