Brendan Dolan
4/6/10: When Brendan Dolan moved from Schalmont to the North Colonie School District for ninth grade, he really didn't know what to expect at Shaker. As he talked about during the recent Indoor Track Banquet, he thought he was pretty fast until he quickly realized there were a lot of runners who were faster. His emergence to become one of the team leaders over the last couple years can be traced to his incredibly strong work ethic. Anyone who knows him, understands his emphasis on effort on the track and in the classroom. He is recognized by his teachers and classmates for his high academic standards and his role as a student leader. His name can be found on the school record list for both the Indoor and Outdoor Track 4X400M Relay teams. Brendan is also one of the top hurdlers in the region. He finished in the top six on this season's Section 2 leaderboard for the 400M and 55M Hurdles. In addition, he is part of the fastest Shuttle Hurdle Relay and 2nd fastest 4X400M Relay in Section 2 this year. With his impressive improvement over the past year, Dolan is letting other local runners know that he'll be ready to go this Outdoor Season. After helping his team finish 3rd at the NYS Championship Meet in the 4X400M in March, he went on to compete as part of both the 4X400M and Shuttle Hurdle Relays at Nationals.
Brendan was recently named "Outstanding Senior" at the Indoor Track Banquet, when Coach Couture emphasized his incredible work ethic. He is among a group of seniors who have been extremely successful in their relays over the past couple years and which is a direct result of their talent and strong work habits. He offers continued encouragement for the young runners on the team, which was obvious to anyone who heard him speak at the Indoor Track Banquet. Besides incorporating intense physical workouts and weight training, Brendan has recently been part of a group of middle distance runners who have undergone mental training sessions in order to reach higher levels of performance. As he completes his senior year and his high school running career, he will look to finish strong on the track in an attempt to break the Shaker Outdoor 4X400M record for the second consecutive year. Shakerrunning recently interviewed Brendan so you could learn more about him.
Shakerrunning.com Interview with Brendan Dolan:
Shakerrunning (SR): When and how did you first get involved in running?
Brendan Dolan (BD): I moved to Shaker in 9th grade as more of basketball player. However, I didn’t make the team and was too late to sign up for indoor track. So I waited until outdoor when I began running. From then on I’ve caught the track fever.
SR: What are your favorite indoor and outdoor tracks and why?
BD: Certain indoor tracks really stick out to me because indoor tracks can vary so much. My favorite indoor tracks are Yale, the Armory in NYC, and the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. My favorite is Yale because it has tighter turns which translates into longer straight-aways and is very beneficial for my longer strides. My favorite outdoor tracks are Johnstown and our very own Shaker track which, despite heavy wind at times, has a soft surface and gives a lot of bounce to sprinters. Some runners think that the Johnstown track may be about 5 meters short because the times put up there each year are nutty.
SR: What do you consider your favorite event and why?
BD: My best event is the 400 hurdles which I really like to run. However, my favorite event is the 4x400 relay. The great part about that race is the team aspect in which each person holds responsibility for the outcome of the race. It may seem like the anchor makes the race, but those other three legs also play a huge role. Also, those 4x400 races always seem to go back and forth and can be very unpredictable.
SR: Last year as a junior, you helped set new school records for the 4X400M relay for both the Indoor and Outdoor seasons. This year, you helped break the Indoor School Record again. Do you think the Outdoor record can also be broken for the second consecutive year?
BD: Absolutely! That outdoor record team contained three juniors and Ebube. This year we return as seniors much faster and more experienced than last year. Last year as a junior I was the slowest member of the team with a 51.1. this year Reuben Feinman takes my spot after already running a 51.2 indoors, so he will be even faster outdoors. I see no reason why it won’t be broken.
SR: You were part of an indoor hurdle relay team that competed at nationals this year. How is running a hurdles event different than running a 400M race?
BD: The 55 hurdles are a very technical race and are very short, only taking around 8 seconds to complete. The 400 is much different because the longer distance creates more phases to the race. The phases allow for each runner to run the race differently, which I really like. I don’t really enjoy the all-out sprint of a 55 hurdle race – its too slow.
SR: How do you prepare before a meet?
BD: Before a meet I concentrate on a number of things: hydration, sleep, and diet. Two nights before a meet I really try to get a good night’s sleep (9-10 hours) as well as start eating some carbs and protein (pasta with chicken or pork). Then the night before I make sure to get another good nights sleep (8-9 hours) as well as drink lots of water. Every night I make sure to listen to hypnotherapy recordings from Maggie Ferrari which really help me focus during race day. On race day, I really make sure to build up my anchors (a tip from Maggie) and find something to concentrate on and motivate me (personally it is either family or Notre Dame).
