Ep. 62 - Jack Henzke on Qualifying for NXN, Recapping the Season, COMMITTING TO NOTRE DAME, and more

This week’s episode of The Sunday Shakeout features an interview with Notre Dame commit and runner at Seattle Prep, Jack Henzke. Jack is an extremely talented runner, having placed 3rd at NXR with an impressive time of 15:08. He also ran at NXN, despite the treacherous conditions. It was an absolute honor to have him on the podcast. In this podcast episode, Jack discusses his recent training progress and mentions a minor issue with his right knee that he addressed with physical therapy. Despite the concern, his knee is improving, and he's excited about continuing his training. He shares insights into his training routine, including recent mile pace workouts and plans to increase his weekly mileage to around 55, focusing on longer distance days and Peloton doubles. Jack reflects on his recent race at the Dempsey 3K, where he competed against some of the biggest names in the sport. While the race didn't go as well as he hoped, he emphasizes the early stage of the season and the importance of peaking at the right time. The conversation shifts to Jack's running journey, starting in second grade with a cross-country race. He highlights early successes, winning CYO cross country in fifth grade, and trying various sports throughout his childhood, with running not initially being his main focus. Jack shares his journey through middle school, where he momentarily lost interest in cross country but regained focus in eighth grade. Despite playing multiple sports, running took center stage in high school, particularly during his freshman year. Jack then reflects on his cross country season, highlighting both the highs and lows. He discusses specific races, such as a disappointing performance at a meet where he had expected better results, and the challenges faced at Hole in the Wall. Jack also describes the team's wake-up call when facing tough competition, leading to a shift in mindset. The conversation delves into Jack's journey leading up to the NXR (Nike Cross Regionals) race, where he eventually finishes third individually. Despite the team missing out on qualification, they celebrate their achievements, earning a fifth-place finish at NXR. The discussion touches on the bittersweet feelings of individual success amidst team challenges. We explore the preparation period between NXR and NXN, detailing the training process and adjustments made for the national championship race. They discuss the muddy and challenging conditions at NXN, where Jack didn't perform as well as he had hoped. The podcast concludes with a look into Jack's recruitment process for college, specifically Notre Dame. Jack shares his experiences visiting different universities and explains why he ultimately chose Notre Dame. The conversation closes with excitement for Jack's future collegiate career and prospects for the Notre Dame cross country program. Thank you so much to all of my listeners for the support! Don't forget to follow and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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