The 8th Interview: The Great Marathon Tyler McCandless Interview

The 8th interview that I got is about the great marathoner Tyler McCandless Interview. This a guy is also a  guy who ran a lot more miles than anyone I know about 5100 miles and ran 521 times in 2011.

1. How did you get started in running?
I got started in running to get in shape for soccer, but ended up having more success in track and enjoyed it more than soccer.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
This isn't a sport where you get lucky and are in the right position for the game winning touchdown or goal. This is a sport that requires patience and delayed gratification. However, the tougher the challenge, the greater the result.

3. What are you current PR's?
29:15 for 10k on the track while running in college for Penn State. 1:04:59 for the half-marathon and 2:17:09 for the marathon.
4. How different is Professional Distance Running Then College Running, for you?
Very different in terms of competition not focused on three seasons (xc, indoor, outdoor) but in terms of whatever peak race(s) you want to do. I've been lucky to meet some really good friends through the sport after college though because you make more friends outside of your team and have better relationships with race directors, staff, and volunteers.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Most of my favorite runners are from the 80s generation with guys like Benji Durden, Kyle Heffner, Bill Rodgers, Dick Beardsley, Frank Shorter, and that generation that was not afraid to race.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing is being surrounded by a fantastic running community. I firmly believe there's no more positive community around a sport in the country.
7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Winning the Kauai Marathon was very special because I worked very hard to prepare for the heat and spent a lot of money to travel to Hawaii for the race.

8. Goals for 2012?
Stay healthy and improve are always goals. Specifically finishing in the top ten at the Olympic Marathon Trials would be a great start. Running a personal best in the marathon is another important goal for me in 2012.
I hope you guys are getting insight into some of these Professional/College Distance Runners