Laguna Blanca’s Cooper Farrell
Fitness won’t be a problem for Laguna Blanca’s Cooper Farrell entering his senior cross country season.
That’s because Farrell, the Owls’ top runner, is in the midst of competing in four triathlons in two months, highlighted by a recent trip to Wisconsin for the Age-Group USA Triathlon Championships. Added to that is the local triathlon trifecta: Goleta Beach in July, Santa Barbara in August, and Carpinteria in September.
“It’s just cross training for me,” Farrell said. “Swimming increases your lung capacity, and cycling is just pure suffering. So you take little pieces from the other two sports and apply it (to running).”
The Olympic Distance course at the USA Championships was a 1500-meter swim, 40k bike and 10k run. Battling cramps much of the way, the 17-year-old finished in 2:12:59.17, good for 28th place in the 16-to-19 age group. After the swim and bike, he completed the 10k running leg in 41:08.60.
It was just his fourth long-course triathlon he’s ever done.
Farrell, who lives in Solvang, has been training 8-12 hours a week this summer. His cross country coach at Laguna Blanca during the fall, marathon runner David Silverander, has started coaching him as a triathlete as well.
“I knew he knew how to schedule things and set himself up for success,” Farrell said. “So I figured he could help me a lot with training with goals and rest days because triathlon recovering is half of the exercise.”
In cross country, 16:34 is his personal best and he hopes to break 16 minutes during his senior season. The Owls will be competing at a number of invitationals during the fall.
Outside of sports, Farrell is the Vice President of Laguna Blanca’s Youth for Direct Relief club and has donated a week during each of the past two years at the Storyteller Children’s Center.
Find past High School Runners of the Month HERE
The High School Runner of the Month award recognizes local prep runners that exemplify the term “Student-Athlete” by demonstrating leadership, passion and excellence in high school athletics. The annual campaign recognizes athletes from March through November.
Thanks to Santa Barbara Running Company for making this award possible and for supporting local athletes.
