HANSONS-BROOKS AT THE BOSTON MARATHON: DAY TWO

College:            University of Michigan
Marathon best :        2:21:00
Times run Boston:         Once
Boston best:             2:33:something
Miles per week (this segment): 120-130
Favorite song:     Right now I'm listening to "The Voice Of Truth" by Casting Crowns, I really like it.
Favorite band:          I can't narrow it down
Favorite meal:
I'd have to give you a top five
5. Homemade Mac and Cheese
4. Salmon with Ceasar Salad
3. Lasagna
2. Pizza
1. Cheeseburger
Favorite color:             Blue
Favorite teammate:      That's hard to say
Favorite workout:        4 mile afternoon run on a nice day
Favorite Donut:           Boston Cream

What is the funniest story you can recall about a Hansons teammate?

 That's easy, The Kilburg incident.


You ran Boston in 2003. Was that your marathon debut and how did you qualify?

Yes, I had a friend who had a friend in the BAA.


Why the 6 year break after before returning to Boston?

I needed some time to forget about Hearbreak, kind of like a mom who wants to forget childbirth before she has another kid.

What were your first impressions of the Boston course in 2003 and how did they change after running the course?

I knew it had a net downhill, but that doesn't matter where it hurts the most.  In 2003 I wasn't prepared, so it was funny how a 250-foot drop over the last 5 miles can feel like an uphill battle.

Boston has a lot of allure and lore surrounding the event. Why do you think that is? Did you experience anything interesting at the 2003 Boston Marathon?

I'm not sure why it has the allure, probably because it's been around so long and because Boston is such a cool city. In 2003 it was fun, I felt like Charlie Brown in a Thanksgiving Day Parade.  There isn't a silent part on the course, everyone has the day off and they line the course for miles and miles.

Many athletes are pretty strict about their diets before big races or just in general. Do you have any special pre-race meals?

I will definitely eat a lot of pasta, and my breakfast the morning of the race will be the same that it's been all segment, toast with peanut butter and honey.

You recently had a new addition to your family. Could you tell us a little about her and how it has affected your life? How has having two children affected your training and has it changed your outlook on training?

Dakotah was born in August last year and she's had me wrapped around her finger from day one.  It's like a bad country song.  Caleb, our son is 2-and-a-half years old and he's adapted well.  He's been a good big brother (especially now that he knows he can't body slam his little sister).  My family helps me keep perspective, whether running is going well or not I still have their love and support.  And being a husband and a dad is as exciting a challenge as being a runner.  

Do you have any goals for the race that you would like to share?

I'd like to run a smart and competitive race.  Depending on the weather, I have a time goal, but I'm praying that everything comes together on race day and that God is honored by my effort.

Hansons-Brooks has had a lot of success at major marathons in the US. Why do you think Hanons ODP has been able to be so successful at many major marathons?

Kevin and Keith love the sport and they've been willing to put together a program that works.  Plus we have a lot of guys with the same goals and the same ability training together every day.

If you could give a beginning runner one tip, what would it be?

Take your time.  Don't do too much too soon.  Running is a lifestyle that you learn to love over time and it can't be forced.  My wife when we first got married thought that because I was a runner she had to be a runner so she ran 5 miles on a treadmill, took a 2 hour nap and has never run again.  Don't do that.

What goes through your head on a typical run?

A lot of meaningless stuff, mostly songs, "Backpack, Backpack" and "I'm the Map," from Dora The Explorer

Who is or has been the biggest heroic inspiration for you in your running?

Eric Liddell, because his story convinced me that you can glorify God through something unconventional.
Brian Sell, because he has a good story and it's unconventional too.

Okay Todd, you were very successful at the  high school and college levels. Most people stop running after they start their careers and or after they settle down. Why are you still running?

I never really found my career. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do when I grow up.

What has been the most gratifying moment in your life as a runner thus far? What has been the toughest, and how did you overcome these tough times?

Most gratifying moment had to be Cross Country in High School, my junior I was the State Champion and nobody really expected it.  It came down to a kick and somehow I pulled it off.  It's hard to beat that, kind of like that Christmas when you're 8. The toughest was probably getting injured for five months over the summer in 2007.  I went to so many doctors and Physical Therapists, but no one knew what it was.  I used to pray for injuries in High School and College, but at that point I was hungry to train and race.  But it developed character and increased a deeper desire in me.