Sanchez was an outstanding freshman for the Georgetown Hoyas (Sean Hartnett)

1. Franklyn, can you tell us what you have been up to since last competing for Georgetown?

Honestly, although I haven’t raced competitively in two years I have been busy on my own. I have been focusing on my schoolwork and training. I have not dismissed my running in any way, nor have I given up. I hear rumors here and there that I’m done. But, if God permits and I stay healthy, I may be able to return and compete like I used to. I really want to graduate so that I can devote my time and efforts solely to running.

2. Can you tell us what kind of injuries you have been dealing with and how you’re feeling now?

I’ve had three injuries: a stress fracture on my left shin, an IT Ban injury on my left knee where I had surgery done, and a bruise on my right knee from playing around with my little brother. Really, I haven’t had that many injuries. They just have taken forever to heal. I took about three months off from the last injury and resumed my training in mid May. So I have been feeling well. Here and there I’ve had little nagging pains, but nothing too serious.

3. What kind of training are you doing now?

Mileage wise, I have been averaging 55 to 65 in the last three months or so. Recently, I hit 70 for two weeks. Right now, I am running an hour a day with a day off every ten days. For the most part, I’ve just been doing steady runs. A month ago, I decided to go out for a hard six-mile run to see where I was and I averaged five minute pace. So that’s the kind of training I have been doing, nothing too hard yet. I want that foundation, a good base, you know.

4. When do you think you might make your return to competitive racing?

Pretty soon I’m going to start racing again. I’m fired up and can no longer resist to line up against some of the best distance runners in the country. Since I’m building a base, I will open up in Cross Country.

5. You've had many setbacks but also much success. What is your biggest accomplishment in your years of running?

My biggest accomplishment in my years of running has been being able to see the other side of running. It has not been easy for me to see results; it has not been easy for me to get up for one split second and then go back down; it has not been easy for me to go for a run and then walk back home the remaining five miles. But I realize that these experiences are not so serious, you know. I feel this has been my biggest accomplishment because my failures and difficulties have made me stronger. Acknowledging these things will ultimately make me a better runner. Actually, I am a better runner already.

6. What are your plans for the Olympic Trials this summer?

Like most distance runners, my dream is to make an Olympic Team. I do believe I can make an Olympic team if I stay healthy. I just don’t know if it’s going to be this year. Don’t get me wrong. With the help of God, I will do my best to be on the hunt for any opportunities to try out for an Olympic team.

7. What are some of your additional interests outside of running?

I enjoy hanging out with my beautiful girlfriend. I like watching movies, my favorite one being “Scar face”, studying, dancing meringue, and reading Lance Armstrong’s autobiography for motivation.

8. Even though this is old news, how does it feel owning the U.S. Junior 5,000m record (13:38.39)?

Oh man, it’s an honor, I’m not going to lie. The fact that I topped Steve Prefontaine’s record was amazing. I love Steve Prefontaine. He was cocky, but he backed it up, so I give it to him. Normally, I’m not too fond of cocky people. But Pre was an exception, and because I admire him so much, to have broken his record made me feel as if I could accomplish almost anything.

9. After dueling with Andy Powell and running incredible high school times, you were one of the most sought after runners. What other schools were you looking at and what eventually brought you to Georgetown?

Man, I feel old. Those were some great memories; memories and efforts that brought me to where I am today. I was looking at Universities like Oregon, Stanford, Villanova, Michigan, and finally Georgetown. What ultimately brought me to Georgetown was Coach Gagliano, who left by the end of my freshmen year. He was the reason why I came here since he had much confidence in my abilities as a runner and made me feel comfortable.

10. Having dealt with the highs and lows of running, what advice would you give to fellow runners looking to accomplish their goals?

My advice for those fellow runners looking to accomplish their goals is to have patience. Patience is a virtue. No matter how hard you get hit in the head with a hammer when you try to get up, just keep trying. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I still believe I can accomplish the goals I have set for myself as a runner. I just have to keep believing in myself. If I don’t accomplish these dreams and goals, I can at least say I did the best I could. I didn’t give up. I didn’t lose hope. One could never lose hope my friend. Hope is what keeps us going in life. Never forget that. My coach, Jean Cann, who I honestly think was the best coach I could ever ask for, taught me these beliefs. (By the way, that woman is no joke. I wouldn’t mind going back to Boston to train with her.) Stay humble too. Don’t ever lose track of your roots.