This week we talk to Blair Hurlock, a senior at De La Salle High School in the North Coast Section.  After a promising start last fall, Blair’s cross country season ended prematurely due to an injury which sidelined him through January.  But Blair came roaring back this spring, running a 4:14 1600 to win the EBAL Championships and a 9:11 3200 at the State Finals.  Now a contender for the State D1 title as an individual, Blair is also the leader of the powerful De La Salle squad.  The Spartans return six from their 2012 varsity squad, and is likely to be in the mix for the State Division 1 title as a team. 

Scott Joerger (SJ): Congratulations on a great track season.  What was the biggest highlight of your season?

Blair Hurlock (BH): The biggest highlight of my track season was probably my 4:14 performance in the 1600 at the EBAL Championship. Before that race, I had not considered myself much of a miler and was only hoping for a sub-4:20 race, but I exceeded my expectations and was able to capture the league title. A close second to that performance, however, would have to be my 12th place finish at the CIF State Championship with a time of 9:11 in the 3200. I was looking for a much faster time than that, but the encouraging moment in that race was being able to put myself in a position to medal with 400 meters to go.

SJ: When did your start running competitively? 

BH: I began running competitively in 2010 as a 13 year-old during the spring of my eighth grade year. My friend had joined a track team the previous year, and convinced me to join him as an eighth grader. Prior to running track, I had competed in swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, football, karate, and even gymnastics, but I focused on running after experiencing some success in CYO track. 

SJ: I understand you got injured during last Cross Country season sidelining you for several months. Tell us about the injury and how you were able to get yourself back to a State Finals finish this spring.

BH: I developed a stress reaction in my foot towards the middle of the 2012 cross country season after ramping up my mileage too quickly. I was in the middle of a long run in the hills when I felt a sharp pain in the top of my foot. I had to stop because of the pain and someone was able to drive me back to De La Salle, where I explained what had happened to my coach. From that point on, I began cross-training on a stationary bike and an elliptical at my gym, and wasn't able to run until late January. Although the cross-training was helpful, it took me a while to regain running fitness, especially since my coach and I wanted a slow progression in running volume so as to avoid further injury. The turning point in the season was most likely at the Arcadia Invitational, where I realized that my fitness was returning.

SJ: You have had great success in both Cross Country and Track.  What is your favorite season?

BH: I enjoy both seasons to the same degree. I just love the competition that comes with running, regardless of the distance, and I love to race. There is no better feeling than giving everything you have and coming away with a victory, knowing that your best effort is better than that of your competitors. I enjoy training for cross country and track as well, but the excitement of competing is what makes the hard work worthwhile. 

SJ: Heading into summer, can you tell us what your summer training is like?  When do you start back training and when will you reach your peak mileage? 

BH: Following the CIF State Championship, I took a week off from running while still incorporating in some cross-training. I have since begun a summer mileage program put together by my coach, John Pelster, in which I will be getting up to 75 miles a week towards the end of July and will maintain that volume for multiple weeks. I am also working on core and leg strength, and in addition to the mileage, I have also included daily cross-training by swimming laps in a pool and using an elliptical. This extra cardiovascular work will allow me to further develop my aerobic capacity and take me to the next level in my running. 

SJ: What big meets are you pointing toward this fall?  What do you look forward to the most and why?

BH: This fall, I will be targeting both the Division 1 CIF State Championship and the Footlocker West Region Qualifier. I am especially looking forward to Footlocker because of the competition that will be there, as well as the opportunity that I'll have to potentially place in the top ten and represent the West Region at Footlocker Nationals. 

SJ: De La Salle is returning a very strong contingent this fall. Please tell us about the De La Salle XC team and why you have had so much success as a team.

BH: De La Salle's success in cross country can be attributed to the chemistry that exists between every runner on the team. This chemistry is developed throughout the summer, as our team meets three days a week to run together. Each member of the team realizes their contribution to our success, and all De La Salle athletes hold one another accountable. In addition, there is a work ethic and a desire to win that has been instilled by our coach. These qualities allow runners on the team to push one another and strive to be the best. 

SJ: What are your goals for the coming cross country season?  

BH: For the 2013 cross country season, a goal of mine is to break 15 minutes at the state course and win the Division 1 title as an individual and as a team. Another goal would be to contend for the victory at the Footlocker West Region Qualifier and move on to Footlocker Nationals and place in the top five in that race. I would like to establish myself as one of the best runners in the country and put myself in position to contend for a national title. 

SJ: Who has had the most influence your running career?

BH: Coaches John Pelster and Kevin McCarthy have had the greatest influence on my running career. Coach McCarthy got me started in the sport and introduced me to the training that I would have to undergo in order to reach my potential. Coach Pelster has given me the training that I need to become an elite-level athlete and has allowed me to develop a greater appreciation for running. In addition to developing me as a runner, both coaches have played a crucial role in helping me grow as a person. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to train under both. 

SJ: What do you like to do outside of Cross Country and Track?

BH: Outside of cross country and track, I enjoy going to movies, going to church, working out, playing ping-pong, traveling, attending Giants and 49ers games, and relaxing with my family and friends. 

Quick Stats

Nickname: Bubba

Performance you are most proud of: 1st Place in 3000 at 2011 USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship

Favorite Athlete: Steve Prefontaine 

Last thing you read: Moby-Dick 

Favorite subject in school: History

Favorite food: Grilled Chicken

Favorite movie: Forrest Gump

Pet peeve: Being bored