71st Interview Villanova's Jordan Williamsz

This interview is about Villanova's own Jordan Williamsz
1. How did you get started in running?
I got started in running when I was about 10 when I made the state team in cross country, before then I only dabbled in the sport. When I started making some more serious teams my training began to get serious.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell them I run 15 miles on a Sunday, its generally good for an interesting reaction.

3. What are you current PR's?
My current PR's are:
400- 48.4
800- 1.47.3
1500- 3.36.7
3000- 8.13

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
The first semester was tough for me, it has taken me the first semester to get used to running and college together. Villanova is a fairly tough school, but not only do I like to succeed in running I also like to succeed academically.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I really look up to my current coach Marcus O'Sullivan, if I can achieve half of what he has I'll consider it a successful career. I also like any Aussie athlete out there, I realise how hard it can be running out of Australia compared to America.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best part of being a distance running is that feeling after finishing off a tough session. Everybody who has ever been there knows what I'm talking about, there really is nothing else like it. The worst part of being a distance runner is probably behaving at college, but ultimately its worth it. I get far greater satisfaction from running than I ever would from some party.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
The best moment of my distance running career has been the last year as a whole. It had its ups and downs, but I really put in a huge effort and it paid off.

8. Goals for 2013?
In 2013 I just want to do the best I can while wearing a Villanova jersey. Of course I'd love to make a senior Australian team, but I feel like the team we have at Villanova can do some very special things and that has my full attention.

The Jefferson Brothers

This blog is about my two Jefferson Bros cause it is there B-Day and why I love this two guys. This is to me a national holiday  cause not only is it John & Sean Jefferson's Golden B-Day, 30th, but it is also distance running royalit Nick Symmonds & Dathan Ritzenhein & Jordan McNamara's wife Aubrea's B-Day as well. So first all I want to say Happy B-Day to you all.

You all know that I am a true distance runner running the 3K & 5K indoors & Steeplechase, 5K & 10K outdoors and are maybe wondering why I am doing a blog about John & Sean Jefferson. Even though I am a true distance runner my running idols are all mid-distance runners, ie Nick Symmonds, Jordan McNamara, A.J. Acosta & my Man-Crush/Jefferson Bro John Jefferson. I got to see all my idols race at The Olympic Track Trials and that was amazing but see my ultimate running idol/man-crush/bro John  Jefferson made the trip amazing but the trip got more amazing. The reason being is the John  Jefferson gave me his bib number, I was made the third Jefferson Bro by John & Sean Jefferson & I got to party with John & Sean at a house party with other Pros the last night I was in Eugene, Oregon.

John Jefferson is a man that beats to his own drummer and you can see that theat clearly cause he is one-third of The Bearded Wonders along with A.J. Acosta & myslef. You all know that Flotrack has Stache at Natshies but we went one step further with The Beard Movement of 2012 and I hope it contintues in 2013 cause John Jefferson is growing a beard for a year. The movement, I think, started with A.J. Acosta starting to growing a beard until he got a pro distance running contract with a shoe company and I followed him but, I think, John Jefferson took the beard movement one step further, in a good way and then me & Acosta followed him. I am following John so much that I hopefully will grow a beard for the whole Indoor Track Season & hopefully Outdoor Track Season, between 3-6 month of beardness. Thanks John & Sean for inpsiring me in way you don't know in this sport of distance running and being my Jefferson Bros 7 making the third Jefferson Bro, I will not let you guys down. #TeamJefferson all the way

Top 20 Moments of 2012

This year was full of distance running memories and these sare my 20 moments of 2012

20-Running with the Marquette & Notre Dame Men's XC Teams at Great Lake Regionals

19-Doing Video Blog For Runnerspace at Olympic Track Trials

18-Galen Rupp answers one of my questions at Olympic Track Trials

17-Becoming an Honorary Athlete With The Running Shoe Company, Saucony

16-Running With Ryan Fenton & Alex Lohr every morning at Olympic Track Trials

15- Tim Nelson & Christy Cazzola winning DIII XC Nationals

14-Trey Hardee, Chris Solinsy, & Lauren Fleshman Comebacks

13-#BEARDTC (A.J. Acosta, John Jefferson & Me)

12-Wisconsin Adidas XC Invite

11-Working for Runnerspace & VS Athletic at Olympic Track Trials

10-Leo Manzano's Olympic 1500 Race

9-Evan Jager's Steeplechase American Record

8-Trey Hardee's Comeback From Tommy Jon's Surgery

7-OSU-Oklahoma State winning DI Men's XC National Title with Wisconsin getting 2nd place

6-Nick Symmonds Wanted A Pic With Me

5-Olympic 10K With Mo Farah winning & his American Teammate Galen Rupp getting a Silver Medal

4-Meeting My Distance Running Idols; John Jefferson, Nick Symmonds, AJ Acosta, Trey Hardee, J. Mac, Stephanie Garcia, Shannon Rowbury, Lauren Fleshman, & Shayla Houlihan

3-House Party with The Pros at Olympic Track Trial the last night of the Trials

2-Billy Nelson as my new Steeplechase Coach

1-Getting to Run With nick Symmonds & Billy Nelson

The Top 10 Best & Worst of 2012

At The End of the year there are always the best & worst list of everything so here is mine

Best
10-People wanting my pic/one autograph of me at The Olympic Track Trials
this one is on the list it made me feel like I was wanted and loved in this sport of Distance Running

9-Billy Nelson
This is on the best list cause I got to run with Billy at The Olympic Track Trials on Pre's Trail and he has become my Steeplechase Coach and I call him Coach Yelawolf

8-#BEARDTC
Why this is on the best list is cause me, A.J. Acosta & John Jefferson all had beard in the year 2012 and made it a tread for everyone in distance running to follow

7- Mo Farah/Tigermoney-"Do The Mobot"
Mo Farah won both the 10K & 5K at The Olympics and brought Distance Running back to The UK and there was a musical group Tigermonkey that did a dance crazy based upon his Mobot called "Do The MoBot"

6-Meeting My Running Idol
Why this on the list is cause everyone wants to meet there sports idol and I got to meet them:, ie A.J. Acost, J. Mac, Nick Symmonds, Trey Hrdee,  John Jefferson, Stephaine Garcia, Shannon Rowbury, Lauen Fleshman, Geena Gall & Shayla Houlihan

5-Alan Wedd vs. Fam
why this is on the list cause Fam was mad that Webb got into the Olympic Track Trials and he didn't so he got this twitter followers to call the USATF

4-Galen Rupp
This in on the list cause he won the 10K & 5K at Olympic Track Trials with breaking Pre's break in one of the race & at The Olympic he got a Silver Medal in the 10K. Take that all you Galen Rupp Haters

3-Comback
this is the year of the comebacks with Trey Hardee, Chris Solinsky & Lauren Fleshman

2-Nick Symmonds Fighting For Track
need I say more

1-Olympic Track Trials
I don't think I need to say anymore

Worst
10-Women's 100 At Olympic Track Trials
The Tie Heard Around The World

9-Alice Schmidt's Olympic 1500
Almost in Medal contention with one lap left Alice Schmidt fell in the race and I think if she didn't fall we would have a medal in the women's 1500 from the Olympic

