Photo by Ryan Kelly
Grassfield senior Jeremy Greenwald had not run the 1000m in competition since the 2010 State meet, but he certainly didn’t show any rust at the Suffolk Stars Invitational in mid-January. Taking the lead before the pack rounded the first turn, Jeremy clicked off metronome-like splits of :29, :59, 1:29, and 1:59 to finish in a US#1 2:29.76. Two weeks later, Jeremy would take the track at the St. Christopher’s Invitational to run his 2nd 1600m race of the season. Content to sit on the shoulder of Midlothian’s Brayden Burleigh for the first 950 meters or so, Greenwald unleashed a kick from about 650 meters out and ran a VA#2 4:18.31. Greenwald is also US#22/VA#7 at 3200 with a 9:30.55 in his only race at that distance this year at the CNU Winter Frolic.
Jeremy is still chasing that elusive first state title and looks well-positioned to claim at least one this year. He took 8th place at the VHSL Group AAA State Championships this fall to cap off a stellar cross country season in which he won 9 straight races, including wins at the Newport News Invitational, William & Mary Invitational, Chesapeake Invitational, Southeastern District Championships, and Eastern Region Championships. Described by Coach Pat Banks as “a fine student-athlete and one of the most dedicated and hardest-working athletes” he has ever worked with, Jeremy Greenwald is at or near the top of Virginia’s great crop of distance runners.
Jeremy (pictured right by Ryan Kelly) was gracious enough to give Milestat.com some of his time this week in between a college visit and a trip to the New Balance Collegiate Invite at the Armory this weekend. Jeremy will compete in the 1000 meter on Friday night against an absolutely loaded field featuring 6 runners ranked in the top 9 in the nation at that distance this year.
MileStat.com Interview with Grassfield senior Jeremy Greenwald
Photo by John Herzog
MileStat.com: You had a pretty great fall in cross country, going undefeated in major competition from the Newport News Invitational all the way through the Eastern Region Championships and taking 8th at States, followed by a big 15:37 at Foot Locker South. What did you think about your season, especially winning the Regional title on a pretty nasty day at Bells Mill?
Greenwald: Yes, the region race was a good race for me. I enjoy running in less than ideal conditions most of the time. It adds another element to the race. As for the state meet, I was a little disappointed with my performance. I guess you could say the monkey jumped on my back in the last mile. Coming from Chesapeake, we don't have many hills, so that definitely hurt my chances. I gave it my all and just came up short. Overall it was a successful season, but I am glad that it is finally track season.
Photo by Ted Plunkett
MileStat.com: You've definitely continued that cross country success this indoor season, with a US#1 in the 1000 and what looks to be a US#2 in the 1600 after your win at St. Christopher's. How do you feel that your training and season are going? Did you get messed up by the snow in late December?
Greenwald: My training this indoor season has been pretty consistent. Fortunately I was on vacation in Florida during the snow storm, so I could continue training hard in the nice weather. I did, however, do one sprint workout on the ice when I got back. That was...interesting. I am pleased with my middle distance races so far this season. I am excited to get in a race with lots of competition so I will be pushed. I am racing the 1000 at the Collegiate Invitational in New York tomorrow. That will no doubt be a great race. Actually, by the time this is posted I probably will have already run it. I hope I did well.
MileStat.com: What do you think have been the keys to you dropping significant time in the 1000 and 3200 this season?
Greenwald: Well it isn't really fair to give me so much credit for dropping so much time in the 1000. Last year, I never ran a fresh 1000, always doubling up with the mile (and sometimes with a 4 x 800 the day before). I think a lot of my success this season is due to my summer training. I had an intense 8 weeks of training up until I got injured, which really created a great base for me. I think that has greatly benefited my fitness and strength for track season. A more focused diet has also contributed. I eat lots of red meat now to increase my iron and protein at the same time. I don't know if that is the best thing, but it has helped so far.
(Photo left by Ryan Kelly)
MileStat.com: Last indoor season, you had a good year, picking up a 5th in the 1600 at States and a 7th in the 1000 after taking second in both of those at Regionals. Can you talk a little about your postseason hopes for this season and goals for the outdoor season?
Greenwald: This season, I have high expectations for myself. A state title would be great, but there are plenty of talented runners at the state level and I just hope to be in the mix when the bell rings. I haven't really thought much about outdoor yet, but I don't think my goals will change drastically. I just want to push myself as fast as I can go.
MileStat.com: You've raced pretty sparingly at the 3200 distance. Any plans to race more at 3200 this year?
Greenwald: I used to be strictly a 3200 runner when I was an underclassman, but I have worked hard on my speed to help my range. I enjoy being able to run it all. Usually, the plan is that I will run the 3200 once a year just to get an accurate time, because honestly 16 laps is a lot and I get bored with it. Hands down, my favorite race is the mile, but there is always the possibility of moving up at the state meet.
MileStat.com: Where are you in the college selection process right now? Any offers or places you're considering that you'd like to share?
Greenwald: Right now I am in the middle of making visits to colleges. I have been to Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Penn State so far. My goal is to find the best combination of track and engineering. For obvious reasons, I cannot really disclose any more information, but you all will know my choice in due time.
(Photo right by John Herzog)
MileStat.com: Finally, what else do readers need to know about Jeremy Greenwald? Favorite workout? Best memory from track or XC? Inspirational coaches/teammates/competitors?
Greenwald: Interesting fact: I love smoothies! So if anyone wants to bring me one after the state meet, that would be greatly appreciated. My favorite workout has to be 12 x 400 with a 400 jog recovery. Something about repeat quarters just makes me excited. My greatest memory is winning the Eastern Region XC title last year as a team. We had a close knit group of guys and I was proud to be a part of our success. Coach Banks is definitely the guy I talk to when I need motivation. He has so much experience that it is hard not to take his advice. As for pre-race ritual, I don't really do anything special except listen to Bon Jovi. They're old, but they're good.
