Relocating to Florida was the beginning of a remarkable summer that included winning a track team state championship in Tennessee to conclude my junior year and finishing state runner up in the 3200 meter state finals to my teammate Wesley Pectol, who won the race.  Our one-two finish delivered the state championship to our team by only one point with the 3200 being the final race.  I was flying out to Germany two days later. 

Spending time traveling throughout East Germany was a memorable experience and a great way to celebrate my end of season break.  Running through the German countryside was a great experience and an opportunity to ease into my summer base building. 

Upon returning stateside, I was able to spend time running with Pectol who had just finished competing in the Adidas Dream Mile and the Brooks PR Invitational.  Pectol and I have ran together since middle school.  Both of us developed and trained together through much of high school where we both led Greeneville High to back to back state xc championships in 2011 and 2012 as well as the most recent 2014 track state championship.  Pectol has moved on to compete for Auburn and I headed to Florida where I will represent Pasco High for my senior season. 

The biggest challenge was adjusting to the Florida heat.  I am very grateful that our move was made early enough in the summer for me to acclimate through training.  It has been fun exploring new places to run.  My "go to" places for workouts are Flatwoods Park, my neighborhood in Lake Jovita which is next to St. Leo University, nestled within the hills of Pasco County, and the 10 mile dirt loop at Clermont. 

I spent the majority of my last two summers training at altitude in Crested Butte, Colorado where I learned about focusing on quality runs, establishing a strong core, and consistently executing on the details that matter.  My sister Cameryn will also compete at Pasco High where she will be a sophomore. This summer has been unique since Cameryn is now fit enough to run quality days with me while I run my easy days.  This has been beneficial to her training and great for our relationship.  

An important lesson I learned long ago is that your season is determined by the work you put in during the off season.   I enjoy the training as much as racing.  It’s simply because I know I am getting faster and stronger by putting in the consistent work.   Much has fell into place and I am excited to meet new friends in the running community as well as the opportunity to race some top talent that Florida has to offer.  

Thank you DistancePreps for asking me to share my story.  I am looking forward to blogging for DistancePreps this season and sharing my journey this season with you all.

Good luck to everyone this season.

Zach Weaver

Zach Weaver
Class of 2015
Pasco High

PR's:

800 2:06

1600 4:30.32

3200 9:30

5K 15:38

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ZACH WEAVER  - CLERMONT - VBLOG PROFILE