There are a lot of great runners across the country this season, perhaps proving to be the deepest talent in U.S. high school history.  One of the leaders of this year's talented group of harriers is Arizona's Brian Shrader (Sr., Sinagua, AZ).  Shrader is one of the top returnees from 2008-2009 after an extremely successful cross country season and a track season that saw him win three state titles (800, 1600 and 3200).

This fall Shrader has high hopes, training more than ever before in order to perform his best at the end of the season.  Midwest Distance Gala's Scott Bush caught up with Shrader earlier this week, as Shrader talked about his season thus far, his training, the college recruiting process and what type of sunglasses he races in, among other topics.

Scott Bush (SB): Congratulations on a great first half to your season.  How's your season been thus far?  How's your training going?

Brian Shrader (BS): Thanks! My season has been going great so far. I am getting big course pr's and training has been going smoothly. I'm really happy with where my fitness level is at this point of the season!

SB: You're one of the top returnees in the country this season.  What are the expectations as the season starts to get to the big meets now?

BS: As one of the top Foot Locker returnees, I know that there will be high expectations, but in order to reach those expectations I know it will take a lot of hard work, especially with the group of really talented runners this year. I can only control my race though so I try not to worry about anyone else right now. That way, no matter who shows up on the line, I will know that I have done everything I could have to be ready on that day.

SB: What's a typical week of training look like during the season?

BS: Right now my mileage is around 45. This is the most it has been during the season, so I am feeling stronger than I ever have! Monday's and Wednesday's I have workouts and Tuesdays, Thursday's and Friday's are longer runs. Saturday usually is a race and Sunday I do some really easy running. I do core work every day and try to get in some light lifting about twice a week.

SB: I read the other day that you made an official visit to the University of Texas.  How's the recruiting process going for you thus far?  Any upcoming official visits?

BS: The recruiting process is definitely really demanding! It is overwhelming at times but I am still trying to enjoy it! The visits are fun but very tiring as well. So far I've gone on visits to Texas and the University of North Carolina, which have both been awesome! I also have visits for Oregon and will either do an official or unofficial to Arizona. I still don't know where I will commit though, but I can't wait for when I do! It's so hard to choose!

SB: You have a good rivalry it seems with fellow Arizona standout Steve Magnuson.  What's it like having someone like Steve in your state to push you?

BS: Steve and I have been racing since freshman year, so it's really cool to see how far we've come! We actually live pretty far from each other though, with him in Tucson in the south and me in Flagstaff in the north, so we don't get to race too much. But when we do it's always really fun and we bring out the best in each other.

Six Quick

SB: Favorite TV show?

BS: Chuck

SB: Best vacation you've taken?

BS: I went on a cruise last year. You can't beat 24 hour buffets and ice cream!

SB: Favorite professional runner?

BS: Ryan Hall

SB: Favorite food?

BS: Pizza

SB: Car you drive?

BS: Navy Blue Hyundai Tucson

SB: Type of sunglasses do you race in?

BS: Smith Baseline Square

Scott Bush (SB): Congratulations on a great first half to your season.  How's your season been thus far?  How's your training going?

Brian Shrader (BS): Thanks! My season has been going great so far. I am getting big course pr's and training has been going smoothly. I'm really happy with where my fitness level is at this point of the season!

SB: You're one of the top returnees in the country this season.  What are the expectations as the season starts to get to the big meets now?

BS: As one of the top Foot Locker returnees, I know that there will be high expectations, but in order to reach those expectations I know it will take a lot of hard work, especially with the group of really talented runners this year. I can only control my race though so I try not to worry about anyone else right now. That way, no matter who shows up on the line, I will know that I have done everything I could have to be ready on that day.

SB: What's a typical week of training look like during the season?

BS: Right now my mileage is around 45. This is the most it has been during the season, so I am feeling stronger than I ever have! Monday's and Wednesday's I have workouts and Tuesdays, Thursday's and Friday's are longer runs. Saturday usually is a race and Sunday I do some really easy running. I do core work every day and try to get in some light lifting about twice a week.

SB: I read the other day that you made an official visit to the University of Texas.  How's the recruiting process going for you thus far?  Any upcoming official visits?

