X Shadyside Boy’s Q&A of the week- Jaxon Schoedel Mohawk

Name: Jaxon Schoedel
School: Mohawk
Grade: 11
Favorite XC Course: Mohawk home course

How did you get started in cross-country ?
Originally I got involved with distance running my freshman season of track, through the guidance of my coach, Jared Stratton, and the two leading distance runners at the time I was able to catch on to distance running pretty quick, I went out for the mile and the first time I hit 5:17. After my track season ended my cross country coach, Dave Bredl, reached out and had me come out to a practice.

What do you enjoy most about cross-country?
Running with a team of other focused and excelling runners.

What is the most challenging aspect of cross-country for you?
Speed work is challenging, as it is my weak point, for me the further the race the better.

Do you have a favorite cross-country memory or race?
Yes, on my home course last year I made an attempt at our school record and once I had broken it the whole team and many of my friends who were watching celebrated with me. I broke the old record of 15:30 with a new time of 14:47

What advice would you give to someone who is new to cross country running?
Listen to your coach, but the more mileage you can get in the summer the better, run twice a day if you feel okay, push yourself to go further, but have a plan/ schedule that involves rest as well.

What are your goals for this cross-country season?
To perform very high at states, break my previous record, and hopefully compete on the national level as I did in track.

What is your favorite cross-country workout or training session?
7-mile tempo at 5 :15 pace. During cross I usually switch it out for a 6-mile hill session which is more like 5:20 pace when you add those hills.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from cross-country running?
Running is character building, so more than anything it has taught me consistency and dedication is key to any goal.

How has cross-country running impacted your life outside the sport?
I’ve made so many new friends and had so many experiences traveling with them to race, and I’ve learned how to create structure and schedule to the rest of my life.

What strategies do you use to maintain a positive mindset during a race?
I tell myself this: “It’s irrelevant you’ve already run 2 miles” (for example) “ you only have one left, run it like it’s just a mile.”

What is your favorite running quote?
“No Human is Limited” – Eliud Kipchoge

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from a coach or mentor?
Recovery is just as important as running itself, if you don’t recover you won’t be able to do anything.

How do you support and encourage your teammates during races?
Always cheer on your teammates. I try to help them set goals and encourage them to chase them. I hope that someday all of my teammates are as fast as me or faster, because one dominant runner can only do so much, but a team can change the game.

How do you mentally stay strong during the final stretch of a race?
Looking at the clock, because when you see the clock you can fight it, fight for seconds back, allowing you to speed up even faster than you thought you could.

How do you mentally push through fatigue and muscle soreness during a race?
I remind myself how short races are, and how I can endure anything for however much is left, even at the start of a race you only have to run for about 15 minutes, so I just tell myself I can do anything for 15 minutes.

Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements from your cross-country career so far?

Breaking the course and school record at Mohawk with a time of 14:47 4:45 avg
2nd place in the WPIAL Championships.
A Dominant win at Tri County
9:15 3200, the fastest sophomore 3200 in PA for 2023 (Track)
3rd at PIAA 3200
5th in the Butler 1600 (Fastest Heat) (Track)
7th in the Butler 3200 (Fastest Heat) (Track)
3rd at WPIAL 1600 (Track)
2nd at WPIAL 3200 (Track)

What strategies or techniques do you use to mentally prepare yourself before a race?
Focus and visualize and understand the weaknesses of who you’re racing so you know when to make your move.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow for good luck or to get in the right mindset?
Lots of stretching, eating carbs, and rest. Mentally I try to visualize and set a goal. My team and I also pray before a race.

Can you describe the bond and support you share with your coach? How does their guidance influence your running journey?
I have a very strong respect and bond for both of my coaches, they not only have taught me much of my knowledge in the sport, but even more about pushing myself.

How do you handle race-day nerves and anxiety? Do you have any pre-race rituals or techniques to help you stay calm and focused?
I actually get very nervous before a race, so visualizing like I know what’s going to happen puts me at ease because then I have a plan and an idea of what the race will feel like.

Can you share any insights on the importance of proper footwear and gear in cross-country running? How do you choose the right shoes and accessories for different race conditions?

Proper shoes are very important. Wearing the correct shoe for race day, hard workouts, and even easy runs is crucial to your development in running. I personally am a huge fan of Nike’s Vaporfly and Alpha Fly shoes for hard workouts, and Dragonfly spikes for racing.

In an impressive display of skill and determination, Jaxon, a sophomore, clinched a remarkable 2nd place at the XC WPIAL A Boys Finals. His success didn’t stop there, as he continued to shine by securing a remarkable 3rd place in the AA boys’ 3200-meter run at the prestigious PIAA Championships. With this incredible momentum propelling him forward, Jaxon is gearing up for the 2023 XC season, where he’s poised not only to maintain his status as one of WPIAL’s standout performers but also to establish himself as one of Pennsylvania’s top-tier athletes. Fueled by his uplifting attitude and unyielding work ethic, which constantly drives him to strive for improvement, I have every confidence that Jaxon will triumphantly break the 16-minute barrier by the close of October, just in time for the thrilling WPIAL finals.

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