Kalaheo cross country standout Makai Clemons didn’t have to look far for role models in work ethic. Parents Steven and Malia were ideally suited to that role.<\/p>\n
“They inspired me to work hard,” Clemons said. “They both really wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and they trained really hard and achieved that (goal).<\/p>\n
“They definitely got me into running. I didn’t like running at first. I ran with them for fun for a bit. They used to be able to beat me all of the time.”<\/p>\n
Clemons the runner has blossomed steadily since. Last October, he won the OIA individual title as a junior and went on to a fourth-place finish at the state cross-country championships.<\/p>\n
“I ran two-and-a-half minutes faster between my sophomore and junior years. Last year was a big ‘improvement year’ for me. I didn’t run over the summer much before my sophomore year. After track ended my junior year, I started running 45 miles a week.”<\/p>\n
Clemons will look to defend his OIA title at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Central Oahu Regional Park. The 2014 state cross country championships are set for Nov. 1, also at CORP.<\/p>\n
Clemons recently took some time to visit with the Windward Oahu Islander<\/em>.<\/p>\n What is your earliest sports-related memory? <\/strong>I remember playing T-ball when I was 4. I wasn’t the most talented — I think I got my fingers stuck in the facemask once. From ages 5 to 8, I raced BMX bikes and got up to a top 10 national ranking.<\/p>\n What was your area of focus during the summer months? <\/strong>After track season, I was running 65 to 70 miles a week, consistently. I also did a few races during the off-season, including the Hibiscus Half Marathon. I did some trail races, and when my family went to Colorado for vacation, my dad and I ran up Pikes Peak.<\/p>\n Where do you see yourself in 10 years? <\/strong>Hopefully, I’ll have a good job. I’m planning on being an engineer, although I haven’t decided what field. I hope to raise a family and still be running. My plan now is to live in Colorado. I like it there.<\/p>\n What Internet site do you frequent the most? <\/strong>YouTube or FlowTrack. On YouTube, I watch whatever is going on. FlowTrack gives updates on high school, college and pro runners.<\/p>\n What is your least favorite household chore? <\/strong>Picking up dog poop.<\/p>\n What movie could you watch over and over? <\/strong>That’s a tough one. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby <\/em>with Will Ferrell.<\/p>\n Who are three of your favorite musical artists? <\/strong>I can’t say I have three favorites. I like to listen to a wide variety of music.<\/p>\n When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? <\/strong>If I’m not running, I like to go surf sometimes or just relax. I like to relax.<\/p>\n You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? <\/strong>Pancakes.<\/p>\n If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? <\/strong>Will Ferrell. <\/p>\n jackster.1969@yahoo.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kalaheo cross country standout Makai Clemons didn’t have to look far for role models in work ethic. Parents Steven and..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-windward-oahu-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n