SR: In which sport outside of track do you most enjoy participating?
BD: Well I play a mean game of Cavottaball during period 2 gym every other day. But aside from that I like to play golf, basketball and throw the Frisbee around.
SR: What has been the highlight of your running career up to this point?
BD: Despite the various individual accomplishments the past two years, nothing compares to the team’s success at the indoor sectional championships the past two years. Last year, it came down to the 4x400 and I led off in a battle with Zach Hildenbrandt from Shen. We fought every second and I ended up handing off just in front of him. Then I spent the next couple minutes in the bathroom throwing up. The team was celebrating a victory and was ready for a team picture but they couldn’t find me so they started chanting my name, which I thought was very cool and will never forget. This year’s sectional championship was also special but for a different reason. I did something that no one expected (including myself) – I won an individual event. That was a great feeling and I was really happy I could help out the team and get us another sectional plaque.
SR: What advice would you give to a young runner who is just starting to run on a school team?
BD: Dream big – the sky is the limit. You can do anything you put your mind to so long as there is hard work to go along with the dreams. If you really want to have a lot of success you have to put in the work when no one expects you to – whether that is in the weight room after practice or long runs on the weekends. The great part about track is you get out what you put in. Above all, have fun – it’s the best part of our team.
SR: You have been one of several middle distance runners who have started to focus on mental training in addition to your physical training. How has this helped your performance?
BD: As I said in regard to preparation, mental training has narrowed my focus during race days. Most of all the training I’ve done with Maggie had boosted my confidence so that when I step on the starting line, I know what I can do and I just go out and do it.
SR: You were named "Outstanding Senior" at the recent Indoor Track Banquet and recognized as a Times Union Section 2 All-Star as part of the 4X400M relay team. What factors have led to your continued improvement, as you seemed to reach a new level this year?
BD: The number one thing that sticks out is the weight room. Coach Couture really encouraged us to hit it hard and he was always there with us when we would stay until 6:00 most nights. Also, my teammates really encouraged me in the weight room and during the workouts (Conti, JQ, Dutty).
SR: At the Indoor Banquet, you talked about how you realized early in your high school running career that you were not one of the top runners. Yet you have become one of the top 400M runners and hurdlers in Section 2. What do you think made the biggest difference in your running abilities?
BD: Belief. I’ve had my highs and lows in track but through it all, no one has ever lost belief in me. This started freshman year when Coach Stadt encouraged me to go to running camps because he believed I could be good. It wasn’t only my coaches who believed in me – my teammates have always believed in and encouraged me which makes me work that much harder for them.
SR: What are some of your goals for the rest of your senior year?
BD: I have three main goals: 1. 2nd straight sectional championship 2. Reach the podium at states with JQ in the 400 hurdles 3. Stand on that same podium with the 4x400 guys
SR: What are your plans to continue with competitive running after high school?
BD: I plan to compete at the Division I level in track and field through my college years – running the same events as I have in high school.
SR: Where do you stand on your college decision?
BD: I have been accepted to Boston College, Lehigh, Syracuse, and William and Mary to name a few. I was also waitlisted at Notre Dame so I will be waiting to hear back from them in the upcoming months. As of right now, I have no clue where I will be in September.
SR: How do you like to spend your time when not involved in running?
BD: I like to spend my free time with my friends – who happen to be my goofball teammates. Over the years we’ve become something like a family – to the point where Couture has proclaimed himself as our “marital counselor”.
SR: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
BD: Recently I’ve gotten into Castle and the Mentalist – both murder mystery shows. Aside from them I’m a fan of anything ESPN.
SR: If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be and why?
BD: Maybe James Cameron so that I could influence him to put me in the next Avatar movie. Another solid choice is Rudy Ruettiger because I would want to see who loves Notre Dame more – me or him.
SR: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?
BD: I really respect Shaq for his generosity and all that he has done with his money. Also, I really like Dwight Howard because he is a BEAST and because he isn’t afraid to stick up for his religion (he carries a bible with him at all times).
SR: What careers are you considering for the future?
BD: I’m thinking that I want a career in business with a specialty in finance. Wall Street would be a sick place to work. Down the line I also plan to open an indoor track in the Capital District with Matt Conti and Jaquell Chandler as my business associates.
SR: What is something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn?
BD: I come from a family of women – I have a mom and two sisters so it can get overwhelming at times. Also, I’m a very devout Christian and have been since my parents split up years ago.