Last year as a junior, Zach Mellon (Sr., Buffalo, MN) took the distance running community by storm, placing top three at the USATF Junior National Championships at 800m. What was surprising wasn't Mellon's place, but rather his time of 1:48.64, which ranked him U.S. #2 behind race winner, and fellow junior, Elijah Greer. Since then, Mellon's been a man on a mission, looking forward, training hard and eyeing something even bigger.
The Midwest Distance Gala's co-meet director, Scott Bush, had a chance to ask Mellon a few questions earlier this week, where Mellon discusses his season thus far, looking ahead at national competition, why he's attending the University of Wisconsin next fall and how he got into the sport.
An Interview with Zach Mellon
Midwest Distance Gala (MDG): You've been relatively quite this season thus far. How's training going? What's the next big meet coming up for you?
Zach Mellon (ZM): Yeah, comparatively I have had a pretty low-key season. I have had a pretty busy year, but training has been intentional and focused; it's going well. We are really hitting some key speed training right now and then start our taper, so I am looking forward to my time dropping.
MDG: This year's class of 800m runners is strong. Does seeing guys like Elijah Greer, Robby Andrews, etc. perform get you fired up?
ZM: Oh yeah, most definitely. It gets me excited to know that it's going to be fast. Lord willing I hope to push it faster.
MDG: The weather's been unpredictable this season in Minnesota. With few opportunities to really get in strong races, how are you able to get into championship form?
ZM: The weather has always been an obstacle, but we train through it none the less. Though it stands in the way of fast times, it makes for great mental training.
MDG: Last year you chose to compete at Junior Nationals instead of Nike Outdoor Nationals. Any chance we'll see you at both meets this year? What do your post-season plans look like?
ZM: I am really trying to decide where I want to go this year, and if at all possible to do both. I would rather do one, but we'll see. Right now I will go to Nike if we have a relay team that could push for something Minnesota has yet to see. But I really, really don't want to miss out on the 800 at USATF (Junior Nationals).
MDG: Last year you ran some great races, especially at Junior Nationals. What are your goals the rest of the season?
ZM: My goals this season are to stay healthy and compete strong.
MDG: You've decided to take your talents to the University of Wisconsin next fall. What led you to choose Wisconsin?
ZM: Madison is beautiful. Great opportunity to get an education there and become a man of character. The deciding factor was the coach though. I totally dug Mick Byrne on my visit. I was really looking for a coach that I could develop a relationship with, because so much of my success I attribute to my high school coach. I have been very blessed these last four years for the way he has challenged me with tough workouts, but more so, the way he has challenged me to be a man character, never to quit when a little adversity butts its head in.
MDG: A lot of people know about your athletic accomplishments, but how did you first get into running?
ZM: That is a very good question. Running has been a great testament of God's love I can share with others, because I really don't know why I went out for it. I don't have any athletic background really, and to put in gentle terms, lets just say I wasn't exactly doing the things that (especially a runner) anyone with athletic ambitions would partake in. I have to surrender that to God, he's got a plan.
MDG: Can you tell us a little bit about your progression as well, in terms of what kind of times you were running as a freshman up to this season?
ZM: My ninth grade, battle for a spot on the state 4x8 team, I ran 1:58. In the relay at state I split a 1:57. My sophomore year the state finals I ran a 1:52.66 and at nationals I ran a 1.51.83. My junior year at the state meet I ran a 1:49.69 then at nationals 1:48.64. And so far my senior year I have ran a 1:55.60
Quick Six (Six quick questions, six quick responses)
MDG: Any pre-race traditions?
ZM: I don't really have a pre-race tradition, I warm-up the same every time I guess, ha ha.
MDG: Favorite song?
ZM: My favorite song is "Dare" by the Gorillaz
MDG: Type of care you drive?
ZM: I drive my step-father's Ford Bronco
MDG: What shoes do you train in?
ZM: Asics 2130's
MDG: Favorite meet?
ZM: State Meet
MDG: Favorite food?
ZM: Toast with either, peanut butter, honey, just butter, or jelly on it.
