Catching up with Santa Cruz's Brennan Lynch...

Today we chat with the 2nd place finisher in the Division IV race from this past Saturday's CA state meet, Santa Cruz's Brennan Lynch. He shot out of the gate fast this year with an impressive victory at the Earlybird Invitational over Cody Schmidt of Redondo Union. He followed that with outstanding efforts during the rest of the invitational season and league finals. At the CCS meet in Toro Park, Brennan finished in 2nd place behind eventual state champion, Tyre Johnson of Palma.

1) How did you get started in running cross country?
My dad was always a runner, and he suggested to give cross country a shot. So I tried it out and it soon became a part of me.

2) When did you first realize that this can be a good sport for you?
I realized running was suited for me by just being in a running atmosphere.

3) When you first got started in the sport, what runners did you consider as role models (on your team or not).
My dad, My coach Greg Brock and Steve Prefontaine

4) Before this season, what did you consider your best accomplishment in xc?
Before this XC season start my best accomplishment from last year's XC season was placing 7th in state.

5) Tell us a little about your summer training and what you did differently this year than previous summers?
The main difference of this summers training from previous summers was an increase in mileage and quality.

6) What were some of your goals going into the season?
My main goal going into this cross country season was to have a lot of big PRs. I also always had placing in the top three at state in the back of my mind.

7) What was your plan going into state meet race?
My goals for state were to run smart and strong with a plan and to let the results take care of themselves.

8) How did the race unfold and where were you through the first mile? 2nd mile? 3rd mile?
The leader (Tyre) took it out in 4:40 and many followed. I tried to hold back and not go to crazy. I found myself in tenth place @ 4:52. Over the next mile I move up a few places to eigth, 15 seconds behind the leader. Between mile 2 and 3.1 I passed several others and found myself in a pack of four chasing the leader who was 10 sec. ahead. With 200 meters to go I outkicked the pack and came in 2nd, four seconds back. My time was 15:36, a 35 sec. PR from last year.

9) Favorite race? Favorite course? Favorite competitor(s)?
My favorite course is Crystal Springs. I love racing against people who are not afraid to push the pace and are competitive.

10) Looking ahead to track and field, what do you consider your best distance in track? Who are going to be your biggest challengers in terms of making the state meet in track?
I'm not sure what event I will be focusing on in track. Probably the 1600 or 3200. CCS is filled with tons of talent and I'm sure I will have many challengers. So we will have to see how it plays out.

11) What would be your best advice to a young runner who wants to take their runner to the next level?
Be dedicated, work hard, be comfortable with being uncomfortable and follow your highest aspirations.

12) Anything else you would like to add.
thank you!

Thank you very much Brennan! AJC