Where I've been lately (and where I'm going!)

Birthday was six months ago, but that's a sweet cake, right?

Hey folks! It's been a little while since I posted here. Thanks for following me over to the Daily Relay. Over the past six weeks, I've enjoyed contributing two articles a week to what is becoming an excellent site.

I was also a little too close to the situation in the recent shooting at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This and the grind of flying twice a week for the past 2.5 years has helped me make the decision to get off the road!

Oh yeah, and later this year (or early next), I plan to tackle a 50 miler to try and qualify for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. It's real if I put it online, so I'm gonna go for it. Injuries have plagued me, but I can run slow for a long time, without too much pain!

What's on my upcoming schedule?

• Asheville Beer Week (Asheville, NC)
• Prefontaine Classic (Eugene, OR)
• New Balance Nationals Outdoor (Greensboro, NC)
• USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (Des Moines, IA)
• Hopscotch Music Festival (Raleigh, NC)

*I'll be available for stringer and freelance work for all of these. If interested, email me

Here are some of the articles I've written for "The Mixed Zone" at the Daily Relay:

• “Doesn't matter who wins 'cause they're all losers.” Gimmick racing at an all time high
• 10 important tips for running a Beer Mile (from World Record holder Josh Harris)
• Running with WTF podcast’s Marc Maron
• What do your running shoes say about you?
• “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn” (about Alan Webb and Chris Solinsky's comebacks)
• 5 Reasons the Boston Marathon is similar to The Masters (and 5 reasons it’s different)

And here are some of the "5 Questions" interviews I've done:

• Kim Conley
• Treniere Moser
• Ben True
• Cory Leslie
• Doc Patton
• Brenda Martinez
• Craig Leon

*Here's a link to all my pieces at the Daily Relay

Hope to see many of you this summer! Happy Trails! Pat Price

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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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Galen Rupp's 12:58.90 caps off an excellent 38th Prefontaine Classic

Prefontaine Classic program

It turns out, last night was just a warm up for what the fans got to see today at the 38th Prefontaine Classic. Temps were in the low 60's and it was absolutely beautiful for a rain free event. Not always a given in the Pacific Northwest.

Lashawn Merritt kicked things off in the Men's 400 meters with a down-the-stretch win over the disqualified Kirani James (false start/ran under protest). His time wasn't anything groundbreaking in 44.91, but more importantly, he was neck and neck with James with 100 meters to go and was able to go to the arms and shift gears on the 2011 World Champion. A confidence booster and a nice scalp for Merritt. Jeremy Wariner, on the other hand, didn't look so good and will have his hands full in just making the team.

The Men's 100 meters was up next and although not getting the best of starts, Justin Gatlin was able to come back on Nickel Ashemeade and run a very strong 9.90 in a wind legal +1.3. On the American front, Trell Kimmons (10.04), Walter Dix (10.04), Darvis Patton (10.05) and Michael Rodgers (10.07) all showed how close the trials are going to be at the distance. This isn't even figuring Tyson Gay into the discussion.

The Women's Steeple was a tale of two races. Kenyan Milcah Chemos led Ethiopians Sofia Assefa and Hiwot Ayalew in the first pack and Brit Barbara Parker and American Emma Coburn led the second pack. Chemos won the event in a World Leading and Meet Record time of 9:13.69. Coburn had a big 12 second PR in her first steeple of the season, running 9:25.28; firmly cementing herself as the favorite at the trials. This was the #4 US time ever in the event. Sara Hall battled back from an early season slump with a respectable 9:42.96. She'll be on the fringe to make this team in 3 weeks, with Coburn, collegian Shalaya Kipp, Stephanie Garcia and Bridget Franek to deal with.

Hollister Night program

The Men's 110 meter Hurdles was one of the highlights of the meet as Liu Xiang showed his impeccable form in running a World Record tying 12.87 into an illegal wind of +2.4. He was extremely excited and threw up a Tiger Woods-eque fist pump to the crowd after his victory lap, draped in the Chinese flag. It's a real shame he was injured during the Beijing Olympics, but it's nice seeing him return to form. Aries Merritt also broke 13 in a very nice 12.96. Behind him, Jason Richardson, Dexter Faulk and David Oliver were all separated by .02, showing how tough it will be to make the London team.