BS: The recruiting process is definitely really demanding! It is overwhelming at times but I am still trying to enjoy it! The visits are fun but very tiring as well. So far I've gone on visits to Texas and the University of North Carolina, which have both been awesome! I also have visits for Oregon and will either do an official or unofficial to Arizona. I still don't know where I will commit though, but I can't wait for when I do! It's so hard to choose!

SB: You have a good rivalry it seems with fellow Arizona standout Steve Magnuson.  What's it like having someone like Steve in your state to push you?

BS: Steve and I have been racing since freshman year, so it's really cool to see how far we've come! We actually live pretty far from each other though, with him in Tucson in the south and me in Flagstaff in the north, so we don't get to race too much. But when we do it's always really fun and we bring out the best in each other.

Six Quick

SB: Favorite TV show?

BS: Chuck

SB: Best vacation you've taken?

BS: I went on a cruise last year. You can't beat 24 hour buffets and ice cream!

SB: Favorite professional runner?

BS: Ryan Hall

SB: Favorite food?

BS: Pizza

SB: Car you drive?

BS: Navy Blue Hyundai Tucson

SB: Type of sunglasses do you race in?

BS: Smith Baseline Square

Distance Gala co-meet director Scott Bush caught up with Moskowitz this past weekend, with the senior discussing a variety of topics, including where he's going to college next fall, how his season is going and being part of the strong distance running community in Washington.  Read about Moskowitz in what is to be the first athlete interview of many as the championship races approach.

Scott Bush (SB): You've had a nice start to your season thus far.  At this point in the year, how are you feeling about everything?

Shane Moskowitz (SM): Thus far in the season I am feeling very confident. I have been having some of my best workouts lately, even with a minor calf injury. Probably the best workout was about two weeks ago when I ran 6x1600 at 4:41 pace with 4-5 minute rest. And all together fitness-wise, I think I am in the best shape of my life.

SB: Last year you really took a big step forward during the cross country season, then took it even further with a great track season.  What have you learned from all the success you've had over the past year and how are you using that to take one more leap this fall?

SM: Definitely the thing I have learned most about my success is that the off-season training is key to any runner's success. Putting in the base mileage has really shaped these last two seasons and I am hoping it will do the same for the post-season coming around the corner.

SB: Washington is such a strong state for distance running.  What's it like being part of such a strong distance running community?

SM: Competing against guys in Washington is something I am very fortunate for. I don't think I would be as successful if I hadn't had guys like Rob Webster, Miles Unterrainer, Johnathon Laufler and Joey Bywater to look up to, and try to strive for what they have done. It really is a motivator . 

SB: You recently accepted a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University.  Why'd you pick OSU?

SM: I chose OSU because they represent orange and black which are my high school colors, as well as the great camaraderie I felt they had when I took my official visit! It was something else to hang out with a group of talented guys that knew how to have a lot of fun, but when it came down to business you could see that they all wanted the same thing! A team national title. And when your part of a national caliber team, it almost certainly says you're going to have the best group of training partners to push you! 

That's what I'm looking for, to get pushed to the next level, everyday. And lastly, but most importantly, Coach Dave Smith is an awesome guy, who really has taken that team from the bottom to the top since he's been coaching. And I have full confidence that with his help, and the help of a strong training group, that I can get where I want to be in this sport.

SB: Your sister runs as well, and it seems you two are pretty close.  What's it like having your sister on the team, and both of you succeeding at such a high level?

SM: Me and my sister are best friends. And I honestly can say she is my biggest fan, as well as I am her biggest motivation. She cheers me on all the time while I just nag on her to go out and run everyday. So I guess I am the bad guy of the two :) and I was really proud to see Shannon have a break out season last year.  I am just hoping she gets back to strength after some bad iron deficiency problems this year.

Quick Six

SB: Favorite movie?

SM: Knocked Up

SB: Shoes you train in?

SM: Brooks Adrenaline or Axiom

SB: Best band?

SM: John Mayer

SB: Favorite pre-race meal?

SM: Wafflers and peanut butter w/ syrup

SB: Car you drive?

SM: I wish I drove

SB: Favorite professional runner?

SM: Bernard Lagat

Dyestat Elite Top 25 Boys

Dyestat Elite Top 25 Girls

Dyestat Elite Top 50 Teams

Congrats to Shane on a great decision and we look forward to seeing where the rest of the top runners in the nation decide to take their talents.

Central Kitsap's Moskowitz Running Off to OSU