RM: How has your training been leading up to the 25k championships? Is this the BIG race that all of your training has been geared towards or just a stop on the way? Why is that? DF: Training has been going very well as of late. Over the past 8 weeks in Chicago I've been finishing workouts that I haven't been able to complete in a long while. With working now, I've still been able to get great workouts in and average 90-100 miles per week, thanks to my teammates. This race is one of the bigger races of my current segment along with the Soldier Field 10miler in Chicago at the end of May. For the most part, these two races are a stop along the way en route to the US Olympic Marathon Trials in November.
RM: When training for the 25k, do you train more like a marathoner, more like a 10k runner with some long runs or something totally different all together? Why is that?DF: I have tended to train like a marathoner for anything longer in race distance than 10 miles. For me, longer distance runs, longer but slower (4.50-5.05 pace) workouts and semi-high mileage seem to be a good fit for the higher distance races.
RM: What would have to happen for you to walk away from the 25k championships with a sense of satisfaction or contentment? DF: Top 10 would do it, but it all depends on that particular day.
RM: Why did you choose to come race the 25k championships? DF: Great race, race directors and nice course. It's a bonus that my gf's hometown is Belmont, MI (10minutes away).
RM: What will be the winning time this year and will an american win the overall race once again, like what happened last year? DF: American wins this year......Someone who trains in Michigan and has run 2:10 for the marathon.
Thanks for the great interview Donnie! (Interview conducted by Nick Cordes)
