The Brooks PR Invitational brings together the nations top track and field athletes from across the country to compete at the Dempsey Center in Seattle, Washington, one of the fastest indoor tracks in the nation. The meet consists of seven events the 60 meter dash, 60 meter hurdles, 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, one mile run, and two mile run. Illinois is well represented sending six of the state's finest to Seattle. Leading up to the meet we will spotlight these talented runners.
Patrick Perrier
O'Fallon High School (O'Fallion, IL) JR
Event: Two Mile
PR's: 4:15.12 (1600m), 9:22.55 (3200m)
Perrier sparked a lot of interest in 2012 during his junior year of cross country. He finished third at the 3A Illinois State Cross Country Championships just ahead of teammate and fellow Brooks PR entry Alex Riba. Perrier's time of 14:15.00 was a new personal best and gave him the confidence he needed for the postseason.
He finished 10th at the Nike Midwest Cross National just missing out on a trip to Portland, but bounced back with a fourth place finish at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional. He placed 19th at Foot Locker Nationals.
On the track he finished 8th in the 1600 at the IHSA Boys State Championship. His personal best time of 4:15.83 in the 1600 meters came in the prelims of that meet. This track season Perrier is training hard and says so far it is going well. He's kept his mileage at around 60 miles per week while integrating speed development work once a week. He's also thrown in hurdle mobility and body strengthening and is focused on building a consistent base for the outdoor season. Before that season begins he will join the best of the best in Seattle. The meet will mark his first meet of the season and his first time ever running indoors, but he says he is up for the challenge.
"I probably shouldn’t have high expectations for the race, but with a two mile field as deep as this one, it is hard to not to want positive results. Based off of my recent workouts, I feel I have the potential to go under nine minutes, but obviously, I won’t know until after the race is over. The mindset is going to remain the same… run to win. I am going to strap into the race and see what happens. As for the rest of the season, I want to win an individual state title in some event at the state meet, and I want to bring the first ever track trophy back O Town. In the post-season, I want to be an All-American on the track."
Perrier is excited to find out his limits this season and with the Brooks PR Invitational to start off the year followed by some top outdoor meets, the chance to put up lofty numbers is certainly attainable.
"I have some pretty lofty goals for the season including a sub 4:10 mile, sub 9 2 mile, and a 1:50 800. Everything will be leading towards some pretty big meets during the year. As of now, I plan on running at the Florida State Relays, the Arcadia Invitational, and New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Of course, the Southwestern Conference Meet and Illinois State Meets will be important as well. O’Fallon has the tools to make history at the state meet this year and I am really excited to be a part of that opportunity."
Getting To Know Patrick Perrier
What music do you listen to before races?
Oh man, I listen to a huge just hodgepodge of music before I run a race, but I can tell you that all roads lead back to Ellie Goulding. She is typically my most go to choice for inspiration.
If you were stranded on an island with three things, what would they be?
Psssh, that’s easy. I would have the Cloak of Invisibility, the Elder Wand, and the Resurrection Stone.
What is your favorite food?
BEEF BEEF BEEF BEEF BEEF BEEF. I love steak and beef.
What are some non-running related things people don’t know about you?
I am a pretty easy going guy. I like to just chill with my friends, laugh, and play soccer from time to time. One thing that many people don’t know is I like to wear a yellow Livestrong band when I can during meets. It is just a good luck thing. In Seattle, however, I will also be sporting a dark blue wristband as well in support of colon cancer. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer after the cross country season and has been undergoing chemotherapy. She is doing great, but will be continuing treatments through the end of May. My mom has always been a major influence in my life, and every time I step onto that track this year it will be for her.
More Coverage
- Patrick's Athlete Profile
- 2013 Brooks PR Invitational Meet Page (MileSplit)
- 2013 Brooks PR Meet Page (Flotrack)
