An Interview with Ash Bowen
By DP Daigle
DP: What is your name, what grade are you in, and what school do you go to?
AB: Ash Bowen - 12th - d'Iberville High School
DP: What is your current Personal Record (Best Time)?
AB: My PR is 18:36 in the 5K.
DP: What is the next goal or time that you are trying to hit?
AB: I'm hoping to get near 17 flat.
DP: What is your favorite workout your Coach has you do?
AB: Long running intervals
DP: What is your least favorite workout?
AB: Inch worms.
DP: What are Inch worms?
AB: It's a core exercise. Kind of like walking on your hands into the plank position and then back up.
DP: OUCH, ok, what are your plans after high school?
AB: Attend MGCCC then Mississippi State
DP: What motivates you to run?
AB: Music, or I use it as a way to relieve stress
DP: What do you think about when you're running?
AB: As crazy as it sounds, I try not to think about running. In a race, I usually try to imagine something chasing me, or just looking for the next point and telling myself I have to make it to that point in a certain amount of time.
DP: Do you have any superstitions on race day or perhaps an odd pre-race routine?
AB: I don't like to eat before a race. I have seen what happens. I always wear my Fathers dog tags from when he was in the military, and I carry my American Flag to every meet.
DP: Two quick ones. . . Gatorade or Powerade?
AB: WATER
DP: Jersey (Singlet), tucked or untucked?
AB: Jersey is worn untucked. More air flow.
DP: What is your GPA and ACT score?
AB: My GPA is 3.5 and I currently have a 23 on the ACT.
DP: Do you have a favorite meal for the night before a race?
AB: A hefty Mexican meal.
DP: Do you take ice baths? If yes, what do you think about during an ice bath?
AB: We take ice baths the night before state. I mostly am thinking about how fast I can jump out when I am in there.
DP: Name a lesson that running and training as a runner has taught you.
AB: Everything in moderation. Don't overwork yourself, but don't slack.
DP: What do you do to recover after a race?
AB: Buy a meet shirt, listen to some Johnny Cash and NAP.
DP: What is your favorite thing about your coach?
AB: She is very devoted.
DP: What is the strangest thing you've seen during a race?
AB: A mannequin in the woods and a man meditating.
DP: Who is your biggest fan?
My Aunt Chelle Simmons.
DP: What advice would you like to share with younger runners, maybe the JH kids on your team?
AB: Enjoy yourself, and find happiness through the pain.