This is the latest in our 2011 series of Track Chat Interviews with the nation's top track & field athletes.
Photo by Margot Kelly
MileSplit.us: You've got a 4:07.80 mile already this season, and qualified for the adidas Dream Mile. How are you feeling about your races and your fitness at this part of the season? (Editor's Note: Jantzen ran a 4:04.24 at the Orange County champs after this interview went out).
Jantzen Oshier: I'm really excited with how this season has gone so far. I feel like I'm right where I need to be right now.
MileSplit.us: What goals have you set for yourself for this spring? How does running such a great time so early in the season fit into what you feel you can accomplish?
Jantzen Oshier: I really don't have any goals per-say. Right now I'm focused on running as fast as I can. Time and place are just numbers.
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training do you do to prepare for the mid-distance events?
Jantzen Oshier: I do a lot of different kinds of workouts. Lots of speed work but I still get in a long run once a week.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that stands out from the rest? What is the best you have done at this workout?
Jantzen Oshier: No I love them all. It's just fun running with such a great group of people. I give all the credit of my season to my coach and my teammates.
MileSplit.us: What does the rest of your spring look like as far as competitions?
Jantzen Oshier: OC champs this weekend then its league and CIF.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable race to date in your high school career? Why does this one stand out?
Jantzen Oshier: I think Arcadia my Junior year. Winning that showed me that I can run with the top guys and I still means a lot to this day.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Jantzen Oshier: I love to surf and skate. I love spending my time outside and with my friends. And I LOVE playing and listening to music.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Jantzen Oshier: I've never gotten to meet him but I'd have to say Barnard Lagat. He is just down to earth and so humble about what he does and thats something I strive to be like. But also my coach. Coach Clemons has become a huge part of my everyday life and I owe all of this to him. He's been a huge role model on and off the track.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Jantzen Oshier: My dad. He has always been a great man and has shown me how to be true to myself, and has always pushed me to be the best athlete I could be. I remember one time after one really bad race he was the first person I had talked to. And all he said was "don't worry you will kick their asses next time". Haha dont know why but I've always found that really funny.
MileSplit.us: What do you see yourself accomplishing by the end of your high school career?
Jantzen Oshier: I really couldn't say. I'm just pushing to be the best runner that I can be.
More with Jantzen (Athlete Profile...)
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