Tennessee's Brodey Hasty is the top returning cross country runner in the nation and MileSplit's No. 1 ranked runner in its preseason Flo50. While he's a student at Brentwood High, he's currently planning to start the season as an unattached runner. There is a chance, however, that Hasty does eventually put on a Brentwood uniform at some point in the Tennessee cross country season. And yet, regardless of the situation, Hasty continues to train as hard as he's ever been and is looking forward to the season ahead. He took the time to answer a few questions from us recently.
How did your summer training go?
My summer training has gone really well. I raced the Brooks PR meet in late June, so after a two-week break, I did not start up again until the 4th of July. I've slowly built my mileage up from 30 miles a week to about 55-60 miles a week and have begun doing some moderate quality workouts and I feel great.
What was your favorite memory, both training and outside training, from the Nike Elite Camp?
At the Nike Elite camp, the environment was amazing. Everyone was really relaxed because nobody was overly focused on a race at the end of the event. It was a great vibe overall, and it will always be a great memory that my friend and teammate, Scott Thompson, were able to share together, along with all the other top athletes.
What are you looking forward to in XC the most this fall?
Running for my team on some great courses throughout the fall.
What's been the best race of your career so far and why?
The New Balance Indoor Nationals 2-Mile. Although I may have still had some struggles throughout the year, I really started to believe in myself after that race. If I stay healthy, I feel I can run much faster this year.
What's your favorite workout?
Hill repeats. They are tough, but I can really feel myself getting stronger.
Can you name three meets you are looking forward to running in 2017?
I look forward to racing NXN Southeast with my team, and I would also love to race both NXN with my team and Foot Locker Nationals as an individual. Unfortunately, right now the NXN Southeast Region is on the same day as the Foot Locker South Region.
I really wish they would consider giving an auto-qualifier to the individual champion of the four NXN Region meets that are run the same day as the corresponding Foot Locker Regional races, as long as those NXR individual winners are racing NXN for their club team.
First and foremost for me, cross country is a team sport and I'd still love to have the opportunity to race both of those meets. Casey Clinger may have been one of the best cross country runner in the country last year, and he could not run Foot Locker Nationals because the Foot Locker Region conflicted with his NXN qualifying meet. That would be rad if Foot Locker made a change to serve the athletes' interests and I feel it would help sustain their great, traditional event in a way that is mutually beneficial for everyone who loves our sport. Either way, whatever the final meet we choose, it will be the primary meet that I will target for my very best race this fall.
Do you have a favorite course in Tennessee as well as one outside the state?
There aren't many great courses in Tennessee, but outside of the state is the WakeMed course in Cary, North Carolina -- site of Great American and the NXN Southeast Region. The course is challenging, with all the ups and downs, but it races fast and it is fun to run on.
Of all your accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Probably my 4:01.7 (at the Music City Distance Carnival) as it was one of the hardest race efforts I have put in, so I feel that is my best accomplishment.
What are your goals for the upcoming XC season?
I want to have fun with my teammates and race our very best at the biggest championship meets in November and December.
Behind The Scenes
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If you could walk in one person's shoes for a day, who would it be and why?
I would walk in the shoes of Billy Mills. He showed the importance of one's mental attitude in realizing one's potential.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life and why?
I have no idea at all.
If you were given a chance to take over as a coach for a day, what would be the workout you'd plan and why?
Whatever is both fun and effective. Probably a hill workout.
How have you changed as an athlete from your freshman season to now?
I have had to learn how to listen to and take care of my body and am now leading my own workouts so I have had to learn how to control my own pace and effort levels.
What's been the most inspirational moment in your career so far?
Sophomore year when I placed seventh at NXN. That's what we intended, but it was still amazing after the fact, to fully realize that I could do something like that.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave before you graduate?
I'd like to be known as someone who races the championship races with tenacity and guts, who lifts up others, and who helps make the sport more fun and better because of my attitude, work ethic, sportsmanship, and overall love of the sport.
