A Service of The Arrow           Friday February 4, 2000 11:34 AM

Junior David Vidal in NYC for elite race

By: Andy Frey

ARROW STAFF

Does the kid ever stop?

With two cross-country state titles under his belt and a state championship in the mile for track, junior David Vidal just keeps on going — this time with a trip to New York City to compete in an elite mile race with only eight other high school runners from around the nation. Today, he will run in the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden.

“I was really excited when I found out,” Vidal said. “They are paying for pretty much everything except travel.”

Although Vidal has the honor of running in this prestigious race, he is still unsure of his chances there.

“It will definitely be worth the trip,” said Vidal. “It's really unknown, but I think I can do pretty well.”

Two weeks prior to the trip to New York, Vidal competed in the San Diego Indoor Games. He won the mile race there with a personal best time of 4:14.67. That time also happened to be the fourth best in the nation for high school runners.

“It (San Diego) was a half-pro, half-high school meet, so I got to talk to some of the best runners in the world,” said Vidal. “I enjoyed it.”

After the Millrose Games, Vidal will prerpare for the track season by running about 50 miles a week. For Vidal, believe it or not, this kind of mileage is very relaxing.

“I like to compete,” said Vidal. “Also it (running) is relaxing, you don't have to think about anything.”

For the upcoming track season Vidal plans to run in the 800, 1600, 3200 and the 4 X 400 relay.

Vidal's main goals for this year were quite simple: just to keep improving, and keep lowering his times.

Before Vidal races he goes through heavy preparation to get ready for his competition.

“(Before races) I warm up with 15 minutes of jogging, but some races I prepare more,” said Vidal. “A couple of hours before the race I try to get mentally set on the goal and keep focused.”

Vidal has had many amazing accomplishments in his short high school tenure, but he is happiest about still having a passion for running.

“I'm proud of always liking running, and not getting tired of it,” said Vidal. “I've always loved it.”

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