byJeff BenjaminRyan Hill is one of America’s finest distance runners. Competing for the Nike Bowerman TC, Ryan has PBS at 1500m of 3:35.59, 3000m of 7:30.93 and 5000m of 13:05.69. A four time medalist at US champs (2013-3rd, 2015-gold, 2017-bronze, 2018-silver) at 5000m, Ryan answered nine questions from RBR senior writer, Jeff Benjamin.
Ryan Hill, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, # 1. How Did You Get Involved In The Sport?
Ryan Hill: Running was clearly what I was best at growing up. I had such a love for sports that pursuing whatever I was best at was, a natural choice. I joined a youth track club in 7th grade in Hickory, NC.
RunBlogRun, #2. Did You Consider Yourself A Fast it Slow Developer?
Ryan Hill: Relatively speaking, I was a fast developer. Pretty quickly into taking track seriously, I had success. I qualified for USATF nationals in 8th grade and was 3rd at the NC State meet my freshman year of high school
RunBlogRun, #3. Most Memorable HS Race?
Ryan Hill: I won the Footlocker South Region my junior year, which was a surprise and my first big step onto the elite running stage.
RunBlogRun, #4. Most Memorable College Race?
Ryan Hill: Finishing 2nd in the NCAA Mile by a very close margin. Fantastic race that came down to the final 50 meters.
Ryan Hill, photo by PhotoRun.net
RunBlogRun, #5. What’s the difference in being a Pro?
Ryan Hill: My perspective is much more long term as a pro. I plan training months and sometimes years in advance now. In college, I was just focused on whatever social, academic, or athletic pressures I had week to week.
RunBlogRun, #6. Can You Describe Your Training Philosophy?
Ryan Hill: My training is all based on 5,000m race pace. Doing some work a little over and a little under that year round.
RunBlogRun, #7. Do You Incorporate Weight Training/Cross-Training?
Ryan Hill: My group does gym work 3 times a week. I only cross train to overcome injury at this point.
RunBlogRun, #8. Advice For Younger Runners?
Ryan Hill: Focus on team goals. It’s much more rewarding and you’ll become your best individual that way too.
RunBlogRun, #9. Any Staten Island Connections?
Ryan Hill: Other than taking the Staten Island Ferry during a visit to NY…no.
Haha!!
The @runblogrun tour of the IAAF World Indoor Tour, aka Le Tour de Larry, is sponsored by USATF and Nike, reminding you that the 2019 USATF Indoor Championships are February 22, 23, and 24 at the Ocean Breeze AC, on Staten Island. To purchase tickets, please use this link:
http://www.usatf.org/Events—
Support the brands that support your favorite athletics media!
