SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. - Men's Track and Field and Cross-Country athlete Matthew O (Schuylkill Haven, PA / Nativity BVM) competed in the Coal Cracker 10k on June 9th. The Coal Cracker is a 10k race held every year on the 2nd Saturday of June in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.
O completed the 10k run with a time of 40:51. O's time ranked second amongst male's aged 20-24 and ninth out of 156 particpants for the event. The race was timed by Bernie's Racing.
Explain the Coal Cracker experience?
It was a fun experience. I enjoyed seeing my old friends from high school, making new friends, and racing with them. I love how people are very supportive and the energy that comes around. This is a fun way to kick off the summer vacation.
What is your preparation process heading into runs?
Before I go into my runs, I want to ensure that I eat something light to have enough fuel and light stretching. I take my runs at an 80% leisurely pace, so I don't burn myself out on race day.
Are there any other events that you plan to compete in during the summer?
As of right now, I'm doing two races in July; on July 4th, I'm doing the Firecracker 5k in Port Carbon, and on July 29th, the Mile for Mentoring 5k in Orwigsburg and I'm not sure about others.
Talk about your finishing time for the coal cracker (where you impressed/unimpressed) as well as your personal record in a 10k. What steps do you need to take to improve time or stay consistent.
I ran a 40:51, 9th overall and 2nd place in my age group. I was hoping for a sub-40, but the last two miles of the Hill were a killer. This is my previous 10k best as of right now. Next time I do the coal cracker again, I will work more toward the Hill, focus on the person in front, kick it in more, and hopefully a sub-40.
O had a successful year in both cross country and track and field. In Cross Country, O placed 4th in the PSUAC conference championships and 25th out of 86 men in the USCAA championship. O carried over the momentum to the spring season as he set a new campus record in the 800m for track and field. O also holds the last 1500m and 5000m records.
