Name: Kyle Mook
Personal bests: 5000: 15:55, 3200: 10:46, 1600: 4:53, 800: (4x800 split): 2:05, 100: 13.74
Hobbies: Running of course
Academic interest:  Math and science

How did you get involved in the sport and why?
After taking Tae Kwon Doe for eight years (and winning a Junior Olympic national title), I grew tired of the sport and decided to try a new sport.  I originally wanted to play football, but my brother and a couple friends asked me to try out cross-country. It's been the best decision of my life.
 

Video - Riverside Warriors practice: 4x1600

Do you have any family members involved in the sport? 
My older brother (Ethan Mook) and I were the first in my family to be involved with the sport.  He has had the largest impact on my running career.  He influenced me to first join the team, and for the first four years of my running career, he was the perfect training partner; having the same workouts, fitness, social life, and even diet as me.  My younger brother (Bailey Mook) has just joined the team as a 7th grader and my dad just began running to better understand the sport, and to get into shape. I also recently found out that my grandmother sprinted for her elementary school's track team in South Korea.

What goals do you have for the rest of the season (question asked before Low Country)?
I would like to set a new school record (currently Jacob McCaskill at a 16:04, see above) and lead my team to a state championship with a top five individual finish.

What does it mean to now hold the Riverside record and how did your Low Country race unfold? 
It means a lot and it's a great feeling to know that all of my hard work is finally paying off. I took it out at a slower pace than most of the other runners, so as expected, it was very tight once we entered the trails. I was on the pace I wanted to be at the mile mark and I felt good so I decided to start making moves during the second mile. I was off pace when I hit the second mile mark so I decided to just try to pass as many people as I could the last mile. I think that it was beneficial for me that I have never ran on this course before, because I began to really pick up the pace far earlier than anticipated (unaware of how far I was from the finish) and I began to sprint as fast as I could as I came out of the woods, thinking the finish was only about 100 meters away, whereas it was closer to 250-300 meters. But I surprised myself and was able to sustain the kick.

How did that meet and its competition help you for the rest of the season? 
I think that the meet was definitely a big confidence booster for myself and many of the other runners because of the fast times that were run. It was a lot of fun and a great experience to race a lot of the guys that I normally only see at coaches classic and state. It also allowed me to realize just how much great competition I have. Both the fast times and competition just allow me to set even higher goals for the rest of the season.

What roles do you have on the team this year as the top runner?
My role is to motivate the other runners to strive to become better.  When I first began as an 8th grader, I remember looking up to the top runners, so now I try to reach out to the younger runners who work hard and have the motivation to become better.

Do you have any post season cross country meets planned?
Yes. I plan to run Foot Locker South and represent South Carolina in the USATF Cross Country Junior Olympics.

Do you have a specific race strategy that works best for you?
I like taking it out at a reasonable, but firm pace and slowly catching up to the runners who took it out hard.

What do you enjoy about the Riverside team and being on the course with them daily?
The Riverside team is amazing. I have made unforgettable friendships and memories by grinding out hard workouts with the team.  Coach Cummings has created a fantastic program where everyone feels like they belong and are part of the team, while still motivating them to become better each and every day.

What plans do you have for the future?
I plan to go to college after I graduate and hopefully run as long as my body is able.

Are you looking to run at a college?
Yes.

Do you remember your first race?
Yes. I remember running Eye Opener with my brother Ethan.  Our whole first year we would run together in races using a "sling shot" tactic, where one of us would surge in front of someone, purposely slow down, and let the other catch up and pass the other runner.

How did summer training go?
Summer training went even better than I hoped for. I created a great base, running almost double what I usually run in the summer, while never encountering even the slightest injury.

What do you remember the most from being a runner?
I remember the friendships made over many miles.  I also remember that sometimes, it isn't the hardest worker, or the person who "wants it more" that will succeed. Rather, the person who sets a goal, follows the best plan, and can adjust to adversity.

Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
The day before, I run practice as if I am warming up for a race, and shut it down as soon as I finish. The team also hosts pasta pump ups the night before most Saturday meets. I just make sure to eat well, get a good nights sleep, and stay focused.

How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
Balancing academics, athletics, and other responsibilities is difficult.  I try to get all my schoolwork done before practice, or as soon as I get home from practice so that I can get good rest.  Cross Country gives me a schedule to follow, and helps me set my priorities straight.

What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
I have thankfully not encountered any injuries that have stopped me for more than a couple of days.  The largest challenge that I have found in the sport is staying motivated.  I then I remember all the great opportunities and relationships that this sport has given me and how good it feels to win and how bad it feels to lose.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
Win an Olympic gold medal.  Although people may not remember every Olympic gold medal winner, I feel that there is no greater glory that an athlete can achieve besides winnings an Olympic gold medal.

Favorite runner(s): Nick Symmonds, Louis Zamperini, and Steve Prefontaine.
Favorite food: Pasta and Steak
Favorite bands: I'm more of a Hip-Hop and Rap guy, but I like The Beatles.
Favorite quote: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: I like training in the Saucony Cortana. I like Racing in The Saucony Type A and Saucony Carrera XC depending on the surface.
Inspirational person in your life: My grandmother.  As an immigrant to the country she is the hardest worker and most compassionate person that I know.