The Women's 3000 meters was up next and like the Steeple, it was a tale of two races. Former convicted EPO user, Mariem Selsouli ran away from the always strong Sally Kipyego in 8:34.47, a World Leading time and Meet Record in the seldom run event. The Americans were about 15 seconds back with former Georgetown Hoya, Liz Maloy, outkicking former Tar Heel Brie Felnagle for third in 8:50.95. Unbeknownst to me, Maloy has the A Standard, as she ran 15:15.34 in Lignano, Italy last year. She'll be sharpening up to make a run at the 5000 team. Lisa Uhl was next in a PR of 8:52.95, with Molly Huddle, Amy Hastings, Jackie Areson and Renee Baillie just behind her. All were under 9:00. Angela Bizzarri was back in 9:14.71 and appears to be coming off injury. Tough timing, but she'll have a few more weeks to prepare.

The Men's 800 meters is always exciting at Hayward Field and today would be no exception. Go-to rabbit Matt Scherer led the field through the 400 in 49 high before the race heated up. Abubaker Kaki outkicked Mohammed Aman for the win in 1:43.71 (to Aman's 1:43.74). American Nick Symmonds finished third in a 2012 American leading time of 1:44.32. Just behind him was the ageless Khadevis Robinson in 1:44.54. Both were ahead of Adam Kszczot and Yuriy Borzakovskiy. Only David Rudisha is stronger than Kaki and Aman, so both Symmonds and Robinson should be pleased with the outcome. And just a few years ago, it looked like Robinson may go the way of the rabbit. The whole Paris Hilton thing is another story...

The Women's 200 meters followed and Allyson Felix continued to put on an Olympic year display as she erupted down the homestretch (in full bodysuit), leaving Carmelita Jeter in her wake, running an excellent 22.23, just .01 off Kimberly Duncan's World Leading time. The question continues, will she run the 100-200 double or the 200-400?

The Women's 400 meters kept it hot with Sanya Richards-Ross, or S-double-R, as the meet announcer dubbed her, running a World Leading 49.39; her best time since 2009. It took sub 50 to make the top three here as Richards-Ross nemesis, Amantle Montsho, was second in 49.62 and Novlene Williams-Mills was third in 49.78.

The Men's 5000 meters was one of the most anticipated events of the day and it certainly lived up to it's billing. The field opened up in a conservative 64 second lap before going through 5 62's in a row. 3 63's followed before it slowed to a 64, and then the race started. The last two laps were covered in 60, and then 56, with Olympic favorite Mo Farah taking the win in 12:56.98 over Isaiah Koech (12:57.63). The third finisher was the most exciting to the Hayward faithful. Galen Rupp finished strong in a new personal best of 12:58.90. This was an 8+ second PR, his first time under 13 and the first time an American has under under 13:00 on US soil. He also finished one spot ahead of the great Kenenisa Bekele. While it's known that Bekele is recovering from injury and is racing into shape, it's still a nice scalp for Rupp. After the meet, Let's Run's Weldon Johnson and I sat in the press box and witness Rupp and Farah jogging 75's around the track for 2 miles in lane 3, while Coach Alberto Salazar watched. There is no finish line!

The Men's 200 meters was the Wallace Spearmon show as he looked relaxed up the homestretch winning clearly in 20.27. Dix was scheduled to run the double, but was a DNS (did not start). There was rumor of injury. Let's hope that's not the case as the Men's 200 seems to be a thinner event for the US Team.

Newest addition to Pre's Rock that I noticed
on my run this morning

Closing the show was the always exciting Bowerman Mile. There was a strong contingent of Americans in the field with Leo Manzano, Lopez Lomong, Bernard Lagat, David Torrence and Andrew Wheating ready to take on the World's best. Asbel Kiprop overcame last years defeat and got his third win at Pre in 3:49.40. David Torrence was the first American in a personal best of 3:52.01 (he'll be doing a "5 Questions with" next week). Behind him was Manzano (3:53.07), Lagat (3:54.28), Lomong (3:55.14) and Wheating (3:56.77). Wheating looks to have his hands full over the next few weeks as he prepares to make a return bid to the team. Be prepared to see a slew of guys attempting the 800/1500 double as the 800 is at the beginning of the trials and the 1500 is at the end.

