byJeff Benjamin
Sam Prakel is one tough middle-distance runner. A 3:50 miler, Sam is coming off a double in the 2023 USATF Indoor, with the 1,500m and the 3,000m victories. Jeff Benjamin caught up with Sam yesterday just before his victory in Des Moines, Iowa at the 2023 USATF Road Mile at the Drake Relays!
The Campaign For The 2023 Outdoor Track Wars Begin!
First In A Series – Sam Prakel
“I have yet to reach my potential in this Sport!”
By Jeff Benjamin
Coming off the final turn of last Summer’s USATF Championship 1500 meters, Adidas Athlete Sam Prakel looked to have one of the 3 coveted World Championship team spots locked up.
Unfortunately for Prakel, the race, whose distance was created and measured for the 1900 Paris Olympiad, was a 1500-meter & not a 1400-meter run, and Prakel failed to close fast to make the USA team.
Rather than dwell in failure, Prakel, the 3:50 Miler who did compete for Team USA at the 2022 World Indoor Championships,
remains as motivated as ever with a world-class drive to excel!
Here are 5 quick questions for the 5 Time Oregon All-American Champion.
RunBlogRun, # 1) How’s your training coming along & where are you based out of right now?
Sam Prakel, “Training has been going well, and I’ve been doing more mileage this year than ever before. I’m based in Seattle, WA and train with the team at UW under Coach Andy Powell.”
RunBlogRun, #2) What does your Outdoor track racing schedule look like at this point?
Sam Prakel, “My outdoor schedule includes the US Road Mile Champs today, the adidas Atlanta City Games road mile on May 6, the LA Grand Prix on May 27, Portland Track Festival on June 4, the NYC Grand Prix on June 24, and the US champs July 6-9.”
RunBlogRun, # 3) Any specific events you’d like to try and qualify for at the World Championships?
Sam Prakel, “I hope to qualify for Worlds in the 1500m.”
RunBlogRun, # 4) What keeps you motivated?
Sam Prakel, “What keeps me motivated is knowing I have yet to reach my true potential in this sport. I’m continuing to get faster and stronger each year and run PRs.”
RunBlogRun, # 5) What advice can you give to young runners?
Sam Prakel, “Advice I would give to younger runners is to focus on yourself and don’t get distracted by what other people are doing. Everyone has their own journey to success, so do what’s best for you and what works for you.”
Albuquerque, New Mexico 2023-02-17
photo credit: © 2023 Kevin Morris
