This is no surprise to anyone that has been around track and field for the last few years. John Spencer Wolfe simply loves track. Coming into this season, his personal record in the 1000 was 2:35, the 1600 was 4:26, and his 800 PR was 1:55.
John has won multiple states titles at the 1A level and indoors in the 1A/2A/3A meet. Based on his running so far this season, look for more.
This weekend at the Flames Invitational on the Liberty University campus, John Spencer Wolfe proved he will not only be tough to beat at the 1A level, but he may be the best at any level. Wolfe ran a solo 4:21.79 out of the 2nd heat in the 1600 to finish 3rd overall in the meet. (meet video)
In the 1000m run, Wolfe won the race in a very fast 2:31.79. That is the #3 time in the United States right now! In the race, he also beat the current US #1 at 3200m, Christopher Foley of Chantilly HS in Virginia.
Wolfe's 2:31.79 also ranks him #6 in NC history, right up there with some of the biggest names in middle distance running history: Dylan Ferris, Matt Debole, Lamarr Davis, & Bobby Mack. NC record of 2:28.04 is held by Brad Carter of Reidsville way back in 1990.
NCRunners.com Interview with John Spencer Wolfe (updated as of 1/21/10)
1) You ran at the front in both races, was that the plan?
Well for the mile, I wasnt in the fast heat so I knew I would be all by myself with the splits that I had to make, I think if I were in the fast heat though my time would have been faster. The thousand was the same for me I took the lead from the start and kept it.
2) There were some talented guys in the 1000, including the nation's current #1 3200m runner. What gave you the confidence that you could run at the front and stay there?
Ha, honestly I didnt know he was number one at the time but I dont think that would have changed anything for me since the 1000 and 2 mile are two different races. Definantly Carter and Hull from Blacksburg helped me maintain my pace even though they finished 3rd and 4th, and just the speed I have now I knew I could outkick anyone there.
3) Do you have your splits from the 1000 (200's) or the 1600 (400's)?
Yea my thousand splits were 29 59 129 202, that second to last lap kinda killed my chance of going sub 2:30 and in the mile was 62 207 313, ha I couldnt even remember my last 4 I was so out of it.
4) Do you have any other indoor races lined up prior to February 13th?
We have a Championship polar bear at our place which is a pretty big meet for WNC and I'll be running the 1000m at VT. My hope is to go sub 2:30 there.
5) Which national meet are you planning to attend and what are you planning to race?
I've already booked a flight to New York! I'll be running the 8 at the National Scholastic, hopefully in the fast heat.
6) What are your goals, time-wise, for the upcoming outdoor season? You can mention indoor times, too.
As far as the rest of Indoor season goes time-wise, I'll have a good chance of going sub 2:30 at VT like I said before. At the state meet I'll also have a good chance of going sub 4:20 between me and Presson. Outdoor season my goal in the 8 is 1:52 and for the mile sub 4:15. That would be insane!
7) What have you been up to in training since XC season ended?
Well, within a week after XC season I was really anxious to get back on the track. As far as workouts go, its been kind of slow because of the weather but they've mostly consisted of 1200's, 800's, 400's, and 200's. My toughest workout will be this Wednesday. I have 8 4's at 58 to 60 pace with a minute in between.
8) What is the difference b/w track and XC for you. Why such different confidence levels?
When I first started XC it was a big deal for me because I loved soccer and kicking football, but I knew it would pay off for me in the track season. The difference for me between the two is definitely a confidence level, XC is a lot longer mileage training which I love and still do, but nothing is as fun as trackwork. Ask my team!
