Athlete Interview
Isaac Jensen, senior, Iowa City West HS
PR’s: 1600m – 4:35.92, 3200m – 9:30.89, 5k XC – 15:17
1. When & how did you get started in track & field?
I got started with track and field in elementary school, when we had a mini track meet in 6th grade. I threw the shot and ran the 300m (which was the longest event they had). Given that I was maybe 4'6" and 80 lbs, I decided that the longer distance stuff would probably be best for me, and I haven't look back since.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field?
My coaches, both in junior high and high school, have really helped me in track by teaching me the ropes and helping me to believe in myself. Also, my friends, family and teammates who have supported me every step of the way.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)?
1600m and the 3200m, the longer the event the better.
4. Your track & field event coach(es)?
Head coach and middle distance coach Brian Martz, and distance coach Travis Craig, as well as Palngji Sunday. They were also my coaches in cross-country.
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program?
One of the biggest keys as a distance runner is making sure that you put in the miles before the season officially starts so that you have a base on which to build your workload as the season progresses. In this having a really good coaching staff is key because they can give you workouts and help to insure that you are progressing properly.
6. Your favorite track & field meet(s)?
Definitely Drake and State. There is nothing like the whole experience of going to Des Moines and running on the blue oval.
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
I have been running against Brooke Price from City High ever since I was in junior high; so we have a pretty good rivalry going. I also have enjoyed running with Josh Evans from Linn-Mar, Etienne Nzoyisaba from CR Washington, and Mitch Pritts from Prairie, among others.
8. Most memorable experience in track & field so far?
Winning State as a team last spring. It was a really amazing experience seeing how well the team came together to pull that off. It has really motivated me to see what I can do this year to help us to do it again.
9. Greatest accomplishment(s) in track & field so far?
Scoring in the 3200m at State was the biggest personal accomplishment I've had thus far.
10. Goals for the 2013 track & field season?
I hope to improve on my times in the 3200, 1600 and 800, as well as qualify for Drake again. I also want to see if I can beat some of the guys that got me in cross-country, and put myself in contention for a 3200m title. As a team, I want to see how many guys we can get to State to try and defend our title.
11. If a senior, college/university you will attend, or schools you are considering?
I haven't made my decision yet, but I will be attending either Luther College, St. Olaf College or Carleton College.
12. Long-term goals in track & field?
I want to keep improving on what I have done so far in my running career and keep working to be the best runner I can be. I can't imagine stopping running; so I'll probably continue to run well into the future, even beyond college.