Recently I was able to catch up with Arizona Wildcat and NCAA Champion Lawi Lalang. Lawi is coming off of one of his best years ever. During the fall last year Lawi got third place at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. It wasn't exactly what he wanted but it looks as if that fueled him through the winter and on throughout spring because the indoor and outdoor track seasons were very good to Mr. Lalang.

During the indoor track season Lawi won two NCAA titles, one in the Mile and another in the 3000m. He also won both races in meet record times of 3:54.74 and 7:45.94. This helped carry Lawi on through the outdoor season as well. Come NCAA Outdoors Lawi looked as if he was ready to do something big. He ended up pulling off the huge double in the 5000m and 10000m runs which cemented his name with guys like Cam Levins and Galen Rupp who had also done this before him. Below is my interview with Lawi. Check out what he thinks about his season this year and also his plans for the future.

You can read more at http://brandonrunsthis.blogspot.com/

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Q: So this track season has been a pretty good season for you starting off during Indoor track, you bounced back from getting third at NCAA Cross Country in the fall and you got 1st place in the mile and 3k. You won those races in meet record times of 3:54.74 and 7:45.94. How did it feel after pulling off that double in meet record time?

A: It meant a lot to me and I was happy because I went there and the competition was stiff, so I expected something like second and second. Having three guys in the mile who had run under 3:55 was awesome and I was like we need to make it look fun, that is why I decided to double. Sometimes it is nice to surprise yourself with such performances. 

Q: You also pulled off the double at NCAA Outdoors in the 5k and 10k. You ran 29:29.13 for 10k on Thursday night then came back Saturday and ran 13:35.19 In the 5k. How did you feel after the 10k? You seemed to look pretty good after you pulled off the historic 5k/10k double at Outdoors.

A: Yeah I wanted to join Galen Rupp and Cam Levins in that history of winning both 5k/10k, so it felt good. After 10k I felt so encouraged and  I knew I would still be fresh for 5km, since I took the 10k as 

easy as possible. 

Q: This summer you have also made your international racing debut out in Europe. Every one was excited and wondering how you were gonna do in your international debut against a tough experienced international field. You didn't disappoint. You ran 13:07.13 for 5000m and finished 3rd and one spot ahead of World Record holder Kenenisa Bekele. How did you feel heading into this race?

A: Heading into this race I knew I was strong and I had done some good training and always felt good in training, so I knew I was in under 13:10 shape.  

Q: Were you any nervous about going up against these great runners or did you have great confidence in your training leading up to the race?

A: It actually felt abnormal for me, because I did not feel any nervousness. I always feel nervous even before a small meet in which I know I will win, but this one was strange. I encourage myself that if I have to be among the best athletes one day, then I have to face these guys with courage.

Q: After the race how did you feel about your debut performance on the international stage?

A: After the race I was like, so I can really run with these top guys. I finish the race and walk away as if I did not run 5km in PB time. I was really happy.

Q: You also ran in a 1500m race while in Europe  at the Paris Diamond League stop. You were in a loaded field of fast guys and finished with a new PR of 3:33.21 in 5th place. How did you feel about your performance this race?

A: Has you have said the field was loaded and hence in my mind I did not expected to be in top 8. Even with 100M I was like is it really me running like this? I was closing really strong. It is a great experience and I thank God for what I did on that day, 3.33.2 was like dream come true to me. 

Q: You've obviously been running some fast times this summer. How has your training been this summer? 

A: My training has been really going well, nothing too crazy just the same stuff I do before NCAA nationals maybe just a little faster.

Q: How many miles are you currently running a week?

A: I am doing something like 70-80 miles by week.

Lawi's Personal Best Times 

Q: I know you run with a great group of guys in Arizona. How much does it help to have guys like Abdi, Sambu, and Bernard Lagat pushing you everyday in practice?
 

A: Yeah these guys have made the training look fun and interesting. There is no way you will run good if you do not have people who push you to the limit. We have helped each other and that is why they are doing good too. 

Q: A lot of people have been saying you should just go pro after your great performances In Europe. What are your plans for the future?

A: My plan for the future is to finish my education, and God willing turn pro after outdoor track next year, now I have experience of international races so I need to come back and build for next year. 

Q: Finally do you have anymore races scheduled for this summer or are you shutting it down?

A: My last race will be 5000m in Monaco diamond league this coming Friday, then I shut down after that.