Meet Justin Ahalt
9/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Sept. 15, 2014
How did you begin running distance?
"I played lacrosse for about 8 years and was planing on playing in high school. Because the season wasn't until the spring, my best friend convinced me to run cross country with him in the fall. As I got better and better, my high school coach convinced me that I would be better off quitting lacrosse and running track in the spring. I was a little unsure at the time but making the switch definitely paid off in the long run."
What inspired you to come to the University of Alabama?
"It was a difficult decision choosing a school that was so far away from home. The most important factor in making my decision was who was going to coach me for the next 4 years. After I came on my visit and met Coach (Dan) Waters and (Adam) Tribble, I knew that Alabama was going to be the best option for me."
What is the biggest difference you've seen in your running since you joined the Crimson Tide?
"The biggest difference I've seen in my running is that I am able to run so much more at a much faster pace. I have doubled my mileage since high school."
What goals do you have for this year?
"To me, cross country is much more about the team finish than the individual. My main goal for this season is for the team to finish top 5 in the SEC meet and top 2 in the region."
What is your biggest accomplishment on the track or the course you've had thus far in your career?
"My biggest accomplishment was winning the Maryland high school state championship my senior year."
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"An important thing for young runners is to know that there will be ups and downs in their career. It's easy to focus on the bad things such as injuries - I've had 3 major injuries - and bad races. I would tell them to focus on the success they have and know that if they are going through tough times it will get better.
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you area distance runner and how do you respond?
"Every time I tell somebody I am a distance runner they think I am insane. Most people say `you run more miles in a week than I drive'."
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be and why?
"If I could do any other event it would be the 100-meter race. It Is one of the most exciting events and gets the most attention from the world. Most people know the fastest 100-meter runner In the world while very few people know the fastest 5-kilometer runner."
