byJeff Benjamin
In his third edition of Countdown to America’s World Championships, jeff Benjamin interviewed Galen Rupp, four time Olympian, two-time Olympic medalist. Galen Rupp is racing the WC Men’s marathon and will be a hometown, and home state favorite.
Countdown To Worlds With Galen Rupp!
“You have to stay disciplined”
by Jeff Benjamin –
A 4-Time Olympian.
Silver Medalist At 10,000 Meters in 2012.
Bronze Medalist In The Marathon In 2016.
Now, with the world’s best coming to his home state to toe the line in the World Championships Marathon, 36-year-old Galen Rupp is lacing them up once again!
How will the top American Marathoner fare in the most unpredictable event in all of Athletics?
1) How’s your training coming along – at this point is there any tapering taking place?
“It has been a bit of a bumpy last few months. I had a problem with one of the discs in my back and pinched a nerve, and I also got covid a few weeks ago but have been able to still get in consistent training. My workouts have been coming around recently and I am most definitely starting to rest now. As hard as you work in training getting ready for a marathon, you can never be scared to taper and go into the race rested.”
2) You are the hometown favorite – how do you handle that kind of pressure?
“I love it. Competing at Hayward Field and in Eugene was always my favorite place to race. There is some pressure, but I always looked at it as such a huge positive. There is something so special about competing here when you are a Duck, especially as an Oregon native who has lived here my whole life. There is a special energy that you can feel, which lifts you to unbelievable performances. I always relished the opportunity to compete in Eugene.”
3) On a positive note – you must really be looking forward to running in Eugene!
“Absolutely, I can’t wait!!”
4) In regards to your training – 1991 WC Bronze medalist Steve Spence used an unorthodox method of INCREASING his weights in the weeks and days leading up to his marathon – any so-called “unorthodox” training methods on your part?
“I’ve always had an obsession with form and mechanics. I think it is generally such an overlooked aspect in distance running. But having good mechanics will both keep you healthier and allow you to run faster. And it is a continual process. Just as a hitter in MLB is constantly evaluating and re-evaluating their swing, runners should always be striving to keep their form and mechanics good.
I’ve always been big on cross-training as a way to get some extra cardiovascular fitness without the added stress and pounding on your body. And even though I run the marathon, I still do a fair amount of speed work and continue to keep that as a big part of my training.”
5) Your career has been a remarkable journey – How motivated are you ready to compete and in a race like a marathon on your home turf do you have to be extra careful to not “unleash the tiger” so soon in the early phases?”
“I am still as motivated as ever to compete and continue to push myself! I have had these championships circled ever since it was announced that Eugene would be the host. You can never lose your edge as an athlete and always have to keep the desire to push yourself in training and demand excellence in everything that you do.
There will be some extra excitement around this race, but in any marathon, you always have to fight the urge to get too hyped up at the start and get caught up in the atmosphere. It is such a long race and requires so much endurance that any extra energy you spend early on comes back to haunt you late in the race. You have to stay disciplined.”
6) Your secret weapon – Can you tell us who the Rupp cheerleading squad will be along the course?
“I will certainly have lots of family and friends down in Eugene. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a major championship in your home state.
This will be the first marathon where all of my 4 kids will be there so it will be extra special!”
