Marcos Conde, 11
6th Grade student at Holy Family School

I've been running for...

3 years.

I started running because...

My mom talked me into it.

If I could no longer run I would...

Feel sad, but I would try to find some other sport to practice. I would miss the friends that I run with and not being in contact with nature.

My favorite run is...

The relay race.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is...

To stretch and drink water. To treat myself after working very hard at a meet or a practice, I like to go to Culver's for dinner and ice cream.

I like to run with...

The Rockford Wildcats. Running is easier with a group of friends.  I feel the challenge of trying my best at every practice.

The strangest place I've ever run is...

Rock Cut State Park. Once I got lost on the trails and it took me half an hour to find my way back. I was with the Wildcats and it was really fun trying to find our way out. We were running trails that we never ran before.

When I'm not running I like to...

Play basketball and ride my bike.

I am inspired by...

The coaches of the Wildcats. They are amazing people that volunteer their time to help younger kids like me to learn how to become better runners. Their dedication and love for running are an inspiration to me.

The local runner I most admire is...

Mike Mapes. As head coach of the Wildcats he does an excellent job. He is always in a positive attitude. Always giving advice on how to be a better runner. Mike is always looking for the most exciting trail to run.

To push myself on a run I...

Wait for the right moment to overtake the other runner. I like to take the inside of a turn, then pass them with a faster pace so they stay behind me. I feel satisfied to be able to do that.

My greatest running accomplishment was...

To be able to qualify for the National meet of 2004. That was my first season in cross country running. I knew then how much I enjoy the competition and that running is my thing.

My next goal is...

To make it to Nationals 2006, it will be at Orlando, Florida.

Running makes me a stronger person. I learn to push myself to be better every time. Also, I've learned to be patient. I realize it will take time to reach my potential.

My advice to other runners is...

To listen to your coaches and practice hard. Running will take you as far as you let yourself go.

I plan to run until...

I can't do it anymore.

Running makes me feel free. It helps me realize that you need to work hard to get to the finish and feel proud of yourself even when you're not the winner.