Photo Credit: John Roemer
Name: Timothy Synowiec
School: James M Bennett
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
I was runner-up in cross country my senior year and in outdoor was a state champion in the 2 mile. But my favorite memory was racing the Salisbury Marathon. I like longer distances better and running 2:22:50 right at home was a really fun experience and everyone around me was so supportive. Also finding out that it was a high school national record was pretty cool (I know most high schoolers don't run the marathon) but it was a really fun event either way. And I'm not much of a speed person anyway, so it was right up my alley.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
Sophomore year of high school running a 2-mile time trial much much faster than anyone else on the team and enjoying it more than the soccer practice itself... It was mainly the enjoyment running brought that made me realize I could be successful. Because anything you enjoy doing day in and day out, with enough dedication you can become good at. And I knew I would enjoy the process of trying to be the best I could.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
I don't have much speed at all and it's something that I will always be working on but I enjoy training more for the longer distances and those events suit me much better.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
Cross country. I think it's more team-oriented and also requires less speed and more aerobic strength rather than track so people who put in more miles may find more success in XC over track.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be running for Oklahoma State University and I chose here because it's the program where I think I can thrive the most. It's a program where it's expected that when you get into any race you will know that you put in more work than any other team. The training philosophy and work ethic is amazing and that's something I love about the sport, working hard to see how good you can become. It's also a highly motivated team and it's easier to train when those around you have a similar mindset and big goals in the sport.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Oatmeal and caffeine.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
Definitely my parents. I couldn't be where I am today without them. They are where I get traits such as work ethic and discipline which are important for success in anything. Besides this, they are the most supportive parents out there and have helped me more than I can write.
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out over the past 4 years?
I think it's very important to enjoy the sport. That's a big reason I train at high volume and cross-train. I enjoy so many different aspects of the sport, and I think enjoying it is a requirement because it's probably not worth continuing if you aren't enjoying yourself. I will be in this sport as long as I am enjoying myself, and I will take my running or triathlon career as far as I can.
Watch Tim win the Bull Run Elite Race last Fall!