Full results for the Prefontaine Classic (including Hollister Night) are here on the Diamond League website.

After next week's Adidas Grand Prix in New York, all attention will turn to the trials. Not everyone has Olympic A Standards yet and it looks like the Diamond League Paris meet the week after the trials will be the final chance to chase the A before the Olympics (if trials qualifiers don't have them yet).

It's an Olympic year and this is as exciting as it's gets for track and field fans. The stands were full and the crowd was into it. I'm glad to be a part of it and can't wait to return to Eugene for the trials in three weeks.

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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

37 years after the death of Steve Prefontaine, the Pre Classic lives on

What was originally staged as the "Hayward Field Restoration Race" in 1975, the Prefontaine Classic, now in it's 38th year, continues to live on as the premier track and field event in America.

I was lucky enough to attend last year (and kept a journal my time in Eugene) and couldn't pass up the return trip to Eugene (via Portland) for the 2012 edition. If you're a track fan, this is something you need to see in person.

The distance action heats up Friday night with "Hollister Night at Hayward." The event is free to attend and will be webcast starting at 7:25pm Pacific (10:25pm Eastern) at PreClassic.com.

The Women's 800 kicks things off at 7:30pm with Molly Beckwith, Heather Kampf, Gena Gall, LaTavia Thomas, Alysia Montano and Maggie Vessey leading the way. This is the race that put Vessey on the map. Her win in 2009 out of nowhere paved the way to where she is now. Expect her to challenge for the win. This will also be an excellent chance to see where Montano's fitness is, as we haven't seen much out of her this year (yet).

The Men's International Mile is up next, at 7:37pm, with a stellar field of Americans, including Russell Brown, Matt Centrowitz, Will Leer, Jeff See, Dorian Ulrey and American Record Holder, Alan Webb (who set the American High School Record in 2001 here). Alfred Kirwa Yego, Nicholas Kemboi and Mohammed Shaween lead the foreign contingent. This event has become a new standard at Pre and expect the winner to be close to 3:50.

Vessey, Schmidt and Montano will
take on the world's best
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

The Women's 1500 goes off at 7:46 with another excellent American field of Gabrielle Anderson, Katie Mackey, Lauren Johnson, Brenda Martinez, Treniere Moser, Anna Pierce, Shannon Rowbury, Jenny Simpson and Phoebe Wright. Sheila Reid, Jemma Simpson and Tizita Bogale will lead the foreign contingent. Simpson will try to regain the form that found her running 3:59.90 here in 2010, as much of the rest of the field will take aim at the Olympic A Standard of 4:06.00.

The Women's 10,000 is up next at 7:56pm. Expect Tirunesh Dibaba to go away with this one, but pay attention to Lauren Fleshman. She's been injured and is rabbiting. It will be a good chance to see what kind of form she's in before the trials. Alisha Williams will take aim at the Olympic A Standard of 31:45. She has the B right now and will want to get this out of the way before the Olympic Trials in 3 weeks. (Nevermind, she was just rabbiting through 3000)

Closing out the night is the ballyhooed Kenyan Olympic Trials in the 10,000. Athletics Kenya decided to stage it here due to the similarity in elevation to London and it should be quite a run. The top two will qualify, with the last choice going to the committee. 10 of the Men entered have run under 27 minutes and I would expect this race to be won in the 26:45 range. Micah Kogo and Eliud Kipchoge seem to be the favorites, but it's Kenya. There are new stars emerging yearly. Expect the unexpected. I'll be pulling for "36 year old" Mark Kiptoo.

The 38th Annual Prefontaine Classic goes off Saturday, as usual, with excellent sprints, distance and field events. It will be broadcast at noon Pacific (3pm Eastern) on NBC. The Women's Steeplechase kicks off the distance events at 11:46am with Emma Coburn, Bridget Franek and Sara Hall lining up against the best in the world. Milcah Chemos looks to be the ace of the field. Coburn and Franek went 1-2 last year at USA Outdoors and look to be the favorites to make the team once again. Hall has yet to show the form that she showed towards the end of the 2011 season. This will be her chance to show whether or not she's a threat to make the team.

The Women's 3000 goes off at 12:11pm with Jackie Areson, Angela Bizzarri, Brie Felnagle, Sally Kipyego, Molly Huddle, Lisa Uhl and Amy Hastings duking it out. Talk about an American distance fans dream race. This one should be a lot of fun.

