Adam Nussbaum: Talk to me about your big race on Saturday. You won the first cross country meet of the season.

Kelvin Serem: It was an amazing race and I could not be happier to start the season with a win. I’ve been training very hard and put in a lot of hours, it’s great to see positive results and start on such a high note.

AN: How has the team prepared for the upcoming season?

KS: There has been a lot of preparation, both mental and physical. We’ve been bonding as a team and making sure we trust each other. Otherwise it’s been a lot of training, running different courses, making sure our times are good, and strengthening our routines.

AN: What are the team’s goals going into the season?

KS: We’re looking to set personal bests and make it to the Patriot League Championship.

AN: What aspect of your game did you work on most in the offseason?

KS: I worked on my breathing but overall making sure I was in great shape and ready to go for the season. I trained almost every day to ensure that I would be performing well once the season started.

AN: What is your offseason workout regimen?

KS: It consists of different types of running. I tried to vary the distances, landscapes and times and made sure that my breathing and core were properly strengthened.

AN: What’s your most memorable XC moment?

KS: I think the win on Saturday is my most memorable XC moment.

AN: What are the differences between running in the United States and Kenya?

KS: The heat and air pressure are the biggest differences. Additionally, the terrain is a little different as the United States is hilly and Kenya is flat. At the end of the day, running is running and I adapt to the different environments.

AN: What are your plans for running in the future? Is it something you want to continue for the rest of your life?

KS: I plan to continue running to stay in shape. Maybe I will become a track or XC coach in the future but it is something I definitely plan on continuing. I might not continue at the same pace but running is such an important aspect of fitness, it would be hard to stop.

AN: Do you have any pre-race rituals?

KS: Not really but I pray.

AN: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

KS: New York City.

AN: What’s your favorite song?

KS: “Cheerleader” by OMI.

AN: What’s your favorite movie?

KS: “The Shawshank Redemption.”

AN: If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be?

KS: Aasif Karim.