8-Men's & Women's Olympic 1500
why this on the worst list is cause of Alice Schmidt's fall in the 1500 final, and maybe the scandal of steroids for the winner of the Men's 1500 & 1st & 2nd place in the Women's 1500

7-ESPN'S Top 10
This on the list cause when Ashton Easton got the World Record in the Decathlon ESPN's Top 10 only put the World Recod at number 10 when this was BIGGER than the other nine on there top 10 list for the day

6-Fam not getting to run the Steeplechase at The Olympic Track Trials
I don't need to say anything more

5-Timing at DI XC Nationals
This is on the worst list cause they had Oregon Women winning the DI XC Nationals, then other team, then Oregon, then other team & then lastly Oregon won really won DI Women's XC National

4-Media not caring about the Olympic 10K, 5K & 1500
This is on the list cause the media, like The Today Show, didn't care about 10K, 5K & 1500 at The Olympic cause they didn't have Galen Rupp & Mo Farah on the show and Matt Lauer talked like why is the 10K important at this Olympics like nobody care that Mo Farah won the 10K & American Galen Rupp got a Silver Medal.

3-Jeremy Warnier Autograph
this on the list cause Jeremy Warnier is my favorite and only male sprinter I love to death but after this prelimary, semi-finals & finals he didn't sign an autographs for anyone at The Olympic Track Trials

2-Nick Symmonds
this on the list for the USATF making him covering up his temperory tattoo that a Milwaukee Company, Hanson Dodge paid to get him signed to them

1-Five Finger Shoes
This is number one on the worst list for the second year in a row

70th Interview UCLA's David McDonald

my 70th Interview is about UCLA's own David McDonald
1. How did you get started in running?
I started running Track as a freshman in high school, but i played football until my sophomore year. After getting hurt in track my coach suggested i run Cross Country. When Junior year came around I joined Cross and became a full time runner (Besides when i wrestled in the winter).

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
It's hard to explain to people that aren't runners why we do what we do but, I try to tell them that its a Sport in the purest form. You get out of it what you put into it and you can make it as serious or as relaxed as you want.

3. What are you current PR's?
3k steeple: 8:59
flat 3k : 8:20
XC 8k: 24:06
10k: 30:14

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I always make sure to get the little things done when I have time to. Whether its studying or running a double in between classes, I take advantage of every break i have. Its much easier with awesome teammates that are always there to help.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Anthony "FAM" Famiglietti cause he's one tough mother and my Coach, Forest "The Boise Bruiser" Braden. For the exact same reason!

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing about being a distance runner is being able to eat whatever i want when I am running 100 mile weeks.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment of my career was post season this cross season. Pac 12's all the way to nationals was an amazing 3 weeks and I've never had so much fun.

8. Goals for 2013?
I just want to end my career satisfied and knowing I did everything i could to help my team. A big steeple PR would be nice too!

69th Interview Syracuse's Joey Whelan

The 69th Interview is about about Syracuse's own Joey Whelan
1. How did you get started in running?
I got involved with running because of my dad. My dad’s a runner and he always took me to his races when I was younger. I eventually ran a few races with him and saw some success and stuck with it.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
To be honest I often exaggerate and lie to the people who don’t understand distance running. I try to make our sport sound harder than other sports. I’m also known to lie about my track pr’s but I would never lie to you Derek Rubis. Never.

3. What are you current PR's?
Mile: 4:12, 3k: 8:30, 3k steeple: 8:53, 5k: 14:57, 8k(xc): 24:12, 10k(xc): 30:24

4.How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Being a college Athlete-Student is all about managing time and priorities.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I’m a fan of any runner who breaks 13 in the 5k, 8:15 in the steeple and 27:30 in the 10k

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best: winning
Worst: losing

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment was winning the Big East team title in cross this year. It was Syracuse’s last year in the conference so it was very special.

8. Goals for 2013?
Stay healthy
Improve my PR's

68th Interview University of New Mexico's Elmar Engholm

Interview #68th is about University of New Mexico's own Elmar Engholm
1. How did you get started in running?
My dad was a professional runner and my mom was a good runner and jumper so it is in my blood. I didn't start running until I was 15 as I played soccer and ice-hockey, which is big where I come from. I spent a year in Michigan running at high school when I turned 16 and went from there.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
It has to be experienced. There is nothing like being in "the zone" and finishin a race knowing you did your best. Some things cannot be experienced in the physical world and has to come from inside; running is one of those things.

3. What are you current PR's?
800: 1.49
1500: 3.44
Mile: 4.09
3k: 8.37
3k steeple: 9.01
8k XC: 24.27
10 XC: 30.36
The 30m "run-from-angry-German-person" dash: 2,7 seconds and a bruised knee

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I eat a lot of pancakes and play video games! No, jokes aside the key is just managing your time and make good decisions. I build my days around practice and try to fit in several meals (diet is key) and studying at appropriate times. If I can balance my life sucess on the track and in the classroom comes with it.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
 I have the most respect for people who are dedicated to what they do. I have seen many super-talanted runners throw away their career by making dumb decisions, but equaly I have seen many less talanted runners dedicate themselves to the sport and be the best they can be. I love that. I think a runner like Seb Coe fits into these criterias and a college runner I look up to is my team mate Ross Millington. I also want to mention my bro Graham Thomas who may seem like an unlikely NCAA D1 runner but I know he works hard every day and it will pay off. You heard it from me first!

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing: Crossing the finish line and collapse 'cause you know you couldn't have gone faster!
Worst: Morning practice..

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
NCAA XC nationals was an awesome experience. So many fans, so many talanted runners! I ran my life's best race when I needed it the most!

8. Goals for 2013?
First off we want to put a DMR in NCAA indoor nationals. Personally for outdoors I want to run a sub-1.48 in the 800, a 3.40 in the 1500m, 14.15 in the 5k and 8.40 in the 3k steeple, but I am not limiting myself to any set times so only time and many miles will tell where I will end up.

67th Interview Syracuse's Forrest Misenti

This Interview is about Syracuse's own Forrest Misenti and he is a newly uncle

1. How did you get started in running?
I began running because of my father. He’s somebody that I have always looked up to and I want to be like, so I followed his footsteps. My first 5k race I competed in was when I was 5 years old. In my first year of high school, I was pretty torn on whether I wanted to try and make it in snowboarding or just be a full time runner. I ended up snowboarding the entire indoor season instead of participating in indoor track, but that was my last year of missing any running seasons.
2 . What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
It’s hard to get those people to understand because our sport is so unique. For some reason I really enjoy the grind and pain from a hard race or workout, which doesn’t exactly make sense to even me.
3. What are you current PR's?
1500m – 3:50 (2009, outdoors) 5000 – 14:26 (2011, indoors) 10000m – 29:55 (2010, cross country)
4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I try to manage my time to where I can fully dedicate myself to running and then complete everything necessary for school. Like most people, school stresses me out, so I try my best to avoid procrastination.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I spent a large amount of my running career looking up to Martin Fagan, but unfortunately he made decisions that have naturally changed some of my views. Many of my friends knew how heartbroken I was when it came out that he used EPO. Over the summer, I got the opportunity to run with one of my favorite runners of all time, Craig Mottram. He really gave a lot of people the hope and realization that through hard work, you really can bridge the gaps and compete with the “untouchable”. My favorite American is Matt Centrowitz because of his tenacity and drive to win. My final two are Kyle Heath and Chris Fox. Both individuals have shaped me and helped me become the runner I am today.
6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing about distance running is the feeling you get after a very successful workout or race, especially as a team. It’s a hard feeling to replicate in other aspects of life, but I’m sure anyone reading this understands what I’m talking about. The worst is any injury taking you away from running. I had a long time of being undiagnosed with very deficient vitamin D level, which caused a lot of stress fractures and other issues (hence why I missed so many seasons of track at Syracuse).

