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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