GUILDERLAND — It didn’t take Brian Rhodes-Devey long to adjust to the indoor track season.

In his second race of the season, on Saturday, Rhodes-Devey won the mile run at the Hispanic Games in New York City. He ran 4:13.19, a national best time so far this season.

The Guilderland High School junior had won a state and Federation title in cross-country this fall.

The only other race Rhodes-Devey has run this season was in a distance medley relay at Brown University.
"I’m real pleased with it," Rhodes-Devey said of Satuday’s accomplishment. "I definitely think I can run faster. I’m still running with cross-country fitness. I’m trying to get down into shape and then I’ll be able to drop some fast times."

Rhodes-Devey said he ran a smart race. Rather than jumping out to a lead, he waited for the right moment to attack the leaders of the pack.
"Going into the race, I didn’t want to get into the lead," he said. "I started behind the pack and then made my move. It worked well."

Rhodes-Devey took some time off after a busy cross-country season. He won the state and Federation titles in November and ran in the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals in New York City, qualifiying for the nationals, which he ran in San Diego in early December.
"I took 10 days off and gained five pounds," he said. "It was real nice. I was able to relax. I came home after school and was able to catch up on some work."

Changing gears

But it didn’t take long for him to want to get back to running.
"I started to get the bug back," Rhodes-Devey said. "I wanted to start running. It was a good amount of time to take off."

The indoor season is actually Rhodes-Devey’s least favorite.
"I like cross-country a lot more," he said. "But I think I excel more at track."

There are differences in the sports. The track races are more tense for Rhodes-Devey while the cross-country meets are more relaxed.
"I feel like in a track race," he said, "I have a more aggressive attitude toward the race. Cross-country is a bit more laid back.
"It is atmospherish," Rhodes-Devey added. "In track, you just have a few minutes to get from this line to this line before anyone else can. Cross-country is more relaxed."

Rhodes-Devey has accomplished a lot in cross-country despite what he regards as a flaw.
"I’m kind of big for a cross-country runner," Rhodes-Devey said. "I weigh 163 pounds. Not many cross-country runners weigh that much. I’m built for shorter distance running. I have short strides and that gives me an advantage in the mile."

Cross-country puts Rhodes-Devey in great shape for the track season.
"Coming off cross-country, I’m in great shape to run indoor," he said. "But I get really excited for outdoor. That’s when I’m starting to get in good shape and drop fast times. Then I get ready for cross-country and get back into the cycle."

Under 4:10

With the fast time at the Hispanic Games, Rhodes-Devey qualified for the prestigious Millrose Games that will take place in New York City in February.
"I’m looking forward to that," he said. "There will be a lot of fast kids. It will be a fast race and a tactical race. It’ll be good to get that kind of experience."

And Rhodes-Devey feels he can run faster than the 4:13 he ran this past weekend.
"I think I can get under 4:10 before the season’s out," he said. "I’ll be mainly focusing for outdoor. I’m getting used to racing again and racing tactical races and different styles in racing. I’m mainly going to concentrate on the mile."

Staying healthy might help Rhodes-Devey get his times down. Last winter he was bothered by shin splints.
"I’ve definitely learned to start to listen to my body better," Rhodes-Devey said. "I’ve been going to a personal trainer — RJN in Albany — and they have been taking good care of me. They have helped me strengthen and helped me stay injury-free through cross-country and indoor. I’ve been good so far this year."