Tom Greenless ran for the University of Michigan. While at the U of M, he focused mainly on middle distance track races and training. Doing what is unthinkable for some middle distance runners, Tom ran his qualifying time of 2:21.16 in his first attempt at the marathon distance. Read on to find out more about what makes Tom tick.
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?
TG: I am very excited. This is a tremendous opportunity to represent my hometown of Milford and The University of Michigan. The trials aren't just any other marathon. It's going to be a strange race with only 134 guys entered. You can't ignore New York City and everything that it brings to the table. It means a lot to be there. Most countries name select their Olympic team from previous performances, but the United States has the best selection process in the world. 1 race, top 3 make it. You better bring your A game that day. No excuses, it is the best way.
RM: What has changed with your running since the last Trials? What changes have made the biggest difference in your fitness?
TG: Well, in 2004 I was running the mile and 3k in college, so this is a lot different. In the last four years I have gone from a 1500m guy to a marathoner, so it's a big step up in distance. The training has changed, but it still revolves around the same principles. Consistency, hard work, and a good base are still key points in my training schedule. In college, I was seeing how fast I could go at top speed, now I'm training to not break down over a long period of time. It's totally different. It is the difference between a quarter mile time for a car and the 24 hours at Le Mans race.
RM: What is your biggest advantage to doing well going into the Trials and why? TG: I was fortunate enough to qualify in my first marathon, so I have had a lot of time to prepare for this race. As I look back at my training for my first marathon, I laugh at some of the things that I did and how I prepared. I have learned a lot more about the marathon and how to train for it.
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?TG: I don't think about disappointment, so I can't really answer that. However, you can't be too upset if you set a new pr. That is the first goal, to improve on my personal best and then go from there. It is a unique race in many ways, and one of them is setting a goal for time and another is setting a goal for place.
RM: What are your thoughts on the level of competition that is going to be toeing the line for the Trials?TG: The level of competition is world class. This is the best group of talent that America has ever produced at one time for the trials. I think each person that qualifies for Beijing has a chance for an Olympic medal.
RM: How many more Olympic Marathon Trials do you see yourself competing in down the road and why? TG: That is a good question. One of my training partners Tom McGlynn is competing in his 3rd trials, so that might be realistic. I'll take them one at a time, this is only my second marathon. I have a long way to go.
