Running Miles With Myles Fleming


(Photo provided by Myles Fleming)

First of all, how did you first get involved with running?

I've always liked running and my dad did cross country and would always talk about how fun it was.

What are all your personal records, including cross country?

800: 2:06

1600: 4:31

3200: 9:40

5k: 16:02

Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?

I did some soccer in elementary school, but other than that it's been just running

What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?

Footlocker Midwest. I didn't have a very good day, but the atmosphere there was way different and more competitive than anything else I've ever been a part of.

Can you describe how it felt different than, say, a section or State meet in Minnesota?

There were more people and everyone was fast. It was different knowing that I would not be in contention for a top 10 or top 15 spot as well.

Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?

In my last meet I ran against Reed Kurak and that was fun(even though we didn't run next to each other much) and I also like to compete against Kevin Gunawan from Eastview.

Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?

My parents have been very encouraging and my coach, Erik Kluznik, has helped me believe in my abilities so I can run fast.


(Photo provided by Myles Fleming)

What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete?

Maintaining focus throughout a whole race. I often lose focus if I'm not in the right mindset. Sometimes when people pass me I think "There's now way I will catch them" and I stop focusing on running fast.

In situations like that, how do you (or how do you try to) get back in the right mindset?

I try to remember that the person passing me is hurting just as much as I am. I typically lose focus if I go out too fast because I start feeling uncomfortable earlier.

What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?

9:20 3200, 4:20 1600, qualify for the Hamline Elite Meet, and qualify for State.

Do you have any college plans?

I'm starting to look at my options now. I hope to compete D1 or D2. Preferably D1.

In addition to that, what other things are you looking for in your potential college of choice?

I'm looking for a somewhat large college with a good running program and a good science program

Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?

I always eat waffles right away in the morning and Clif Bars right before I run. The first time I tried this I felt really good while running so I've been doing it ever since. I repeat quotes in my head to get myself pumped up for a race as well.


(Photo provided by Myles Fleming)

When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?

Playing video games, playing piano, or hanging out with friends.

Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.

Last year kept all the Clif Bars I ate in the front pocket of my backpack. I emptied them out at the end of the school year and counted the wrappers and found that I had 297 Clif Bars last year

Any particular reason you didn't throw the wrappers away?

I started putting them in my backpack everyday because the classroom I ate them in didn't have a trash can. I kept forgetting to throw them away at home, so later in the school year there were so many that I figured I might as well wait for summer and count them.