NEW YORK 2/13/03 -- High school mile record holder Alan Webb returns to the scene of his first sub-4:00 mile (New Balance Games 2001) to run in the New York Road Runners Club Challenge Cup open mile at 4:45 pm Saturday. This is Webb's second race since he left the University of Michigan last summer and signed a professional contract with Nike. In his first pro race last Saturday at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville FL, Webb ran 8th behind college runners at 800 meters with a time of 1:52.48. Today, Webb met the press in a telephone conference call and answered questions about his race last week, his goals for this Saturday, and his goals for the year.
re last week's race:
"I was disappointed. I probably could have run a little bit better. I was training so well, I maybe expected too much. It was my first race in 8 months. I was rusty. I'm not race sharp yet. The first 50 meters I got out bad and it's hard to catch up indoors. Yes, I was nervous. But it's nice to get a race under my belt."
Webb shrugged off his poor time last week.
"Remember that 2 years ago my first race was a 1:55 800, and look where I was in June."
Goals for Saturday:
"Run a strong race. Finish strong. No time goals. Let the race dictate. You can expect me to do well."
Condition now vs. 2 years ago:
"I am in the best shape of my life. I am doing incredible things I couldn't do this early in the year. I have been training straight since last summer without any injuries. But there's a difference between being in shape and being in race shape."
Workout routine:
"There is no 'typical' workout week except that I take off one day a week. We are always trying different things to stimulate the body." Webb is training with former South Lakes Reston VA high school teammate Richard Smith, who will enroll at Auburn University next fall.
Webb described his most gruelling workout:
12 quarters at altitude (Albuquerque NM), three sets of four quarters each, five minutes rest between sets.
First set: 90 seconds rest between quarters, times were 60-61 seconds.
Second set: 2 minutes rest between quarters, times were 59-60 seconds.
Third set: 2.5 minutes rest between quarters, times were 59 seconds.
Goals the rest of the year?
"Win every race. That's always my goal. I want to qualify for the World outdoor championships. I'm not sure yet if I will run in the USA Indoors in Boston."
Does Nike take part in decisions on races to enter?
"Nike pretty much lets Coach Raczko decide. They know Coach is good a picking the right races for me and they know he has my best interests at heart. We will run in the Prefontaine Classic."
Will Webb race in Europe?
"Definitely. That's where the top runners are, and one of my goals is to become the top miler in the world. I'm not sure we will go this year or next. That's up to Coach Raczko."
On the recent success of University of Michigan runners:
"I'm very happy with the way they are running, but I am also happy with my plan."
Webb said he is living up to his pledge to continue his education, taking a full load at George Mason in the fall semester.
"I'm proud of my grades -- 3.6 GPA, my best ever including high school."
Brannen popping that 3:58 has got to sting a little bit. You know Webb's got that time in the back of his head.
Right, he probably has a time goal in mind.
and they know he has my best interests at heart.
Take that Michigan! ... Wham... Bam.