Symmonds won in 2007 and would love
 to win Pre again
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

The Men's 800 is next at 12:24pm with Nick Symmonds taking on the world's best (sans David Rudisha). Yuriy Borzakovskiy, Abubaker Kaki, Adam Kszczot, Mohammed Aman and Boaz Lalang will make it a tough one. Add Americans Khadevis Robinson and Tyler Mulder to the mix and you've got a very strong 800. Matt Scherer will lead them around.

The Men's 5000 is at 12:50pm with Matt Tegenkamp and Galen Rupp taking on an incredible field of Mo Farah, Kenenisa Bekele, Craig Mottram, Collis Birmingham, Isiah Koech, Sam Chelanga, Yenew Alamirew and Augustine Choge. Will Rupp go under 13:00 finally? and on American soil? He's gonna have to if he wants to compete in this field!

Closing out the classic will be the Bowerman Mile at 1:19pm. The American contingent will be comprised of Andrew Wheating, Leo Manzano, Lopez Lomong, David Torrence and Bernard Lagat. Silas Kiplagat, Asbel Kiprop Amine Laalou and Nick Willis will lead the world challengers. Kiprop's been tough here, but Kiplagat recently got the better of him in Doha. Expect a scorcher!

All in all, an event that Pre would be proud of!

I'll be tweeting and running around all over Eugene from Thursday night on... with stops at Track Town Pizza, Ninkasi Brewing, Pre's Trail, Rogue Public House, Morning Glory and of course, Hayward Field!

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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 Gabriele Anderson

Gabriele Anderson kicks for the win at Oxy
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with a former Minnesota Golden Gopher and now a member of Coach Dennis Barker's Team USA Minnesota. Most recently, the "Brooks Beast" was awarded Flotrack's "Kick of the Week."

Gabriele Anderson is off to a hot start in 2012. Her 4:06.46 PR (and heat win) at Oxy was just off the Olympic A Standard (of 4:06.00). She'll be targeting the A and racing the world's best next weekend at the Prefontaine Classic. Oh yeah, she's 25 and has beaten cancer twice. Follow her on Twitter @GabrieleAnde

5 Questions with Gabriele Anderson

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on your recent win at the Oxy 1500. You have to be happy to compete like that in a field that strong. Have you been working hard on your kick?

Gabriele Anderson: Thank you! It was a good way to start the season! Going into Oxy, I knew my training was going well, but it was my first 1500m this season, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I just wanted to be competitive and take a shot at the Olympic "A" standard, if the race went that fast. After our 800 meter split, I figured the "A" standard was probably a long shot, so from there it was just about racing and finishing strong!

2. Writing About Running: Next up, you'll face another excellent field at the Pre Classic 1500. How exciting is it to compete in a meet of this stature, against the world's best?

Gabriele Anderson: I'm so excited to race at Pre! It will be my first time competing at this meet, and I always enjoy the atmosphere of running at Hayward Field. It's special, I think. The 1500 will feature many of the top American women and I'm looking forward to testing myself again against a strong field. I think it will be a fast race and we'll probably see few more American women achieve the Olympic "A" standard there -- I'm hoping to be one of them!

3. Writing About Running: You mentioned in your post-race interview with Flotrack that the Adidas Grand Prix is a possibility. Do you and your coach have any other plans before the trials?

Gabriele Anderson: I'm still not sure if I will race in New York. Right now my coach and I are taking things one race at a time and still focusing on getting in good training, so I'm not sure how many more times I will race before the trials. If the right opportunity comes up, I'd like to race an 800m before the trials to keep working on my speed!

Anderson at USA's last year
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

4. Writing About Running: You seem to have a great relationship with your fellow Brooks team members. How important is it to have a good support system in this sport?

Gabriele Anderson: It's very important! And you are right, there is a special bond between us "Brooks Beasts"! We were fortunate to be able to get to know one another off the track right after we all finished our NCAA careers as we embarked on new journeys as professionals. Since we were all experiencing similar transitions, including both the excitement and anxiety that comes with it, we immediately hit it off as friends! We have enjoyed representing Brooks together and reuniting on the track circuit whenever we can. It's been great to watch each other progress and support each other along the way.

