Another Piece to Brooks PR Puzzle: Matthew Maton (OR)

 

Another piece to the Brooks PR puzzle is Summit distance runner Matthew Maton. Maton is a three-time Oregon state champion in the 3000 meters and two-time state champion in the 1500 meters. A stellar distance runner, he placed third at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships.  He will compete in the mile and brings with him a PR of 3:49.38 for 1500 meters to the Brooks PR Invitational on Saturday, June 21st in Seattle. (Photo by Margot Kelly)

When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?

Maton: I  learned I was invited a couple of weeks back when my coach had received an email from them saying they were putting me in the meet.

What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational? 
 
Maton: It means a lot. I remember first finding out about the meet last year and made it one of my goals to run there one day!

What do you hope to achieve at the meet? 
 
Maton: I hope to run fast and put in another good effort in this meet and hopefully finish well too.
 
What music do you listen to before races?
 
Maton: I usually don't listen to music before races I just focus on what I need to do to do well.
 
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
 
Maton: I think I would want some food, a phone, and a radio.
 
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
 
Maton: I think my best race was at Border Clash when I won this year. I remember going to watch in middle school and thought to myself how could I ever get to that level, but I somehow managed to do so.
 
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
 
Maton: I'm a big hunting and fishing guy. It's all I do when I don't run.
 
How and why did you get involved in the sport? 
 
Maton: I saw my sister starting to do well in it. Also my mom had won nationals once and so has my father. I thought if I put in the work maybe I could do well to.

How has your training been leading up to the meet?
 
Maton: It's been good. I've been lucky not to get too sick or hurt this year.

What are you most looking forward about your trip, race, and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
 
Maton: I look forward to running hard and seeing some of my buddies that made the USA junior cross team with me this year.