At this past Saturday's Stanford Invitational, Los Gatos HS was the surprise winner of the loaded seeded boys' race. They were led by senior Chris Foster who finished in 4th place overall in a personal best 14:51 over the grassy 5k course. After their terrific effort, Los Gatos HS is now ranked in the top 5 in Division II at the state level. Last spring, Chris won the CCS individual title in the 3200m. and one week later established a best time of 9:16.12 at the ultra competitive California state meet. He comes from a running family as his dad and mom both ran competitively in high school. His dad Grant recorded a fine 15:09 on the famed Crystal Springs course. His brother (also named Grant) is now a sophomore at University of California at San Diego and ran 9:12.57 in high school.
1) How did you get your start in running? How much of an influence did your parents on your running career?
I started running when I was in elementary school, on the Silver Bullets club team. I was only training with the club on the weekends and running the all-comer meets at the Los Gatos track. My parents had a major influence in starting my running career. Since they both ran in high school, they wanted me and my siblings to run as well.
I started running when I was in elementary school, on the Silver Bullets club team. I was only training with the club on the weekends and running the all-comer meets at the Los Gatos track. My parents had a major influence in starting my running career. Since they both ran in high school, they wanted me and my siblings to run as well.
2) What was the first success that you remember in the running?
The first major success that I remember, was when I ran 4:59 in the mile. I belive that was in 8th grade, and it was most memorable because my goal was to break 5 minutes.
The first major success that I remember, was when I ran 4:59 in the mile. I belive that was in 8th grade, and it was most memorable because my goal was to break 5 minutes.
3) What were your personal records before high school in track and field?
The only times I can remember from middle school was 4:59 for the mile, and my 800m time was about 2:18
The only times I can remember from middle school was 4:59 for the mile, and my 800m time was about 2:18
4) What were your proudest accomplishments (individual and team) during the first two years in cross country and track and field?
My proudest team accomplishment during my freshman year was winning ccs. Although a huge part of that win was thanks to my brother, Grant Foster.
5) Did you change anything heading into your junior cross country season in terms of training? What do you feel were your best races as a junior in XC? What about on the track?
In terms of training, I actually have not changed much since freshman year. Ive had the same coach, Matt Snee, throughout high school and his training seems to work really well for me, so I never saw a reason to change anything. As for my best races junior year, I definitely feel that CCS for both track and cross country is where I raced my best.
In terms of training, I actually have not changed much since freshman year. Ive had the same coach, Matt Snee, throughout high school and his training seems to work really well for me, so I never saw a reason to change anything. As for my best races junior year, I definitely feel that CCS for both track and cross country is where I raced my best.
6) What does a typical week look like for you now in terms of training from day to day? When are your workouts? How long is your long run? What is the pace of most of your runs? How many total miles per week?
For training throughout the week, we usually try to have an easy mileage run one day (about 6-7 miles) and then the next day have a workout run that emphasizes strength or speed. We try to alternate between these types of runs consistently, and the day before a big race only run an easy 15 minutes. Our weekly mileage can vary, depending on how many races we have that week.
For training throughout the week, we usually try to have an easy mileage run one day (about 6-7 miles) and then the next day have a workout run that emphasizes strength or speed. We try to alternate between these types of runs consistently, and the day before a big race only run an easy 15 minutes. Our weekly mileage can vary, depending on how many races we have that week.
7) Tell us a little about your Stanford Invitational race and when you and your teammates found out that you won the seeded race.
The Stanford invitational was an important race for Los Gatos. I feel it made alot of other schools realize that we are working very hard towards having a strong season. Our team win certainly surprised us and gave us more more confidence going into the new year.
The Stanford invitational was an important race for Los Gatos. I feel it made alot of other schools realize that we are working very hard towards having a strong season. Our team win certainly surprised us and gave us more more confidence going into the new year.
8) Los Gatos finished in 2nd place at CCS last year and 19th at the CA state meet. Where do you think your team stands at this point in the season in CCS and at state?
I think with the way our training is going and the results we are getting, if the team can just avoid any injuries and continue to steadily become stronger, we could have a very good chance at taking another ccs title, and earing a high rank at states.
I think with the way our training is going and the results we are getting, if the team can just avoid any injuries and continue to steadily become stronger, we could have a very good chance at taking another ccs title, and earing a high rank at states.
9) Tell us a little about your coaches and how they have helped you develop in the runner you are today.
The only coach I have had in high school is, Matt Snee. Even though he takes his job very seriously, he defiantly has a more laid back personality that I think helps the whole team stay relaxed, even during the most important races. Ive noticed that by being in a more relaxed environment, I dont stress out about races and I do much better.
The only coach I have had in high school is, Matt Snee. Even though he takes his job very seriously, he defiantly has a more laid back personality that I think helps the whole team stay relaxed, even during the most important races. Ive noticed that by being in a more relaxed environment, I dont stress out about races and I do much better.
10) Favorite XC course? Favorite XC invitational? Favorite XC workout? Favorite long run? Favorite track event? Favorite track invitational? Favorite Los Gatos tradition?
My favorite cross country course is definitely Crystal Springs. The terrain makes it a real cross country course, unlike Toro Park. My favorite cross country country invitational is at Mt. SAC, mostly because the course is great and I always have so much fun traveling with the team. As for track, my favorite event is the 2 mile, and Arcadia is my most favorite race of the season. Finally, the best Los Gatos team tradition, is playing Super Smash Bros. after practice, on our n64 that is in the back of the track shed.
My favorite cross country course is definitely Crystal Springs. The terrain makes it a real cross country course, unlike Toro Park. My favorite cross country country invitational is at Mt. SAC, mostly because the course is great and I always have so much fun traveling with the team. As for track, my favorite event is the 2 mile, and Arcadia is my most favorite race of the season. Finally, the best Los Gatos team tradition, is playing Super Smash Bros. after practice, on our n64 that is in the back of the track shed.
11) How much of a factor will running be for you in selecting a college?
Running will definitely be a major factor in choosing which college I go to. I am also hoping that running will help me get into a good school.
Running will definitely be a major factor in choosing which college I go to. I am also hoping that running will help me get into a good school.
12) Anything else you would like to add.
I am very excited to see how the the season plays out for Los Gatos and every other school this year.
I am very excited to see how the the season plays out for Los Gatos and every other school this year.