5 (more) Questions with the Gate River Run Elite Athlete Coordinator, Richard Fannin

Richard Fannin will be everywhere this weekend

Today we have five more with more questions with the man behind the elite fields at this weekend's Gate River Run 15k National Championship. Here's the first set of 5 Questions with Mr. Fannin (from 2012) and the 2013 edition is below! Follow the race this Saturday on Runnerspace.

5 (more) Questions with Richard Fannin

1. Writing About Running: The Gate River Run 15k kicks off the road racing season each year. Everyone is excited for a new beginning. How does that energy translate to your event?

Richard Fannin: Yes, it seems that after a long track season, and the big fall marathons, everyone is ready to rest and re-group over the holidays. Many of these runners train in cold winter locations and are excited about an early season fitness test in balmy Florida. There is usually a little element of mystery, as many runners haven't raced in a few months and this is often their first race of the year. The slate is clean on the USA Running Circuit - and it is open season !

2. Writing About Running: American distance running icon, Todd Williams, set the American Record here in 1995 with a scintillating 42:22. How has that record stood for 18 years?

Todd Williams in Adidas' "Runners, Yeah we're different" ad

Richard Fannin: Todd Williams' American (and course) record was the result of a great runner having one of those perfect days where it all clicked. The course was a little different that year, with a long downhill ramp coming off the Hart Bridge. But that was such a great performance, I think it would still be the American Record on the current course, just maybe 15-20 seconds slower.

3. Writing About Running: You fly a great deal of athletes in, put them up in a nice hotel, feed them and host a post-race party. What else is it that makes this weekend such a "can't miss" on the USA Running Circuit?

Richard Fannin: We really do try to pay attention to every last little detail for the runners, and we have assembled a great group of volunteers here from JTC Running that get it done! My belief is that the less they have to worry about logistics, and the more relaxed they are, the better they can perform on race day. And as mentioned earlier, Jacksonville in early March typically has lows in the fifties and highs in the seventies - and tons of sunshine - that makes this race an easy sell after often long cruel winters in Minneapolis, Mammoth, Flagstaff, Boulder, etc.

4. Writing About Running: You are very plugged in to the sport. What changes could be made, in your opinion, to move the sport forward?

Richard Fannin: I think the advent of the big teams and training groups is the best thing that has happened to US distance running in 20 years. It has allowed many more elites to forego the professional world for a few years and focus solely on their sport. The team competition we created five years ago was designed to really reward and encourage those teams that are making it happen. A lot of runners come here and - although they might not finish in Top 10, end up going home with some nice prize money. The team competition is something we hope will catch on around the USATF circuit. I know the 8k championships is having a team competition this year.

5. Writing About Running: What's new for the 2013 edition of the Gate River Run?

Richard Fannin: We have several new things we are excited about this year. The first is that The Equalizer bonus is going to be 6 minutes 35 seconds .. based on our new formula of using the exact split the prior 3 years, averaged to the second, which we think will make for a very close race.

Craig Virgin on multiple Track & Field News covers

As referenced earlier, the team race is not new, but this year is the largest and most robust it has ever been; with teams from Hansons Brooks, Asics Aggies, Adidas Boulder Running Company (ADP), Boulder Track Club, ASTF, New Balance Silicon Valley, Nike Team Run LA, Sacramento Elite, Team USA Minnesota, Team USA Arizona, and Zap Fitness.

We are excited about our guest speaker for Friday night, Craig Virgin. Between breaking Steve Prefontaine's high school record, winning an NCAA title, winning two World Cross Country Championships, and appearing in three Olympic Games, he has quite a resume and quite an inspirational story to tell.

And as always, we are excited about the parties we throw for the runners on Saturday night. After a couple of nervous days and a big race, it is fun to blow off steam and celebrate with the runners. The elite distance running crowd in the US is really a pretty small fraternity, and most of the runners know each other well and are good friends. We try to position our race as a fun, spring break "family" reunion weekend; where hey, there also happens to be an awesome 15k race!

Have a request or recommendation for who next 5 Questions with should be with? Email writingaboutrunning@gmail.com

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5 Questions with Genevieve LaCaze

Genevieve LaCaze was a star at Florida
(photo: Gamedayr)

Today we have our fourth 2012 London Olympics Steepler for 5 Questions with. She's not American, but this tremendous Australian athlete has large ties to the US, as she just capped off an excellent collegiate career at the University of Florida and just signed on with an agent to run professionally.

Genevieve LaCaze had a great collegiate outdoor season, but it got better the week after, when she ran below the Olympic A Standard in the Steeplechase at the American Milers Club High Performance Series in Indianapolis, IN. Unfortunately, it was after Australia had already set their deadline. Luckily, her fans (and family) took to the internet and helped remedy the situation. With the groundswell of support, Athletics Australia overturned their initial decision and #LetLaCazeRun. Follow her on Twitter @GenGen_LaCaze and on Instagram @Gen_Gen_LaCaze

5 Questions with Genevieve LaCaze

1. Writing About Running: Congrats on being selected to the Australian Olympic Team. How much it mean to have all your fans rally around your potential bid?

Genevieve LaCaze: It meant more than I ever could have imagined. You sometimes don't realize the love and support you truly have til something like this takes place. I have an amazing support system, and I guess social media today really helped me out!

2. Writing About Running: You ran the Olympic A Standard at the American Milers Club High Performance Series a week after NCAA's. Did you feel you had that kind of performance in you and what were your immediate thoughts when you hit the A after Australia had set their deadline?