5. Writing About Running: You have become a poster child of sorts for many young athletes battling cancer. How much has your continued positive attitude that has carried you through two bouts affected the way you look at your running career?

Gabriele Anderson: Honestly, I've just been doing my best over these last few years to keep my head up and to not give up on my dreams. I'm not sure that I'm a poster child, but I do believe that young people facing similar situations can find some hope in my story. I hope that they don't give up on their dreams; I hope they keep smiling and loving life!

I think that running and racing as a cancer survivor has helped me to put the sport in perspective, which is really important, especially at this level. Life is all about doing your best and really appreciating the little things, and I think I'm able to do that much more now in my running career. Instead of putting pressure on myself, I try to look at the journey as a great gift -- and the outcomes are much less important to me than the journey itself.

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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, (new member) 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 Russell Brown

Russell Brown representing
the Oregon Track Club
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

Today we have 5 Questions with a former Stanford Cardinal who now competes for the Oregon Track Club and makes fun short films in his spare time with his teammates. He's also a big Red Sox fan!

Russell Brown is in the prime of his career and is taking aim at a spot on the Olympic team this summer. From bursting onto the scene in 2011 with a win in the Mile at the New Balance Grand Prix to his 3:51.45 mile last year at Pre, Brown recently made his biggest leap as a professional runner by hitting the Olympic A Standard in the 1500 meters in Doha. He'll race the mile again at Pre next weekend before gearing up for the 2012 Olympic Trials in his homebase of Eugene, OR. Follow him on Twitter @RussellWBrown

5 Questions with Russell Brown

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on the PR at Doha (an Olympic A Standard of 3:34.11). How'd the race go in your opinion and how happy were you go get the "A" out of the way?

Russell Brown: This is my first A standard. As in, this is the first time I have hit an A standard of any kind in my long career. I am ecstatic that I am now a big step closer to going to the Games, absolutely. But it also is a badge of honor for me that runs a little deeper than the procedural benefits it gives. It is a threshold that in some ways declares you a world class athlete. That feels better than anything. I feel like I put myself into a new category, and it's not a category I knew I would be in for sure, ever.

If I was from Lichtenstein, I would be going to the Olympics. That is pretty cool.

2. Writing About Running: You'll be part of a stacked mile at Prefontaine. You ran a PR of 3:51.45 last year. What's it like to be a part of the Bowerman Mile at the most exciting meet in America?

Russell Brown: This might just be the most exciting meet in the world. Tom Jordan didn't even have to pay me to write that either. I was in Doha, which ended up being the fastest race in several years, and I look at the start lists for Pre and can't help but think it's better.

Honestly, it feels like a dream come true. I have been a track fan for a long time, and I have been still been a spectator at more big-time meets than I have run at. Watching those meets, you never quite believe you'll be out there one day. It's like growing up going to Red Sox games every year, and then suddenly becoming a player on the team (that actually is me also, but I'll save that dream for after running).

3. Writing About Running: What else (if anything) do you have in store before the trials?

Russell Brown: I don't have any other races lined up. Getting to Doha was enough travel for a lifetime.

I'm going to run at Hayward field every day like I have been doing for four years and continue to imagine running down the homestretch in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. I will just train with Andy (Wheating) and AJ (Acosta), and continue to do the things we have been doing. It's pretty amazing that the biggest meet of my life will be on my home track. Why would I want to go anywhere else for the next few weeks?

4. Writing About Running: You've created a new video series/blog with teammate Andrew Wheating entitled "Behind the Stands." How'd all the come about and what can we expect in the future?

Russell Brown: Where do I start? Andy and I really just thought it would be fun to make some videos. I have heard him say he wanted to create some buzz and excitement, but the first time he brought a camera to practice, it was, "I'm recording, do something funny". It has turned into something slightly better than that I suppose, depending upon who you ask.

I think our videos are just an expression of how much fun our sport is. We wanted to show all of the people that do this everyday because it makes them feel good, that that is why we do it too. Money hasn't corrupted track for me, it has just given me the opportunity to do it more. I want to show anyone who cares to see it, that every day I am a runner is great, and I hope it is for them too.