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Winning Big East in 2010 at “home” (Jamesville, NY – Syracuse was host). It was an incredible feeling, especially to accomplish it in front of tons of Syracuse fans and my family. That day will always be special to me.
8. Goals for 2013?
This has been the longest time uninjured in a few years for me, so I’m fairly optimistic. I’d really like to run under 3:45 in the 1500m, 14:00 in the 5000m and 29:00 in the 10000m and to come away with a Big East title somewhere in there. My ultimate goal is to run fast enough to join a group when I graduate at the end of this year!

66th Interview DIII UW-La Crosses Josh Kaul

This interview of DIII UW-La Crosse's own & My Original Lil' Bro Josh Kaul
1. How did you get started in running?
I got into running with the goal of beating my dad's time in the mile. He was a 4:24 miler in high school and i figured that would be a piece of cake. That and i sucked at other sports. My dad was the head coach for my baseball team and he had me in Left field or on the bench.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
No Answer

3. What are you current PR's?
My PR's are curently 4:23.9 for the mile
54 for the 400 meter
2:03 for the 800
1:13 something for the half marathon.

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I manage the college and running life actually quite well. Running forces me to use my time wisely instead of just trying to chase some tail or play mario kart.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite professional runner was Mr. Billy Mills. True underdog if you ask me. inspires all of us Native Americans.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Worst thing about being a distance runner is all the chicks that flock to you after a good race. All i want to do is do some homework or watch friends and they always blow up my phone asking me to come over and play.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Best moment of my running career was all of the friends and enemies that i have made. I have had some great leaders who have been great inspirations to me.

8. Goals for 2013?
Goals for 2013, I want to try and get our band Ninth Street Snooch Wranglers some more popularity and get on the same level as Nate S.

65th Interview University of New Mexico's Patrick Zacharias

This interview is of University of New Mexico's own Patrick Zacharias
1. How did you get started in running?
Back in 7th grade I ran a pretty quick mile in P.E. and it just so happened that the P.E. teacher was also the middle school cross-country coach. He ended up talking me into going out for the team that year…the rest is history.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I don’t really tell people anything. They all just think we’re missing a few screws, and I know they can never fully understand why we do what we do. Hell, I’m not even sure exactly what it is about distance running that makes it so addictive to me, but I find peace in my ignorance.

3. What are you current PR's?
5000m = 14:23
3000m = 8:16

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
My first two years I had a hell of a time with managing my school, running, and social life. But since transferring back to the University of New Mexico, I have really committed to getting my work done on and off the track, and not letting extraneous things get in the way. I think focus and positivity are key to dealing with the constant stressful schedule.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Favorite professional runner is definitely Bernard Lagat. I spent a lot of time with him while at the University of Arizona, and he is such a humble and funny guy, its awesome to be around him.
For college runners, it’s definitely all of my teammates at both the University of Arizona and my new ones in New Mexico. All of those people are absolutely amazing, both as teammates and friends, and I am definitely blessed to have them all in my life.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best: The sense of achievement after working your ass off for so many months and seeing it all finally come together, along with all the awesome friendships you make in the process.
Worst: Injuries and the depression that can come with them. Also I’m not a huge fan of the cool
down run, so that’s definitely on there as well.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Winning conference as a team this year was pretty awesome, because it was the first championship win of my college career, and everyone back in New Mexico was siked about our accomplishment.

8. Goals for 2013?
Definitely to lower all of my PB’s, and get a 10k on the track in. Sub 14, sub 8, and maybe close to 29:15 in the 10k. Also getting a chance to run some miles indoors so lowering my PB in that as well.
But above all to just enjoy the ride, and make the most out of the second chance that Coach Franklin gave me at UNM.

64th Interview Syracuse's Andrew Palmer

The 6th Interview is about Syracuse's own Andrew Palmer
1. How did you get started in running?
I got started in running as an freshman in high school. My older brother was a senior on the cross country team so I decided I would try out for the team. I was planning on playing basketball in the winter, but really liked running after the fall so have been doing it ever since.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
A lot of times people don't understand the details about distance running but they have a lot of respect for what we do because they know how much work it takes to be successful.

3. What are you current PR's?
3k-8:15 5k-14:21

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I would say that the most important part about being a college student and a distance runner is balancing your time. You need to make sure that you take care of your work at a reasonable time so that you can get to bed at a good time. Sometimes you have to make a choice whether to study a little extra for a test or get to bed on time.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite college distance runners are all my syracuse teammates especially Joe Whelan Forrest Misenti Jon Squeri and Marty Hehir (congrats on winning Big East). Kyle Heath and Matthew Centrowitz are my favorite pro runners. Kyle he is a Syracuse Alum and a great steepler and Matthew because were both from Maryland and I got to be in some of the same races as him when I was a freshman in high school and he was a senior. Chris Fox is my favorite professional runner from the past.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
 Best thing about running is the feeling you get cooling down with your teammates after you have all run a good race.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
 My favorite moment of my distance running career would have to be winning the team title at Big East Cross Country this year. It was something we had been looking to win since last fall and it really meant a lot for us to win the last title before leaving for the ACC.

8. Goals for 2013?
In 2013 I would really like to break 14:00 indoors, and make a successful steeple debut outdoors. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two about the steeple?

I think I could

63rd Interview University Of Florida's JL Hines

This interview is about University Of Florida's own JL Hines
1. How did you get started in running?
 I got started in a few ways. Back in middle school I played lacrosse, basketball, and soccer and was very mediocre at all 3. My dad was training for a marathon when I was in 7th and 8th grade. I used to wake up before dawn (and before my lacrosse games) with him on Saturday mornings and ride my bike with his water bottle while he did his 20-22 miler. When I got to high school I was running around the track in gym class and our cross country coach asked me to run on the team.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I usually describe to people my normal day and normal mileage totals. I think that for those that don't get running competitively it's hard to explain a race but you can make them understand that in one week I've run the distance from Gainesville to my hometown of Orlando.

3. What are you current PR's?
Currently I've run:
1500m- 3:59
3000m- 8:26
5000m- 14:59
8k- 24:00 at Pre-Nats this year.
10000m- 30:40
2012 was a big breakout year for me.

