"My goal is to
become the top miler in the world"
by John Dye
NEW YORK 2/13/03 -- High school
mile record holder Alan Webb returns to the scene of
his first sub-4:00 mile (New
Balance Games 2001) to run in the New York Road Runners Club Challenge
Cup open mile at 4:45 pm Saturday. This is Webb's second race since he
left the University of Michigan last summer and signed a professional
contract with Nike. In his first pro race last Saturday at the Gator Invitational
in Gainesville FL, Webb ran 8th behind college runners at 800 meters with
a time of 1:52.48. Today, Webb met the press in a telephone conference
call and answered questions about his race last week, his goals for this
Saturday, and his goals for the year.
re last week's race:
"I was disappointed. I probably could have run a little bit better.
I was training so well, I maybe expected too much. It was my first race
in 8 months. I was rusty. I'm not race sharp yet. The first 50 meters
I got out bad and it's hard to catch up indoors. Yes, I was nervous. But
it's nice to get a race under my belt."
Webb shrugged off his poor time last week.
"Remember that 2 years ago my first race was a 1:55 800, and look
where I was in June."
Goals for Saturday:
"Run a strong race. Finish strong. No time goals. Let the race dictate.
You can expect me to do well."
Condition now vs. 2 years ago:
"I am in the best shape of my life. I am doing incredible things
I couldn't do this early in the year. I have been training straight since
last summer without any injuries. But there's a difference between being
in shape and being in race shape."
Workout routine:
"There is no 'typical' workout week except that I take off one day
a week. We are always trying different things to stimulate the body."
Webb is training with former South Lakes Reston VA high school teammate
Richard Smith, who will enroll at Auburn University next fall.
Webb described his most gruelling workout:
12 quarters at altitude (Albuquerque NM), three sets of four quarters
each, five minutes rest between sets.
First set: 90 seconds rest between quarters, times were 60-61 seconds.
Second set: 2 minutes rest between quarters, times were 59-60 seconds.
Third set: 2.5 minutes rest between quarters, times were 59 seconds.
Goals the rest of the year?
"Win every race. That's always my goal. I want to qualify for the
World outdoor championships. I'm not sure yet if I will run in the USA
Indoors in Boston."
Does Nike take part in decisions on races to enter?
"Nike pretty much lets Coach Raczko decide. They know Coach is good
a picking the right races for me and they know he has my best interests
at heart. We will run in the Prefontaine Classic."
Will Webb race in Europe?
"Definitely. That's where the top runners are, and one of my goals
is to become the top miler in the world. I'm not sure we will go this
year or next. That's up to Coach Raczko."
re the recent success of University of Michigan runners:
"I'm very happy with the way they are running, but I am also happy
with my plan."
Webb said he is living up to his pledge to continue his education, taking
a full load at George Mason in the fall semester.
"I'm proud of my grades -- 3.6 GPA, my best ever including high school."
Armory Collegiate Games
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