Men's Cross Country

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Oct. 3, 2005

As part of the new and improved gobonnies.com, the Student-Athlete Spotlight will profile a different St. Bonaventure student-athlete each week. This feature will allow Bonnies supporters to learn a little more about the outstanding student athletes who represent St. Bonaventure University in intercollegiate competition.

This week, senior cross country runner Brian Thierman answers questions about himself and the Bonnies program.

What are your goals for this season?

Brian: As a senior I want to get my personal best times and improve each race. As a team, I'd like for us to beat a couple A-10 schools in the conference meet.

Describe your workouts leading up to the season?

Brian: My off-season workouts start in June and each week you up the miles. One day is a speed workout, the next is a hill day, and the next day is a long day and then a couple easy days. You get up to about 60 miles per week.

How much different are your workouts now in season?

Brian: Now they are a lot easier so our muscles don't get as sore and worn out. During the season you pick up the pace, but drop the mileage. It's quite a change.

During a meet what is going through your mind?

Brian: I focus on the person in front me and try to catch them. As soon as I pass them, I jump to the next person and focus on them. A lot of running is mental and you have to stay focused and stay within yourself.

Over your four years as a runner, what has coach Tom Hagen taught you?

Brian: He's taught us that the running should be fun and to run well you have to enjoy it. He understands that we're a small school and he utilizes us well and never gives up. Coach Hagen has been a great influence and is always encouraging.

What are you taking away from running cross country here at St. Bonaventure?

Brian: I really love running and competing at the college level has made me want to get into coaching. Unlike most people, competing relieves stress and during the meet I can just focus on running.

Do you plan on continuing to compete in races or marathons after you graduate?

Brian: I plan on running the Philadelphia Marathon and would love to go over to China and run the Great Wall Marathon. It's always been a dream of mine to go to Kenya and run with the Kenyans.

At what age did you know that you wanted to run cross country?

Brian: I was a soccer player and was in good shape, but I was really small. So in high school someone suggested I should run cross country and I've loved it every since.

Getting back to the topic of you running 60 miles per week for four years, how many shoes have you gone through?

Brian: I'd say about 15 pairs. They're like tires every so many miles you've got change them.

Besides running, what other hobbies do you have?

Brian: I like the outdoors. I like to go camping, fishing, biking and hang out with friends. After graduation I plan on going into the Peace Corps so I can give something back.