Q&A with Hamilton Southeastern's Gabe Fendel


MileSplit IN: How long have you been running? Who got you started in it?

I've been running since I was little but I didn't start running competitively until 6th grade. My parents were a huge influence on me running especially with my mom being an Olympic runner for Brazil and my dad ran collegiately.

MileSplit IN: You're the top returner in the 1600m this season, placing 2nd at last years state meet. Do you hope to win that one this year and get a state title under your belt?

There will definitely be competition but I am still hoping to get a couple state titles under my belt.


MileSplit IN: You ran at New Balance in February, but in the 3200m, why that event instead of the 1600m? Are you going to start focusing on the 3200m more instead?

I was actually originally signed up to race the mile but I thought my 1600 time from last year would count as a seed time but it only helped you get entered in the race so my seed time wasn't fast enough for the fast heat, however my 3200 time was fast enough for the fast heat of the 2 mile and the meet director was nice enough to let me switch. By tournament time I am hoping to be focusing on both.

MileSplit IN: Outside of running, what is something you're passionate about? Why and how long have you been doing it?

I love soccer but I quit playing before freshman year to focus more on running, I started playing soccer when I was 4 and I've loved it since.

MileSplit IN: Do you hope to compete at Outdoor Nationals this year? If so what event(s)?

I'm hoping to go to Brooks PR again but I don't know if I want to run the mile or 2 mile yet.

MileSplit IN: What's something about you people don't really know about you that you want to share?

I am half Brazilian and I have a dog named Asia.


MileSplit IN: What are your goals for this outdoor season?

Complete the distance double and to run fast and turn left.

MileSplit IN: What is your ultimate goal in the sport? Where do you want to get in track or do you think competitive running will end for you after high school?

My mom was an Olympian so it'd be really cool to run in the Olympics. I definitely won't stop running after high school is over.

MileSplit IN: What does a typical training week look like for you?

I run about 45 miles a week, I have about 2 workouts a week, race usually Friday or Saturday and I run long on Sunday.

MileSplit IN: Do you plan to run collegiality in 2 years? If you had your pick of anywhere to run, where would it be and why?

I am hoping to run collegiality and if I were to anywhere to go right now it would probably have to be University of Oregon. I've wanted to go there since I was four years old so it'd be really cool to be able to run for them.