RunMichigan: Congratulations on your 6th place finish at the Houston Halliburton Half-Marathon. What was the goal for the Houston Halliburton Half-Marathon and how will you use this race to help with the trials race?

Trent: My training had been going really well. I was suppose to run 1:07-1:07:30 for the half which would be like 5:05-7 pace and goal pace for the trials. A couple days before the race I spoke with my coaches Kevin and Keith and we decided with training going so well, I might as well try 5:02 pace like the other guys on our team who are gearing more towards 2:12 pace at the trials. So, 1:06 was the goal and it went really well to help build confidence that I could run closer to the front of the race on trials day. I was a couple seconds fast on most miles in Houston and able to really settle into a pace ending with about a 1 minute PR for the half marathon distance(1:05:04). It also, made a point to me that I should continue my running for the next Olympic cycle (the next 4 years).

RunMichigan: How did it feel to qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon at Chicago in your debut Marathon? What did you learn about running a marathon from that race?

Trent: Chicago was a great experience. The race director, Carey Pinkowski, really took care of the Hanson guys and it just seemed like a very professionally put on race. It was done right! It was great having teammates and working together just like we do in workouts in Michigan. These things made it less stressful, especially since it was a debut. It was very fun, feeling like I was in the middle of the running world on that day in October. I was running in a huge pack of 50 people for most of the first 8-10 miles, and I felt so much energy knowing we were all going for 2:22 and a trials qualifier. It seemed like we were leading the race, because everything important to me was happening right beside me, at least all the action I cared about on that day. I learned hydration and gel's are important and gave me a boost, even if for short periods of time. Also, I learned that no matter what is happening, stay relaxed and efficient.

RunMichigan: Are you training differently for the trials then you did for Chicago?

Trent: Most of the workouts are the same, just maybe a faster pace because we have already proven how we could handle the old pace. A lot before Chicago was done at 5:15 pace for me, and now I am doing a lot at 5:05-10 in tempo runs. Then, with my running going so well at that pace, my coaches moved me up the last couple weeks to train with our fastest marathon guys, nearer to 4:55 and 5:00 pace for long intervals. Oh yeah, my mileage has been higher than it was during the Chicago segment. Maybe 110 average during the Chicago phase and 120 now.

RunMichigan: What is your goal for the Olympic Trials Marathon race?

Trent: 2:12-15. With my running going so well, I am not going to count myself out for a chance to make the team. 1:06 for the 1/2 marathon or so. But, ultimately give my best to place as high as possible and run to my ability on that day. And, be smart, because it is a marathon.

RunMichigan: With the current cold spell and snowy conditions in Michigan, how do you still get quality workouts in?

Trent: You learn to embrace failure.. You are not always going to hit your splits on workouts and you just have to accept what you are given. You know if you are giving the intended effort or not. We go to the indoor track if we are doing something really fast like 4:40 pace. But mostly we just deal with the conditions.

RunMichigan: What benefits of being part of the Hansons-Brooks ODP team helped in qualifying for the trials at the 2003 Chicago Marathon?

Trent: It has helped in getting connections with the race director, Carey Pinkowski, which in turn helps with various things from hotel to food to knowing what race day is going to be like. Having a van ride from Michigan with the Hanson van cuts down on bringing my own vehicle and such. Kevin and Keith also help with meals and various other expenses. Having coaches on the coarse to keep things in check helps. Having a plan, with 6 guys sharing the effort of keeping us on track. Brooks has helped in funding and giving us nice apparel and shoes that work well for me. My racing flats, the T3's worked awesome for me in Chicago and lots of workouts since.
And, in general the fact that this opportunity even exists to develop my running. I owe a lot to the Hansons, the Hansons community, and Brooks for affording me the opportunity to pursue my goal of making the trials.

RunMichigan: What type of training will you do the week before the trials to prepare for the race?

Trent: The week before the trails is about 70 miles of running with 1 workout. An easier workout to keep the sluggish taper legs away. I might do some easy strides just to feel good.

RunMichigan: What has been the biggest transition from your successful college career at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to post college running?

Trent: Mileage, intensity, density, and confidence! Mileage in college was about 70-75 per week and now, after 2 years, I am comfortably averaging 115-120. When I first arrived it was so much work just to always be running. I mean, I wanted to, but my body didn't always agree. The track season here at Hansons was hard for me because I just couldn't handle the speed of the workouts with tired legs and 2 workouts a week, going with everything I had just to keep up. It wore me down pretty quickly. We also run 2-a-days here about 5 times a week. So, when I was tired in the first year to year and half there was no escape from the fun. But, that is what I wanted and patience is what it takes to succeed in running. The last major change from college was learning to build confidence in my running, even if I am not the fastest in my training group.

RunMichigan: What do you do to relax from running?

Trent: Listen to music, watch a flick at the theatre, hang out with friends, massage/hot tub/chiropractor. I sometimes rock climb indoors or shoot some hoops, take naps and read.

RunMichigan: What is your favorite workout and why?

Trent: Stony Creek Tempo runs or in the old days Royal Oak tempo runs. No matter
the distance. It is always challenging and requires focus. I really feel like I achieved something when I finish them. A lot of the times I get nervous before them just like it was a race and so when things go well it is real exciting.

RunMichigan: Where is a great place to run in Colorado? Where is a must see place in Colorado?

Trent: Colorado Springs....Garden of the Gods is great and my high school stomping grounds. I love small single track trails. And in Colorado Springs the rest of my favorites are Cheyenne Canyon trails, Paul Intemin Trail, Palmer Park, Ute Valley park and Rampart Range reservoir loop. The Air Force Academy has the falcon trail marked with a blue falcon symbol and the horse stable trails which are great for some creek splashing.

My must see in Colorado is anywhere with mountains. Just step back and take a moment to enjoy what is in front of your eyes. Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Fort Collins area contains some of the most dramatic scenery. Rafting on the Arkansas River is wonderful, The black Canyon of the gunnison is cool, and the little things right in your backyard that no one else knows about make it pretty nice.. Yeah, I like it there.

RunMichigan: Where is your favorite place to run in Michigan? And what do you like most about Michigan?

Trent: I like Bloomer Park in Rochester and the Stony Creek Metropark dirt trails. I also enjoy running in downtown Rochester with the traffic and my headphones and racing the traffic. Haven't made it up north very much yet, but I've heard it is even better.

The things I like most about Michigan is being able to point out where I live on my hand! No, I like the new friends, Hansons, how summer and winter break up the year so well, and living in a city where I have plenty of social opportunities.