Senior Spotlight: David Toups

David Toups

Senior

Catholic High School

Who do you look up to as an inspiration to your running?


My inspiration for running is all of the great runners that have run for Catholic High before me. I try my best to honor this tradition by working hard each and every day.

Up to this point in your running career, what has been your most memorable moment?

The most memorable point in my running career has to be the 2014 Indoor State Championships 4x800 meter relay. This was my first state championship, and our team was able to come from behind and get the upset.

How do you balance your academic workload while competing at a high level year round?

I try to get as much work done during school as I can, so that I am able to focus more on running outside of school.

If you only had one song to listen to before your race, which would it be?

Hands down, it would be the Catholic High cross country team's rendition of "Jessie's Girl" remade as "Jeffrey's Girl" in honor of none other than our own Jeffrey Kelley.

What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is an all-out 1600, followed shortly by an all-out 400. Distance runners don't get many chances to sprint an all-out 400, so I love it.

Are you interested in running after high school and if so, what are you looking for a in school in order to determine if it is the right fit for you?

I have not yet decided about running in college.

What meets are you looking forward to the most this year?

I am looking forward to the Catholic High Invitational because it always draws some of the top competition in the state. I am also looking forward to the XC State meet because Catholic High hasn't gotten a cross country team title in my time at Catholic, but this year I think our team can change that.

What is your pre-meet or pre-race routine that you like to follow?

I try to stay calm and relaxed by listening to music for a few hours before the race. About 45 minutes before, I start warming-up and doing drills. Right before I go the line my dad wishes me luck. Then I do a few strides and jump up and down a few times (which I started doing before Miles McClindon) to stay loose before taking my spot on the line.

How many days a week do you run?

I run either 6 or 7 days a week. I sometimes run on Sunday depending on how hard of a week I put in.

And lastly, what food do you crave most after a hard workout or a race?

Nothing satisfies a hungry runner after a hard workout/race for $6.89 like a Waffle House All-Star Special.