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...)
To read all the TrackChat Interviews, click here
This is the latest in our 2011 series of Track Chat Interviews with the nation's top track & field athletes.
