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 Austin Mudd

Austin Mudd at Payton Jordan
 (Photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with the fastest freshman in the 1500 meters so far this year. He'll be ramping up for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships next weekend, before preparing for the NCAA Regionals (and Nationals) with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Austin Mudd has one of those kicks that you know is coming, but there's not much you can do to take the sting out of it. He burst onto the scene last year, running 4:01.83 at the Adidas Dream Mile. Most recently, he ran the 8th best 800 in Wisconsin school history with a 1:47.68 at the Mt. Sac Relays. His 3:40.87 in the 1500 at the Payton Jordan Invitational was the 10th best in school history and showed major promise for what's to come. Follow him on Twitter here.

5 Questions with Austin Mudd

1. Writing About Running: Congrats on the big PR and win in your heat at Payton Jordan. Did the race work out to your plan and did the time surprise you?

Austin Mudd: Thanks! I actually talked a little strategy with a teammate before the race and everything went as planned. I wanted to stay towards the front of the pack and then swing outside with 400 to go. I was staring at the clock coming down the last 100 and I was actually pretty surprised when I saw the time, I'll take a 5 second PR any day!

2. Writing About Running: You had an excellent prep career in Indiana running 4:01.83 for the mile and 1:49.25 for the 800. What high school accomplishment were you most proud of and why?

Austin Mudd: I was most proud of my state meet senior year. I couldn't have asked for a better day. I was happy enough to break one record, so the second was icing on the cake. We also won the 4x400 relay and it was a really cool experience to share with my teammates; it's definitley something I will never forget!

3. Writing About Running: You joined a historic program for college in Madison. What made you choose to become a Wisconsin Badger?

Austin Mudd: I was drawn to UW Madison because the campus is absolutley beautiful! I also think Mick is a great coach and the team dynamic is very comforting.

Mudd was a high school phenom
 in Indiana at Center Grove

4. Writing About Running: With Big 10's coming up in less than 2 weeks. Have you and Coach Byrne decided on which event(s) you'll be focusing on there and for the rest of your freshman season?

Austin Mudd: I believe I am running the 800 at Big Ten's, but we haven't really discussed plans for the rest of the year.

5. Writing About Running: With all the incredible performances at Payton Jordan Sunday? Aside from your own, what were some of your favorites and how'd it feel to be around so many accomplished runners?

Austin Mudd: The atmosphere was awesome and it was great to see so many world class performances! (Lopez) Lomong's 5k was pretty exciting but I have to say that watching team mate Mohamed Ahmed run a 27:34 10,000 to qualify for the Canadian olympic team was pretty sweet. Congrats Mo!

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Thanks to our sponsor, Adharanand Finn's new book "Running with the Kenyans" for sponsoring the blog this week. My review is coming soon! 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. You can also support the site by buying something on Amazon.com through this link

5 Questions with Diego Estrada

Diego Estrada celebrates the
A Standard at Payton Jordan
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with a newly minted Olympian. After running under the Olympic A Standard in the 10,000 meters at the Payton Jordan Invitational this Sunday at Stanford, he announced his decision to run the London Olympiad for his native Mexico.

Diego Estrada has been on of the most consistent runners in the NCAA over the past few years. His 27:32.90 in the 10,000 meters is just the latest of his many accomplishments on the track and trails. His decision to run for Mexico in the 2012 has sparked much debate of late, but his range of 1:52.16, 3:55.46 (Mile), 7:44.29 and 13:26.94 has always been rock solid. Follow Diego on Twitter here.

5 Questions with Diego Estrada

1. Writing About Running: Hitting that Olympic A Standard is huge, especially in this point in the season. Did you execute the way you wanted at Payton Jordan?

Diego Estrada: It was a perfect night, I followed Coach Heins instructions, making sure I kept myself under control as much as possible and take over when I felt it was needed.

2. Writing About Running: Everyone is abuzz about you're running for Mexico in the Olympics. How hard was it to make that decision?

Diego Estrada: You know I am very prideful about my roots and have always wanted to become an Olympian some day to show my parent that their sacrifices for me had paid off. I have two countries and love both of them. I come from community of dreamers in Salinas, California, people who work in the fields to better their children’s lives. I simply wanted to represent my community as best as possible. It wasn’t hard, but it did take a lot of thinking to make that decision. I am dealing with countries, not colleges, so the decision was permanent. I am proud to be a Mexican-American!

