Over the course of the cross country season MileSplit Illinois will have several of the state's top runners blogging about their training, meets, and various other subjects they want to discuss. So stay tuned and get to know some of your favorite athletes in this series we like to call "In Their Own Words." If you have a question for any of our bloggers or would like to get involved with the site drop me a line at TGrasley@MileSplit.com. Enjoy!
Hello, my name is Grant Nykaza and I am a senior from Beecher High School. I am very excited to blog for MileSplit Illinois because I love telling others about my dedication to the sport. Last year I qualified to Footlocker Nationals and hope to qualify back and place in the top 15 to be an All-American. Also, I hope to win a state championship individually and get my cross country team back to state for the 9th straight year. I am looking forward to my final cross country season and what it has in store for me.
This summer I reached my highest mileage in my career of 66 miles per week. I was very smart in my training and I did not increase my mileage every week. I had a few ‘back off’ weeks. All I could ask for this summer was to get a good base and stay healthy. Ever since freshman year I have went to the University of Wisconsin cross country camp and I did not break that streak. The Wisconsin camp always gets me hyped up for the season. Even though one week of being at the camp will not necessarily get you in shape, it will get your attitude ready for the season.
Sending a cross country team to state for eight straight years is a tough thing to do in this sport. With my leadership, I hope I can keep the streak going and bring Beecher back for the ninth time. My team and I always look forward to our Saturday meets because of the competition. New Prairie is my favorite race in the cross country season. It is one of the largest meets in the nation and is a great course. Throughout the race you actually run 1000 meters in sand and then of course they put a hill at the end of it. Winning an individual state championship would be a great accomplishment. With it being my last year, and finishing twice individually already, I feel as if my season will only be a success if I bring home the state title. I am very thankful for Milesplit Illinois choosing me to be one of their bloggers and am very excited to tell you how my season is progressing!
More Coverage
