Michael (Trey) May III is a freshman from Orlando, FL and a cross-country athlete studying finance. This past tournament in Gainesville, Trey ran the best time of any NSU runner in the 8K, posting a time of 28:02.36.
When did you start running cross country?
Originally, my dad was trying to get me to run cross-country my freshman year, but I kind of veered away from it. I started playing basketball and then took a gap year just to focus on my academics. My junior year, I decided to go to an interest meeting; I realized cross-country wasn’t all that bad and I started doing the summer training. I went to the practices, and ever since then, I’ve started to grow a passion for it. It also helps me with my asthma; I had asthma my whole life and running cross-country has helped my lungs get stronger and cope with the symptoms.
What’s your favorite part of running cross country?
Well, obviously the races. There’s so much that goes on in the races. People think you’re just running, but it’s so tactical. You have to break it down by mile. My racing strategy is when I want to pass somebody, I stay behind them and let them take away the wind resistance so when it’s time for me to kick it, I can veer past them.
Who is your biggest role model?
Right now, it’s my dad. He got me into the sport, and he’s just a very wise man.
Before running cross country, did you ever consider playing another sport?
I played basketball and still sometimes play recreationally, and I wanted to get into football at a young age, but my parents were worried about injuries. I tend to just focus on cross-country now.
What does your diet look like as an endurance athlete?
I focus on my carbohydrates and protein. When you run, you work your muscles at all times and burn so many calories. You have to focus on carbohydrates and have to replenish what you burned off at the meet. I eat a lot of vegetables and try to diversify my vegetable intake. The night before a race, I always eat a chicken caesar salad with parmesan cheese. It helps me feel good the morning of the race, and because when I feel well, I do well. The morning of a meet, I eat something light. Usually, I’ll eat peanut butter toast with a banana.
As an NSU athlete, what are some of your goals this season?
I want to be able to quicken my time and become faster. My main goal is to place top 10 and make regionals if not this year, then next year. I have to also continue building my body and getting stronger.
What is your favorite thing to do post meet?
Post meet, I love to splurge out a bit. My mentality is “I ran hard that race. I think I deserve it.” I sometimes eat a bunch of candy and go a little too hard. I also like to go hang out with my friends and go downtown and just hang out and have some team bonding.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not training or studying?
Whenever I’m super bored and have all my homework done, especially in study hall, I love to draw. Whatever is on my mind, I like to express it on my paper.
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM NSU ATHLETICS
By: Cameron Pritchett
