• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home IAAF

Q&A with Laura Roesler, the RunBlogRun Interview, by Sarah Barker

Larry EderbyLarry Eder
February 13, 2015
0
0 0
0
SHARES
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Roesler_Laura-TrackTown14.JPg

Laura Roesler, TrackTown14, photo by PhotoRun.net

Sarah Barker wrote the following piece on 800 meter specialist and 2014 Bowerman Award winner Laura Roesler. Laura is now training in Texas as a professional runner after a career at Oregon that saw Roesler named All American seventeen times and win five NCAA Championships! 

RelatedPosts

Gyulai Istvan Memorial: McLaughlin goes 51.68, fastest 400m ever in Europe, 7 Meet Records!

Kipyegon 3:50.37 missed WR by 0.3 at Herculis EBS Meeting/Monaco DL

Monaco Diamond League, Meeting Herculis EBS, complete results, 10 August 2022

Phew, it’s finally safe to take your hands off your eyes and fully enjoy former teen star Laura Roesler’s facility with two laps of a track. It’s almost painful to watch young talent like that–so brilliant, so full of potential. We don’t want to see the heartbreaking flame-out that history has comprehensively demonstrated is the fate of so many high school phenoms. And we didn’t!


Roesler_LauraQ-OlyTr12.JPg

Laura Roesler, 2012 Olympic Trials, photo by PhotoRun.net

Though 2015 will be her first season as a pro, she’s been making headlines as a runner since 2006. That was her freshman year at Fargo South High School, when she won the state cross country title in the fall, then the 100 meters, 200, 400 and 800 at the North Dakota state track championship in the spring. Amazing? No, what’s amazing is that she did it again in 2007, and a similar version of Near Total Domination throughout her high school career, racking up 22 state titles in all. And she was not just competitive within North Dakota. She made it to the semifinals of the women’s 800 meters at the 2008 Olympic Trials, twice was runner-up in the 800 at Junior USA Track & Field Championships, and in 2010, came within one-hundredth of a second of advancing to the finals in the 800 meters at the 2010 IAAF World Championships. That was just her prep years. Then she went to Oregon.  


Again, Roesler navigated the minefield that is NCAA Division I athletics, not just squeaking by but finessing the whole shebang–17-time All American, five-time NCAA champion, top scholar and finally, winner of the 2014 Bowerman Award as college track and field’s top woman athlete.


Roesler_LauraSF-USOlyT08.JPG

Laura Roesler, 2008 Olympic Trials, photo by PhotoRun.net

So it’s with a mixture of relief, excitement and, yes, pride (I’ve been on the Roesler bandwagon since she was a braid-rocking, popcorn-loving 16-year-old), that I got hold of her by phone to talk about her first pro season. She’d had a busy morning there in San Antonio, which is why lunch was happening at 4:00.


When you were a high schooler in the 2008 Olympic Trials, did you imagine you’d be professional runner? Were you one of those kids who has their whole life mapped out?

That would have been pretty daunting–I was definitely not thinking about running professionally. I wasn’t even thinking about college yet. I was just trying to go out and compete and have fun with what I was doing. I have no idea what I was thinking–that whole experience was kind of a blur.


Going to Oregon is a dream for many high school runners. After a stellar career there, and signing with Nike, I think the expectation was that, of course, you would join Nike Oregon Project or Bowerman Track Club. Why did you leave Oregon?

It is one of the top running programs in country, so I did get to fulfill my dream, and I’m very lucky. When I was looking at what was next, I thought the best decision, to help me move on as a professional, would be to move out of my college atmosphere. By physically moving–different town, different people–I thought that would help me transition to running professionally.


Rose Monday is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you’re talking about mid-distance coaches. Why did you choose to train with Rose?

I’ve known Rose since I was in high school. She’s a really good coach, and she specializes in the 800. I want to build my strength and endurance, and she knows how to do that, so she is the best fit for continuing my career as professional.


Who are your training partners there?

Kendra Chambers, she has 51-second speed in the 400. She moved up to the 800. And Dana Mecke,  who ran 800 and 1500 at UTSA.


No thoughts of going back to Fargo after college where, incidentally, it’s 9 degrees right now?