Genevieve LaCaze: I was very lucky to have been approached immediately after my NCAA final by Total Sports (my agency today) because if it wasn't for them, I would have never even known about that race. I was 100% positive I was capable of the time. I had said it all season, I just couldn't get into the right race to allow me to do so. I wrote the splits down on my hand and convinced myself there was no way I shouldn't be hitting them. When I crossed that line in 9 minutes and 41 seconds it was a big sigh of relief but I knew that was only half the battle.

3. Writing About Running: You're from Queensland, Australia, but ran at the University of Florida. How did you end up there?

Genevieve LaCaze: There were a few Aussies in the US before me that I think helped with getting my name out to be recruited however I was never a big fan about coming over initially. When they say parents know best, it isn't a myth. My parents forced that move on me 4 years ago and to this day I will never be able to thank them enough. I love USA.

LaCaze with her first shipment from New Balance Running
(via Instagram)

4. Writing About Running: New Balance recently signed you to a professional contract. How did all of that come together?

Genevieve LaCaze: Again, Total Sports has helped me out there and dealt with all the behind the scenes work. I met with New Balance while in Eugene watching the US Olympic Trials and I am definitely very honored to be onboard with Team New Balance.

5. Writing About Running: You're now onto the next step as a full time runner. What are your plans leading up to the Olympics?

Genevieve LaCaze: I am currently in Teddington, just outside London, training with a few other Aussie athletes. I will head over to Dublin, Ireland for a mile, but that is all I'll be doing before the big one!

And we had one last bonus question...

Writing About Running: Is the Olympic Tattoo on Instagram real?

LaCaze: Haha, you bet. I am digging quite a hole for myself because some particular family members don't know yet but as I said earlier, social media power will let the cat out of the bag in time, if not already....

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5 Questions with Michael Tolcher

Michael Tolcher was a runner before hitting the stage as a musician

Today, we skew from the norm at 5 Questions with. When I worked in the music business from 2000-2005, I remember this guy coming up. He opened for every big act out there and seemingly was playing seven shows a week all over the country. "How does he have the endurance to keep this up?" I thought. Well, turns out he was a pretty decent runner as well. He's also a big fan of the sport.


Michael Tolcher's debut major label album "I Am" was released May 4, 2004 and he's been on the road ever since. Before that, he was a State Champion runner at Lovejoy High in Georgia and went on to run in college, before taking up a career as a musician. He planned his most recent tour around the Olympic Trials and spent half the week at Hayward and the other half at the Wild Duck Cafe. Check out his website and follow him on Twitter @MichaelTolcher

5 Questions with Michael Tolcher

1. Writing About Running: People may know Michael Tolcher the musician, but can you tell us about your running roots at Lovejoy High, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Georgia Tech?

Michael Tolcher: Well, I once dreamed of being an Olympian too - I had run off and on as a kid (county record for 100 yard dash for 11-12-haha!). I loved track in high school. Winning the 3200 meters at state my senior year enabled me to run in college. I went to UTC because I loved the mountains in Chattanooga and the coach there was very cool. Then I thought I was more of a fit for Atlanta, so I transferred to Georgia Tech my sophmore year.

I focused on the steeple and 1500 meters. I soon realized I was a better singer, and that it hurt alot less!

2. Writing About Running: You were all over the place for the trials. How'd you end up making it to Eugene and how was your stay?

Michael Tolcher: Yea, what a blast that was! I was putting together my touring schedule in January, and purposely routed it through Eugene for the trials. I had always wanted to go...and this year I really wanted to see Wallace Spearmon light up the track. He's very inspiring as an athlete and as a person. I think he's the man to beat in the 200 meters.

3. Writing About Running: With all the excitement at the trials, what were your favorite moments on and off the track?

Michael Tolcher: On the Track: Well, of course the 200 meter final ... the Womens High Jump and Javelin, Men's 1500... both Men's hurdle events were super exciting. Off the track: I enjoyed the late nights at the Duck - meeting Maggie Vessey wasn't half bad (the feeling was mutual).

4. Writing About Running: Runners need the next "Born to Run" or "Runnin' Down a Dream." You seem like the guy for the job. Have you thought to write the quintessential running song, and how much of your music comes from your passion for the sport?

Michael Tolcher: Haha. Good point! I'm gonna wrap my head around it now... maybe belt it out in London.

I think running all those years built up my lungs for singing! Actually, putting on a show is a lot like a race. I approach shows similarly; psych myself up, clear my mind, and give it everything I got! I'm gonna be training for the 1500 meters again for fun. Who knows what songs will come about during that endeavor. Hopefully a Track & Field hit!

5. Writing About Running: What are your predictions for Team USA's performance in London?

Michael Tolcher: Hmmm. Tons of gold! Wallace, Angelo, LaShawn, Tolcher - I really hope I make one of the relay teams! Oh yea...and Will Claye, the grasshopper!

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5 Questions with Sheila Reid

Sheila Reid leads future Olympians Kim Conley and
Molly Huddle at the Mt. Sac Relays 5000
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Finishing off the week, we have another international Olympian at the keyboard for 5 Questions with. But like yesterday, this tremendous athlete has large ties to the US distance running scene, as she just capped off a fruitful collegiate career and will now test her mettle in the professional ranks.

