Meet Josh Short
9/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you begin running distance?
“I began competing in track when I was in seventh grade after my mom encouraged me to go out for the team, and I kept running track all the way up to now. I really don't have much experience in cross country because I joined my junior year of high school, and I was injured for almost the entirety of my senior year.”
What inspired you to come to the University of Alabama?
“This is my dream school. It’s literally the perfect school for me. The campus, academics, team atmosphere, and coaching staff are fantastic. I'm truly blessed to be here.”
So far, what is the biggest difference you've noticed in college training and high school training?
“The amount of miles I run has increased dramatically. I've almost doubled the amount of mileage I ran in high school during parts of the season, but that is pretty typical for a freshman.”
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your running career?
“I think that my biggest accomplishment was winning the sectional meet my junior year of high school. The year before I tripped and fell, which caused me to miss qualifying for the state championship. That experience really redefined my attitude towards running and I made it my goal to win the sectional meet the next year. My new attitude for running contributed to my decision to quit my first love, soccer, to focus on running. It was really great to achieve that goal and qualify for my first state meet at the same time.”
What goals do you have for this year?
“My main goal is just to improve as much as I can, put in 110 percent effort and learn as much as I can from the older and more experienced guys.”
As a freshman, what do you think you can learn from the veteran athletes on the squad?
“I think they have a wealth of knowledge about how college running works, college in general and race strategy. I'm eager to learn as much as I can.”
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner and how do you respond?
“Most people can't fathom why we run for fun, but you really have to love the sport, even when you're exhausted, to be successful. So I try to explain to them how much I love running and I think people understand when they see how passionate I am about it.”
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be?
“I think I would do high jump. I think it is so impressive how high they can jump and how much hard work goes into it.”
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"Hard work and dedication are the keys to success. Know your body and run as consistently as you can."
