By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
To train for his senior year of cross country, Niles' Logan Todd ran almost non-stop this summer.
Todd ran twice a day Monday through Saturday and once on Sundays. He said he jogged at least seven miles each time out. That's a minimum of 91 miles each week.
His hard work paid off Saturday, however. Todd won his first race ever, taking first place at the Buchanan Cross Country Invitational. His showing helped Niles finish second overall at the meet.
His victory earned him the Niles Daily Star's Male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 12-18.
Niles cross country coach Rick Lott said he has seen considerable improvement in Todd, a Vikings co-captain, since last season. The coach credits that change to Todd's hard work.
Over the summer, Todd said he worked specifically on his speed and endurance. To do that, he ran through a lot of hilly areas. One of his favorite training spots was by Ballard Elementary because of the hills on Chicago Road.
He's hoping that training will help him achieve his goal to make it to state this season. Lott said Todd should have no trouble realizing his goal.
Lott said if Todd does make it to state, he doesn't expect any celebration from the senior runner. He said Todd is all about business when it comes to cross country.