Absolutely not.


Why San Antonio?

It has everything I need–physio, anti-gravity treadmills, places to lift, a good support team. And the weather is awesome–today it’s about 70, sunny.


Roesler_LauraQ-USAout.jpg

Laura Roesler, photo by PhotoRun.net

You’re racing against Ajee Wilson who opted out of college running. Do you feel fresher because pro running is new to you, or was the four years in the NCAA a grind?

I feel like my time in the NCAA helped me developmentally. It set me up well for post-collegiate running. My coaches planned for the long term, not just to get as much out of me as possible during my four years there. I sort of feel like a freshman again, no pressure. Everyone has to start at the bottom, but I plan to improve like I did in college.


Do you regret going through the college athletics system?

Nope, going pro right out of high school was never an option, it was never something I wanted to do. I wasn’t good enough for one thing, and I wanted an education. I wanted the experience of running on a team, and it was best developmentally–it helped me develop my talent so that I could be a professional. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing now if I hadn’t run in college.


Did you take time off after outdoor nationals last year, or go directly to Europe?

I went to Europe and ran two races, then took all of August off.


When you say you took time off, did you just not train or…?

I don’t run at all.


Two minutes is a huge barrier for 800 runners. What was it like to break two-minutes [Roesler ran 1:59.04 at 2014 USA National Championships in June]?

I had been ready to break two minutes for quite some time before I actually did. I expected it, but at the same time, it was a weight off my shoulders, to finally get that off my list. I knew it would just take the right mix–USAs set up perfectly, it was a perfect day. It was definitely fun.


What’s different about your training now than when you were at Oregon? Mileage? Strength?

I didn’t do much mileage in college. I’m doing a little more now, but it’s still pretty low–maybe 20 to 25 miles a week. Now I do more strength workouts for the 800, not all the speed stuff I used to do for 4 x 400. I did mile repeats for the first time this year, 3 x mile. That was definitely something new, pretty hard. It’s a different type of workout than sprinting–you’ve got to stay focused for longer; it’s more strength.


The 800 is the crossover point between sprinters and distance people. Sprinters hang around stretching, work on starts and handoffs, then take an ice bath. Distance runners go out and run 15 miles. It seems like you’re leaning toward the 400/800 life rather than 800/1500/3000. Are you a sprinter?

I’m definitely like a sprinter. It takes time for me to build up my mileage. My greatest asset is my speed*; we’ll never lose sight of that. [*For reference, watch the last 200 meters of this race]


I heard you canceled your indoor season because you’d stepped on a rail…

No, I had some inflammation in my achilles. We’re just going to back off and let it go away.


Are you running at all right now?

Nope, cross-training on the bike and in the pool.


What’s your first outdoor race this year?  Your focus this season?

It’s up in the air, depends on when I start running again. Focus is on making the World team in the 800.

Author

  • Larry Eder

    Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself."

    View all posts

Previous Post

Our RBR Five Events to Watch at NYRR Millrose Games! by Cathal Dennehy (Jumping the Gun), for RunBlogRun

Next Post

Centrowitz and Lagat Share Special Bond entering NYRR Millrose Games, by Chris Lotsbom, RRW, used with permission

Larry Eder

Larry Eder

Larry Eder has had a 50-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself."

Similar Post

Road Racing

World Championships Medalists Gotytom Gebreslase, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, and Hellen Obiri to Join Women’s Field at 2022 TCS New York City Marathon on November 6

August 12, 2022
Gyulai Istvan Memorial: McLaughlin goes 51.68, fastest 400m ever in Europe, 7 Meet Records!
Continental Tour Gold

Gyulai Istvan Memorial: McLaughlin goes 51.68, fastest 400m ever in Europe, 7 Meet Records!