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
It's not easy to balance school, athletics and a personal life. Obviously the biggest thing is time management and knowing the times of day where you are most productive. For me, it's the morning. I'll wake up a little earlier than I have to for practice to start working on school assignments or readings and have a second cup of coffee when practice is over to continue through the morning and early afternoon. I can't do work in the evenings. It's time for me to relax but some of my teammates are serious night owls and sleep during the day.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I'm a huge fan of running. It's crazy to be in college and race against some of the guys you looked up to while in high school but my favorite professionals have to be Cam Levins and Chris Solinsky. You have to admire the blue-collar work ethic they have. I try to approach my training the same way. And, being a runner that is never going to be 130 pounds, Solinsky gives a role model for the "big" runners.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing about distance running: The feeling of a breakout race. The payoff for all the hard work you've done.
Worst thing about distance running: Never being satisfied and always knowing your exact place on the totem poll. Which isn't all that bad when you think about it. It gives guys who have mild success, like myself, a reason to keep going. We still have so much more to achieve!

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment of my distance running career has to be helping my little brother through his tempo run last Christmas. He started running last year as a freshmen in high school and my dad is now the high school coach at my alma mater (he wasn't while I was there). Running has brought us boys closer than ever and I couldn't be happier or more proud of seeing my brother make his entrance to competitive running. He inspires me to never stop especially knowing that he is only 4 years behind me!

8. Goals for 2013?
I have a lot of goals for 2013. I had a big year in 2012 going from a 25:40 8k guy at SECs in 2011 to a 24:00 8k guy this past October. I hope to improve on my success and hopefully make the jump to the next level. 24-flat guys are a dime-a-dozen in today's NCAA and that's not what I want to be! I know that as long as I stay fit and healthy then my training will take me there.

62nd Interview Graham Thomas

This interview is of New Mexico's Graham Thomas

1. How did you get started in running?
My dad was running about 50 miles a week when I was younger. Sometimes I would go run with and eventually I ran some 5ks and he noticed I had some decent talent

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
It's a sport for the mentally strong. If you can't deal with the pain than its not for you
3. What are you current PR's?
I haven't broken a PR since high school but this indoor & outdoor season I will definitely
1500m 4:15
1600m 4:23
800m 1:59

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
For me it is fairly easy. It's all about keeping a balance between the two.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Right now its Elmar Engholm because I spend everyday with him and I see how good he is. Matt Centrowitz is my favorite Pro runner. He is the best tactical runner out there right now.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing about running is the amazing people you meet and and being able to break new barriers and push yourself.
7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
For the moment is making the UNM team coming from a small rural area.
8. Goals for 2013?
I want to break all my PRs. Run a 8:45 in the 3k. Go to Junior Nats and make it to Worlds in Poland in March

61st Interview Notre Dame's Jeff MacMillan

This interview is about Notre Dame's own Jeff MacMillan

1. How did you get started in running?
I started running because my 8th grade soccer coach told me I was too small to play, so I decided to give running a shot because when I met the guys on the cross country team it seemed like a great group of guys and then it would be a lot of fun.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
Usually I end up telling people that I can't exactly put into words what it means to be a distance runner, but it's just part of who I am and it's something I just love to do.

3. What are you current PR's?
Mile-4:16, 3k-8:33 (but I ran 8:22 in practice a few weeks ago), 5k-14:16 (definitely my best distance).

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Sometimes it is definitely hard to balance athletics and academics, but it's just something I've gotten used to over the years. I have to be very efficient with my time so that I am able to finish my schoolwork without sacrificing any of my training.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
One of my current favorite runners is definitely Dathan Ritzenhein, since he is from Michigan. Overall, Pre is definitely my favorite runner of all time, because his overall attitude towards running is the attitude I strive to have in my running career.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing-Teammates
Worst thing-Having a bad race

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Well this doesn't involve me, but watching our DMR team win indoor NCAAs last year was unbelievably awesome. But for me, running at Regionals and Nationals this year while the rest of our team was cheering like madmen for us was pretty awesome as well.

8. Goals for 2013?
Sub 14:00 in the 5k, go to regionals and then see what happens there-I just want to end my running career on a high note!

60th Interview Iona's Otis Ubriaco

This interview of Iona's own Otis Ubriaco
1. How did you get started in running?
 I started running to try and train for football and basketball. Ended up being pretty good at it and enjoyed it a lot more and got along with my coach incredibly. So I made the switch when I was around 15.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
There's not much I can really say to let them understand so I just say I find enjoyment in running mileage and I love racing.

3. What are you current PR's?
Current Pr's are sadly almost all from when I was around 16 (hopefully soon to change now I have a good chunk of training under my belt). 3200- 9:03 1600- 4:12 5k-14:57 8k-24:54 and 800-1:56.

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Just a lot of focus during the day. If I dedicate a lot of my day to work between classes where I wouldn't be doing anything I don't need to worry about it after practice and can get to sleep when I feel like

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I am honestly no great student of the sport but from what I've read and seen my favorite pro athlete from the past is Gerry Lindgren, the amount of mileage and dedication he had coupled with what he did for the sport of American distance running is truly amazing. Plus he seems to come off as a pretty great guy. Present pro athlete is probably Ritz no great reason I just love his interviews and attitude I talked to him briefly once and he came off as a genuine guy compared to others I have met. College runners I don't really find myself putting too many people on a pedestal but I have enjoyed watching both Donn Cabral and Chris Derrik. Both of them have some tenacity and a will to win is something I admire as a runner.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing about distance running is probably just the benefit when it comes to racing. I love it so when it pays off in a good race life is great. Worst thing is probably strides. I know that probably sounds weird but I hate strides just never enjoyed it all I still do them just never a fan.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Favorite moment to this point was probably going to NXNs my junior year of high school. I won the qualifier and my team went so the combo of a great team and individual day just was great. Hopefully that will change soon, would like to have some good college memories.

8. Goals for 2013?
I just want to change who I am as a runner it has been a rough couple years but at this point I'm not sick and completely healthy so no excuses just need to put myself where I feel I should be.

59th Interview's DIII Sprinter Andrew Fix

This interview is of DIII Carroll University Sprinter/Mid-Distance Runner Andrew Fix

1. How did you get started in running?
- Well in 5th grade we had to run the mile for gym class... I came pretty close to breaking out elementary school record! The gym teacher suggested that I keep running to try and break it.. Haven't looked back since.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of running?
- If you don't like it... you don't like it... I understand that there are many people that don't like running in an oval on the track... I try to get those people started anyways somehow, running's for everybody.

3. What are you current PR's?
- 4x4 split: 50.2, 800: 1:57.05

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college runner?
- As each year goes by it gets a little bit more difficult since the course load grows and grows. I've been doing it so long though, having part of my day spent at practice is just something that I'm used to. I was a 3 sport athlete in high school, and a 2 sport athlete now in college. I just try to make sure to get the school work done right away rather than putting it off till the last minute.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college runner(s) past and/or present & why?
- I haven't really watched professional running too much, mainly I like watching the sprints and the mid-distance races... Ashton Eaton has probably got the be my favorite to watch right now though. He has such great talents in so many different events, it's fun to watch.