Sheila Reid has been fighting lately, but not the way you'd expect. Until yesterday, she was fighting to attain a spot on the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team. Luckily, the call came and the multi-time NCAA National Champion at Villanova will be competing in the 2012 London Olympics. She has signed on with famed agent, Ray Flynn, and will compete in a few tune up races in Europe before the 5000 prelims start on August 7th. Follow her on Twitter @shewolfruns

5 Questions with Sheila Reid

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on being selected to the Canadian Olympic Team for the 5000 meters. How excited were you to get the call at the final hour?

Sheila Reid: I probably didn't sound very excited, as the first thing I said when I got the call was "Really?" I thought the appeal process was over and that I wouldn't be going to London, so I was confused. But when it was confirmed officially, I was ecstatic! I'm still smiling about it.

2. Writing About Running: You had an outstanding career at Villanova with Coach Gina Procaccio. What were a few moments that you took the most pride in and how did you choose Nova in the first place?

Sheila Reid: The first cross country team championship will always have a special place in my heart. We didn't qualify for NCAA's when I was a freshman, but Gina saw the potential our team had and said we would be national champions by the time we were seniors. As it turned out, we won two before my class graduated. I chose Nova because of the great tradition. The program has a great track record when it comes to NCAA champions, and Olympians.

3. Writing About Running: You recently signed on with Ray Flynn to be your agent after graduating. What led you to select Flynn Sports and have you signed a shoe deal at this point?

Sheila Reid: Flynn Sports is a really professional company with many successful athletes. After meeting Ray, it seemed like a good fit for me. I've yet to finalize a shoe contract.

Celebrating the 2010 Cross Country National
Championship with her Villanova teammates
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

4. Writing About Running: Between you and Cam Levins, Canada has had a lot of recent success at the collegiate level. How much does it mean to you to be one of the "future stars" and carry out that promise at the professional level for your country?

Sheila Reid: I think that was one of the keys to my selection to the Olympic team. I have a lot of ground to cover in this transition from collegiate to professional running, and more world experience is the only way to do it. I am not the best in the world now, but I want to be at that level in 4 years, so I am excited to start that process in London!

5. Writing About Running: The European racing season has begun and it sounds like you're already there and getting started. What are your plans before and after the Olympics?

Sheila Reid: Before the Olympics, I will race a couple 1500m races in Belgium and Italy to tune up for the 5000m. I have not planned much beyond London, but I can confirm that I will be seeing Bruce Springsteen in concert at the end of August.

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5 Questions with Kyle Alcorn

Kyle Alcorn hurdles a barrier en route to
his first Olympic Team
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today, we have another Steepler on board for 5 Questions with a member of the 2012 London Olympic Team. He's been competing at the top level of the US ranks since 2008, but this is his biggest accomplishment to date. Read on to hear about his "necessity" year.

Kyle Alcorn made his first mark in 2004 with a win in the steeple at US Juniors. He would later go on to win the NCAA Championship in 2008 and would make the Berlin World Championship team in 2009. Last year, he would finish third at the USATF Championships, but didn't have the standard to run in Daegu. This year would be different. Alcorn hit the Olympic A Standard with time to spare in a strong personal best time of 8:20.86 at Oxy in May. This would set him up for his performance at the trials, where he would end up flat out on the track with a ticket to London in his pocket.

5 Questions with Kyle Alcorn

1. Writing About Running: Congrats on making the 2012 London Olympic Team. You looked like you were in severe pain after the finish of the Steeple Final. How bad did you want to make the team?

Kyle Alcorn: Going into this Olympic trials failure was not an option. I knew that this was going to be a tough race and was willing to push myself as hard as I needed to make sure I would be top 3. This year was all or nothing for me, and fortunately it paid off for me.

2. Writing About Running: With six guys going into the steeple final with the Olympic A Standard, what was your strategy?

Kyle Alcorn: Going into this Olympic trials failure was not an option. I knew that this was going to be a tough race and was willing to push myself as hard as I needed to make sure I would be top 3. This year was all or nothing for me, and fortunately it paid off for me.

3. Writing About Running: You made the Berlin World team in 2009. How much will that experience prepare you for London?

Kyle Alcorn: I think the only thing that will be helpful from that experience is learning to warm up a little earlier to allow for extra time to go through the call rooms to get on the track. I think that everything else will be amplified on this Olympic stage compared to the World Championship stage.

4. Writing About Running: What are your racing plans before and after the Olympics?

Kyle Alcorn: Right now I am planing on running two races prior to the Olympics. I am planning on racing a steeple in Lucern on the 17th and a mile in Dublin on the 25th. As for after the Olympics nothing is planned yet.

Evan Jager helps a worn, but relieved Alcorn off the track
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

5. Writing About Running: Coming off an NCAA Championship in '08, it had to be a little bit of a let down not making the team. Can you summarize your last four years leading back to where you are today?

Kyle Alcorn: There has been some changes over the last four years. I first moved back to my home town for about 1.5 years right out of college so that my wife could finish up grad school. This was tough on training since my coach Louie Quintana lived in Tempe. So in February of 2010 I moved back to Tempe to be trained by Louie face to face. I have had my ups and downs over the last four years but have managed to finish 3rd in 3 of the last 4 US Championships. I think looking at where I am now compared to where I was at the trials in 2008, I have gained a lot of experience and also confidence at racing on this level. In 2008 making the Olympic team would have just been a huge cherry on top, this year it was a necessity and I treated it as so.

