In our weekly Q&A segment we asked John Mascari a few questions about life on and off the course. We caught up with him during this XC season. 

How has the 2015 XC season been so far for you?

It has been an enjoyable and emotional season so far. With it being my senior year and all, I have been trying to make each day last for as long as I can. After coming off of a nagging stress fracture in my back from the spring, the season has started out on a positive note. I captured my fourth Indiana Intercollegiate individual title. It was a special day. Not only was it my last home race at Lavern Gibson but I was able to finish out my career there with a win. I’ve spent 11 years of my life racing on that course and I could not have asked for a better way to go out. Notre Dame Invite was a decent performance for myself. Every season I have considered that race to be the least spectacular one in the fall for myself. With such a quick start, I seem to always find myself back in the pack early on and can never manage to get the legs going at that meet. When the 10k races come along I’ll be ready. I’m looking forward to letting my demons out on the course come post-season.

What is your go-to tune up workout before a big race?

The past two years the team and I have done 10 x1k repeats a week out from pre-nats. It’s my favorite workout of the year. I think it is the biggest confidence booster going into the big meet.

Describe your fondest race memory.

My sophomore year in college cross was special. I earned my first All-American honor on the home course in Terre Haute. Getting the monkey off my back that day felt amazing. Goal wise it was my first complete cross country season that I had wanted for many years. That day gave me all the confidence I could ever want.

Tell us about your favorite memory with one of your current or past training partners.

I will forever cherish the long run Sunday’s with my current and former teammates David Timlin, Tristan Selby, Levi Taylor, and Al Escalera. Nothing beats grinding out a good run with guys who want to succeed as much as I do.

What is your cross training regimen?

The last 18 weeks of training have been between 90-120 miles a week. Right now I’m running 90 miles a week. Since it’s finally racing season I will hold 90 until the post-season comes around. There won’t be a huge drop in the miles but enough to recover well off of. During the weeks of which we don’t race we’ll have workouts on Tuesday’s and Friday’s. I plan my week out to make Saturday’s a low day between 6-8 miles. It’s a good day to rest up before a long run the next day. It’s been a consistent year of training so far.

What is your main goal for the rest of the 2015 year moving into 2016?

I like to believe that I can be a top 5 finisher in the fall. That’s been the goal for a year now. The biggest goal is to stay healthy and remain consistent with my training. I have had a few setbacks this year but my fitness is there without a doubt. I know I have a good shot at qualifying to the Olympic trials in the 10k. It has been in the back of mind for awhile. 2016 should be a good one.

If you could give one piece of advice to any runner, what would it be and why?

I have always lived by the motto ‘Mamma didn’t raise no b***h’-If you want to be successful in the sport of running you have got to be tough. If you really do believe you work hard, then trust in your training when you step up on the line. Everything will work out if you stay tough every single day.

What are some things that helped get you past the low points of dealing with injuries?

I have always told myself to never take running for granted. Whether I am injured or not I have to believe that I am doing this sport for a reason. I don’t like injuries, no one does, but I will say getting hurt will make you appreciate running a whole lot more. I won’t be able to run at this level all my life. Taking advantage of the good days and bad days have helped me come back stronger from setbacks.

What is your favorite thing about XC?

I love the bus rides with my cross country team the most. It’s more of a closed group rather than when there are nearly 40 other people to travel with in track. So many laughs and good times are spent when traveling to a meet. I will never forget these moments with the top 7 squad.

As Mayor of Terre Haute what is the first thing you’d do?

I would leave Christmas decorations up all year in the city. Vote for Johnny Christmas for he will make it feel like Christmas everyday.

Describe your childhood dream.

Since I was 4 years old I have always wanted to play in the NBA. It still is a dream of mine. I’m waiting for the New York Knicks to take me in.

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Cinnamon rolls, I could eat about a dozen of them.

Describe your favorite place to run or train.

I have been to so many places during my time in the sport. Traveling to new places to compete and to train for a few days is such a blessing. Of all the places I have been to I still have to pick running in Terre Haute as my favorite. It never gets boring with how many routes and soft surface trails we have here. I mostly enjoy winter training in Terre-dise the most.

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, how you would spend it?

I would chill in my bed all day and drink eggnog while watching Christmas movies for the entire day.

Best NBA player (past or present) and why?

I only race in Jordan socks so it’s no brainer to pick Michael Jordan. He will always be the best. Kobe Bryant is a close 2nd. I have been a fathiful fan of MJ my entire life. MJ changed the game of basketball. He will never be surpassed.

Describe your pre-race ritual.

I find that being relaxed and happy before a race is important. Up until I step on the line, I try to find my happy place. Listening to Christmas music does the trick for me, preferably Michael Buble.

What does racing/training look like for you in the next six months?

Post-Season races in the fall and hopefully more to come in the spring. After the cross season I’ll get up to the 100 plus mile weeks again to get ready for the spring. If things go well, I want to continue running after college. I’m taking it day-by-day. Since it’s my last year of running as a college student, I’m focusing on the now. The main goal is to achieve what I want for the fall.