Trent Briney ran competitively at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Soon after, Trent headed to the Hanson's ODP to train. His breakout race was at the 04' Olympic Trials where he placed 4th, just missing the Olympic team by about 30 seconds. Since 04' Trent has been overcoming an injury that required surgery. Read on to find out about the ups and downs of Trent's training.
RM: How excited are you for the Olympic Marathon Trials and why? Do you look at the Trials as just another marathon? What do they mean to you?TB: My excitement level for the Trials is moderate right now. 5 weeks ago it was growing by the day, but the last 5 weeks have been a rough patch of marathon training for me. I'm healthy and non-injured so that is a really good note, but the workouts have been off. I was hoping to be at about a 5:10 workout pace for the segment and I have had to back off of that pace. So, a little bummed that I haven't been working out to the level I know I can.
The trials in not just a marathon. It's big, its huge and awesome. There are so many people focused on the event and us runners get a 1-day spotlight! The trials also mean alot to me because of the way I performed last time at the trials. People tend to remember the trials more than other marathons and the excitement level is very high all around. In a way its a celebration of running, runners and competition. Those things mean alot to me. You don't see many Americans set out the Olympic Trials so it is really cool to see all of the best guys in one spot. Many of them are friends and training partners and we are all going out to give our best on that day. I'm glad to be out there with others I know and have hopes for each of their goals to go along with my own hopes.
RM: What has changed with your running since the last Trials? What changes have made the biggest difference in your fitness?TB: Changes in my running since the last trials....hmmmm. Tough question. We'll I'd say I have done less work on the track than in the years preceding the 2004 trials. Our team has begun to focus more on road racing so that is one change. Another change has been the number of 2:15 guys that I train with on a daily basis. We have Brian and Clint(Sub 2:15) guys and then Renaeu, Arcinigua, Humprey, Johnson, Moulton, Morgan, and Kyle O'Brien. Last trials we had 3 sub-2:15 guys total. Now we have 10 guys 2:15 and below plus Marty Rosendahl who would have ran 2:15 in his last marathon had a bathroom stop not got in the way. So, much more competition at that 2:14-15 level.
In 2006, I elected to have surgery on an ailing achilles tendon problem. So, after getting my qualifier in Boston in spring of '06, I went for surgery the next week. The surgery was to give extra length to my calf, called a gastroc slide and then a little calcanous shave in behind the base of the heel bone/achilles attachment. This had me taking about 1-1 and 1/2 months off and then gradually working back in the fall of '06. Steadily the mileage has increased over the last year and the pre-surgery fitness has returned. It has been a continued work in progress to regain the form from '04 and pre-surgery.
The biggest difference in my fitness then is where it is coming from. In 2004, I had just been through my first 2 marathon segments. Now, I am just finishing up my first marathon segment since surgery last year and re-adjusting to marathon mileage and workouts.
RM: What do you feel is your biggest advantage to doing well going into the Trials and why?TB: Biggest advantage is that I've seen the course 3 times thanks to Hansons and Saturn and Brooks taking me there during the last year. My second advantage is the strength of the support from my family, my friends, my training partners over the years and the family of Hansons-Brooks powered by Saturn supporters. Lastly, the inner belief in oneself or ones abilities whether that is mine or my training partners. Those are my biggest assets and advantages.
RM: What would it take to make you walk away from the Trials disappointed and why? What would it take to allow you to walk away content from the Trials and why?TB: Well, considering training has been up and down...here are my answers to these two. To be disappointed, I would have to not finish. There is something about finishing, no matter what, that means something to me. To be contented after the trials I would need to run 2:20-2:25 on that course in NYC. I have been working out much closer to 5:20 pace or so and that pace equals a 2:20 marathon. However, the course will have its say as to what the time will be and the place. I was hoping to be going in with the option of being in the front pack or front section of competitors and ready to run 2:15'ish, however training has changed my goals going in, so I'd like to see myself get a respectable time.
RM: What are your thoughts on the level of competition that is going to be toeing the line for the Trials? TB: The competition level at the Trials is going to be spectacular. I have a hard time predicting the 3rd place time in my head. I think 2:13 on that course but who knows with the studs and the 10k guys who are debuting. It only takes 3 people having a good day and there are about 20 people that could really come out big. So many guys with a chance and its not because everyone is slow. Everyone is tough or fast or experienced. I would love to be in shape to stick my nose in it, but that might just have to wait for another day.
RM: How many more Olympic Marathon Trials do you see yourself competing in down the road and why?TB: Hard question.... Some days, I feel like hanging them up and getting a job and making money. Other days, like Chicago Marathon day this year. I was glued to the computer watching live footage(watching competitors throw out their hearts over 26 miles and 2 hours plus, showing their athleticism)... I think why would I ever stop when there are incredible adventures on the roads of Boston, New York, Chicago, etc., etc., etc. to be had. I also, am a slight bit curious to see what my next marathon segment of training would work out like. Sometimes the benefit of training comes in the next segment and I would love to be back at the level of pre-surgery. If that works out well...I sure have some things left to go after. I have a couple goals that still are stuck in my head and will be hard to give up on, if I chose the work route.