6. What's your favorite memory of Coach Shawn Thielitz?
- Watching Coach T. be a little kid at heart when he decides to run a race at one of our home meets. It's awesome to see how much enthusiasm he has for the team an how much he enjoys being with all of us.

7. Best or Worst thing about being a runner?
- Its a great way to meet a lot of new people, build great friendships, feed your need for competition, and its something that you can continue to do for your entire life.

8. Your Favorite Moment of your running career?
- This is a hard choice, but it has to be anchoring the Carroll 4x4 to a Indoor Conference Championship my freshman year. I couldn't believe coach decided to let a freshman anchor the relay, and we took home the gold medal

9. Goals for 2013?
- Since I had hip surgery a few weeks ago, and I'll be having another one this January, I'm hoping to just get back in shape this year after I'm all healed up and rehab'ed from the surgeries. I plan on watching all my Carroll teammates put on a show this season.

58th Interview Marquette's Jack Senefeld

my 58th Interview is about Marquette's own Jack Senefeld, one great guy and member of the #BEARDTC
1. How did you get started in running?
A good friend of mine (Zach) convinced me to begin running cross country when I was a freshman in high school. To this day, any running goal that I accomplish Zach will take credit for.
2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell them to follow you (Derek) on Twitter, then they’ll understand distance running.
3. What are you current PR's?
1500- 3:54, 3K- 8:21, 5K- 14:34, and 200m- 24.4 (hand timed)
4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
To be honest, I don’t know how I would be a college student without being a distance runner. If I didn’t have the opportunity to blow off steam on runs and “bro out” in the locker room, I don’t know what I would do. But becoming aware of where you spend your time is essential in college athletics. I keep a closer eye on how I budget my time than how I budget my wallet…

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Chris Solinsky is my favorite professional runner. I have known Chris since I began running and he has always been an inspiration to me. He is just a down to Earth, Stevens Point kind of guy.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing: Running down the center line on an empty road when it’s snowing too much for cars to be out
Worst thing: Having to “relieve” yourself in the woods when there are no leaves on the trees…

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Winning the WIAA cross-country team state title my senior year. Can’t ask for anything more in running than to win in the post-season with your teammates.

8. Goals for 2013?
Biggest goal is to be healthy for the entire year, I haven’t done that since I have been in college.

57th Interview Boise State's Barak Watson

This interview is about Boise State's Barak Watson and the newest member of #BEARDTC

1.How did you get started in running?
My dad got me into running. He ran a few marathons and would let me ride my bike with him. I told him I wanted to start running and he started going on shorter runs with me. Through out all the times running has been tough for me he’s always kept me going.

2.What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
It depends what they don’t get about it. For some it’s simply too much work or too hard, others simply just don’t enjoy it. One thing I tell people is that running becomes much more enjoyable the more you do it and the more fit you become.

3. What are you current PR's?
14:31 5k, 4:13 mile, 23:59 8k

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Time management is key. Being good at anything takes diligence and you have to apply the same work and diligence you have in running to the other areas of your life.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I’ve always been a fan of Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovette and all those guys duking it out in the 80s. I wish we could have some intense rivalries like that now. I’m also a fan of Haile Gebresalasi. He’s a great example of someone who uses his success to help others less fortunate than himself

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The camaraderie that comes from being teammates on a distance team is great. There aren’t many other opportunities where you are given the chance to travel around the country together competing.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Winning the Chareles Bowles Invite in Salem or winning the GNAC conference 10k

8. Goals for 2013?
Throw down some fast times on the track and make it to nationals

1st Annual Distance Running Awards

The end of the year is coming upon us and I thought I would do the First Annual Distance Awards for you guys. So here are the winners of these different awards

Best Stache Award
Men (4 Way Tie)
Justin Aln (DIII Augustana Runner), Nathan J. Smith (DIII Augustana Runner), Will Leer & Me (Derek Rubis)

Women
New Mexico XC Team

Best Track Website(2 Way Tie)
Flotrack & RunnerSpace

Top 10 Track Mix Songs Of The Year
1. Robbie Williams-"Candy"
2. Pink-"Try"
3. Ke$ha-"Die Young"
4. Maroon 5-"One More Night"
5. The Wanted-"I Found You"
6. Karmin-"Hello"
7. Travis Barker & Yelawolf featuring Tim Armstrong-"6 Feet Underground"
8. One Direction-"Live Where We're Young"
9. The Killers-"Miss Atomic Bomb"
10. Ellie Goulding-"Anything Can Happen"

Most Underrated Distance Athlete
Men
John Jefferson

Women
Stephaine Garcia (Jefferson)

Best Mid-Distance Athlete
Men
Nick Symmonds & Duane Solomon

Women
Shannon Rowbury

Best Long Distance Athlete
Men
Galen Rup, Evan Jager & Billy Nelson

Women
Emma Corburn & Shayla Kipp

Best Comback Of The Year
Men
Chris Solinsky

Women
Lauren Fleshman

Best International Distance Athlete Of The Year(4 Way Tie)
Mo Farah, Nick McCormick, Ciaran O'Lionaird, Mitch Goose

Best Races Of The Year
Male
Olympic 800 & Evan Jager's American Record Steeplechase

Female
Olympic Trials Women's 5K

Best Track & Field Athlete Outside Distance Running
Men
Trey Hardee

Women
Chante Lowe & Brigetta Barrett

Best Track Meet
Olympics & Olympic Trials

Best XC Meet
DIII & DI XC Nationals

College Teams Of The Year
Men
DI- Oklahoma State
DII- Adam State
DIII- North Central

Women
DI- Oregon
DIII- UW-Oshkosh

Best College Distance Runner Of The Year
Men
DI- Lawi Lalang & Maverick Darling
DII- Mat Daniels (Adam State)
DIII- Tim Nelson (UW-Stout)

Women
DI- Sara Koll
DIII- Christy Cazzola (UW-Oshkosh)

Best Bearded Distance Athlete
A.J. Acosta, John Jefferson, Ian Dobson, & Barak Watson (Boise State)

Coach Of The Year
Men
Billy Nelson

Women
Shayla Houlihan

The 56th Interview Oklahoma State's Craig Nowak

This interview is about Craig Nowak, who was there to watch the Oklahoma State win 2012 XC Team Champion, from Oklahoma State

1. How did you get started in running?
 I started running when I decided to give cross country a try in 7th grade.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell them that it's actually a lot more complex and strategical than you would think.

3. What are you current PR's?
2 Mile: 8:49, Mile: 4:06, 5k: 14:37

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I don't find it too terribly hard... making sure to not procrastinate is probably my number one key

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Favorite pro: German Fernandez, Favorite College Runner: My teammate Shadrack Kipchirchir

I love these two runners as well

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best: You can accumulate a nice thigh tan during the warm months. Worst: Side-cramps

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Watching my team win the NCAA XC Championship this year!

