Athlete Feature: Kearsarge’s Ed Stowell

When did you start running?

Running is something I’ve been around my entire life. I grew up watching my sister race in high school and college while my dad has run a number of marathons and Iron Mans, including Boston. I began running in 6th grade when I competed in my first season of Cross Country but I wouldn’t run track until my sophomore year when I switched over from baseball.

Briefly describe the experience as a member of your team/program. Give an example of some of the
“fun” stuff your team does together.

My experience on KRHS XC has been unlike anything else. It really all starts with our coaches, Ernie Brake, Pete Angus, and Brian Pauling. They go above and beyond in making sure everyone is having fun. Whether its playing football before practice, getting a bus stuck in a drive thru, or getting yelled at for our music at meets; every moment on this team is unforgettable.

What are your team goals for this season?

Our main goal is to qualify for Meet of Champs as a team for the 5th season in a row.

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge I’ve faced would be this past summer and having to deal with some injuries alongside a lot of friends and teammates going off to college.

How does your coach motivate you?

My coach motivates me and everyone else on the team every day by telling us why we train. That all the work we’re putting in is building toward one race at the end of the season. He also reminds me I’m just a 400 guy.

What motivates you most to do well?

Definitely my teammates and wanting to perform well for the team.

What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout would have to be the whistle workout. We start at the base of a trail leading up Mt. Kearsarge where coach blows a whistle and you go hard up the trail. When you hear the whistle again, you walk down until another whistle blows and you go hard up again. The goal is to make it up as far as you can.

What is your favorite cross training activity?

My favorite cross training activity would have to be Nordic Skiing. Its a nice break between Cross Country and Track and we’re lucky enough to have a fantastic program.

What is your go-to prerace meal?

My favorite prerace meal would probably be a GoGo Squeez or a shot of honey/maple syrup.

Do you have a favorite prerace song?

Anything by Mötley Crue or All I want for Christmas. Really whatever we’re playing on our speaker.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I would go to either British Columbia or Eugene Oregon.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Play the wii @the boys.

What is the best advice ever given to you?

Anything my dad has ever told me regarding running or injury. I can’t think of a time it hasn’t paid off.

What is your favorite quote?

“Nobody owe nobody nothing. You owe yourself” -Rocky Balboa

What is your favorite thing about Cross Country?

My favorite thing about Cross Country would have to be the team aspect of the sport and that you
can’t have a “one man team”. You need 7 guys to go out and lay down everything they have.

What is your favorite course to run? (High school courses)

My favorite course is definitely Derryfield Park.

What is your favorite race outside of the high school season?

I would say the Strut in Sutton. Its a local 5k around Kezar Lake that supports the Sutton Elementary School.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years???

Hopefully fresh out of college and still running at the highest level I can!