Caden Gary is a junior on the cross country and track team. He recently ran 4:07 in the 1600 meters which is currently an outdoor track number three time in the United States. In his past three races, he broke three school records in the 800, 1600, and 3200.
Pre-race:
Favorite hype song: Next to Me by Mqx
Pre-race snack: My favorite pre-race snack is bread with honey, because it doesn’t make me feel like I’m going to barf.
Hype circle dance: Usually I stick to the griddy; it’s a classic and respectable.
Post-race:
The Red Ledger: Why did you start running?
Caden Gary: I saw it as a way to stay in shape and as something I could do to better myself.
TRL: What are your future goals for this track season?
CG: I hope to break 4:05 for the full mile, get first at state, and break 9:00 for the 3200.
TRL: How did you feel after achieving your mile PR?
CG: It was an amazing feeling. All of my teammates were hyped and pushing me around. I smashed my goal of 4:12, so I was a bit shocked when I saw my official time.
TRL: What has led you to your success?
CG: I think the reason we are a successful program is because we’re talented and we are consistent. Many teams don’t run over summer or winter break, but we run basically year round. Also, we’re blessed to have a coach that knows what he’s doing and knows how to adapt to our needs.
TRL: What is the most important part to being prepared for a race?
CG: Confidence is key. Going into a race with a great workout under the belt is a good boost, because it lets me know I can handle the pace.
TRL: Who is your running role model?
CG: Tate Barr; he was a senior when I was a freshman, and I looked up to him. I can always ask him questions, and he’ll be glad to talk about it.
TRL: How has Coach Kelly helped you develop?
CG: He’s given us everything we need to excel, and he listens to our requests.
TRL: Who are some people that help keep you accountable?
CG: Aaron Wimbish and Tristan Arceneau keep me accountable with post-run work, and Nick Yarad is my training partner.
TRL: What are your future goals once out of high school?
CG: I hope to run at a D1 school and go to NCAAs. After college, I want to continue running but not seriously.
TRL: How do you better yourself outside of practice?
CG: I prioritize diet, sleep, and hydration.
