Interview from RuntheRoads.com

One of the premier American distance runners over the past five years, Matt Tegenkamp is looking to jump back on track after a disappointing 13th place finish at the Olympic Games last summer and coming down with an injury over the winter.  With only a few races under his belt this season, Tegenkamp is coming into top form, running healthy and strong heading into this weekend’s U.S. Track and Field Championships.  With big-time success and experience, Teg will once again be a pre-race favorite in the 5,000m run, which kicks off Friday evening in Eugene.

Run the Roads (RtR): You placed fourth in the Pre Classic 3k a few weeks back, one of your only races of the season.  With so few races under your belt this season, do you feel prepared heading into this weekend’s championship?

Matt Tegenkamp (MT): Our racing schedule is no different than previous years.  Our group will be ready for USA Champs and Worlds.

RtR: What are your expectations heading into Friday night’s race?  What’s the race strategy?

MT: Over the last few years I have put myself in the position to make the major championship teams; this year is no different.  In these types of races top 3 is just as good as winning.  As far as race strategy goes I don’t want to take any of the suspense away from Friday night!

RtR: We’ve heard you were training in Flagstaff for a few weeks after the Pre Classic.  Why was the decision made to go back to altitude after Pre?  When did you come back down to head to Eugene?

MT: We have been doing altitude training and it has been a great addition/benefit to our group.  Flagstaff is a great place to train and the staff there has been very helpful.

RtR: You had a slower start to your season due to a winter injury.  Are you feeling back at 100% now?

MT: I am doing fine.

RtR: Despite moving to Portland, you’ve been with the same coach and same training for quite some time.  What does it mean to you to have such a consistent training group to work with?

MT: Consistency is key! In our group everyone brings something different to the table, which is great.  It keeps everyone honest by the fact that you always have to work on your weakness.  As far as coaching goes, Jerry always keeps us on our toes and guessing what type of training is coming next.

RtR: Last year you placed 13th at the Olympics.  What did you take away from that experience that you’ve been able to apply this year?

MT: The only thing that salvaged last year was making the Olympic team.  I had an injury that came up at the wrong time of the year and I was never able to get back to form.  I have changed a lot this year and I am looking forward to seeing the rewards.  As far as the final at the Olympics, I pressed the entire race and worried about the wrong things in the race.  I needed to take a deep breath early on in the race and worried about competing.  I did not run my style race is what it came down to.

Quick Six (Six Quick Questions, Six Quick Answers)

RtR: Car you drive?

MT: 2008 Saturn Vue.

RtR: Shoes you train in?  Spikes you race in?

MT: Nike Zoom Skylon and Nike Zoom Lanang.

RtR: Favorite TV show?

MT: I watch too much TV.

RtR: Favorite track meet you’ve competed at?

MT: Stockholm (Monaco is not too bad either).

RtR: Favorite food?

MT: Cookies or ice cream.

RtR: Favorite band?

MT: I like variety, so I can’t choose just one.

(Photos courtesy of Victah Sailer of PhotoRun)