Meb Keflezighi Interview Post-ING New York City Marathon
Posted Tuesday, 16 November, 2004
To say the least, 2004 has been a very good year for Meb Keflezighi: Olympic silver medal in the marathon (the first U.S. men's Olympic marathon medal since Frank Shorter's silver in 1976), runner-up in the recent ING New York City Marathon (best American finish since 1993 - Bob Kempainen, second) and last February's Olympic Marathon Trials and an Olympic Trials 10,000m record (defended title).
Since 2001, Keflezighi, 29, a Team Running USA member, has also set two U.S. records (10,000m and 20K), won 13 USA titles (road - 9, track - 2 and cross country - 2) and helped the USA win a team 12K bronze medal at the 2001 World Cross Country Championships. In short, the UCLA grad and Mammoth Lakes/San Diego resident has distinguished himself as one of America's best distance runners and a world class competitor.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, sat down with Meb after his ING New York City Marathon success.
Ryan Lamppa: First, congratulations on your New York City Marathon performance. Unlike 2002 at New York, you exhibited great patience on First Avenue when the lead pack threw down a 4:32 mile at mile 17. What do you remember most from your 2004 New York City race?
Meb Keflezighi: Thank you. The thing I remember most about the 2004 New York City race is when the guys surged at the 16th mile, I was hurting with a side ache...and hoping they would not make a move, but they did. I was faced with a tough situation. I reflected on the rookie mistake I made in 2002 and I thought to myself, just be patient and hold on to my composure and I hope I will eventually catch them.
RL: After such an impressive year, how do you feel post-New York City? How would you describe your year? In hindsight, any surprises?
MK: Post-New York, I feel good. I was really sore in the quads, other than that I would like to thank God for a great year and most importantly for keeping me healthy after back-to-back marathons. 2004 has been the best year for me in terms of my running accomplishments. It started with a bad flu that hindered me badly - where I considered dropping out of the Olympic Marathon Trials, but it was blessing in the disguise. It ended up my best year ever. Two outstanding 10,000 meter races (27:24 and 27:36) and great marathon performances: Olympic silver medal and a personal record (PR) on a tough course, New York.
No real surprises to me or to the people who are close to me, like my family, coaches and teammates. When I was a sophomore in high school, Ron Tabb, a friend of mine told me that I would make the 2000 Olympic team and medal in 2004 and 2008 if I remain focused and not get side-tracked. So far all have come true.
RL: How were your Athens and NYC experiences similar and different?
MK: Similarities...both races I felt I was the underdog. In my book in both races, I was not favored to win or medal. However, I felt confident with my preparation for both races. Coach Larsen and I put in hours making the best decision for me to do well.
The differences...in Athens, many people would not have picked me to medal. In New York, people were aware of me from my Athens accomplishment and would not be surprised if I pulled it off. In Athens and NY, one person in each race happened to have a better day. At the Olympics, Baldini run smart and made a decisive move (where his experience played a great deal). In that race I had the race of my life. In NY, Ramaala had an outstanding race; I almost pulled it off, but not quite. I was hoping I could pull my first marathon win.
RL: You've been with Coach Bob Larsen since your UCLA days (the past decade plus). How important has been that continuity between you and Coach Larsen?
MK: Coach Larsen is like a friend. I can talk to him about anything and I have. He is great guy and he is appreciated by me and my family (parents, brothers and sisters). The consistency of coach and athlete is paying its dividend. He knows what I need to do to get ready to race. Also, Coach Vigil has been a great guy to bounce ideas off. It is a privilege to have them both as mentors. As Team Running USA, we are lucky to have them.
RL: Since 2001, as a member of the Team Running USA group with coaches Larsen and Vigil, Deena Kastor, Jen Rhines, Ryan Shay, Matt Downin and others, how has this group influenced your training, your approach to the sport?
MK: The team has been a positive influence. It is like going to college without classes. Everyone on the team has been very supportive and we encourage each other to be the best. We try to have a positive outlook on our running. Mario Arce - who also has been helping me and the other guys on the team by pacing us in workouts on a bike and giving us fluids on our runs - has been crucial as well.
RL: What's the best part of your training environment and why?
MK: The best part of my training environment is to have teammates because once you leave college it is not easy without teammates at practice and not having a facility to use. For me, the OTC in Chula Vista has been a big asset to meet people from different sports and the facilities they have.
RL: With success, of course, comes greater scrutiny and media attention. After New York, you were quoted in the New York Post as saying that you were "the greatest distance runner the U.S. has ever had." That doesn't sound like the Meb that I and others know. Here's your chance to set the record straight.
MK: What does it mean to be the greatest U.S. distance runner? The quote from the New York Post was taken out of context. I never claimed to be "the greatest distance runner the U.S. has ever had." I did not say that. I said I am CURRENTLY the hottest U.S. distance runner. I have too much respect for the athletes who set standards for me and the rest of the distance runners. To name a few greats, Alberto Salazar, Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter, Craig Virgin and many more...those are hard shoes to fill. I have been fortunate enough to meet most of those guys, and I'm still learning about the sport, especially marathon running. Let's not forget, I am still trying to get my first marathon win. Those guys have won major marathons and titles and gold medals. I have run well, but I do NOT claim to be the greatest U.S. distance runner ever.
My parents, brothers and coaches taught me well not to claim myself to that title. People acknowledge your worthiness, because people feel you have accomplished certain things. People who know me as an individual or my background know that I would not state such things. I try to learn something new everyday. I remember when I was at UCLA I used to tell my teammates to teach me a word or two a week to increase my vocabulary. For those of you who know me, you know it is not something that I would say. For whatever reason, things were taken out of context. For those of you who believed in me, thank you for your support and encouragement. Do not believe everything you read. I have been in the sport for more than 14 years. I would appreciate if people would give me the benefit of the doubt. Everyday when I wake up, I try to be a better athlete and human being.
RL: What's next for you - personally and athletically?
MK: Next thing for me personally is to cherish this moment. It has been a rewarding year. All the prayers and hard work have been answered. Personally, I still want to be the same humble person that I always have been. I try to live everyday to the fullest and maintain excellent balance (M.E.B.).
Athletically...I still have a lot to accomplish. I still have a marathon to win. I hope I still can improve my times in the mile, 5000m/5K, 10,000m/10K, half-marathon and marathon.
RL: Finally, what advice would you give up-and-coming distance runners?
MK: My advice to up-and-coming runners is to believe in what you are doing. Be true to yourself. If you believe, you can make it to college and perhaps the professional level. Keep working hard, but progressively. Do not expect results overnight, be patient. Also, remember you are pushing your body to the limit. Therefore, injuries may occur, if so, seek guidance right away. Do not give up. Remember, Run to Win, which translates to doing the best you can for yourself and nobody else.
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