Sep 9, 2007
Jeff Gaudette - Professional Runner Views- 635

RM: You just finished as the 4th Michigan finisher at the Crim 10 Miler (51:16). How did the race play out for you and did you run better or worse than expected? Why?

JG: The Crim race went decent for me. Last year I was able to run 49:45 and finish the race up pretty well and I was hoping to be pretty close to that this year. This year's race however came in the middle of a marathon training segment and I had a few more miles under my belt heading into race day. I was only about 10 seconds slow through the first 5 miles but I wasn't too worried as the humidity was high and I knew it was better to be conservative. In running one of the most important aspects to racing is practicing patience and I got a little anxious during the race, which cost me quite a bit. I was feeling pretty good at mile six and was slowly catching another group ahead of me and instead of just slowly reeling them in I decided to put in a big surge and catch them. This surge, although it allowed me to catch up, was a little too ambitious for the point in the race and I paid for it with some slow finishing miles. All in all I was happy with the race when putting my training into perspective.

RM: What are your plans/goals for the fall? Are you still looking to get a qualifier for the marathon trials?

JG: I will be running the Twin Cities Marathon in the fall. If I achieve the "A" standard I will compete in the trials but my goal is to finish as high as I can at this race. At this point in my career the trials are more a reward for running fast than a means to and end.

RM: You are still listed as living in Rochester but are no longer part of the Hanson's program. Why have you decided to stay in Rochester and how long do you see yourself living/training there?

JG: My decision to stay in Rochester was motivated by my desire to continue my business of Peak Performance Massage Therapy. I really enjoy working with the clients that I have and I want to see my business continue to grow. I foresee myself living in Rochester until at least this winter or early spring at which time the plans are to head to Flagstaff, Arizona for some altitude training. In the past I have responded very well to altitude and I would love to give it a try before the big push for the Olympic Trials on the track.

RM: Seeing that you are no longer associated with a club, who do you train with most days? Do you like your current training set up better than before? Why or why not?

JG: My current training set up is with my former college coach John Gregorek. We communicate via phone and email and the system is working out great so far. John and I spent four years working together and learning about each other and I feel he really understands my strengths and weaknesses. Our relationship is mutual and I have a lot of say in my training and racing schedule. It is a positive change to have input on my training instead of receiving a piece of paper with no communication. I still run with the guys on my easy days and when the workouts fit together I will sometimes join the group for their hard stuff. So far I have really enjoyed the flexibility.

RM: What are your long term running goals that you are looking down the road at chasing down?

JG: My long term goals are to make a World team and continue to have fun with the sport. Competing well in the races I choose, especially national championships, is always a goal but I want to make sure everything I do is enjoyable.