Chapin's Kingsley Aims for 'Smart and Hard' Race



How would you rate the season so far?
This season has been going very well, I'm very excited and thankful to have won 7 of my last 9 races.  A lot of runners concentrate on time, the past two seasons I have been learning more about how to race and putting myself in a position to win. In college, so many races are "sit and kick," they are about strategy and placement. I am hoping colleges will notice my results. 

How did you get involved in the sport?
I played a lot of sports growing up, I enjoyed basketball, baseball and soccer. When I was in 7th grade my gym teacher told me that I had middle school record in the mile, the funny thing is I didn't even know it. That information got to Coach LeGrand and my running career began.


What do you hope to achieve this weekend? 
Winning is always the goal going into every race wether its a small dual meet or a state championship. With so many talented runners in 5A, I try to be respectful of everyone's strength and speed. Ultimately, running smart and hard will help me place as high as possible. 

What is your training like this week?
Tapering towards state. A little speed work and some easy mileage. 

What part of the race do you feel is your strongest and most challenging? 
My biggest strength is also my greatest challenge. I think one reason for my success is that I always have a race plan. I try to study each course and the competition, this helps me know when and where to make certain moves during the race. When I form the plan, the challenge is always trying to execute it.  

What do you hope to do after the regular season?
I am talking with a few college coaches about setting up some visits. Depending on where they fall on calendar, that will determine if I can run a few big races after the season. 

Did you run into any challenges this summer?
Summer training went really well. I was blessed to stay healthy and stay injury free. One thing that was nice, I grew a little taller and gained a good bit of muscle.

What keeps you motivated?
Three things: I think every runner desires personal success.  When I started winning more races, I began dreaming of running in college and competing against the best runners in the country. I feel like God gave me a gift and I want to use it to glorify Him every time I run. 

Coach comment from Jack LeGrand: "It has been exciting watching Jaden grow and develop as a runner and as a person since we first meet at cross country practice his 7th grade year. He already had a fierce desire to improve but was shy and quiet. Fast forward to his senior year and he has definitely achieved an elevated status as a runner/athlete, but I'm more impressed with his leadership, willingness to help with any task and his interaction with younger athletes and his varsity teammates. He takes time to assist and explain training techniques and always models best practice behavior and work ethic. He will be a huge success at the next level!"