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5 Questions with Ciaran O'Lionaird

Ciaran "Mad Len" O'Lionaird rode his
mullet all the way to the 2011 World
Championship final in Daegu
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have another Olympian for our 2012 London Olympics 5 Questions with series. Although, this time it's not an American that I traded emails with. It's one of Ireland's brightest young stars that attended college, and currently trains, in the United States.

Ciaran O'Lionaird had a big 2011. After leading the Florida State Seminoles to a surprise runner-up finish at the 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championship, he had a strong, but disappointing finish to his collegiate track season. That's when things got exciting. He had an excellent string of races that netted him a 3:34.46 PR in the 1500 and landed him in the 2012 World Championship Final. He's fought through injury this year, but is coming around in time to compete in his first Olympic Games for his native Ireland. Check out his webpage GoCiaran.com and follow him on Twitter @GoCiaran

5 Questions with Ciaran O'Lionaird

1. Writing About Running: First off, congratulations on being selected for the Irish Olympic team. Ireland has a long tradition of great milers. What does it mean to you to be able to carry on that legacy at the Olympic level?

Ciaran O'Lionaird: Thank you very much. I'm really excited to represent my country naturally, but the fact I'm competing in an event that presents such a rich heritage for Ireland makes it that much better. Though I managed a breakthrough last year in the 1500, I still feel like I'm really new to the event, given my injury history. To be able to draw on the experience of Eamonn Coghlan and Mark Carroll has been a big positive factor, especially dealing with negative scenarios, such as this achilles injury. I'm hoping I can do Irish middle distance running justice there and I know we have a lot of talented young runners coming through to help continue that process.

2. Writing About Running: Your excellent 2011 that landed you in the World Championship Final had to open your eyes to what is possible. How much did that run of excellent racing change your long term goals in the sport?

Ciaran O'Lionaird: It definitely caused me to re-adjust my goals long-term and start looking at consistent high-placing in finals, which is a good thing, but it also perhaps filled me with a little too much excitement, as I felt I pushed too hard coming back off Daegu in the autumn as I wanted to make another jump for London. My body still isn't able to handle the training that most 3:34 runners do, and because of that, I need to take a step back and allow myself to develop as a runner and almost grow into the role I've cast for myself through my run at World's last year, as opposed to pushing the envelope constantly.

Leading Florida State to a surprise second place finish
at the 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championship
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

3. Writing About Running: You recently switched training camps and have been training with Mark Rowland and Oregon Track Club Elite. How has the change gone and who are you working out with in Eugene?

Ciaran O'Lionaird: The change has gone very smoothly. I'm extremely thankful of course to Coach Rowland, all of the OTC and Tracktown USA family, but also to Nike Running, the Oregon Project and Alberto (Salazar) for being understanding and facilitating the change. It was a really difficult decision for me to make and the timing was tough too, but I felt for my long-term development it was the right move. No doubt, Alberto's guys are putting out phenomenal performances and I'm really happy for them. For me though, my running goes well when my life outside running is balanced and not vice-versa. I felt like OTC gave me a better opportunity to achieve that, and so far it's been great. Coach Rowland is an incredible motivator and has really brought me back from what looked like a season-ending injury. I can't express my gratitude enough for that.

4. Writing About Running: You were all over Eugene for the US Olympic Trials and have ties to the American collegiate system as a standout at Florida State. What were a few of your favorite moments at the trials, on and off the track?

Legendary Coach Bob Braman with O'Lionaird
(photo: Athletics Ireland)

Ciaran O'Lionaird: There were definitely some moments that will stick with me, however I also tried to keep my distance from the trials, as I don't like to be immersed too much in the running scene. I actually drove out of town for all of my runs so I could be with myself in the woods and just chilled out. But I definitely cheered on all of my Total Sports US family, as well as my OTC teammates. Seeing Nick (Symmonds) retain his 800m title was special. Off the track I got to hang out with Coach Braman, my coach at FSU, who is one of my closest friends and mentors. I also got to kick it with my agent, Chris Layne, and Stephen HAAS, who works under him. Total Sports took a chance on me when nobody else would last year, so I'm really close with Chris. I call him "Mad Layne" and plan to wear cargo shorts consistently through the Olympics in his honor.

5. Writing About Running: Injuries have plagued you this year, but it sounds like you are starting to round into shape. What kind of racing do you have planned before and after the Olympics in August?

Ciaran O'Lionaird: I'm going to do some tune-up races mid-July before the Games. I'll be racing the mile in Cork, Ireland on July 17th, and from there we'll see. I'm still training hard, so I won't let up until right before the Games. I'm not looking beyond the Olympics right now. Should my body cooperate and opportunities present themselves, I always love to compete. But I'm taking it one race at a time. I've only been on the track less than a month training, but in the past ten days have had some of my best workouts ever. I don't quite know how it's come together, but it has. Credit to Coach Rowland and my support team at OTC as well as AAI HP and the Institute of Sport. Their work in handling my injury is starting to pay dividends!

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5 Questions with Donn Cabral

Donn Cabral hits the steeple pit in the
2012 Olympic Trials Final
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today, we have 5 Questions with a new professional runner. It's the first of our interviews with a male member of the 2012 London Olympic Team. It's been a long year, but a very, very fruitful year for the recent Princeton graduate. Read on about how his life will change after impressive performances all season, and most importantly, about two weeks ago at the at the trials.