That is an amazing moment from this year

8. Goals for 2013?
Goals for 2013: Stay healthy, uninjured, and be an All-American

55th Interview Columbia University's Mark Feigen

This interview is about Columbia University's Mark Feigen

1. How did you get started in running?
My elementary school hosted a 5k fun run every year and when I was in first or second grade my mom had me train for a week or two leading up to the race. I trained a little bit longer and ran a little faster every year for the remainder of my elementary school days. Then in middle school, I didn't make the soccer team so I joined cross country.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I find that most people have a pretty good grasp of running and at least pretend to be interested when I tell them about it.

3. What are you current PR's?
800: 1:50
1500: 3:43
5000: 14:25
10k XC: 30:25

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
For the most part, I don't have a problem balancing my school work with my training. Sometimes during midterms and finals periods some work will pile up, but I can count the number of times I've sacrificed sleep for school work on one hand. Running is a lot more rewarding to me than anything I have ever done in the classroom, so it doesn't make sense for me to ever really pick school over training.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite college distance runners have got to be all of my teammates at Columbia. I'm halfway through my fourth year with a lot of these guys and they are definitely the best people/training partners/friends I can imagine. In terms of professional runners, Delilah DiCrescenzo and Liam Boylan-Pett are both Columbia alums so I gotta support them. Erik van Ingen made a movie about me, so he's up there too.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing is probably that I can binge eat pretty frequently and always have a run the next day where I can burn those calories off. Excessive eating is a big thing on our team, and my roommate Mike Murphy is the self-proclaimed best eater in the NCAA (he accepts all challenges via twitter @MikeMurphy672). If we didn't run, we would just be schlops.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment of my career has probably been placing second as a team at the NCAA Regional meet this year and auto-qualifying for NCAA's. I was sidelined with an injury last year and watched our guys qualify for nationals for the first time in program history. It was an awesome thing to watch, but it was also really hard to not be out there running with them. Being able to come back and qualify again this year (getting an auto bid this time) with all of my friends and teammates around to celebrate with afterwards was an awesome experience.

8. Goals for 2013?
I have a lot of goals for 2013. Breaking 4 minutes in the mile is definitely a big one. I'd like to qualify for my first NCAA meet as an individual, and just to be healthy and racing all year.

54th Interview 2012 DIII XC Champion Tim Nelson

This interview is about 2012 DIII XC Champion & UW-Stout Distance Runner Tim Nelson

1. How did you get started in running?
I got started in running my senior year of high school because I kept getting my ass beat in football. I broke 3 bones in 3 years. I was terrible - I knew it and my friends let me know it too. I wanted to excel at something and I knew running was my best shot (based on the gym class mile!). I started running year round and fell in love with the sport and especially the great people you meet people!

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell people that it's a lot of work, but it really makes me a better person. I'm always striving to be the best I can possibly be. Always trying to find a tiny way to be a snitch better. That stuff carries over into the rest of my life, so the benefits are compounded. Also, the friendships you make on a 15 mile run in 20 MPH winds and sleet aren't ones easily broken. Truth be told, I know more about my teammates than I probably would want to.... And running keeps me from getting fat. It's an ongoing battle.

3. What are you current PR's?
12.8 100m(!), 8:15 3k, 13:57 5k, 23:54 8k, 29:35 10k

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
For me, being a runner makes me a better student. My freshman year I developed a naughty side that I'm not terribly proud of. Running competitively keeps me on the straight and narrow. It's taught me so much about how to be my best. I'm a much better student now than I was before I ran.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite all time runner is Quentin Cassidy. I mean 3:52 against John Walton speaks for itself. I wish so bad I could live in a cabin in Florida and run 60 quarters at 63... but some dreams will probably never be realized. My favorite real runner is Dick Beardsley. He came from humble beginnings and improbably became one of the best runners on the planet. It just goes to show that dreams can become reality, and that you don't need some fancy pedigree to kick ass.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing about distance running is the relationships I've built. I have good friends all over the nation because of this sport. I don't think I could have that if I did anything else. Also, my relationship with God is much, much stronger because of running. We runners were able to start a Bible study here at Stout that I really enjoy and think we get a lot out of. The impact I've been able to make on my campus because of running has also been extremely worthwhile.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment was when UW Stout got fourth place in the nation in Indoor track 2012. I had to win the 5k in order for us to get a team trophy. I didn't know if it was possible. When we found out that we had got fourth we went absolutely crazy. To share that with teammates who worked so hard for that was really satisfying! GO BLUE DEVILS!

8. Goals for 2013?
Goals for 2013 are to keep my mileage high, keep getting more fit, train as hard as I possibly can (intelligently), run a half marathon, and find a team or club to join so I can get serious about running after college.

53rd Interview DIII UW-oshkosh's Jake Hansen

This interview is about one of my Lil' Bros, UW-Oshkosh's own Jake Hansen. He is a Running "Killer".

1. How did you get started in running?
I was going to play football in high school, but realized after the first day of practice that 4 ft 10 in (90lbs)was not large enough. So i tried Cross country. The rest is history.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell them that it's the original sport.It requires mor hard work, time, and commitment than any other sport offered at the collegiate level.

3. What are you current PR's?
Current PRs mile 4:27 5k 15:38 800 1:58.2

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
It can be tough at times. Practicing 3 hours a day is alot of time. Cramming all your classes in before 3:00 can be tricky, but it comes with the territory

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I'd say Jordan McNamara and Chris Solinsky are my favorite male elite athletes. I have a very un-healthy obsession with Kara Goucher as well. My favorite collegiate runner is Steven Stasek from the UWO squad.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing about it is the feeling you get when you cross the finish line after a PR performance. The worst thing,in my opinion, is being injured

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment of my distance career was probably my DNF last year at the Lawrence invitational. I had a bit of a collision with a tree. You can't replicate those kinds of experiences. It's something I can never live down, so might as well embrace it

8. Goals for 2013?
Stay Healthy. Run Fast.

52nd Interview The Sexy Riley Master

This interview is of Univeristy of Oklahoma's Sexy Riley Master

1. How did you get started in running?
 I started running my freshman year of High School. I got cut from the baseball team and decided to give track a shot. Honestly, I wasn't very good at all when I started running. My best 2 mile time after my freshman year was 12:30ish.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
  I can't say I have bumped into too many people who don't understand distance running. Most people can relate to it because they ran the mile in gym class or something like that. Comparing mile times with people who don't run is always fun.

3. What are you current PR's?
My most notable PR would be 3:37 in the 1500.

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Budgeting your time well is helpful when it comes to training and going to school at the same time. Sometimes as a student and runner you have to make some sacrifices to make sure you can keep up with both your training and school work.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I had the privilege of meeting Dick Beardsley last summer and he really inspired me. I would encourage all runners to learn about his story.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best part about running, for me, has to be the friendships I have made. Running is a unique sport where you can be fiercely competitive with someone on the track and then their best friend off the track. You don't see that in a lot of other sports.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite memory from my running career is the moment I broke 4 minutes for the first time. I can't explain the different emotions that cast over you when you break it but it is a feeling that I will always remember.

