Sam Rodman’s running career began when he was only in second grade. He started out just running 5ks here and there with his mom, but then in seventh grade he joined the cross country team at his middle school and that is when his career really took off. Ever since then, he has worked his hardest and pushed through the toughest of times. 

“The hardest part of running for me is finding the mental strength to finish every race to the best of my ability,” said junior Sam Rodman.

In a matter of weeks, Sam Rodman went from the second fastest runner into the United States to the fastest runner, in the 1000 meter run. 

At Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, on the weekend of January 17th, Sam partook in yet another race. When he entered this race, he had high hopes of breaking his previous time of 2:32.03. Not only did he beat his previous time by four seconds and got a new personal best of 2:28.49, he also got the title of the fastest man at the 1000 meter race.

“When I crossed the finish line I caught my breath, turned around, and congratulated all of the other runners. I also got some pictures of the track, had an interview, and watched some of the other races with my mom,” said Rodman.

Many athletes have huge supporters, Sams biggest supporter just so happens to be his mom.

“I was extremely proud of him when he won the race. At the beginning of the race I was a little nervous, so I had to turn away from the track, but when I saw Sam gaining, I knew that he was going to be able to kick out the other runners in the final 100 meters of the race. When Sam won the Virginia showcase, I yelled pretty loud” said Coach Rodman, Sam’s mom.  

Athletes also have major influences and inspirations. Coach Rodman also plays that role is Sam’s life.

“My biggest inspiration is my mom who has taught me everything I know about running and how to achieve my goals in life. She pushes me to do my very best, and trains with me inside and outside of school to help get me ready mentally and physically for my next race,” Rodman.

Even though Sam has already accomplished so much at such a young age, he is not stopping there. He still has big goals for this season, but he has an even bigger long term goals.

“My goal for this season is to win a state championship and to stay healthy, but my overall goal is to run in college and continue to become a better runner,” said Rodman.

 The next step in Sam’s running journey is nationals. He only has six more weeks to prepare himself both mentally and physically. Nationals will be held at the Armory in New York, March 13th-15th.

“In order to prepare myself I go out and run consistently, follow the plan for that specific day, and maintain a healthy diet, as for preparing myself mentally keeping a positive attitude is everything,” said Rodman.

“Every race is just another race no matter how big or how small and you are just trying to win the race on that day. Instead of being nervous, which can sometimes be negative, we are excited and confident. Changing that perspective can make a huge difference,” said Coach Rodman.