by Spencer Huddleston, Charger Staff
Some run for their lives. Some run because the road is their Everest, and the only reason they pound the pavement is because it's there.
CHS junior Justin Birdwell runs for a more definite purpose. He is seven seconds away from breaking the record at Cookeville for fastest time.
That's one second less than a bull-riding qualification, and every bit as difficult. But Birdwell is not worried.
As a matter of fact, the Muhammed Ali of Cookeville cross country has stated that at the state tournament, he will break sixteen minutes.
Birdwell's friends and teammates say he is one of the most dedicated people they know. He drives himself to participate in timed distance training, where he usually runs for approximately forty-five minutes without stopping, as well as speed work in the half mile.
"It's more of a mental challenge than anything," says Birdwell. "Finishing the race is all in your mind."
Birdwell believes in mind over matter, but that doesn't mean his diet and desire to remain healthy aren't as rigid as an Eskimo mailbox.
He sticks to a strict diet plan of high carbohydrates and vitamins, as well as drinking no carbonated beverages.
Birdwell obviously realizes how close he is to breaking Shaun Deal's record of 16:32, but he still has the concept of the team in mind.
Justin Birdwell is looking forward to achieving his goals. But most importantly, he desires to accelerate the program of cross country at CHS.
He offers this advice to aspiring runners: "Don't goof off in practice, stretch well to prevent injury, and remember to never give up and walk."
Web page was prepared by Dave Burchett