8. Goals for 2013?
Get face-in-the-holed a few more times.

Oh you will, Buddy/Bros For Life

51st Interview University of Arkansas' Eric Fernandez

This interview is about University of Arkansas' Eric Fernandez

1. How did you get started in running?
I started running competitively when I was 12 for an AAU track club called the St. Louis Blazers. I had a really good youth Coach, Blair Porter, who became known for developing some of the best high schoolers in the St. Louis area. The real motivation to want to run actually started by running with my Dad so I could be in better shape for basketball and soccer, but I found out pretty quickly how much I loved racing.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I think that everyone has their own reasons for choosing the sport they play or most admire. And I think no matter what sport someone plays, everyone has a general understanding of the discipline it takes to run. So I just let everyone stay entitled to their opinion, but just let them know how fun races or training can be if you give it a real shot.

3. What are you current PR's?
My PRs are 28:37 10k, 13:53 5k (Indoors), 7:58 3k (Indoors)

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Arkansas has great programs designed to help Student-Athletes manage their time and grades. So I only take 12 hours a semester, utilize or Academic Center, and have been known to write a paper on the 4 hour plane rides to the West coast. It's just all about time management.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I've always looked up to my old teammate Scott MacPherson, who now runs for Rogue in Austin, TX. He just taught me to always remember to have fun, both in training and racing, and if you're disciplined with your running, but also remember to not take it too seriously or over-think everything, the results come.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best thing is accomplishing goals, breaking barriers, and winning. Worst thing is those mornings when there's no motivation, but those are the times it really pays off to push through anyway.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moments at Arkansas have been winning SEC titles. It's a real team effort, and we all sacrifice together to achieve our goal. Now we just need to come together and do it at the NCAA meet before I graduate!

8. Goals for 2013?
My goals are simply to win the SEC and NCAA team titles for Indoors, and to be a scoring member of our team at both meets. And the same for Outdoors. I also have the same 10k PR from my Freshmen year, so I think it's about time I knock that 28:37 down and get a much faster time under my belt!

50th Interview DIII Caroll Univeristy Distance Runner Jay Sparks

This interview is about DIII Carroll Univeristy Distance Runner & my Lil' Bro Jay Sparks

1. How did you get started in running?
Started running in Junior high, my dad ran at Stevens Point and I loved hearing his stories. Wanted to follow in his foot steps.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
Tell them that its all about te runners high, getting into the race and just beleiveing you can do anything.

3. What are you current PR's?
High school 5K 17:19, 8K 28:31, 3K 9:54, Steeplechase 10:53

College 5K 17:06

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
Its very difficult to managing being a student and an athlete. I have to manage my time a lot and expecially this year in Graduate school its been lots harder to deal with the separation from the team and the lack of time to do everything that I need to do.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite past distance runner would be Steve Prefontaine for sure.

Presently I love to watch Evan Jager run, I love watching his steeplechase and see an American do so well in the Olympics.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing about running is the family that I've had over the course of my high school and college career. From guys like Ryan Hanus, Mark Hackett and you Rubis. The worst thing is all the injuries that I've had, its been a hard road. My success make it worth it though.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment was at the end of my senior season, getting put into the Regional meet 20 hours before the race. This sucked in that I ran like shit, but my teammates at the finish line made my day. I was surrounded by my teammates crying from sadness but joy as well.

8. Goals for 2013?
My goal is to run life time PR in the indoor 3K and Outdoor 5K and steeplechase. Maybe try out 400 hurdles again this year!

49th Interview Brandon Dworak

This interview is about one of my best friends and my Bromance, Brandon Dworak

1. How did you get started in running?
I started running competitively when I was 11 years old. My mom got me into some road races and I started running Track & Cross Country at the beginning of junior high

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
A lot of people always say "I don't know you you do it," or "I could never do it." That is the first problem right there, if your mind isn't with it, you might as well not bother. I usually just respond "It's not for everybody."

3. What are you current PR's?
At this current times my PRs are: 5k: 14:52, 10k 31:04, 8k: 24:55, Half Marathon 1:07:17.

4. How do you manage being a college student & Boise State assistant coach with being a college
distance runner?
I will be honest I have to be pretty good at managing my time. Being a full time Grad Student at Boise State, being basically a full time Volunteer Assistant for the Cross Country and Track Teams, along with doing my own training/workouts can be overwhelming at times. What helps is that I can use our practice window to get my own miles in as well. The only time I really stray from what the team is doing is when I do my workouts. The team typically has their workouts in the afternoon at practice time. I will do mine in the morning to avoid conflict. When I am in the midst of a training block, I probably run twice a day 5-6 times a week. I got up to 150 miles a week this fall so that obviously involves a lot of time.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Some of my favorite runners include: Dave Wottle, Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, and Pre. I am also a big fan of Chris Solinsky. I ran for Wisconsin-Stevens Point, that is Chris's hometown, so that made it even easier to admire him.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The best thing about being a distance runner is the places it can take you. Throughout my time competing in high school, collegiately, and post collegiate, i've got to travel to many really neat places, and most importantly made a lot of friendships with people I will share a common bond with forever.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Competing at the DIII XC National Championships in 2007 and 2008 were amazing experiences. However I would have to say my favorite moment was running in the USA Half Marathon Championships this past June. I not only ran my PR, but got to be around people like Abdi and Kara Goucher throughout the weekend which was pretty special. The hospitality they gave the field was also unbelievable. It was neat to get a taste of what it's like to be a professional runner.

8. Goals for 2013?
Really hoping for another breakthrough in 2013. As far as my goals I would like to get under 1:07 in the half. I also am looking to run a full marathon so I can enter Boston in 2014. It would also be nice to take a crack at some of my PR's in the shorter distances by getting into some track or road races. Should be a fun year ahead!

48th Interview Brandon Doughty, University of Oklahoma

this interview of Univeristy of Oklahoma's Brandon Doughty

1. How did you get started in running?
My mom talked my into running for my 6th grade cross country team and I ended up loving it.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
Running is a sport that noone understands until they start doing it and then they fall in love with it almost every time.

3. What are you current PR's?
steeple-9:05 8k-24:34 800-1:52.4

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
You just have to make sure you stay ontop of your studies and not fall behind.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I would have to go with Evan Jager because of his impressive debut season for steeplechase this past track season

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
The closeness of the team is probably my favorite part about being a distance runner.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
My favorite moment thus far would have to be when I won cross country state in high school.

8. Goals for 2013?
My goals are simple, run fast and stary healthy.

47th Interview Marquette's Jack Hackett

This interview is of Marquette's own Jack Hackett

1. How did you get started in running?
I got started running in 7th grade because two of my friends Evan Ross and Mark Allen were doing it, and I didn't want to be the kid on the block who didn't.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I tell people that after 4 or 5 years it isn't that bad...no really I tell them it's fun, good for you, and helps clear your mind.

