Adrian Blincoe returns as one of the favorites in the mile run |
1. I know coach O'SUllivan had a big influence in your interest in coming to Villanova, but how did the rich history of milers such as Ron Delany, Marty Liquori, and Sydney Maree influence you, if at all?
Marcus was definately the biggest reason for me deciding on Villanova. He is a great coach but more importantly a good person. He is more interested in your future development as an athlete than scoring points for the school. Having those other guys (Maree, Liquori etc) helps with racing when you realize that you aren't just racing for yourself, but also for a tradition that has been forged by the guys before you. When you get into races like NCAA's or Penn Relays we want to build on the tradition Villanova has.
2. Those are some big shoes to fill. Do you feel presure to keep the legacy alive?
I think pressure is the wrong word for it as it kind of sounds like a negative thing. With the tradition Nova has, we are able to set higher goals for ourselves. I mean we've had so many Olympians and NCAA Champions that your tendency is to aspire to those kinds of achievements. And meeting those aspirations results in keeping the tradition going.
3. Have you set any specific goals this season? Do you plan to stick with the mile/1500?
I am going to focus on the mile during indoors. A slight injury has resulted in me not getting as much distance work in to run a good 3k, so i'll focus on the mile. And then outdoors i'm planning on running a 5k at Mt Sac. I haven't done one in 5 years so how i do in that will determine the remainder of the outdoor season - whether i focus on the 5k or stick with the 1500 for another year, and also whether to finish up the US season or look to go to Europe. As far as goals, I just want to run fast.
4. How does coach O'Sullivan's experiance as a miler help him train you?
I don't think anyone from outside the school can realize how much it helps. I go to Marcus for anything running related - training, racing, injuries. He had such a long career that he knows how to run every type of race, and has had every type of injury. The training we do at Nova is so much easier than other schools, yet we still get good results. Marcus knows how to get the best out of us without flogging us with huge workouts or 100 mile weeks. All because he's basically experimented on himself the last 20 years.
5. Do you see a Wanamaker title in your future, or do you plan to leave that to the Irish?
I was contemplating racing it this year, but thought i'd leave it until i'm out of college. So its definately a race I'd like to run.
6. New Zeland has a great history of milers, too. Such as Peter Snell and John Walker. Do you look-up to any of those guys for inspiration?
I think they've had more an underlying influence than anything direct. They've built a tradition just as Maree, Delany and those guys built a tradition at Nova. As a result you're always looking to run faster and harder because those guys have set the standard, which you use as the guideline to success. I mean Snell ran a 3:54 mile on grass in the 1960's - so you can't really call yourself an elite New Zealand miler unless you run as fast as a guy 40 years ago - something i havent done yet.
7. Do you have any kind of pre-race rituals, or superstitions?
I like to keep everything in a routine as far as eating before the race, and warming up, stretching etc, but not getting upset if things dont go to plan. I also like to wear baggy shorts and an untucked singlet, it feels less restricting and its easier for me to race that way.