Donn Cabral has had a big year. Most recently, he signed a professional contract with Nike and then went on to make the US Olympic Team in his first race in his new kit. Just before that, he won the NCAA Championship. Earlier this season he anchored Princeton's 4xMile and Distance Medley Relay teams to wins at the Penn Relays. He'll now prepare for the biggest event of his young life. The Men's Steeplechase semifinals are on the first day of Track & Field at the Olympics, Friday, August 3rd. He'll hope to make the final.

5 Questions with Donn Cabral

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on making your first Olympic team. It's been an incredible season for you. How satisfying was it to cap it off with an Olympic bid?

Donn Cabral: It's been the most successful, most life-changing season I've ever had, but making the Olympic Team wasn't the cherry on top. It was the meat and potatoes. That's what I had dreamed of all year, so the cherries on top were the All Americans, the Penn Relays titles, the Conference wins, and the NCAA title.

2. Writing About Running: You wore your Princeton uniform in the prelim and then wore a Nike kit in the final. How fast did that come together and did you feel extra pressure to perform as a new professional for Nike?

Donn Cabral: The change was painless for me because I had an agent to handle it. I thought the pressure would change my mindset during or surrounding the race, but at the end of the day I did what I've been doing for years and handled it just the same.

3. Writing About Running: You had mentioned you were planning on using your fifth year of eligibility at the University of Colorado. Now that you have gone pro, does that change your plans for the fall in terms of schooling and future training?

Donn Cabral: Yes, I'm no longer going to the University of Colorado for business school, as previously planned. I've got to figure out where I'll be, whom I'll be coached by and what my life will look like in a more general sense for the coming years.

The 2012 Steeple Team shows much promise
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

4. Writing About Running: You've had a very long season. How much do you plan to compete before and after the Olympics in Europe?

Donn Cabral: As of right now I've got three races lined up. Two in Italy and one in Sweden. Hopefully I'll be able to sneak in one or two more after the Olympics, too, since when I'm running well I want to ride it out for as long as I can.

5. Writing About Running: You had a big group of friends with you in Eugene to watch you make your first team. How special was it to you to have such a big support group around you on the biggest week of your racing career and can you describe your experience off the track?

Donn Cabral: It was amazing to have so many friends and family from Princeton and home at the Trials. Before, between and after races it was so cool to be surrounded by the people who know me best. It was relaxing, calming but also a lot of fun to spend time with some of those people before we headed our separate ways.

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5 Questions with Alice Schmidt

The finish of the Women's 800 Final this year was a close one!
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

We start the week off with the second installment of 5 Questions with a member of the 2012 London Olympic Team. I take personal delight here, because she's a Tar Heel!

Alice Schmidt has been on the scene for over ten years now. Her first runs at the big time were her two runner-up finishes at the 2001 NCAA indoor and outdoor 800's, while at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since then, she's made multiple World teams and now is a 2-time Olympian. She's always been stronger at the 800 meters, but ran a PR and the Olympic A Standard in winning this year' Prefontaine Classic 1500 meters. She'll run a few races before lining up for the Olympic 800 prelims on August 8th.

5 Questions with Alice Schmidt

1. Writing About Running: The 800 Final at the trials saw five women within 0.64 seconds. What was it like weaving through the traffic in the final meters to make the all import top three, guaranteeing yourself a spot on the team?

Alice Schmidt: The women's 800 was a nail-biter. We all knew that it was going to be a serious fight to make the team this year because the caliber of the field was so high. I've always said that in the 800, nobody in the final can be counted out because it's such a strategic sprint and anything can happen. So, in the final, I wanted to go out behind Alysia and relax in that position. I was hoping to make a big surge at the end for the win, but I found myself stuck on the rail for much of the final kick. At the end of a race, people usually run wide, so I was able to squeeze out to have a clear line to the finish, and I was able to surge into 3rd place. Whew!

2. Writing About Running: With that, congrats making your second Olympic team. What was the feeling this year in relation to how it was in 2008?

Alice Schmidt: This year's 800 meter final had depth that I haven't seen in my career. Almost everyone in the final had the Olympic A standard; I think 4 of us had the standard in 2008. Obviously nothing was guaranteed. This year, I have been running a few more 1500s and doing more strength work. I was able to do speed work only in the last month or so. I kept having to tell myself that the "pieces of the puzzle" would come together at the trials, and thankfully, they did. Making the Olympic team for a second time was double-thrilling, seriously.

Schmidt on her way to winning the 2012 Pre Classic
 1500 over Jenny Simpson & Shannon Rowbury
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

3. Writing About Running: At the Prefontaine Classic this year, you upset 2/3 of the 2012 Olympic 1500 meter team, running a PR and Olympic A Standard time of 4:05.64. You have had a lot of success in the 800. Do you see a future in the longer event?

Alice Schmidt: My 1500 at Pre was a result of more strength work last year and this year. I've always raced the 1500 a few times a year, but last summer I raced the distance and won a couple of times in Europe. Still, I didn't have the A Standard. So, at Pre, I knew I wanted to get out of traffic, again, and I just went for it. I'm definitely looking forward to racing the "metric mile" more frequently!

4. Writing About Running: While at the University of North Carolina, you ran with two other future Olympians in Shalane Flanagan and Erin Donohue. How did your time at UNC and your relationship with these women shape you as a runner?

UNC's team of Schmidt, Donohue, Carol
Henry and Flanagan ran 17:20.18 to win
the 4x1500 at the 2003 Penn Relays.

