Virginia HS Runner World: So Allen, how long have you lived in VA?

Allen Carr: I've been here all my life. I lived in Newport News until the 2nd grade and then I have been in York County ever since then.

VHSRW: Who is your role model?

AC: I would have to say the cyclist Lance Armstrong. The way he came back from cancer to win the Tour de France just amazed me.

VHSRW: At what age did you start running?

AC: I started running at the age of 14. I started out just to get in shape for soccer.

VHSRW: Why do you run?

AC: Not to long ago I used to run because I was pretty good at it compared to soccer. Then it just all of a sudden came a part of me. I decided to actually train in the off-season going into junior track spring and when I was taking my week off I had a weird feeling in my legs. That right there told me I had become addicted.

VHSRW: When was the first time you realized you could go somewhere with running?

AC: I think when I finally gave up soccer my junior year to focus on track was the major turning point in my career. Since then my training has been a lot less plagued by injuries.

VHSRW: What are your PR's?

AC: 400-53.6r

800-1:56r

1600-4:25

3200-9:32

5000-15:41(road), mid 15:30s(xc)

VHSRW: What would you say would have to be your worst race ever? Best ever?

AC: My worst race would have to be last year at states in either track or cross county(take your pick). In cross country I didn’t run bad, I just felt the worst I have ever felt in the last mile of a race. In track I just didn’t have the will to race anymore in the 3200 after my team ran well in the 4x800. My best race ever would have to be when I beat Barry Rodgers in a dual meet at eastern state 15:57 to 15:59. That was just the race I needed at a poor performance at the William and Mary Invitational.

VHSRW: What is your favorite course to race on?

AC: My favorite course to run on is the state course. It’s a good course with a nice surrounding. Even though I have never run good on it, it is still my favorite.

VHSRW: What is the most mileage you've ever ran in a week?

AC: I did 61 in 6 days at the Appalachian State camp.

VHSRW: Who would you say is your biggest rival? Do you enjoy or dislike rivalries?

AC: I would have to say my biggest rival is Bryce Ruiz. This year is going to be close between the two of us. I like rivalries because without them I would be nothing in practice.

VHSRW: What are your goals for this cross country season as well as this upcoming outdoor track season?

AC: My goals this year for cross country were basically set for motivation. I didn’t really plan to achieve any of my goal, but they are to break 15 at footlocker regionals and too make it to nationals. My goals for track is to be on a state champion 4x8 team and to break 4:10 in the mile.

VHSRW: Do you plan to continue running in college? If so where, do you plan to attend?

AC: Yes, I plan on running college. I hope to run for James Madison. In three years I think we will be pretty good. They have some good young runners right now, as well as some good in state recruits.

THE END

These interviews will let you be able to get familiarized with the top high school runners in Virginia. To be interviewed please email me at VirginiaRunner1@yahoo.com