"Talan has been an incredible addition to our team. He and Jackson Wright are great training partners and are progressing together. Talan is such an easy kid to coach because he does everything right, from training, to eating healthy and getting proper rest. He will run faster this season." - May River cross country coach Derek Holland
May River senior cross country runner Talan Farrington talks with MileSplit SC after his victory at the Beaufort County Championships about his running journey and future goals.
How did your race unfold with the win at Beaufort County Championships?
Leading up to the race my teammate Jackson and I had a plan to go out hard and try to create a gap to the rest of the field as quickly as possible. We hit two miles having done what we wanted to do and when I noticed that the pace was beginning to slow I just decided to go for it because why not and then it paid off and I was able to get the win.
How do you look at your two third place finishes (Lake Murray and Pink House) and Heathwood Hall Highlander Invitational (10th) this cross country?
Every race so far this season I have gone into with the mindset of just go out there and have fun and see what you can do. I looked at where I finished and thought that it was a good start to the season but I know what I am capable of and I'll keep showing up in future races.
How did you get into running cross country?
My older sister convinced me to try it out during my sophomore year and it kind of stuck with me.
What goals do you have for the rest of your senior cross country season?
Some goals that I have is to keep chasing that 15 minute barrier and continue to love the sport and keep having fun.
What's your preferred race strategy? How do you adapt if it changes?
I like to go out hard and make the race as hard as possible and just grind the whole time and if I blow up in a race then I know where my fitness is and learn from it.
What kind of mileage do you have now for a week and how will that change as the season nears championship meets?
I do 50 miles a week and as we get closer to championship season that will most likely go down depending on what race I have that week.
"I want to see more and more people push beyond the limits of what was previously thought possible because that gives hope to others that they can do it as well." - Talan Farrington
What has been your biggest challenge as a runner? How do you look at this challenge?
My biggest challenge as a runner was probably that I stopped having fun and I let the pressure get to me last year a lot, so this year I go into every workout, run, and race with the mindset of just have as much fun as possible and this is what you already worked for.
What races do you look forward to for the rest of the season?
I look forward to New World Fall Spectacular in Jacksonville along with our state meet because I can't wait to see what I can do and how far I have come since the start of the season.
Do you have a preferred cross country course style, and why?
I like courses that don't really give you any time to get into a rhythm and are really tough physically because that is how I train and it's easier for me to deal with that pain than getting too comfortable in a race.
How was summer training?
Summer training was good, it took me a long time to get used to the new training style but once that clicked everything sort of started falling into place.
What is your motivation for now and the future?
My motivation is to glorify God in all my runs and races and if I can get to a place that I can only dream of it will be because of him and that keeps me working hard day in and day out.
What do you want to see happen in the sport in the future, and why?
I want to see more and more people push beyond the limits of what was previously thought possible because that gives hope to others that they can do it as well.
What encouragement do you have for younger runners?
If you just keep working everyday and do all the little things that you need to get better you will get better but it takes a lot of patience and dedication to get somewhere you have never been before.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to watch movies, eat and go dock jumping.
Do you have postseason cross country meet plans?
I don't have a set plan yet but I know that I want to go to some big meets like RunningLane or Brooks if I can.
Do you see coaching in your future?
I think I could see coaching in my future to be able to share what I have learned over the years with a new generation would be pretty cool.
What would you want to say to your supporters?
I'll never quit no matter how hard it gets. I'll always finish a race, a workout, or a run because that's just who I am.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
Racing at the Olympics would be pretty cool. That is what I work for now and that is what I will continue to work towards in the future.