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TF360: Andrew Bumbalough is Looking Forward

DyeStatPRO.com
Mar 25th 2014, 10:30pm
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Andrew Bumbalough | USA TF365

After USA Indoors Fiasco, Bumbalough Refocuses on Outdoor Season

By Scott Bush - Click Here for all TF360 Archives

After a 2013 season chock full of PRs, Andrew Bumbalough looks to make his 2014 outdoor season even better. After a very solid indoor season, which unfortunately concluded with a fair amount of unjust DQ drama at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Bumbalough now sets his sights on lowering his 5k personal best, getting strong, getting faster and continuing to improve. The Portland-based Nike runner is mister consistency when it comes to his performances and yearly improvement, which makes us believe he's in for another terrific season ahead.

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Scott Bush (SB): You had a strong indoor season, but the focus is definitely during outdoors. How does your training change now compared to what you were doing during the indoor season? 

Andrew Bumbalough (AB): We transitioned back to some base after the indoor season. I ramped up the weekly volume (after dropping it for my three indoor races) and did some workouts that are more similar to our fall training. Tempo runs on both the road and track, threshold mile repeats, and some slower 400s on the track just to keep the legs moving. 

SB: So, there was a ton of drama at the USA Indoor T&F Championships, where you were wrongly DQd. Was the ruling ever overturned and what else have you heard on the matter?

 

AB: Indeed, there was a lot that happened in Albuquerque. I believe I was unfairly disqualified. I never made contact with any of the other runners in the field. It is disappointing to me that USATF made a mistake and never publicly acknowledged it. However, the most important thing that transpired was the obvious need for transparency in the way USATF executes its rules and adjudicates protests.

At this point, I think they know they messed up and are working to ensure that these situations don't happen again. That said, I felt an overwhelming amount of support from other athletes, coaches, and agents that all want the same thing.

SB: 2014 is a non-championship year. What should we expect from you this season? Will the 5k be the main focus still or will you move up and test out the 10k a bit more?

AB: The 5k is the focus. I am hoping to greatly improve upon last year's PB and become a better racer over the distance. The Diamond League circuit should give me plenty of opportunity for both!

SB: You've been a professional runner for a few years now. What are the one or two biggest things you've learned over the years that make you a better runner today compared to when you were coming out of Georgetown?

AB: I've realized just how much work it takes to get to the truly elite level. The sacrifices you must readily make to ensure that both your training and racing take precedence over other things in life you enjoy and care about. And how much more running I needed to do from both a weekly standpoint as well as over the long haul (i.e. years of aerobic development).

SB: Again, with it being a non-championship year, how does training within your group change? Is it more speed focused than strength, since there aren't rounds to run?

The training doesn't really change in a non-championship year. The focus is getting in a great base in the fall and holding that mileage till the summer. We've integrated a little more speed this year so far, which I am really excited about. Hopefully my last-lap-finish will be much improved this year over the last couple!

SB: What are your goals for 2014?

AB: I want to PR in the 5k, 3k, and 1500m. I am not exactly sure what that means but I think I have a pretty good idea in my own head - we'll see how the season progresses! 

SB: What's a typical week of training look like for you at this point in the season?

AB: Typically, I have two hard sessions a week (one speed, one strength), a long run, and 3-4 days where I double and do a 45-60min core session. All in all, that's 10-11 runs a week and 3 core sessions. 

SB: Where will you open up your 2014 outdoor season?

AB: May 4th. Payton Jordan 5k in Palo Alto, CA!

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