Philip Rector

Philip Rector
Resides in: Allentown
Years running: 9 years – 4 years xc/track in High School and 4 years of track in college
Bio: 2006 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic. 2010 Graduate of Slippery Rock University, majoring in Health and Physical Education. 2006 LVC & District XI 800m Champ. 9 time All-PSAC, 2010 Indoor PSAC 800m champ. 2010 NCCA D2 Indoor National qualifier

What do you enjoy most about running?
I love getting out and being able to see new places. To me, the best way to find things in a new place is to go for a run there. It also helps me relax. Whenever I get stressed out with something I head out for a run and it all drifts away.

What are your favorite training foods?
Before I run I try to eat lighter foods that are easier on the stomach, after the run … I’m a big fan of eating whatever I want because I feel like I earned it.

What is the strangest/funniest thing that has happened to you on a run?
During my freshman year of college I spent the weekend at a buddy’s house in Cleveland. We went out for a run near his house. He took us on a loop that went around this old abandoned mansion. He was giving us a tour of the grounds. The weather was rainy and there was a lot of ice. My buddy warned the other guy and myself to be careful. I bragged about my great balance when it comes to running on ice. The next thing you know, I’m slipping on ice and I’m doing a Matrix like flip through the air. I landed in a huge puddle and had to finish the run freezing cold, wet, and muddy. My two friends never let me live it down.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
My biggest running accomplishment would have to be helping the SRU Indoor and Outdoor track teams win the PSAC team titles in 2008. The whole experience brought the team together as one. We came to together to support one another and came away with both titles.

Favorite race distance?
800m. I love the fact that it’s a sprint and a distance event. It requires a perfect balance. Anyone can win in the final sprint.

Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
After I had a bad race I was talking to my friend, Brian, and he told me, “If every race was how you wanted it to be we would race every weekend. Stay hungry, my friend. You’ll get an appetizer in a few weeks and the main course will be in May.” I used this as motivation to get over the race and move on to finish up a great indoor season and have a great outdoor season.

Current running goals?
Run a fast mile. In college I never got to run a “real” mile race. My training is devoted to running a fast mile indoors or a 1500m outdoors.

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
My mom would say that I’m crazy. She doesn’t get why I’ll wake up at 7 a.m. to go run when it’s 0 degrees out. But she gets that I love it and won’t stop unless I absolutely have to.

Best race experience?
My best race experience would have to be winning the 4×8 title at the 2010 Indoor PSAC meet. I got the baton and we were in 2nd place. My teammates Jason Jamieson, Dan Henry, and Kevin Jewel did a great job of putting us in the perfect position to win. I ran my heart out and made a move on the last lap to clinch the win. Nothing was better than standing on top of the podium with three of my best friends celebrating a great come from behind win.

What gets you excited about running?
The thrill of competition. I love getting into a race situation and mixing it up with the competition.