Season reflection with Dublin's James Attarian

Now that Cross Country is over, I will post several interviews with several athletes and coaches who had breakthrough '07 seasons. I will start with the best male runner in Northern California not named German Fernandez, Dublin's James Attarian. He made a name for himself last Track and Field season by finishing 2nd in the 1600m. behind Brian Cole of St. Helena at the NCS Meet of Champions with a speedy 4:17.87. Despite several other sub. 4:20 1600m. clockings on the track, Attarian came into the season under the radar as a runner to watch on the state scene. Early during this past xc season, he finished 2nd behind fellow DFAL runner, Nate Beach of Acalanes, at the DLS/Carondelet. From there, we'll let him tell us about the rest of his season which will go down as one of the best by any Northern California Cross Country runners.

1) What was the first race that gave you the confidence that this could be a special season?
Stanford Invite because I had the second fastest time of the meet which told me I was competitive with the ranked runners.

2) Looking back at the entire season, what was your best race?
At Mt Sac I felt the strongest especially on the uphill portions of the course. I really felt good after that race.

3) Favorite moment from this past season? Most surprising accomplishment?
Favorite moment was winning State. That was my goal all season and to accomplish it was really great. Most surprising accomplishment was bringing my times down as much as I did from last year.

4) Was this your first Footlocker Western Regional? If not, was the previous experience helpful in qualifying for the national meet?
This was my first one.

5) How confident were you in your chances to qualify for the national finals?
I thought I had a pretty good shot at making the top ten and qualifying.

6) Describe the Footlocker national course in San Diego. Some of us may have seen the course live or on the webcast but could you compare the course to any you have raced on this past season?
It was pretty muddy and slippery. That was the first time all season that I raced on a course in that condition. It was similar to Stanford in the aspect that your running mostly on grass. It has subtle up hills and then one big hill.

7) Now that cross country is over, when you do you start training for Track and Field?
I’m taking this week off to rest and then will begin training next week for Track.

8) What races are you looking forward to in Track?
I’m going to concentrate on the 800, 1600 and 3200.

9) If you were to give advice to a 9th, 10th or 11th grader that have aspirations to win a section or state title and maybe more, what would that advice be?
Stay focused and consistent with your training. Your training routine, diet and sleep habits need to become a lifestyle. Don’t try and do too much too quickly. You need to build yourself up.

Thank you very much for your time James!-AJC