Henry Strand (Vestavia Hills): Male Athlete of the Week
Henry Strand, from Vestavia Hills High School, placed third at the Randolph Invitational on Saturday, October 15, 2022. He ran 15:45 and took home the title of the fastest Alabamian at the meet.
What was your goal entering the race?
To try and win the race individually and as a team.
How did the race play out?
I went out where I wanted to be at about 4:50 at the mile. I started to feel pretty locked up but I kept pushing. At 2 miles, I was 5-10 seconds back from the leader. I pushed hard up the hill after 2 miles trying to close the gap but I went into oxygen debt. I closed hard the last 800m and closed the gap a little bit, but it was too late. I'm very happy with my performance, even though it wasn't my best day. I still placed 3rd overall and ran a solid time.
Are you racing before Sectionals and State?
No, I have the next week off from racing. Sectionals will be my next race and then State.
What's the realistic goal at the State meet for you and the team?
The main goal for the team is to win the State Title. We have had our eyes set on that goal since the beginning of summer. However, it won't be easy. There are many great teams in 7A that have the same goal as us. We just have to be confident in ourselves and trust in our training. My goal is to place as high as I can and beat as many people as possible so the team can win.
What got you into running?
Both of my parents ran in college so they would put me into some fun runs growing up. I ran a little in middle school but also played basketball. I made the freshman team so I didn't run XC or Indoor. After running Outdoor and loving it, I knew I wanted to stick to Track and XC.
What is your pre-race routine?
On the days leading up to the race, I try to hydrate a lot. Most of my races are in the morning so I eat a bagel when I wake up and some crackers on the way to the race. When I'm warming up, I try to visualize how I want to race it. I usually warm up 2 miles then after that I go and do drills and strides on the starting line.
Have you began the college recruiting process?
Yes, the process has been good so far. I'm excited to see where I end up running!
What's a core running memory for you?
My best running memory would have to be sweeping the 800m last year at Outdoor State. Alex Leath, Max Armstrong, and I went 1-2-3 to get our team 24 points.
What's your favorite running and racing shoe?
My favorite running shoe is definitely the Pegasus 39. You can go fast if you feel good or slow if it's a recovery day. My favorite racing shoe is the Nike DragonFly. It fits well and it's very good on all terrains.
In your opinion, what's the toughest event in track and field?
Either the 800m or the 2 mile. The 800m is physically the hardest and the 2 mile is mentally the hardest.
What's the best workout you've ever done?
Leading up to Music City last outdoor season, I did 1 x 1,000m, 1 x 500m, and 4 x 200m. The 1,000m was at goal mile race pace, the 500m was at goal 800m race pace, and the 200s were everything I had left.
What's your favorite cheat meal?
Nothing too crazy. Just some chocolate or coffee ice cream.
What's your top 3 favorite movies?
Land of the Lost, Avengers Infinity War, and Super Bad.
What do you like to do when you're not running?
I like to play video games and hang out with my friends.
What specific video games?
Madden, NBA2K, and sometimes Minecraft.
What sport would you do if you weren't running?
Even though I quit, it would probably be basketball. Or soccer.
Who is your favorite basketball player?
It would definitely have to be Russell Westbrook. He has great energy when he's on the court and his dunks are crazy.
If you got stranded on an island, which teammate are you bringing and why?
Probably my teammate Wilson Holt. He knows a lot of outdoors stuff, so he would figure out a way for us to survive.
If you could have any superpower (excluding super speed) what would it be?
Be able to stop time.
