Running USA reporter Hank Brown caught up with Shawn Found after he won his first U.S. road title at the Old Kent River Bank Run 25K on Saturday, May 13.
RUSA: Congratulations on your U.S. 25K title today. Did you think you had a chance to win?
SF: Well, I was shooting for 1:15:30, so I just went out around 4:50 (4:47 actually). I was a little surprised to have the lead. But I knew Kariuki would blow by us and run his 4:30's."
RUSA: Did you think that was too fast?
SF: Not really, but I heard someone say we were on world record pace. I said, whoa, don't expect me to keep this up!
RUSA: I hear that you are now being coached by Arturo Barrios. How is that helping?
SF: It's been an eye opener. I'm in the Army WCAP (World Class Athlete Program) and Arturo is helping us. I'm in my 42nd week under his coaching. I set a 10K PR at Mt. SAC in 28:31. I have total faith in his program.
RUSA: Today you won the USA Championship but finished third to two Kenyans. What do you think it's going to take to bridge the gap between the U.S. distance runners and the Kenyans?
SF: I think the WCAP will help. It's the closest thing to what the Eastern Block nations were doing years ago. Also, the Japanese corporations. I think it can put us up on the same playing field with the Kenyans.
RUSA: How is your time split between the army and training?
SF: Our motto is "Soldiers First." We learn our military skills and we have to take that very seriously. But we have organized training every day, and I mean every day. It's not like some programs where groups of guys get together a few times a week. We are together every day from early in the morning until late in the afternoon.
RUSA: Are you able to train more miles because of this?
SF: Actually, I'm probably putting in less miles. I used to do high mileage, but Arturo has us training like 10K runners rather than marathon runners. More quality. I'm probably putting in about 85 miles/week.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Coordinator
USATF Road Running Information Center