Summer Interview #2: Thiele Dual Attack

For our second summer interview, WarriorXCDistance has caught up with Stan State runners and brothers Tyler and Palmer Thiele. Palmer was the #2 steepler for the Warriors this past track season, and Tyler redshirted as he dealt with some injuries. Both have just finished their freshman year and are gunning for big things in the future.

WXCD: How's your summer training going?

P: It's going excellent, I only missed two days when we drove to Wisconsin in my dad's motorhome.

T: Um, it's good. I'm doing trails instead of the road because of injuries and such.

WXCD: Where are you doing most of your training?

P: In Connecticut, on soft dirt trails with rolling hills. They are a series of deer trails near the Nike Missile site.

WXCD: What are your goals for the upcoming XC season?

P: Make top 7 and break 27 minutes in the 8k. Not sure for a 10k, I guess just run fast.

T: Top 7, that's pretty much it.

WXCD: What was the highlight of the past track season?

P: The Oregon trip, and the conference steeplechase in the rain.

T: The trip to Oregon, only because I redshirted.

WXCD: What has it been like being on the same team with each other for 5 years?

P: Good. It gives me someone I know I can beat all the time.

T: It's been good.

WXCD: What is it going to be like having (former teammate) Martin Ramos as a coach next year?

P: It'll be awesome, I'm going to be his roommate too. He was already kind of my coach this year with everything steeple related, so I am looking forward to his continued expertise.

T: Pretty much the same as last year, because I never really ran with him and he basically coached everyone anyway because he was the captain.

WXCD: If you were to compare your running style/career to an animal, what animal would it be?

P: A moose. I don't know why, but it sounds cool.

T: A boar. Boars have been scientifically proven to be able to run for days.

WXCD: Do you prefer short shorts or spandex for racing?

P: Spandex by a landslide, I feel more free, and it feels better. You don't get nut rash.

T: I agree, but not because I feel more free.

WXCD: Favorite runner of all time?

P: Fam, because he's a beast. (Anthony Famiglietti, American steeplechaser)

T: Adam Goucher because I read Running With the Buffaloes.

WXCD: What should be Taj Taylor's first word.

T: Nyah. Or "reunited."

P: Steeple-life.

WXCD: What XC meet are you most excited for this season?

T: Stanislaus Invite, because I'm not a big fan of Stanford since they changed the course.

P: I have two. First, Stanislaus Invite because it's only 4 miles halfway through the season, a good low pressure meet where I'll run fast. Second, conference because we're getting second.

T: We're getting first, Chuck Fico!

WXCD: Final question: Which type of bear is best.

T: Polar bear, no contest.

P: Polar. I don't even want to hear the other options. Polar bear.

WXCD: False. Black bear. They can climb trees and protect their young.