The Exeter junior is one of the top ranked 600 meter runners in the state. He has lofty goals to be nationally ranked in that event, but also wants to increase his already versatile resume by adding the high jump and decathlon. See what else Peter Winslow has planned for 2012 as we spotlight this talented athlete.
How did you get started in track?
My dad Andy Winslow was a runner back in the day. He didn't run in college, but he was all-state at Central High School in Manchester. When I went with him to his college reunion at Dartmouth in 2003 and ran on the track I fell in love with the sport.
Your dad was mostly a distance runner with 1600 meters being the shortest event he ran. At Exeter you pretty much run everything from 600 meters to 5000 and even do field events, correct?
Yes, I even do some 4x200 meter relays and I'm going to try the high jump soon I think. In middle school I loved the mile and I also did the long jump. I got tired of doing distance after freshman year and cross country season so I decided to work on the sprints instead. It stuck and plus I think it will help me because I want to try the decathlon in the spring. It helps to have versatility because I can sub into almost any relay or of my coach needs points in a certain event he can throw me in there.
Do you have a favorite event?
My favorite event is probably the 600. It's really physically demanding, but also requires you to be able to run smart.
You are ranked one of the top runners in New Hampshire in that event. What does that mean to you?
It means that the hard work I've put in is paying off, but I believe that I always have to keep striving to be better. One of the best isn't good enough. I want to be the best.
Exeter is one of the premier programs in the state. How is the team looking in 2012?
We're coming off of a good year last year and looking to build on that momentum. It helped because we have a bigger squad this year and we're looking to make a run at some of the top spots in the state.
Are there any meets you are looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to New England's at Reggie Lewis and New Balance Indoor Nationals at the Armory because I have heard it's a great track.
What are your goals as an individual and for the team?
This year I want to be one of the top ten kids in the 600 meters nationwide. I'm hoping to get in the 1:22 rang this year. If I could break that it would be awesome. I think that the team has a chance to take first again at Seacoast's if we stay focused. We have a talented coaching staff that is going to lead us where we need to go.
I see on your Facebook profile you are fan of MileSplit NH. What do you love most about the site?
MileSplit is really quintessential when I'm trying to figure out how I need to do. It's helped me a lot in the past and it's really cool to see where I'm ranked statewide, in my class, or even nationally. I'm on MileSplit the day after every race I have.
For those who might not know the name Peter Winslow what would you tell them?
I'd tell them that running is basically my life and I'm highly determined to better my current PR's. The best is definitely yet to come. I'm looking to transition straight from indoor to outdoor so my best times will probably come then.
More Coverage