Ryan Talanian: Marshfield High School
"Ryan has been the leader of our sprinters for the past few years. He has shown great versatility by competing in any event needed to help the team. His toughness and consistency is unmatched. He has been a great role model for the younger sprinters and will only continue to improve in college." ----Coach Sheppard
What do you enjoy doing outside of your running?
Any kind of physical activity with my friends, volleyball, frisbee, soccer, going to the beach, listening to music.
What are you going to miss most about your high school running career?
My teammates, my coach, how track was laid back. I think I stuck with track because of that atmosphere. My teammates and coach really allowed track to be fun and we had some unusual training techniques.
What was your most memorable race?
My first 400. It was a 55 second run sophomore year in a dual meet where I lost to my older brother and I just remember at that time being dead and telling coach Shep that the 400 "wasn't my race". Also too many relays to mention. 4x400 junior year and our run to New Englands and the DMR this year was incredible.
Out of all your high school running accomplishments, what stands out the most?
When I look back on my high school running career I will immediately think of the success of some of the relays I was on. Every Distance medley we didr this year was amazing. Being an All-American because of that, a national Champion, I still don't believe that all of that happened or that its all over.
What was the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I think the most difficult obstacle Ive had to overcome are the ridiculous expectations I put on myself. Each season I would set goals. I always kind of thought I would just keep improving quickly so when I wasn't improving I put more pressure on myself. I've realized that its better not to worry about that stuff and just go run.
Do you have any advice for younger runners?
Work hard. You wont get better at track if you are don't put the effort in. But also make sure to have fun with it. Find an approach to track that works for you. Don't make track too complicated and over think things because in the end it really is only running, jumping, and throwing.
If you were to change anything about your high school running career.....what would you change?
I wish I picked up the sport as a freshman. Freshman year i didn't run in the winter and I made the baseball team and really wasted a season considering I had like 3 hits all season.
What are your college plans?
I am attending Northeastern and plan on running for them.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank Dennis Sheppard, you're a good man I don't know how I'll run without your guidance. Lou Silva and Larry Nangle for being a wise mentor. My mother & father for all they have done. My brother for getting me to try track in the beginning. And all my teammates and friends especially Joel, Joey, and Kev for all my success couldn't have happened without them.