Colorado University Athletics
Getting To Know: Pierce Murphy, XC/T&F
Tell us about your background. How was your high school experience? What influenced you to get involved in running?
Pierce: I started running a little before high school. I played a lot of soccer, but then started doing road races on the side. When I got to high school, I still played soccer, but I also ran cross country my freshman year. I was good for my school, but didnGÇÖt think too much of it at the time. I decided to give track a try my sophomore year, and did really well. I ended up finishing second in the 1600-meter run at state, then started training harder and just improved from there.
What is your favorite running event and how does that influence your training?
Pierce: For me, right now IGÇÖm doing the 5k and 10k. For indoor itGÇÖs mainly just the 5k, and for outdoor the 10k. The 5k really helps me get my speed down, and prepares me for running in longer races.
How would you describe transitioning and refocusing your energy to track after such a successful cross country season?
Pierce: Cross country is different from track in that itGÇÖs a lot more of a team sport. In cross country itGÇÖs not really about individual times, than it is about the team and your placement in the race. We had a little break after cross country season, and I think that break helps to completely relax physically and mentally, especially after winning the championship. Track isnGÇÖt a different sport; itGÇÖs just a different mindset. We focus more on workouts on the track and specific events. Overall, the transition isnGÇÖt really hard, just different.
Any individual goals you are aiming for going into the outdoor season?
Pierce: Last season in outdoor, I missed out on nationals by one spot, which was kind of a bummer, so this season, IGÇÖm looking to get some big personal records in both the 5k and 10k
What has been the best piece of advice or message from Coach Wetmore this year that you try to take to heart?
Pierce: One thing he said during cross country season was to start picking up my mileage. Last year in cross country I finished 39th at nationals; this year I finished 34th. He asked me if I wanted to improve next year by the same amount of spots. I told him that I wanted to do even better. What I got out of that was his way of telling me to just work harder and focus more. HeGÇÖs really humble and quiet, but when he does say something, it means a lot.
Who do you look to as role models, both inside and outside the sport?
Pierce: I donGÇÖt really look up to other runners too much. I know of other runners from other schools as well as professional runners, but I focus more on the team. WeGÇÖre all here for each other and I know I always have them as a support system.
Do you have any pre-meet rituals to help you prepare for a race?
Pierce: I donGÇÖt really have any rituals. I just try to prepare myself as much as I can before a race, but thereGÇÖs nothing really unusual that I do.
WhatGÇÖs something interesting about you that most people donGÇÖt know?
Pierce: I donGÇÖt have too many hobbies or activities outside of running and school. One thing that IGÇÖve always liked is art. IGÇÖll usually try to schedule an art class elective along with my other classes. Other than that though, I focus mainly on the team and school.
How was the transition from high school in Hawaii to the college program at Colorado?
Pierce: It went pretty well. I didnGÇÖt think of it as being too hard. When I got here, I did what coach told me to do, so I started upping my miles. My freshman year I was a redshirt, so I didnGÇÖt do much racing except against my teammates. It was a certainly a big change though. Coming out of Hawaii, I was the best in track and didnGÇÖt have a ton of competition; but here, everyoneGÇÖs faster than you coming in. Overall it wasnGÇÖt too hard, but it takes time to get to a faster level that youGÇÖre not completely used to in high school.