Alice Schmidt: Shalane, Erin and my other teammates at UNC were critical in setting me up for success in college and as a professional. Having teammates who made it to NCAAs and got on the podium regularly set the bar pretty high. Successful athletics was the status quo. After college, I knew I wanted to find a similar atmosphere. As a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center, I've got the same thing. My teammates there are not my training partners, but their hard work and success have inspired me to make teams and set my sights high.

5. Writing About Running: You have about a month until Round 1 of the 800 in London. What will you do to prepare over these last few weeks and how do you see your Olympic experience being different this time as a veteran of Team USA? Is there any European racing on your schedule in advance of the games?

Alice Schmidt: I'm already in Europe! I left the USA a few days after the trials. I knew I would need to take a bit of downtime after my 6 races at the trials, so I figured I would "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" and get over jet-lag while resting my legs. I've got about a week of working out before I start racing here. I hope to get into 3 races or so, and I plan to stay in Europe until the Olympics. I've learned from previous years that I'm at my best after a few races in Europe, so I'm trying to put myself in the best position for the Olympics.

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5 Questions with Janet Cherobon-Bawcom

Lisa Uhl, Janet Cherobon-Bawcom and Amy Hastings
comprise our 2012 Women's 10,000 Olympic Team
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

After an exciting Olympic Trials, 5 Questions with is back! Today we have the first of our interviews with a member of the 2012 London Olympic Team.  She overcame sickness in Eugene and made her way from roads star to Olympian in just over a year.

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom is happy to be here. She came to the United States to get her nursing degree, and slowly, but surely, has found out she's a pretty darn good runner too. She won the 2011 USA Running Circuit Title and then had her proper Marathon debut at the Olympic Trials in January, finishing fifth in 2:29:45. After last week, she is now a US Olympian at 10,000 meters. She has done all of this while continuing her studies. Follow her very funny commentary on Twitter @JanetRuns

5 Questions with Janet Cherobon-Bawcom

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on becoming an Olympian. What has your last week been like as a member of the 2012 US Olympic team that will be traveling to London next month?

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: It's been super hectic.  I am taking a full load of classes this summer, and after a couple of days of excitement in Oregon, it was back to reality - and to being way behind on my work.  To make things worse, we got back to Georgia just in time for the heat wave to hit and decided to head back out to Flagstaff where there was less heat and less oxygen.  I've been here since the 1st, and I'm finally getting caught up on sleep, homework, and getting back into some good training.

2. Writing About Running: With the nature of the Women's 10,000, you were one of three women (excluding Shalane Flanagan, who will run the Olympic Marathon) who had the Olympic A-Standard. What was your strategy with that in mind?

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: To be honest, I was so sick in Eugene that I can't even pretend that I had a strategy.  I'd been fighting a respiratory illness ever since Bolder Boulder, and it took a real turn for the worse when I got out to Oregon.  I wasn't going to publicize it before the race, but I knew that, if anyone made a successful run at the "A" standard there, I would be left off the team for sure.  There was no way I was going to keep up with them - I could barely breath during the race.  Of course, two miles in, I knew that the pace was too slow for anyone to hit the standard, and it was like a huge weight was off my shoulders.  It's not how anyone would want to make the team, but with the way I was feeling that night, I had to say a big prayer of thanks that I even made it through the race.

Running below the Olympic A-Standard
at Payton Jordan with a 31:33.50
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Of course, the really ironic part for me was that I went into the Payton Jordan meet just shooting for the trials "A" standard.  I hadn't run on the track since 2006, my 10k PR on the road was 32:26, and I really didn't consider myself a contender for a spot on the team.  The Friday before that meet, I did a workout in Flagstaff that made me think, "you know, I might be able to break 32:00 if I get lucky."  Well, I got in the race, felt decent, and now here we are.

3. Writing About Running: You have had a whirlwind past few years with gaining your citizenship, winning the USA Running Circuit Championship and becoming an Olympian. Is this what you imagined when you heard the term "the American dream?"

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: Again, I can't pretend that I had any idea or dream about being where I am.  I came to the US never having broken 20:00 for 5k.  My dream at that time was just to run well enough to keep my scholarship so that I could pursue my "American Dream" of getting my nursing degree.  I had zero aspirations of doing anything significant as an athlete.  I loved watching the Olympics as a kid - my favorite athlete was Maria Mutola back then - but I wasn't involved in the sport at the time, so I certainly didn't dream that I'd be where I am.

After college, I kept running just to give me something to do - even with 3 DII championships to my name, my PR's were not blazing fast (16:19 and 34:21), and I wasn't a US citizen - so I couldn't dream of running for the US.  When I started the citizenship process, I would've been crazy to think that one day I'd be representing the US - at that time my marathon PR was just under 3 hours.  I was hoping that I could become a citizen and one day work for the Center for Disease Control.  Needless to say, I think God had other things in mind because there's no other explanation for the way things in my life have worked out.

4. Writing About Running: What's it like training with the legendary coach, Jack Daniels?

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: It's been great.  Jack is the perfect fit for me.  He's a true genius, but he is also someone who really respects the experience I have as an athlete and the knowledge I have about how my body responds to certain things.  I do some pretty crazy things from time to time - racing too much, etc. - but instead of trying to talk me out of things, Jack works hard to make the best plan for me, even if it seems crazy.  I really appreciate that he's committed to helping me reach my goals - not like some coaches who try so hard to force their ideas on the athletes.  He understands that my running is just that, my running, and he does a brilliant job of helping me get the most out of it.

