Trail Talk With Oliver Blake
9/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Sept. 22, 2011
The University of Alabama men's and women's cross country teams showed considerable improvement in their second race of the season as the women won the Commodore Classic while the men finished second on Saturday at Nashville's Percy Ward Park. One of the Crimson Tide's British newcomers, Oliver Blake, finished 26th overall with a time of 26:19.50. Oliver recently took a few moments to discuss why he came to Alabama from England, how he's adjusted to the cross country scene and what goes through his mind before a race.
What were your thoughts on your second race at Alabama, the Commodore Classic?
It went very well. Everything progressed from the last race. Coach Waters told us it's a process and that we took another step forward as a team. It was just great to see the progression from the last race. Now we need to get ready for the Greater Louisville Classic and continue to maintain our momentum as we get closer to the SEC Championship.
What goals did you have going into the race this past weekend?
I've never been sure what to expect really because cross country is very different from what I'm used to back in England. It's been a lot shorter but a lot quicker. I'm not really sure of positions or times just yet that I need to have, but I'm just trying progress and build momentum going into every race.
What will the team do now to prepare for the Greater Louisville Classic in two weeks?
It'll be fairly hard training because the main focus is the SEC Championship. The Louisville Classic is something where we can build momentum and improve into the next race here in Tuscaloosa.
What do you like about Coach Waters coaching and teaching style?
I like him a lot. He brings a lot of discipline to the team and makes everyone realize the goals they're actually working towards. He does other things like how we should feel during a race and how we should take in each training session. It's different from what I'm used to back home because here there's a lot more structure under Coach Waters.
What does Coach Waters remind the team of before a race?
First, he reminds us to enjoy it. Then, he makes us understand where we should be during a race and how we should be feeling at different points during the race. He wants us to build team chemistry during every race.
What goes through your mind before a race?
I do enjoy cross country, but in England, I've had never taken it as seriously as I do with track and field. In track, I'm really nervous before the races. I'm sure once we get closer to the SEC Championship, I'll be a little more anxious. I always enjoy competing and that's what we train for really.
What the differences in workouts are between cross country and track?
I'm an 800-meter runner in track so there's a lot more speed involved with that. Those workouts are sometimes shorter. With cross country, there's a lot more focus on tempo runs and longer intervals. These are the times though an 800 runner starts to get back into the thick of things so I've enjoyed these workouts.
What brought you from Oswestry, England to Alabama?
I had some contact with Coach Waters and I did a lot of research when looking at universities. I figured Alabama was a good place for academics and sport. I found the graduate program in marketing at the business school and decided to do that since I've taken classes in marketing before. Also, the facilities and support towards the student-athletes were incredible.
Is there a difference in the running culture between England and Alabama?
Cross country seasons over here seem like a team-sport which is what I like. Over in England, everyone seems to be out for themselves. It's nice to compete over here with the team spirit I've experienced. I've felt very comfortable with the team since I've moved here.
How have you enjoyed Tuscaloosa?
It's been really good. Everyone is really friendly and has made me feel very welcome. It's amazing at how at home I feel since I've only been over here for a short amount of time. I haven't had time to trek outside of Tuscaloosa though. The campus is amazing and the facilities are wonderful. All the medical and support staff is really great. Everyone cares about you as a student-athlete.
