The fastest runner in West Sound history eats waffles and peanut butter before each race.

“That’s just my thing,” Shane Moskowitz said. “Other than that, I pretty much eat whatever.”

The Central Kitsap senior, a two-time state track and field champion, cemented his legacy both at CK and across the state by winning the Class 4A boys state cross country championship last weekend at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

Moskowitz, who finished second at state last year, clocked a time of 15 minutes, 6 seconds to defeat runner-up Conner Peloquin of Gig Harbor (15:22) by 16 seconds, setting a course record.

It was an especially sweet victory for the long-distance specialist because it avenged his second-place finish of 2008 and his father, who had never witnessed a state cross country meet, was on hand to watch.

“This is probably my most exciting win because this is what I’ve been training for since last season,” Moskowitz said. “It was really overwhelming compared to all my other wins.”

With a blistering 4:40 first mile, Moskowitz opened a comfortable lead and never looked back. He felt comfortable through the second mile, although pain began to creep in, then he closed the race by “gutting it out” over the final mile.

It was a remarkable day for an athlete whose dedicated his high-school career to running. Moskowitz runs an average of 51 miles a week during the summer and between 35 and 40 during the season.

The Oklahoma State University-bound Moskowitz credits his success to hard work and dedication.

“I think I’ve got the willpower,” he said. “I’ve gained that a lot because over the offseason, it’s just me by myself. You really have to force yourself to get out there and run.”