Winning the USATF 20k Championship en route to
her 2011 USA Running Circuit title

5. Writing About Running: Your twitter profile says "Started running so I wouldn't have to keep milking cows. Still running and still not milking cows!!!!" When exactly is the last time you milked a cow? and what are your plans after the Olympics?

Janet Cherobon-Bawcom: Actually, I milked a cow in February when I was back in Kenya.  The weather in Flagstaff was killing my training, and I wanted to be at altitude to get ready for my spring season, so I decided that it would be an ideal time to go visit my family.  My little sisters started talking some trash about how I'd gone soft in America, and I had to defend myself, so I grabbed the old milking bucket and got to work.  It's pretty much like riding a bicycle - once you learn how....  Of course, I'm not so great on the bicycle, so who knows.

After the Olympics, I'm actually going for a long vacation with my husband's family, then back to training with my eye on doing a few USA Running Circuit events and a fall marathon.  I've been running pretty much non-stop since last August, so after the marathon, I plan to take a long break from running - and then we'll see what happens!

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5 Questions with Liz Maloy

Liz Maloy led a strong field of Americans at Pre
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with someone that I wasn't totally aware of before the Prefontaine Classic last weekend. After her strong showing in the 3000 meters around Hayward, I think most American distance know now. Here's some more information about the DC based Olympic hopeful. 

Liz Maloy is a great example of what you can do in this sport when you stay focused. After a good career at Georgetown, where she battled injury, she has stayed with it and produced some exciting results, including running a 15:15.34 Olympic A Standard for the 5000 last summer in Lignano, Italy and finishing as the top American last weekend in the 3000 at the Prefontaine Classic. This field included Molly Huddle, Amy Hastings, Brie Felnagle, Lisa Uhl and Renee Baillie. She runs for Team New Balance and will compete for a spot on the Olympic Team at 5000 in just a few weeks! Follow her on Twitter @LizzyMaloy

5 Questions with Liz Maloy

1. Writing About Running: Congrats on the strong run at Prefontaine. That race had to give you some confidence going into the Olympic Trials 5000 in a few weeks. What'd you take from the experience?

Liz Maloy: Thanks! The 3k is such a fun distance, and we don't have many opportunities to race it, so it's fun to take advantage of an opportunity to get a personal best. It does give me some confidence heading into the next few weeks of training, although the 5k is a different beast of a distance. Last Saturday was just a really great race to be in - getting in there and mixing it up with all those great athletes and just enjoying a sold out crowd.

2. Writing About Running: You had a nice career at Georgetown, but have really come into your own the last few years. What has led to you making such a jump?

Liz Maloy: Coach (Chris) Miltenberg was named to the Georgetown coaching staff shortly after graduation my senior year - his coaching philosophy is 100% the reason for my recent success. When Coach Milt met me, I was just getting over yet another stress fracture. We sat down for a meeting and he told me I needed to be patient and success would follow. Patience is the virtue we've stood by throughout the past five years - it has been difficult at times, but I honestly think it's made me a better person and a better athlete. He was always more cautious than not, taking 3 days off at the start of a little nagging pain rather than pushing through it, and it allowed my body to fully heal, recover, and grow stronger. Coach Milt never gave up on me and I've appreciated all his efforts in making me the best athlete I can be.

3. Writing About Running: Your breakthrough run of 15:15.34 for 5000 in Lignano was just outside the 15:15 Olympic A Standard when you ran it; then the standard was changed to 15:20. Can you describe the emotions of missing the time by so little and then later "hitting" it through the IAAF change?

Liz Maloy: Lignano was great. At that point in the summer, I wasn't chasing a time (I honestly didn't even know what the "A" standard was) - I just wanted to come away with a positive experience. I had struggled a bit in June and really wanted to have a solid showing, to be able to walk away from the track happy. Missing the "A" standard by .34 was a bummer, but the Lignano track was extremely hard (probably why it's so fast!) and my foot really started to bother me and I made the tough decision to pack up and go home. I think I dodged a bullet by stopping early (part of Coach Milt's "be more cautious than not" plan). I figured in order to make a US Olympic Team in the 5k, you're going to have to be in at least the "A" standard shape at the Trials, so having the time beforehand wasn't totally necessary. But…when I found out the IAAF changed the time, I wasn't going to complain! It was a little anti-climactic, but exciting nonetheless, and it enabled me to just work on racing, rather than chasing a time.

New Balance made Maloy a "track card" and
she's already outrun both PR's

4. Writing About Running: When I tweeted about you Saturday at Pre, Maggie Infeld quickly chimed in about you being an excellent training partner. Who all are you training with these days and who's your coach?

Liz Maloy: I'm still training at Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Maggie is my main training partner, which is awesome. We've been training together for about 8 years now (wow!). We both have different strengths, so we feed off each other at practice every day - she kicks my butt in short stuff and I help her get strong with longer tempos. Coach Milt, the Georgetown women's coach, is still my coach. You might not believe it, but Washington DC is an amazing place to train. Rock Creek Park has trails for miles (I still don't know the entire system) and we can use all the Federal Parks for workouts. The support system at the University and in the community is one of a kind and I'm very thankful to be a part of it. They would do anything to help me achieve my goals and I'm forever grateful!

5. Writing About Running: New Balance has an incredible group of women that will be running at the Olympic Trials. How long have you been running for them and how's your relationship with the talented group that will be storming Eugene in a few weeks?