Once again, Brown will line up with the World's
best at the Bowerman Mile at this year's Pre Classic
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)

5. Writing About Running: The OTC has had a nice group of mid distance guys for you to train with over the past few years. How have you enjoyed being part of the program and are you ready for the Eugene faithful to have your back at the trials?

Russell Brown: I can't say enough about what it has meant to be a part of my team. The resources and the track knowledge available to me in Eugene are fantastic. There is no way I would be nearly as successful without everybody here. I also just really like everyone affiliated with OTC. Everyday training with these people is fun and exciting. I want to include the broader group of OTC in this too. OTC Elite is a small part of a big organization. I'm connected to hundreds of runners and running enthusiasts that I see and interact with all of the time. It really feels like what we are all doing up here together is important and meaningful, and I need that.

Follow writing about running on Twitter and Facebook (and now Pinterest)

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 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

Bookworm: "Running After Prefontaine" by Scott F. Parker

Sometimes I'll receive a book in the mail, and after ripping open the envelope, I just don't have the time to dig into it the way I'd like to. Whether it be due to an overloaded work schedule or just the nuances of life not allowing me to sit down and read, it happens. I've had this particular book sitting on my bedside table for a few months until this weekend, and I'm glad I finally got to it. What a fun read!

If I were to write a memoir at this point in my life, there would certainly be some striking similarities with what I would put to paper and with what Scott F. Parker has done in "Running After Prefontaine." Parker is a few year's younger than I and from the opposite side of the country, but there are plenty of parallels, as I am sure there are with plenty of 20 and 30-something distance runners out there.

With a title like "Running After Prefontaine," one would think there would be a ton of Pre talk.Well, there is, but it doesn't come until about 170 pages in. Where Parker excels is in telling his own story (/memoir) of his evolution as a runner and what it's meant to him over the years. He romanticizes the art of the run and the pain of the marathon very eloquently, as it did a great job of bringing nightmares of my first attempt at the marathon on no training.

Forest Park

In telling the story of his life and the running component to it, Parker speaks of his Portland, OR upbringing and the excellent running at Forest Park. I've heard the Nike folks mention this, as well as the 3 Non Joggers. When I visit Eugene again this summer for the 2012 Prefontaine Classic, I hope someone will take me on a 10+ mile tour! And while speaking of Forest Park, one chapter is especially entertaining, entitled "On $hitting in the Woods and Other Tragedies of Running." Pretty much any distance runner worth their mettle has had an "episode" and lost a sock or two. On that note, I can happily endorse a product for any runner who spends time in the woods: a box of Wet Ones singles. Thank me later (note: this link is not my review).

Parker's Two Rules of Running:
Rule #1: No Treadmills
Rule #2: No iPod
**Rule #3: If breaking #1, also break #2

The pilgrimage Parker took to Coos Bay, where he saw Pre's sister speak during a theater viewing of Fire on the Track, shows his passion for the story of the sport. His PR at the Prefontaine Memorial Run was an obvious personal highlight as well. At the time, it's apparent that he's been slightly obsessed with the Pre biopic, Without Limits, and the mythic figure that Prefontaine has become in his untimely passing.

"Runners, by tendency not definition are misfits, in high school particularly so." That quote couldn't be more true. Parker embraces the joy of running, per his between chapter interludes, and it's no surprise that he was a fan of Gabe Jennings at the 2008 Olympic Trials, rather that someone like Galen Rupp. Jennings came from that bizarre mold that Pre had a lot in common with. That is the underlying theme of the whole book. To enjoy running for what it gives you. To embrace the good and the bad and to ride it out. Sure, one can follow a training program and achieve a goal, but sometimes it's more fun and intrinsically satisfying just to run free!

Pick up a copy of "Running after Prefontaine" at Amazon.com (where you can also read a preview)

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Thanks to our sponsor, DistancePreps.com, 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.  

Appreciating Alan Webb

Webb in his winning days (TrackAndFieldPhoto)

We haven't heard a lot about Alan Webb lately, but it's hard to get too deep into a conversation without his name coming up. While Webb recently confirming that he's moved back to Virginia and will be coached by UVA's Jason Vigilante, he has yet to run a race this summer. There have been grumblings about some injuries ever since leaving Alberto Salazar and the Oregon Project, but hopefully we'll see him later in the summer, after Daegu, and at minimum, at the 5th Avenue Mile (where he ran 3:53.72 at the end of 2010).

