Interview with Peter Kosgei '10
by Kate Greenough'09Tomorrow, cross-country runners Meredith FitzPatrick '11 and Peter Kosgei '10 will travel to the St. Olaf College Cross Country Trails in Northfield, Minnesota to compete for the Division III National title. Peter has smashed school and NCAA records, despite being in just his second season. I was given the opportunity to speak with Peter about his passion for running, his undefeated season, and his preparation to defend his national crown.
KG: How does it feel to have another undefeated season?
PK: Until I am done with nationals, I can still be considered undefeated. Yes, I have won nine out of nine races and that's exciting--I am going to Minnesota hoping to bring home the tenth one.
KG: What have you done to improve as an athlete over the season?
PK: I work very hard to balance schoolwork and cross country, I also try to get enough sleep because that's really important. I also try my best to avoid injuries.
KG: How have you improved as a competitor over the past two years?
PK: Over the past two years, I have learned to appreciate victory and accept defeat. I have also learned how to compete with a large group of people. In the boilermaker, there were over 11,000 runners that I had to compete against.
KG: Who will be your biggest competitor at Nationals?
PK: My biggest rivals are from UW-Platteville and St. John's University, but I haven't raced them yet in the cross-country season. I believe that everybody has an equal chance at winning the national title and at the end of the day, the best man will definitely win.
KG: Is there an athlete or a person who inspires you? Who, and why?
PK: Alfred Yego [a Kenyan middle-distance runner]. In 2005, I saw this guy doing his work out, I think he was running 400s, and he just recently won the 800-meter title in the world championship this past September.
KG: How has your team helped to support you in your victory and success?
PK: I get a lot of physical and emotional support from my teammates and I like that. They are the best people I have ever met.
KG: How has Coach Hull prepared you to end your season completely undefeated?
PK: Coach Hull's workouts are perfect and I feel that I get stronger everyday. I like it when I do his four to six mile repeat drills at a 4:43 minute mile pace. Whenever I have a problem or an issue, he is the first person to know and I like the way he handles everything. In short, he is my first and best coach.
KG: Is there anything else you want to let the world know?
PK: Doubts are our big traitors and make us lose what we would have gained by fearing to attempt.