Liz Maloy: I've been a part of Team New Balance since January of 2011 and it's been great. They've really made an effort to create a sense of team among the group. We all know and cheer for one another at races - it's fun to have that sense of camaraderie after leaving the college system. I feel very lucky to be part of an awesome American company!

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5 Questions with David Torrence

David Torrence high fives fans after hitting
the 1500 meters A Standard at Oxy
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with one of the hardest workers in the sport, on and off the track.  He wasn't a star in college, but has shown that through hard work and the right opportunity that comes with performing, things can certainly change for the positive. He's a multi-time National Champion and will look to make his first Olympic team this June in Eugene.

David Torrence is on top of his game. He's got the Olympic A Standard in the 800, 1500 and 5000, so he's got decisions to make as well. Just a few years ago he was hustling to get a deal and won the Puma Mile before ultimately signing with Nike. He trains with Coach John Cook and will run the 1500 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix this weekend. Follow him on Twitter @David_Torrence

5 Questions with David Torrence

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on hitting the Olympic A Standard at Oxy (with a 3:35.41). Did your race plan go as expected?

David Torrence: Thanks! It was a big weight off my shoulders. The race definitely did NOT go as expected. First of all, I think most everyone going into the meet was assuming the heats would go "Fastest" to "Slowest". When we got to the meet, and I saw that I was in the 3rd "equal" (note the parentheses) section with only one other fast guy, I was a bit flustered. But at the end of the day, I knew that I was fit enough to run 3:35 low in any type of race, and just went ahead. The pace was supposed to be 57's through 1000 meters, but they went out in 54 and there was some serious separation with the rest of the pack. I ended up having to take the lead a little after 800 meters and just worked my way up to try and catch Jamal Aarrass. Although I didn't quite get Aarrass, I was still kicking hard for home, and having him ahead helped my focus towards the line. So although I know I could have run a lot faster in a different race, at least I got the goal of getting that A standard at the end. On a side note, since I grew up in LA, I put together a little event invite for the meet and I had an amazing cheering section for me at the top of the homestretch. It was pretty awesome getting the standard in front of my whole family and a ton of friends.

2. Writing About Running: You now have Olympic A Standards in the 800, 1500 and 5000. You and Galen Rupp (1500, 5000, 10,000) are the only American distance runners that have hit three A's. I'd assume you're pretty proud of this range. How has your training set you up for this?

David Torrence: It's good to have options, I can tell you that much. Yeah, I'm pretty proud of the accomplishment, but it's a bit of an empty one, ya know? There's no "Distance Decathlon", we're not in the business of being good at several events. I have to be great at one if I'm going to make this team. But to answer your question, my training is just pretty eclectic. We do a variety of speeds and workouts, and never just focus on one area too much. I did take a more focused approach to the 5000, and did some more specific stuff, but I never strayed too far from what I've done that made me fit and be fast in the past.

Torrence walks it off after a 5000
A Standard at Payton Jordan
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

3. Writing About Running: The trials set up well for an 800/1500 double, but your kick would lend well to a tactical 5000. Are you leaning any particular way right now?

David Torrence: My coach and I are looking at my workouts and feeling out these mile/1500m races. We'll probably make a decision after NYC this weekend. I don't want to say I'm leaning one way or the other, since I'm trying to keep my cards close to my chest for as long as possible. A double will be pretty unlikely, but still not out of the question. I can say this much though, if the 1500m was FIRST and the 800/5000 were second...that would've made things a LOT easier.

4. Writing About Running: Just a few years ago, you were running unsponsored with a "your ad here" sign on your chest. Now you're a multiple time national champion. What can you offer to those that were in your shoes a few years back?

David Torrence: It's pretty cliche, but you have to really believe in yourself. I mean really. You're going to run into a lot of people who think you are wasting your time, and that you should be working or doing something else with your life, with your degree, etc. You're going to run into agents, meet directors, coaches, who think that you're wasting their time. Being somebody that wasn't a star in the NCAA system means that you are a nobody in the professional track world. And although it's not easy having to prove more than you're worth every time you step on the track, it is exactly what you are going to have to do. With all those people that are going to doubt you and think that you're foolish and naive, you have to be able to block it out and really know deep down inside that it is what you want to do, and more importantly, that it is something you CAN do. So yeah, be prepared for that. And don't get hurt. Injuries always hinder performance more than undertraining.

David Torrence in the 2011
USATF 1500 Final
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

5. Writing About Running: You raced the Bowerman Mile this at the Pre Classic this weekend. How exciting was it to run in that kind of race?

David Torrence: It was crowded. Wayyyy too many guys on the starting line. Caused the rabbit to have to get out crazy fast, which ended up affecting the overall pacing of the race. Although with me having one of the slowest PR's in the field, I guess it could be argued I was the rift raft that shouldn't have been in the race in the first place. But my sponsor, Nike, really took a chance with me, and believed that I belonged in that race, which really meant a lot. And considering I was the top American coming out of it, I thought it went pretty well. However, there are still some things I'm unhappy about. For example, with a lap to go I was in perfect position, right on Asbel's heels... but then I got shoved inside by Lopez (Lomong) and almost fell off the track. That was frustrating, since I felt I really could have been more of a factor in the top half of the race. With that questionable contact, I lost my position, rhythm, and a bit of energy staying up on my feet... but I was still able to kick the last 300 meteres with Amine Laalou, and being that he's a 3:29 guy, I felt good about that. I guess at the end of the day, it's good to come away from a 2 second PR knowing that you could have gone a lot faster.

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