Interview with Katie McGregor

by Tom Borish

McGregor has competed internationally many times during her career, including the World XC Championships (Kirby Lee)

How has your training been as you prepare for the New York City Marathon on November 2?

Training has been great, I feel really strong. I have been running longer runs than I have in the past and I don't feel as rushed this time around since my track season was cut short.

Taking a step back on the track, you placed 4th in consecutive U.S. Trials in the 10,000 meters. You seem to rise to the occasion the following year, such as in 2005, when you claimed the national title in the event. How will you take the approach of missing the Olympic team by one spot for the New York City Marathon and beyond?

I hope I can bounce back again like I have in the past. One good thing about being disappointed is that it gives me motivation to prove myself over and over again. I don't take any race for granted. I know how hard I have worked over the years, especially last year, and there is a lot of potential in me just waiting to get out!

You're familiar with the course at New York City after running it before. What are some of the more challenging aspects of the race and how will you use the prior experience to your advantage?

I feel more confident this time around. I know where I struggled last time, around mile 22 or 23, and I am ready to break through that barrier. The things I worry about the most though are things that normally aren't a factor in shorter races. Taking in enough fluids, making sure I don't have any GI issues, making sure I have fueled my body properly, staying relaxed, these are big issues. Running a marathon takes more than putting one foot in front of the other.

You've been training with Team USA Minnesota since May 2001. How has the support and training been for you since the move to Minnesota?

If I didn't have the support of Reebok and my training partners and coach here in Minnesota, I don't know what my running career would look like at this point. I love being able to run hard every day with my some of my best friends. Dennis Barker is an unbelievable coach and everyone involved with our group here goes out of their way to make sure that we are all healthy and able to run at our best.

The most recent race you competed in was the USA Women's 8k Championships where you placed second in 25:56. How did you feel during the race and how did it best prepare you for New York City?

I felt pretty good throughout the race, but I was frustrated with myself for letting Sara get away from me. I wasn't sure how I would feel since my legs have been pretty flat running so many miles, but I got through it fine. I love to race, and throwing the 8k and 10 mile championship races in the mix with my training really helps me stay motivated.

The collegiate experience you had at Michigan was tremendous, including being a three-time NCAA Champion. Including being inducted into the Women's Track & Field Hall of Fame at Michigan, what did you gain the most during your tenure as a Wolverine?

Wolverines represent at tradition of hard work, dedication, team spirit, and success. When you put on the block M, you commit to maintaining a tradition of excellence. It is a wonderul thing to carry that honor and confidence with you throughout a lifetime.

Kenya, Scotland and Japan have been some of the countries you've competed in for cross country. How much did the experience of competing with the best in the world in cross helped you to your success on the road and the track during the seasons?

The only way to become one of the best is to compete against the best. I love representing our country and I want to continue to make our nation proud anytime I get the opportunity. Every race is a step in the process to becoming a better competitor.

What will be your focus after the New York City Marathon? How will you train for the USA Cross Country Championships and is the indoor circuit in your plans?

After the marathon, I will focus on cross country nationals. I don't know if indoor will fit into my schedule. I will probably stick to the grass and pavement until the spring.

It seems as though you've competed a lot this year. Some may argue that competing more than simply training through the season has its advantages. Do you find that as a success in your game plan each season? Do you think more long distance runners should compete more often?

I think racing more often helps me, but everyone is different. I love to compete and I am not afraid to lose. I couldn't train nonstop without some races thrown in the mix.

Stepping away from running, how do you best try to relax and enjoy your free time?

In the fall, I watch football! Long runs and game times dictate my weekends. I also like to read, hang out with friends, and play any kind of game. When I have free weekends, I travel to visit friends living outside of Minnesota.