MD: First of all, how did you get the nickname “Mad Dog”?
MB: I got that at the beginning of last year because I have a unique style, “thug style” if you will, and I’m also a pretty spontaneous guy. When I’m pushing it in races, I look like a Mad Dog barking down on fools.
MD: We’re all looking forward to seeing you race this year, but tell me more about the frostbite that kept you out of action from Feb. through June of last year.
MB: It was pretty much a backcountry skiing trip that went wrong. Fellow runner Ed Kenney [’07], his brother Willie from Bates, and I were stranded for 30 hours in the White Mountains. I knew something was wrong in the ambulance when I felt this sharp pain in my left foot. At first, the doctors weren’t sure whether or not I would lose my foot, but luckily the swelling subsided, and I was able to return to school in April. In fact, I used one of those rascal scooters, like out of that Seinfeld episode, to get around. I kept up good spirits, and I started walking again in May.
MD: What have you done since then to prepare for this fall’s cross-country season?
MB: On July 1, I started running again. I started at 14 miles per week, but now I’m up to about 60, and I’m working to get it up to 70 miles. Consistency is key, and this injury has only given me more determination to make this the best WESXC season in history!
MD: What does the “Mad Dog” do to prepare for a big race?
MB: I run the race over in my mind, and I believe in the work I’ve done. We know what we have to do on the course the next day, so we try not to worry about it. The team usually rolls to MoCon like we do every night after practice. We get ourselves a good meal and a good night of sleep.
MD: What are your expectations for yourself and the team?
MB: Our expectations run high. We hope to take down Williams and Amherst at Little Threes, finish high in the conference, and make it to Nationals. As for myself, I hope to make a full recovery, help take the team to Nationals, and obtain All-New England honors.
MD: After the departure of Bryan Bissell [’04], who will lead the Derrty Birds?
MB: Bissell has inspired us all, and has definitely left his mark in WESXC tradition, earning a trip to Nationals last year. This year, we will look to Wes [Fuhrman ’05] and Owen [Kiely ’06] for leadership. We also have a solid set of sophomores. In particular, my boy Nick “Saturday Night” Holowka [’07] has already stepped it up after a great summer of training, and we are hoping for a freshman surprise.
MD: What are your impressions of the new Wesleyan cross-country course?
MB: We just had our first hill workout there on Tuesday. The course looks awesome. It’s been a great addition to the program, and we can run better workouts on it. We’re going to host Little Threes in Oct., and we’re going to be the only team there to have prior knowledge of the course.
MD: What are your impressions of the female runners in NESCAC this year?
MB: Given my “pimp-stincts” [laughs], I’d say many of them are very fine…or maybe just one in particular…
MD: How many “naked laps” do you do on average every semester?
MB: A good amount. I’m always up for a good naked lap. Unfortunately, it seems that Public Safety is always around.
MD: They seem to have a real problem with nudity.
MB: Indeed.
MD: What else do you do with your spare time?
MB: I’m usually pretty busy with schoolwork, running, and stuff. When I get a chance though I like to play golf or poker.
MD: Anything else you would like to say?
MB: NESCAC had better have brought their dictionaries this year, cause WESXC has so much definition.
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