Prefontaine Classic Press Conference: Interview with Bernard Lagat

Bernard Lagat kicks for the win at the
2011 USA 5000 Championships
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

The press conference for the 38th Prefontaine Classic was today at the Valley River Inn in Eugene. I was lucky enough to spend five plus minutes with one of the legends of our sport, Bernard "Kip" Lagat.

I asked him about three things:

1. His relationship with Augustine Choge (in reference to Choge's praise of him in his 5 Questions with feature)

"He is always there: when you're doing track workouts, when you need a guy to help you in a time trial or to run tempo. He's a nice guy. Down to earth and so disciplined."

2. How he and Coach Li select people for their training group

"It is the hardest process to get in. We have a unique way of training."

3. How he has helped mentor the younger Kenyans, in reference to the Kenyan 10,000 Trials tonight

"I remember Asbel Kiprop used to be so shy until I gave him a few tips. Silas Kiplagat and Asbel come for advice. I share with the American runners and the Kenyans."

Lagat also had a great line when meet director Tom Jordan asked him if he still enjoys running the 1500 and Mile (as he'll run the Bowerman Mile tomorrow):  "They’re always fun, because they’re not as slow as the 5000 meters"

Listen to my full interview by clicking here to download the mp3

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Thanks to our sponsor, Adharanand Finn's new book "Running with the Kenyans" for sponsoring the blog this week. Read my review of it here. If you're interested in sponsoring writing about running (and other great sites like TrackFocus, Track Superfan, Paul Merca, RunNova and the House of Run podcast) in the future, check out The Relay Network. You can also support the site by buying something on Amazon.com through this link

5 Questions with Augustine Choge

Augustine Choge on his way to World Indoor
Silver earlier this year in Istanbul
(photo: Zimbio)

Today we have 5 Questions with a mainstay in the international track circuit, whose career has spanned from being a World Junior Cross Country Champion in 2005 to a Silver Medalist at the World Indoor Championships at 3000 meters earlier this year in Istanbul, Turkey.

Augustine Choge will be competing in America for the first time ever this weekend in the stacked 5000 at the Prefontaine Classic. He's been in Tucson, Arizona, training with his friend, Bernard Lagat, for the past few weeks to prepare. His long spanning career and range is incredible, with PR's of 1:44.86 (800), 3:29.47 (1500), 3:50.14 (Mile), 7:28.00 (300) and 12:53.66 (5000). After Pre, he'll run the Adidas Grand Prix next weekend before preparing for the Kenyan Trials in three weeks. Follow him on Twitter @AugustineChoge

5 Questions with Augustine Choge

1. Writing About Running: First off, welcome to the United States. How far back does your relationship with Bernard Lagat go and how is Tucson so far?

Augustine Choge: Thanks for everything. My relationship with (Bernard) Lagat goes back to the year 2004, when I first met him when I joined the management of James Templeton and am humbled to say that he has been more than a friend. He is like my parent, brother, teacher and moreover, a mentor. He and his family have been supportive, both in track and outside the track, and I am very happy to have met them.

Tucson is great so far. Kip has introduced me to some of his friends and I am pleased to tell you that everyone here has a good heart. They are very supportive and welcoming and I am very happy with the hospitality here. The city is a wonderful place. People everywhere are friendly and the service you get is the top of the standard.

2. Writing About Running: You had a strong start to the Diamond League season with a 7:30.42 win in the 3000. Have you changed your training much for the Olympic year?

Augustine Choge: Well, in training here, there is not much that we will change and (actually) won't change anything. The main goal now is to make the national team for Kenya, then from there we plan (with my coach Brother Colm) on the next step. I believe so far everything is on the right track.

3. Writing About Running: With the Kenyan Olympic Trials a month away (June 21-23), what do you have planned after Prefontaine this weekend?

Augustine Choge: After Pre, the main goal is to set up the mind and focus all the energy for the Kenyan Trials, though I will run the Adidas Grand Prix in New York City.

Lagat and Choge. Friends off the track
 and competitiors on
(photo: Getty Images)

4. Writing About Running: You have competed at the World Class level for the past 10 years. What has allowed you to maintain your fitness and be competitive for so long?

Augustine Choge: Well, maintaining the world class level is all about the mental attitude and discipline and moreover, being with the right people with positive mind. Bernard, for example, has been our mentor in our group and through him, we learn a lot. That is why I have always tried to be as close to him as possible. My coach is one of the best coaches in the world and he has contributed a lot for my success. Much credit goes to him. He always teaches on the mental attitude, apart from the physical training and I think this has positively contributed more in my success.

5. Writing About Running: The Prefontaine Classic is the biggest and best meet in America. Are you excited to be racing at Hayward Field in Track Town USA?

Augustine Choge: Running in the Pre Classic is one of the dreams most high class athletes dream of, because of its history and America is one of the nations which almost everyone in other parts of the world dreams of visiting, because of its reputation and history. It is my dream to do well and hope to visit here as much as possible, even to come here to (just) train for couples of months.

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Thanks to our sponsor, Adharanand Finn's new book "Running with the Kenyans" for sponsoring the blog this week. Read my review of it here. If you're interested in sponsoring writing about running (and other great sites like TrackFocus, Track Superfan, Paul Merca, RunNova and the House of Run podcast) in the future, check out The Relay Network. You can also support the site by buying something on Amazon.com through this link

The Run Down: Bernard Lagat and Erica Moore take the Medal stand

Erica Moore, a new American
 middle distance star
(photo:TrackAndFieldPhoto)

The last day of the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships was a good one for two American runners in particular. The legend, Bernard Lagat, was victorious once again, while a new star was born in converted heptathlete, Erica Moore.

As the announcers ran through the list of competitors in the Men's 3000, it was obvious that Bernard Lagat was going to have his hands full to just make the medal stand. That wasn't what Lagat was thinking, as he did what he has done time and time again. He bided his time and worked to the front, at just the right time, to pass Kenya's Augustine Choge with 100 meters to go and take the 3000 victory. One of the best indoor runners of all time, this one was of Lagat's finest performances, especially amongst a field of this caliber. He will cherish this Gold Medal. Choge held on for the Silver and Edwin Soi held off Mo Farah for the Bronze. (Update: Soi was disqualified for infringement, but then reinstated after Kenyan appeal)

Golden God, Bernard Lagat

A bigger surprise was in the Women's 800, where the fledgling star, Erica Moore, took the field out hard from the gun and held on over the last straightaway for a hard fought Bronze Medal. Moore looked incredible even after she was passed over the last lap and held her form until the last 10 meters or so when gravity began to take over. She dove through the finish to hold off a hard charging Fantu Magiso for the Bronze and a new PR of 1:59.97. Kenya's Pamela Jelimo returned to form after a few awful years for the win, while the Ukraine's Nataliia Lupu took the Silver.

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Thanks again to our sponsor, RaceSplitter, for sponsoring the blog this week. If you're interested in sponsoring writing about running (and other great sites like TrackFocus, Track Superfan, Paul Merca and the House of Run podcast) in the future, check out The Relay Network.