Athlete Feature: Monadnock’s James Elmour

When did you start running?

I started running in 8th grade. One of the best kids on the team ran in the spring, so I figured that Track would make me better.

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

Our team always manages to find an excellent balance between fun, and putting in the necessary work to compete well. Generally, once a week for the first 2/3s of the season we have game days for frisbee, soccer, or flag football. We often have boys vs. girls sing offs on the bus rides home. There has been a recent surge of ‘Magic the Gathering’ playing among the guys, (Though it is very difficult to play on bus rides). Finally, there are team dinners at someone’s house a time or two per season. We’ve got it pretty great!

How does your coach motivate you?

My coach motivates me through his ability to lead by example. His years of running experience and focus on the education of his athletes are a very valuable contribution to the many young runners he has been training and guiding.

What motivates you most to do well?

I am motivated by many different things in a race. I chase jerseys for the team, I tell myself that I need college times, I think about doing well for people watching that I care about.

What is your favorite workout?

I prefer track workouts most of all. We have so many wonderful hills to train on, (painful) and I really like tempo runs, (fun) but having a flat fast day of varying 2’s 4’s and 8’s, with the occasional mile, makes me feel productive while not combined with too much physical or mental anguish.

What is your favorite cross training activity?

I feel like swimming is most beneficial. Though I like getting out on a road bike more. (Plus I’m a horrible swimmer)

What is your go-to prerace meal?

I like some sort of yogurt and granola type of mixture, Puffins cereal (because it’s fun to say), or my go to pea protein and coconut water concoction.

Do you have a favorite prerace song?

I like any song that’s loud, fast, and focused on success.

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

I would go to England with my dad because he’s from there. We would also have family to visit there.

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

Probably pursue an acting career.

What is the best advice ever given to you?

Live in the moment.

What is your favorite quote?

“Pain is temporary, pride is forever.” (Husky Pride)

What is your favorite thing about Cross Country?

I love to be with our very tight knit team for all of the training, bus rides, and of course races! (I’m also a huge fan of trails that are decked out with their fall foliage!)

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

I really like Manchester, although going to the Great Glen Invitational this year was definitely too awesome of an experience to not say that it’s my favorite course to run and meet to attend.

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

For the last couple of years, I’ve run a race in Keene called ‘Kenny’s Red Cap Run’. Sophomore year, it was the week before the indoor state meet. Our team that attended raced very well, and winning it gave me a great confidence boost going into states that year.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years???

Oh how I wish I knew! Hopefully happy, healthy, and well employed or on to graduate school!