3. Writing About Running: You're passion for the sport is electric. What drives you?

Estrada at NCAA Indoors
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Diego Estrada: My parents, their perseverance to give their children a better life, even if it meant saying goodbye to their family and friends. I try to do thing to the best of my ability and not waste the opportunity, because every opportunity is a blessing.

4. Writing About Running: You're in one of the most famed running capitals, Flagstaff. What makes that place special?

Diego Estrada: The support, the people in Flagstaff are so friendly and helpful. Every runner here is out to better themselves yet they are here to help each other too.

5. Writing About Running: With you redshirting this year, what's on the schedule for the foreseeable future?

Diego Estrada: The work is done, know I am going back to training for the next 2 months and racing a 1500 and a 5k in Europe in July. Focusing on august 4th from now on.

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5 Questions with Cam Levins

Cam Levins kicks home at Mt. Sac
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with the most improved distance runner in the NCAA's over the past year. He embodies the "miles make champions" mentality and will be debuting (and going after the Olympic A Standard of 27:45) in the 10,000 meters at the Payton Jordan Invitational this Sunday at Stanford.

Cam Levins began to turn heads in running under four minutes in the mile during the 2010 indoor season at Southern Utah University. Since then, he's been on a tear, most recently upsetting Lawi Lalang in the 5000 at Mt. Sac last weekend and running the under the Olympic A Standard (and Canadian A+ Standard) in the process with a scintillating 13:18.47.

5 Questions with Cam Levins

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on winning the 5000 at Mt. Sac this past weekend and hitting the Olympic A Standard and the Canadian A+ Standard in the process. Was that the goal all along and did the race unfold the way you had hoped?

Cam Levins: Thanks so much, it was definitely breakthrough race for me! I'm glad the pace was set on goal for 13:20, so we at least stood a chance at the Olympic A Standard, but the race slowed part way through, so I honestly didn't expect my finishing time. I was capable of running at least the Olympic B Standard, however I couldn't positively know I was going to run like that.

2. Writing About Running: You burst onto the national scene during cross country season with your excellent performances and high mileage training. What kind of training are you doing right now?

Cam Levins: I probably shouldn't go into too much detail about my training (Coach Houle doesn't like it), but I'll talk a little about it. I still try and keep my high mileage (around 150 for the past couple weeks), and we are really beginning to incorporate a lot more quality combined with that mileage.

3. Writing About Running: With all your accomplishments over the past year, what are you most proud of? (Your quadrupling to help the Southern Utah take the Summit League Men's title indoors was my personal favorite)

Cam Levins: I do my best to help the team as much as possible, and I felt the quadrupling was necessary to stand a chance at winning our conference. Other than the Mt. SAC 5000m (I am really happy with that race and honestly still in a little disbelief about it), I am actually very proud of my 7:45 3000m at the New Balance Grand Prix, because I felt like that gave me the confidence I could run a real fast 5000.

Levins at NCAA Indoors
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto) 

4. Writing About Running: Payton Jordan is always a very fast meet for distance running. You’ve running a lot of big meets this year. What are you hoping to get out of the loaded 10,000 at the heralded Stanford track this Sunday?

Cam Levins: Having Canada's A+ Standard really takes a lot of pressure off me this weekend for chasing the Olympic A Standard in the 10,000m. I just want to go experience my first 10k ever on the track and have fun. I am happy I have to opportunity to be in a race with so many good athletes, so hopefully I can hang in there and get a great time out of it.

5. Writing About Running: The Canadian Trials are at the end of June. Is the goal this year the 5000? What are your plans for the rest of the season and NCAA’s?

Cam Levins: At this moment, I am focusing on the 5000 for the Olympics, but I guess that could change if I run a real strong 10,000. I really enjoy running the 5000m, and so I feel that I would rather run it; I think you need to focus on the race you prefer compete in, because it's tough to train for something you don't even want to do. Depending on how the 10,000m goes this weekend, I am considering racing both 10k and 5k at NCAA nationals. I haven't really planned out where I want to race during the summer, but that can be figured out post NCAA's.

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Thanks to our sponsor "There is No Finish Line: The Joan Benoit-Samuelson Story," 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 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 Stanford commit, Thomas Graham

We have our first high school guest today on “5 Questions with”. In the Triangle, we’ve know of Thomas Graham for some time. He’ll be heading west to Stanford next year, but represents the latest of a strong resurgence in North Carolina prep running.