With the London Olympics just a year away, any true US Distance fan is likely hopeful that Webb can get sharp and compete for a spot on the team, as like Tiger Woods in Golf, Track is better when Alan Webb is competing at a high level. His tenacity and passion make him exciting to watch every time he's in the field, and when he's on, he is extremely tough to beat. His 2007 1500 time would right with Silas Kiplagat as the world leader this year and his 800 that same year would be just .01 behind Nick Symmonds.

That in mind, I've compiled six classic Webb races below that show the talent he has and the promise that could still be there if he can get healthy and fit again. The races are in chronological order and, of course, start with his High School American Record of 3:53.43 at the 2001 Prefontaine Classic. Next up is his epic battle with Dathan Ritzenhein at the Cardinal Invitational 10k in 2006, where they traded the lead most of the race, before Webb won in a kick. Next up is the first of four races from his magical summer of 2007. The first is his win over Bernard Lagat at USA's, where he pulls another gear out with 50 to go. His joy after the race is exhilarating. Next is his first Golden League win in Paris. He outkicks Mehdi Baala in the last 100 and quiets the French crowd in the process. Next is his strange, but amazing American Mile Record of 3:46.91 in Brasschaat, Belgium. And finally is his outkicking of Gary Reed in Heusden to PR in the 800 with an electric 1:43.84 (in similar fashion to his win over Lagat at USA's).

Without further adieu, here are six classic Alan Webb races:

Where it all began: Webb's 3:53.43 at the 2001 Pre Classic (5/25/01)


Battle with Ritz to run 27:34 for 10k at the 2006 Cardinal Invite (4/30/06)


Pulling away from Lagat  to win the 2007 USATF 1500 (6/24/07)

3:30.54 1500 PR and first Golden League win in Paris (7/6/07)


American record of 3:46.91 in Brasschaat, Belgium (7/21/07)


1:43.84 800 PR at Heusden (7/28/07)


Also, check out  "Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile" by "Running with the Buffaloes" author (and UNC MBA grad), Chris Lear on Amazon.com

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Eugene Diary: Part 6, Final Thoughts

2011 Pre Classic Program

As I fly back to Raleigh via Chicago (via Portland), I can't help but think what a great weekend this was in Eugene. I can truly see now why it's called Track Town USA.

First off, I need to thank (Oregon grad) Kevin from the House of Run podcast for giving me all kinds of advice on Eugene; from where to run to where to eat to where to grab a beer. I dug into all of his suggestions and enjoyed them all (Track Town Pizza mostly).

Next, the Track Focus guys, Jim and Doug, were very hospitable and I had a blast talking track with them in the press box. If you're looking for a house in Eugene, Jim's got a great one for sale that's about 3/4 mile from Hayward Field.

Track Town Pizza, great 'za

Finally, I'd like to thank Jeff Oliver with the Prefontaine Classic for allowing me the chance to be part of the media. A top notch event all around. I'm not going to lie, I was a little bummed out after the meet ended on Saturday. I wasnt ready to say goodbye. Despite some shin troubles of late, I put the trainers and tempos on one more time and headed out for a good 10k fartlek on Pre's Trail before heading back to Portland.

As my car was parked on 22nd, I had to pass Hayward on my way back from Pre's Trail, where I decided to take a chance. I could see they were breaking down all of the equipment associated with putting on a Diamond League event and I also saw the gates open on the back side of the track. I jogged on in looking as nonchalant as a topless, white male in his (early) thirties can look and did a slow jog up to the 400 start in lane 5 before taking off! I ran the first curve relaxed with my head on a swivel before hitting the backstretch hard. I cruised the Bowerman curve before going into a full sprint over the final 100 to finish my stealth 400 at Hayward in 67.

3 of 4 headlines are Track!

As I jogged off, I got a bunch of big smiles; from the technical crew to a girl on the Oregon team that was getting ready to work out. They knew what I was up to!

I laughed and jogged the half mile down Agate back to my car, and at this point, I was pretty tired. I grabbed a Clif Bar and a Vitamin Water and proceeded to watch some locals play Ultimate Frisbee in the park while I stretched before making the trip back up the I-5 to Portland. What a trip, almost like a dream!

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