Santa Rosa Press Democrat // News for California's North Bay and Redwood Empire

Low-tech edition (About)

RUNNER MASTERS THE CHALLENGE

DATE: Tuesday, November 15, 2005
PAGE: C5
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: mug: Kevon LeMaitre- Roberts
COLUMN: Q&A
MEMO: Q&A: KEVON LeMAITRE-ROBERTS, 18, a senior at Santa Rosa High, has been running since seventh
grade and hopes to continue running at college.

Your first name has an unusual spelling. How did that come about?
Kevon is very common in my country. I am from Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean. I was adopted
8 years ago. I know a lot of people think it sounds like Kevin, but it doesn't. It's Kevon. I wish
their would be an accent mark on the ``e.'' It would probably be easier. Both my first name and last
name are hard for people to pronounce ``Le Maitre'' Roberts. In French it means Master.
How long have you been running?
Since seventh grade. I went for cross country and wasn't very good but stuck with it, and later I
joined the Santa Rosa Express Club and my eighth-grade year was very successful.
Why don't you find running boring?
Its a challenge, both mentally and physically. I enjoy how it makes me feel about myself.
What are your college plans?
I am looking into a small Div.III school. They want me to run cross country and track. But I might
end up at the JC. But wherever I go, I hope to keep running.
What is the toughest part of a race for you?
Right after the 2-mile mark. Because I get tired and mentally I am being challenged. and it's time
for me to dig down and suck it up, which is easier said than done.
When you are in a cross country event, do you run against other runners or simply the clock?
It's a combination of the both. I want to get a good time, but I also want to beat whoever is next
to me.
Do you have any running heroes?
Roger Bannister, for being the first to break the four-minute mile. I am sure it was tough to be
the first. Barriers are hard, I am still trying to break two minutes in the 800 meters, I got two
minutes flat three times last season. Very disappointing.
Why do you think runners are incredibly supportive of each other?
They know what it's like to be in pain or to ``hit the wall'' and to give it your all. They have all
been there, and I always appreciate when someone tells me good job, good race. It means a lot to me,
and I make sure I say it to others as well.
Where is your favorite place to run?
I like running up Fountain Grove, and a killer hill called Happy Valley & Grace, that's part of one
of my courses near Pacific Market. It gets me in shape.
Why do you think the ``Empire'' area has produced so many good runners, especially girls?
I think its a great testament to the coaches, they know what's going on. And the athletes are well
trained hard working and devoted. Also it helps to live in this part of California, where their are
numerous places one can run.

INFOBOX: Kevon LeMaitre- Roberts
Track and cross country competitor enjoys the camaraderie all runners share.

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