August 12, 2022
The amazing duel between Eilish McColgan and Irene Cheptai in the women’s 10,000m final
Cross Country

2022 RunBlogRun Summer Cross Country Mileage Program, Week Six, Day Five

August 12, 2022
Monaco Diamond League, Meeting Herculis EBS, complete results,  10 August 2022
Track & Field

Kipyegon 3:50.37 missed WR by 0.3 at Herculis EBS Meeting/Monaco DL

August 12, 2022
Monaco Diamond League, Meeting Herculis EBS, complete results,  10 August 2022
Track & Field

Monaco Diamond League, Meeting Herculis EBS, complete results, 10 August 2022

August 12, 2022
UK ATHLETICS LINES UP THRILLING LONDON STADIUM RETURN IN JULY 2023
British Athletics

UK ATHLETICS LINES UP THRILLING LONDON STADIUM RETURN IN JULY 2023

August 12, 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

Recent Stories

Track & Field

Zuzana Hejnova to compete in Doha DL over 400m hurdles, from EME News (source:IAAF)

by Alfonz Juck
April 4, 2022
0

Zuzana Hejnova, photo by PhotoRun.net Hejnova opens in DohaDOHA (QAT): World 200m champion Dafne Schippers will go head-to-head with world...

Zuzana Hejnova runs 38.16 All time best for 300m hurdles, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

April 4, 2022

Zurich’s Grand Venue: Letzigrund Stadium Inspires Exceptional Performances

April 4, 2022

Zurich Weltklasse, the Olympics in One Night, by Bob Ramsak, Notes by Larry Eder

June 23, 2022

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
2h

2022 RunBlogRun Summer Cross Country Mileage Program, Week Six, Day Five , by RunBlogRun, ...https://www.runblogrun.com/2022/08/2022-runblogrun-summer-cross-country-mileage-program-week-six-day-five.html , #crosscountry, #trainingtips, #scottishathletics, #eilishmccolgan, @EilishMccolgan, @ASICSEurope,

Reply on Twitter 1558150289122725893 Retweet on Twitter 1558150289122725893 Like on Twitter 1558150289122725893 Twitter 1558150289122725893
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
3h

Really liked this tweet. @EilishMccolgan took two medals at the #commonwealthgames2022. Her first in the 10,000m was gold, and her second was in the 5,000m with a silver! This was her 4th CG games! ...@birmingham2022, @ASICSeurope

Team Scotland @Team_Scotland

GOLD! 🥇

What a run from Eilish McColgan to win the Commonwealth Games 10,000m title 32 years after her mum! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

And a Games record too!!!

#TeamScot #TimeForHeroes
...#B2022

Reply on Twitter 1558142734199754752 Retweet on Twitter 1558142734199754752 Like on Twitter 1558142734199754752 1 Twitter 1558142734199754752
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
4h

Repost: BROOKS: Marathon season is almost here. Get the workout ideas, training plans, tips, and everything else you need to hit your goals at our Run Happy blog. https://bit.ly/3pkX1nK,
#runhappy, ...#brooksrunning,

Reply on Twitter 1558128422676828166 Retweet on Twitter 1558128422676828166 Like on Twitter 1558128422676828166 Twitter 1558128422676828166
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
5h

Time for #coffeewithLarry! Don't miss it! 8.30 AM Pacific! #europeanathletics, #trackandfieldlife,

Reply on Twitter 1558113171906277383 Retweet on Twitter 1558113171906277383 Like on Twitter 1558113171906277383 2 Twitter 1558113171906277383
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
16h

Marie-Josee Ta Lou’s perseverance in a difficult season gets rewarded with an African Record, by Deji Ogeyingbo, ...https://www.runblogrun.com/2022/08/marie-josee-ta-lous-perseverance-in-difficult-season-gets-rewarded-with-an-african-record.html , #mariejoseetalou, #IvoryCoast, #CotedIvoire, #athleticsafrica,
@deji_oges, #WCHOregon22, #100meters, #200meters,

Reply on Twitter 1557943782007443456 Retweet on Twitter 1557943782007443456 Like on Twitter 1557943782007443456 4 Twitter 1557943782007443456
Load More...
Next Post

Centrowitz and Lagat Share Special Bond entering NYRR Millrose Games, by Chris Lotsbom, RRW, used with permission

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Select a password for yourself. (minimum length of 8)

Paste here the user biography.

Provide here the twitter screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the instagram screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the facebook profile URL. i.e. http://www.facebook.com/RunBlogRun

Provide here the linkedin profile URL. i.e. https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-eder-5497253

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist