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If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Salute to Seniors series article of Bishop O'Connell distance runner J.J. LaPointe. LaPointe closed incredibly strong for his senior year in winning the Virginia Catholic schools state titles in the 1600 and 800 and followed up with wins at the even more competitive WCAC Championships in the 1600 (4:21) and 3200 (9:30) and an impressive 1:58 800 PR in between. During the cross country season, LaPointe was a state runner-up and ran under 16 minutes for 5K twice including a 15:49 performance at the Glory Days Grill Invitational. Remarkable improvements from his junior year best times of 4:36 in the 1600 (15 second drop to 4:21), 10:02 in the 3200 (32 second drop to 9:30), and 16:51 in the 5K (62 second drop to 15:49). The vastly improved LaPointe now heads off to Christopher Newport University in the fall to continue his running and academics.
Interview with Bishop O'Connell distance runner J.J. LaPointe
What was your most memorable race?
Definitely Glory Days this past XC season. I pr’d by just about a minute and it gave me a lot of confidence about my future as a runner. Had a really great luscious apple after that race as well. Fuji’s over everything.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
The first time I broke 2:00 in the 800m I predicted my time and splits perfectly. I swear, ask my dad. It was kinda, just a little sweet I guess.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
First off, I would not have skipped practice my freshman year and take pointless trips to 7-11. Instead of gaining speed and endurance, I was more concerned about taste for slurpees and ice cream. Not good kids. Second, I would have ran track my freshman year instead of doing baseball. I was really bad at baseball and the only reason they kept me on the team was to pinch run and steal bases. I couldn’t catch the clue (pun intended). Finally, even though it was the greatest day of my life, I would not have ran a marathon right before my junior year track season. I lost about 10 pounds and had less speed then a sloth with rigor mortis.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
All the times I had to go to the bathroom sooo bad on the bus rides to meets. They would never stop for me…. But seriously, when I tore my abdomen at Oatlands this past XC season. Right after the mile, my left side got super tight and I thought it was just a cramp so I kept running. Turned out to be worse, but thanks to some motivational YouTube videos and the support of my coach and teammates I was right back at it.
What will you miss the most?
Joe Brough. Robin to my Batman.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Have fun. If you show up to practice and you’re that kid who just wont stop complaining about the weather, or the workout, or how many wings you ate at lunch, just go row crew or something. Play it smart to. Some days you might feel Hermes delivering a message to Zeus, but you’ll get hurt doing that, trust me. I had that mentality for a while and got injured pretty quick.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Walls gave me the tenacity I race with today. I made a promise to her at the end of my senior year XC season where I told her my love for running won’t ever be drowned about by the noises and problems of life. That I will strive every day to get better as a runner, but more importantly as a man. She honestly is the reason why I am running in college and not playing xbox and participating in food eating contests. Love you Coach!!!!
What are your college plans?
I will be studying and running at Christopher Newport University. All my future teammates best be getting ready for me bumpin to some J-Beiber/Biggie/Tupac before our races. #good2great
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My wonderful lunch lady Virginia, who provided me with a healthy balanced diet everyday. And my 2000 Honda Accord for getting me there, when my feet couldn’t.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
If you are not subscribed to MileStat.com, I hope you find yourself looking at some pictures in the near future of you in a race looking like 12 pound bowling ball hit your foot… SUBSCRIBE!!!