Sean Krinik, Valencia CA, has been on a two-lap tear lately, going 1:49.77 at the CIF-SS Division Finals and then just recently a 1:49.18 at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet. According to Sean, "Running is what I live to do and I just try to have as much fun as I can out there". Read more about Sean below...
MileSplit.us: No doubt you have had a great season so far. But 1:49.77 brings it to a whole new level. How did you feel during that race? Where do you think your ceiling is in the 800 this year?
Sean Krinik: I felt pretty strong in that race, coming through at 54 was hard but I felt steady and just had to go for it. It was for sure a fun race but I believe I have some more room to grow. I'm not sure how much but I'm excited to see!
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training did you do to prepare for that type of effort?
Sean Krinik: I mainly mix miles for a strong base (also cross country season adds to that), and of course speed work which can range from 200's to 400's depending on the type of pyramid or interval workout. My Coach Pat Hadley has really helped develop the whole team into strong runners with her workouts.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that stands out from the rest? What is the best you have done at this workout?
Sean Krinik: Umm, I'd have to say 300 intervals are the fun ones. You only get a short 100 meter rest in between each of 3, 300 meters. You really get the feeling that you're in a race. And I usually try to keep my times 45 seconds and under usually hovering around 40-42 seconds.
MileSplit.us: Do you have any plans for a national meet this summer?
Sean Krinik: Yes I really want to try to make the New Balance Nationals in North Carolina. Meeting new people is always something I enjoy about track and cross country so meeting new friends nationally should definitely be a fun experience!
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable race to date in your high school career? Why does this one stand out?
Sean Krinik: Probably Meet of Champions my junior year because that is where this all really started. Also Orange County Championships this year because I made so many great friends there and had one of the best times that day.
MileSplit.us: What are some fond memories from high school that you will carry with you as you graduate this year?
Sean Krinik: Ahh there are so many, but to name a few, going to Fresno for cross country with my team, meeting new people at track and cross country meets, and outside of running, just being able to spend time with my friends. Oh and of course, getting my hair done. That's one of the better memories.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Sean Krinik: I love to mountain bike in the off season, rock climb and take pictures. I just entered some pictures in the Orange County Fair and I'm waiting to see if they get accepted!
MileSplit.us: When did you first get into running? Was there a particular event or person that influenced you?
Sean Krinik: My mom actually got me into the little county track meets for youth when I was younger and I was always athletic. I enjoyed running and felt it would be fun to try in high school. So far it seems to have worked out pretty well.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Sean Krinik: Alan Webb just because he is such an awesome runner, and every one of the runners out on the track is individually a hero of mine. Anyone who puts their heart into running has my respect because running is something fun everyone can share and challenge themselves with.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Sean Krinik: My parents have really raised me the right way and pushed me to succeed in every way possible and I'll always love them and look up to their care. I also look up to my teachers and my coaches Patricia Hadley and Brandon Frank for everything they've done for me.
MileSplit.us: If you allowed yourself to think ahead for the next several years, what would you like to accomplish in college? Beyond college?
Sean Krinik: I want to go as far as I can in college and hopefully make the Olympic team one day. I'll never run pro because I feel running for money takes the fun out of it, but I will run unattached for as long as I can. Running is my passion and I plan to stick with it for as long as I can walk.
MileSplit.us: You are joining the program at U of Washington next year. What excites you most about this program? What are you looking forward to the most about college life?
Sean Krinik: I am beyond stoked for next year. I love the coaches, team members and the whole scene up there in Seattle. Being able to run in a new place, experience indoor season, and just live independently and grow has me on my toes just waiting to jump into college.