While Maize cross country runner Isaac Steele enjoys spending time with his teammates during road trips and overnight meets, including Rim Rock Farm, state and Nike Heartland Regionals, it is the competition that keeps him coming back.
“But what I love most is the races,” Steele said. “Being able to compete in races is the whole reason I run. And I find it really fun and exciting to push myself for a higher position, both for myself and for my team.”
That competitive mindset has helped Steele establish himself as one of Maize’s top distance runners. Last season, he finished third at league, third at regionals and 13th at the Class 6A state meet. As a team, Maize won both the league and regional championships before finishing fourth at state.
Steele’s top cross country time last season came at league, where he ran 15:45. However, the performance he takes the most pride in came on the Rim Rock course at state, where he finished in 16:27.
“The time I am most proud of was when I went 16:27 on the Rim Rock course at state,” Steele said.
His success has carried over to track, where Steele competed in the 800 and 1,600 meters. He posted times of 2:00 in the 800, 4:34 in the 1,600, 9:47 in the 2-mile and 6:47 in the 2,000-meter steeplechase. He won the 800 at regionals and qualified for state in both the 800 and 1,600.
Steele has continued that commitment to training throughout the offseason. Rather than taking an extended break, he trains year-round, combining summer and winter conditioning with the cross country and track seasons.
That preparation also included physical therapy after a calf strain late in his track season. During the summer, Steele worked through the injury while continuing to prepare for the upcoming cross country season.
Maize’s team also traveled to Colorado for training, including a hike up Mount Blue Sky, adding another challenge to an offseason built around preparation and endurance.
One of Steele’s biggest areas of focus has been improving his tempo running. He said it has traditionally been one of his weaker areas, but his summer workouts have given him confidence heading into the season.
“I’ve had multiple workouts this summer and season that are 6-plus miles under 6-minute pace,” Steele said. “In the past that has been my weakest area, but I am hitting the workouts great so far.”
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