Thomas Graham has been making noise in North Carolina and on the national scene for the past few years, qualifying for the past two Foot Locker Cross Country Championships (finishing 9th in 2011), finishing third at the Brooks PR Invite 2 Mile in 2011 (9:04.14) and 2nd at the National Scholastic 5000 in 2011 (14:45.42). His most recent achievement was his best yet, running 14:11.66 for 5000 at the 2012 Raleigh Relays. Follow him on Twitter here.

5 Questions with Thomas Graham

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on running 14:11 at Raleigh Relays. You ran 14:45 at National Scholastic in June. What kind of preparation went into improving so vastly 10 months later?

Thomas Graham: Thanks! It definitely was a huge PR for me, and my coach and I consider it to be a real breakthrough. I think that such a big drop was the product of a few things. First, I think my old 5k PR wasn’t really representative of the shape I was in at the time. Basically Edward Cheserek took off and ran the first lap of that race in 63, and left the rest of us way behind. The guy that was in 2nd wasn’t running fast enough, so I moved into his position and basically ran 11 really lonely, not very fast laps. I think I probably could have run closer to 14:30 last June, but it just never really materialized running what amounted to a solo time trial. Over the summer and winter off seasons I had really good base periods where I was consistently running 80-85 miles a week, and I came out of those feeling a lot stronger and ready to run some good times.

2. Writing About Running: Friday night at the Raleigh Relays has become of night of excellent racing. How long had you been planning on running the 5000 here? Also, I noticed you ran a smart race, working your way through the pack. What kind of game plan went into your race strategy?

Thomas Graham: Before the season started my coach and I thought it would be cool to run a fast 5k, and Raleigh Relays, which is about 10 minutes from my house, seemed like the best place to do it. It had been on the calendar all season, and I’d been excited for it, but seeing how stacked the field really got my psyched for it. I didn’t really have a race strategy going in. The only plan I had was to run off the backs of the other runners, move up if I felt good, and fall back if I felt like the pace was too much. Luckily, I ended up feeling good pretty much the whole time, so whenever the lead pack started to break away from the chase group I just tagged along on the back of that group and just rode it along to a nice time.

Graham runs for Cary Academy & will attend Stanford

3. Writing About Running: I’ve seen you running at Umstead many times. What can you say about the park that has helped you in your training over the years?

Thomas Graham: I’m a huge fan of Umstead for a lot of reasons. By itself it’s probably the biggest reason that I’ve continued to improve and continued to love running. I really like being outside and Umstead has a ton of single-track trails to complement the wider main trails. There is a ton of variety possible for runs, so if you need to go 9 miles 5 days in a row, you can run a different route every day. Another great thing about Umstead is how hilly it is. Because it’s centrally located in the triangle, a lot of the runners from around the area meet there on Sundays during the offseason to do long runs, which I think have really helped me develop over time. There’s a great, really hard loop that’s 15, but you can add or take off of it by going slightly different routes to make it anywhere from 12-17. A lot of times, it’s just a slow run with friends, but sometimes it gets competitive and when it does, an hour plus of hammering hills is a really good workout.

4. Writing About Running: You’ll be joining an excellent program in Stanford this fall. What led you to this decision?

Thomas Graham: My college decision was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. The main reasons that I ended up deciding on Stanford—a team I got along really well with, a good chance to succeed long term, great places to train—I also saw in a ton of other schools. Ultimately it came down to Michigan and Stanford, and I felt that all the major elements were largely the same at each place, so smaller things like housing and weather ended up being what I based my call off of. I’m really excited to get to school, though. Being in one college race made me realize how competitive it is going to be every day, and how much better I can hopefully get when I’m pushed in all my workouts by other guys who are better than me.

Graham has run the last 2 Brooks PR Invites

5. Writing About Running: You’re running the famed Arcadia 3200 this weekend. What are your goals for this race and the rest of the outdoor season?

Thomas Graham: As of right now, the plan is still to run Arcadia. I’ve been under the weather basically since Raleigh Relays, though, so if I’m not feeling close to 100% tomorrow I might pull out. If everything goes as planned, though, I’d like to finally get under 9 minutes, which I still haven’t done. I don’t really have too many concrete goals for the rest of the season. I’m planning on running the 2 mile at outdoor nationals, and the 5k at Payton Jordan. Hopefully I can be competitive in both of those races, and if everything goes well, run some really special times.

Update: Graham went on to run 8:56.21 for 3200 at Arcadia (#6 All Time for NC)

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Thanks to our sponsor, 14 Minutes, the Alberto Salazar autobiography, for sponsoring the blog this week. I'll be reviewing it very soon! 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.