Oct 26, 2007
Mike Morgan - Hanson/Brooks Views- 542

Mike Morgan ran for Nebraska Wesleyan in college. Some time after graduating, Mike decided to head out and train with the Hanson/Brooks distance running team. In his first marathon, he ran 2:15.11 and not only qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon but also the World Championship Marathon. Mike looks to make another big splash next weekend in NYC.


RM: How excited are you for the Olympic Marathon Trials and why? Do you look at the Trials as just another marathon? What do they mean to you?

MM: I am very excited for the trials. I do view it as just another marathon, I think it helps me from building up any extra anxiety and running a stupid race. Qualifying for and running the trials has been a goal of mine since I graduated college, far before I was even capable of running the 26.2, so to be a week out from that goal, I am happy with my current fitness and I am going to make the most of it.

RM: What were you training for at the time of the last marathon trials (Feb 04') and did you see yourself toeing the marathon trials 4 years down the road?

MM: In February 04', I was just coming off of an Achilles injury and won the Nebraska Wesleyan Alumni Indoor 2 mile with a time of 9:43, yea that's right 9:43. After that 9:43, I definitely knew that I was capable of hitting that 2:20 to qualify for the trials of 08'.

RM: What is your biggest advantage to doing well going into the Trials and why?

MM: Basically the fact that I train with 13 of the guys that are in the race. Throw in some of my former teammates, and I am going to have a very familiar face around me at all times during the race to work with. That will be a huge advantage.

RM: What would it take to make you walk away from the Trials disappointed and why? What would it take to allow you to walk away content from the Trials and why?

MM: I won't walk away disappointed from the trials. I would love to snag a PR out of the race, especially on that course. That would show me that I am heading in the right direction in this sport.


RM: What are your thoughts on the level of competition that is going to be toeing the line for the Trials?

MM: It can be overwhelming to start listing off every name. But, at the same time, this is why we train so hard. It is a great opportunity to see how you stack up. Every single US elite will be on hand, it's going to be fun.

RM: How many more Olympic Marathon Trials do you see yourself competing in down the road and why?

MM: If my ol' body holds out, my focus is set on the 2012 trials. After that, it's on with real life.