RM: How has the weather been in your area the past few months? Has it affected your training at all and if so, what changes were needed?JR: The past few months we have been experiencing probably the worst winter since I have moved here 4 years ago. It has had more of a mental effect then a physical effect I think. It has forced me to do some treadmill running which I normally would never do. But when you are faced with the choice of 10 degrees and snow or treadmill, the treadmill won more often then the outside elements.
RM: Have you had training partners for most of your runs and workouts or have you been going solo? Why?JR: I have had some training partners here and there for some runs and workouts. I work for Clint Verran and we do Tuesday Night workouts and Saturday Long Runs during the winter months so my die hard training group has been extremely helpful. We have had some rough weather for most of those runs. Other then those two group runs I do a lot of stuff alone mainly due to my schedule.
RM: What workout has given you the most confidence as the trials are almost here? JR: This training segment has not gone as planned at all. I have struggled to hit workouts early on because of some minor injuries. Then about 2 weeks ago I got sick. My body just stopped and I really couldn't run. I was struggling to keep a slight jog. So I really backed off the training and I have just started to add in some more quality.
#4 What would you say is your greatest strength/advantage going into the trials and why? JR: I think the only advantage I have at this point is the fact that I have done 7 marathons so I have learned how to race them even when I am not going into the race in my best shape.
RM: What do you think is your biggest weakness going into the trial and what are you doing to limit that weakness? JR: My biggest weakness is getting caught up into the race. It is going to be a phenomenal experience to be a part of and I can see myself running with a pack of runners that I am not ready to stay with and get in trouble with 6 miles to go. So my plan is basically to try to remove myself from the race and just race within myself and get the most out of my legs as possible.
RM: What would it take for you to walk away from the trials happy/content? If you are willing to say, what is your goal for the trials? JR: This is probably the first time I am going into a race and not planning on running a personal best. I would be happy with just finishing the race and running within a minute of my personal best.
RM: What are your thoughts on racing in Boston? How big do you think the crowd will be and what do you think the overall atmosphere will be like? JR: After watching the men's trials in NYC, I expect the crowd and atmosphere to be just as magical. You just felt it in the air. Having the women's trials in Boston will be just an honor since it is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
RM: What are some of the foods that you just cannot get enough of during this heavy training phase? Are there any foods that you try to avoid during such a heavy training phase? JR: This training segments I can't say that I have craved a certain food all of the time. Since this is the first time I have trained for a marathon in the winter I would say I ate a lot of heavier foods then I normally would...chili, soups, etc. This training segment I have avoid alcohol but that was due to a bet more then for training.
RM: Have you had any setbacks with your training leading up to the trials and if so, what were they and how did you deal with them?JR: Setbacks are the most consistent thing I have had this training segment. Mentally it has been a struggle. Small injuries, bad workouts, and sickness has plagued my training these past 2 months. At this point I am just trying to regain my focus and see what I do on race day.
RM: When do you see your last hard workout heading into the trials being and what will it be?JR: My last hard workout will be the week before the race. At this point I am not sure what it will be it will depend on how this week of training goes.
RM: When will your last long run be heading into the trials and what will it be? How long has your long run been so far? JR: I have done a few 20 mile runs. I will do my last long run on the 6th of April probably 18-20 miles.
