CG: So Lane, you ran 2:17 in Chicago, looked like you didn't go out very aggressive, was that the plan to get a good one in? 

ML: I would agree that I didn't go out very aggressive.  In retrospect though, I am glad I ran what I did through the half.  With the way I felt at 23 miles, I don't know what might have happened had I gone out in 1:05 high or so.  It could have been ugly.  It was a tough day out there and I ran smart I thought, but just didn't have the gas in the last 4 miles to close it out well.  Time wise, I would like to have run faster of course, but place wise, I have to say I was pleased. 

CG: How was training for the marathon? 

ML: Training for the marathon was a whole different ball game.  I did a lot of it alone which had its advantages at times.  I really learned how to run the pace solo.  I knew I would have to fend for myself out there and it turns out that I was right since I ran the last 10 miles alone.  The tough part was not having someone else to push me though.  I don't have a handle on how marathon pace should feel and I think that showed at Chicago.  You talk about being more aggressive and I think I would have thought that was a better plan if I felt confident that I could find the right pace.  As it was, we (my group) were all over the place pace wise. I think the worst two mile split I had (now mind you, this was because of the wind) was 5:01, 5:19.  That's not gonna get it done.  When I was training, I thought marathon pace should feel easier than threshold pace, but it doesn't for the first few miles.  Jack Daniels and I talked about why that is and I understood what he was saying, but I still couldn't shake that mentality that I should feel like I'm jogging at 5:02.  The first time I felt that way was mile one of the marathon. 

CG: So you have run 3:40, 13:25, 28:00 and 2:17, that's a nice range, what is your best distance? 

ML: I still want to say the 5k, although the 10k is probably it.  More than anything though, it still irks me that my 5k PR is what I ran in 2001 while I was still wearing a William and Mary jersey.  I lowered every other PR (I'm especially proud of my 3:57.57 mile at Pre), but just can't manage to get the 5k down.  Too much pressure (put on myself surely) is the likely culprit and if I could relax about it, it might happen, but I don't know if I'll get another chance.  We'll see.  You may see another 10k pr this year.  That 28:00.01 is annoying too. I've made a living, albeit meager, from fourth places and near misses. 

CG: Do you want to run another marathon and how does law school fit into the picture? 

ML: That is the big thing on the horizon.  I am going to law school in the fall.  I don't know where yet, as I am still waiting to hear from some schools, but the end is in sight for the admissions process, so it shouldn't be long.  I think there are some decisions to be made in the future and I need to see what is possible and what is not, but nothing is final as of late. 

CG: Erin (hiw wife) seems to enjoy competing but not training under the intensity of a "program" Do you see yourself possibly doing something similar? 

ML: Erin really enjoys running.  It is something she loves doing and it is something that she will do her whole life.  I know she wants to race and be the best that she can be, but I don't think a structured program is right for her at this time.  Not to say that she doesn't want a training plan, but her schedule as a teacher doesn't allow her to be "at practice" with a group.  As for me, I'm the opposite.  I need the group to a degree to make this happen at this stage of my career.  I do better workouts, especially track stuff, when I am part of a "program".  The group here really facilitates that for me even though I may have to workout alone or longer for whatever reason. 

CG: How much does Ted Gillick inspire you? 

ML: He's my knight in shining armor. 

CG: You were about to be married last year at Papa John's, and knowing you pretty well I could see that you weren't as focused and rested as you can be, for understandable reasons.  How would you rate your preparation this year? How have workouts been? 

ML: Truly, I was tired last year and not just from the wedding.  Remember the move to NYC?  That was stressing me out more.  My prep this year is calmer, but I would say I'm in a different place.  I have done a lot more track work.  After 2004, I needed a break from it and did the roads and the marathon etc.  Now, I am really enjoying being part of the group and pushing on the track; less 8-10 miles at 5 minute pace and more 12 x 1000 at 2:54 with 1 min rest and 6 times a mile ending in 4:17.  Fun stuff, you know? 

CG: Where do you go from here racing wise? 

ML: I have a skeleton of a schedule laid out for the year.  I think immediately though I will be running the 10k at Stanford after papa johns.  Then we'll see what's going on.  USA's in the 10 is a sure bet right now and then Beach to Beacon for sure.  I'll fill in the holes later. 

CG: I saw Andy Gerard out at George Mason the other day; you and he have a great relationship, do you continue to talk to him about workouts and training? 

ML: Gerard is actually helping with my training currently.  One of the things I love about gags is that he is always open to what each of us needs.  One of the things I needed this year was an over all full season training plan.  Gerard knows how best to do this for 5k and 10k.  Gerard has laid the foundation of what he feels I need to do week in week out, and Gags, as my coach, works within that framework.  It seems to be working great. 

CG: How is Gags? Has he worn his Damon Yankees T-shirt to practice yet? 

ML: No he hasn't.  The worst thing is that he asked me if I sent it to him.  Are you kidding?  I'm still waiting to see if he figures out my t-shirt idea.  I told him I wanted a Red Sox tee with the number 18 on the back and the name B. Arnold. I think I stumped him.