3. What are you current PR's?
Current PR's 800: 1:55 from way back in high school, despite trying to run it several times in college. Mile: 4:06.6. 3k: 8:08. 5k: 14:14 10K: 30:04

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
I don't really manage it, hasn't been much of a stress and if anything being in season helps keep me on a tighter schedule.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite athletes: Allan Webb was one of the first guys I really liked, guy just put it all out there. So awesome watching the 2007 outdoor champs, probably my favorite race of all time. Keneisa Bekele is another one of my favorites, just one of the purest runners you'll ever see. I could just watch him run and be entertained. Collegiate runners: I like my teammates. I really liked Dan Clarke from ND on the starting line of my first big east final he says to me "lets show them how the big midwest does it" and he went off and killed the field. I like the whole ND crew really, always been nice and sporting. Also they keep kicking my ass, and I really want to get some revenge.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best part is the musculature I've developed. I'm ready to fight anytime... but really it just makes me happy. Worst part is when it's negative 10 and there is a windchill and you don't have a race for a while. Sometimes it's hard to get out there.

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Favorite moment was easily my senior year of high school. Two parts to it. First day of state one of my best friends and I had talked about going 1-2 in the mile for about a year and how awesome that'd be and how we were going to do it. Then Keegan Calmes and I did it, led to a pretty awesome picture of us post race, that I still think he's embarrassed about! The other was the 4 by 8 and kicking down another of my friends, when I almost didn't think we'd be able too, and sharing that with 3 of my other good friends. That whole weekend was something else.

8. Goals for 2013?
Goals for this year are to beat a lot of people. I want to qualify for nationals in either the 5k or 10k and be top three at Big East. That's something I've wanted to do since I got to Marquette, so it'd be nice to get it finally.

46th Interview Oklahoma State Univeristy's Korey Krotzer

This interview is of Stanford's Kenny Krotzer's little brother, Korey Krotzer

1. How did you get started in running?
My journey in running began after watching my brother, Kenny, run middle school track. I really look up to Kenny.

You and me both look up your brother Kenny for different running reasons

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
There's not much I can say if someone doesn't get it. I can't describe the feeling this sport gives me in any amount of sentences.

3. What are you current PR's?
4:10 mile, 9:01 3200

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
It's tough being a student-athlete but my coach, Dave Smith, makes it easier to balance running and school with mandatory study hall and putting an emphasis on school studies.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
My favorite professional runners are German Fernandez and Chris Derrick because I looked up to them when they were collegiate runners and its cool to see them live the dream every runner has. OH and my boy J-Mack, representing Bill Sumner!

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best: Friendship
Worst: Pressure

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Watching my team win NCAAs. Its strange how in a few short months, this team has become more than just a team and watching my brothers lay it all out for their team is a beautiful thing.

8. Goals for 2013?
I don't usually make official goals, but I want to challenge the 3:4-low range in the 1500, make the USA national team in xc and track, and contribute on the OSU nationals squad for 2013 XC

45th Interview National XC Team Championship Oklahoma State's Shane Moskowitz

This interview is about one runner from Oklahoma State 2012 DI National XC Team, Shane Moskowitz. I love this guy like a bro.

1. How did you get started in running?
 I started running in the 7th grade after trial and error in many other sports. I really was not athletic when I was younger so I failed in baseball and basketball and found out that I was decent at running so I stuck with it.

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
There's not much you can do to convince people to enjoy the sport. I feel like it's a personal preference. The only thing I can say is that when they start the sport I can assure them that they will be addicted for life.

3. What are you current PR's?
4:04 (mile) 3:44 (1500m) 8:07 (3000m) 14:26 (5000m)

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
There definitely has to be balance which I can honestly say I'm not the best at handling. But I feel like when your in class you need to be focused on school and when you are on the road grinding out the miles you should put school in the back of your mind.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
I would say ritzenhein from for his high school days! The guy was a beast. And then of course my man German Fernandez who I can say is the most humble elite distance runner I have ever met.

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Worst has to be the way my feet now look hah. Best is the sensation you feel after a big win or PR

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
 I have never been more excited than after winning the national title 2 weeks ago.

I think this is the best moment & memory ever in my book

8. Goals for 2013?
Win another team title, and lower all my personal bests and hopefully qualify for nats outdoor.

44th Interview Iona's Own Matthew Gillespie

Another Interview and this time it is Iona's very own Matthew Gillespie

1. How did you get started in running?
The cops started chasing me and I've been hooked ever since!
Nah, I used to play a little known sport called Rugby and I wasn't very quick so I started running and I found I was ok at it so just kept it up, it's taken me some good places so I'm glad I took it up!

2. What do you tell people that don't get our sport of distance running?
I love running! But I totally get how some people don't get running; I usually just say I get it but give it a go! Also, call it jogging and people usually dig it a little more and that encourages them to start jogging.

3. What are you current PR's?
1500m - 3.48, 3000m - 8.12, 5000m - 13.57. Hopefully, I'll revise them soon but I'm happy with them all nonetheless!

4. How do you manage being a college student with being a college distance runner?
It's pretty easy to be honest. My first degree in the UK was Law and that meant a firm commitment to academics and next to no commitment to running. In my time off from studying, I didn't really take it all that seriously... I partied and ran in equal measure. However, I started to wonder what if I took it seriously, what if I was really committed and that's when coming to the states became an option. Being here, my life is pretty much focused entirely on running. I have 9 hours of class a week and maybe about 3 hours of work so I'm all set really. If I can't get the best out of myself here; I won't be able to do it anywhere. It's an easy lifestyle.

5. Who are your favorite professional and/or college distance runner(s) past and/or present & why?
Professional - gotta be Galen Rupp... what he has done is nothing short of incredible. In a sport dominated by Kenyans he has shown us exactly what Americans (and of course Brits, you know a few hundred years ago he could well have been British) are capable of in distance running.

Collegiate - easy - Chris O'Hare - he's Scottish, I'm Scottish. I think the first time we raced must have been when we were about 10 years old (we're the same age and we were rivals for a while). He's a talented guy, he has worked hard and he puts himself on the line in races which is the perfect combination. I'd put money on him running a scary fast time this year!

6. Best or Worst thing about being a distance running?
Best Things - running miles with people and bantering away, running by myself and getting in the zone. Racing and running till you collapse. Running is one of the only sports in the world when you can race the best even if you are nowhere near their standard. I've raced Bekele, Farah AND Tadesse...
Also, the people you meet from it and the places it's taken me. I'd never have thought my running would take me to NYC and I'd never have thought I'd meet so many different people; just because of a hobby.
Worst things - Curbed social life, coping with high mileage(I like high mileage though), my sickness condition which is really painful at times and hinders my racing ability a lot of the time, early mornings sometimes.. don't get me wrong I love running though

7. Your Favorite Moment of your distance running career?
Breaking 14 mins for 5k was a big deal for me. I did it off 40 miles a week and the deal in my head was if I don't break 14; it's not worth pursuing it over in the states which is essentially full-time. I'd probably have just got a job instead and just ran for fun. Also, Wisconsin Adidas Invitational was huge for me as it showed what I'm capable of. It hasn't gone well for me since then; I've had health issues but I have them under control now. At the end of the day, it's just a sport and I'll be back running well in January/February so it's fine.

8. Goals for 2013?
Contributing to the Iona team as best I can. We had an awful day at NCAA XC and people in this team have to step up to rectify that next year. I'm going to be one of them. I'm going to throw everything into that, ensure my teammates do the same and enjoy the grind along the way and fast times, good races and lots of hard work will be instrumental in that! It'll be a great laugh along the way though!