Rob Meyers of Ohio State

Meyers has developed into one of the best middle distance runners in the nation (OSU sports info)

1. Looking back upon your breakout indoor season which included running 3:58.64 in the mile run, what kind of things did you adjust in your training in order to compete at such a high level?

Really we didn't make any major adjustments. We did incorporate one new workout, which involved ten quarter mile hill repeats. Other than that and maybe some minor adjustments, I followed the same principles.

2. Now that the outdoor season is well underway, what kind of goals and times would you like to meet in your final years as a Buckeye?

For this outdoor, I was really looking forward to the national scene again and I wanted to go around 3:38 or so for 1500m but currently I haven't been able to run for about 4 weeks due to an Achilles injury. Coach and I are still trying to get things going; I have been in the pool twice a day. I'm just praying my Achilles will feel better soon.

3. The NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships will be held at your home track of Ohio State later this season. How do you feel about the new qualifying system and do you feel you have a slight advantage that the meet is being held on campus?

The new qualifying system seems a little bit uneven with talent, but I think you should do the best with what you get. Sure maybe it would be a little bit of an advantage to be able to sleep in my own bed and not travel as much but when it comes down to it, everybody has to run the same race. Anyone who says they had an advantage or disadvantage because of where the race was might also believe that Arkansas wins nationals because they have the home advantage.

4. Distance coach Robert Gary has helped the Buckeyes program to a new level. What kind of direction and training programs has he personally shown you to be the right steps forward?

I agree, coach Gary has taken the program to a new level. He has always done his best to point me in the right direction or taken the time to talk things through with me. He has always encouraged me to compete at higher levels and I'm sure will always do so. We train a lot with rest manipulation, late speed work and other consistent principles.

5. After you graduate from Ohio State and your collegiate running career is over, what are your plans to attempt and compete at the professional level and where would you like to train?

That is a good question. At this point in time I'm not sure because I have a whole year left. If I am doing well enough to compete at the next level I will definitely jump after the opportunity because it would be a dream come true. As far as where I will be only time and circumstances will tell. One of my training partners (Ian Connor) always talks about going somewhere warm to train together. I'm sure that would be a great opportunity. I wouldn't mind staying here to train and help coach out but eventually I think I will probably end up in St. Louis for a couple years. I'm sure I will be able to find many opportunities there, maybe I'll make Ian come with me or something.

6. Competing against Alan Webb last year in the Big Ten while he was at Michigan during cross country, now that you look at him on the professional scene, do you think he made the right decision and do people put too much pressure on him to perform at such high levels at an early age?

Looking at him on the professional scene I would say sure he made a fine decision. It is his life and he earned the right to do what ever he wants to do. How many people really think they would give up that opportunity and amount of money just to run in college. All they are doing by running in college is trying to get to the level he is now, and getting a degree of course. It's simple, He is doing what he loves to do and he gets paid tons of money for it. Plus he is still able to get his college degree. I'm sure he gets tons of pressure but all he needs to remember is that he is the one running, while the pressure comes from those who aren't.

7. How much did the cross country season help you in terms of the indoor and now outdoor seasons?

I always gain a lot of strength from cross country training and racing that carries through for indoor track, especially since I usually run the mile or 800 meters.

8. What was the campus atmosphere like in and around the city of Columbus at the time when Ohio State won the National Championship in college football?

It was crazy. Campus was full of people buying t-shirts and OSU souvenirs. I was at a friend's house during the game and it was a lot of fun. I would have gone out and flipped some cars but mine was the only one in the parking lot so I thought twice about it. Just kidding. But I am glad the football team has as many fans as our cross country team now!

9. What have been some of the more memorable experiences as a runner so far during your collegiate career?

As far as racing goes: my most memorable experiences would have to be my sub 4 mile, and my big ten championships in the mile and 1500m. Some other experiences I have had that I will never forget while running for OSU would be my spring break trips and some of the fun and crazy times I've had with the team. Each guy on the team has done something that will never be forgotten I promise.

10. When did you first realize that the distance events were for you or did it just come about from the love of running in general?

Actually I started off in the sprints and long jump at junior Olympic meets when I was really young. That quickly came to an end! Eventually I started running with my dad and watching my brothers run long distance events until I decided that was what I wanted to do. Every thing has just clicked ever since.

11. Do you pay much attention to what some of your competitors are running or do you not let that bother you and simply show up to compete at your best that day?

It's funny that you ask that question. Sometimes my teammates or coach ask if I'm really a runner because I never pay attention to what other people are doing. I guess the last year or so I have slowly started to pay attention to other people but only because my roommates talk about it. I still like to just show up and compete. It's more my style.

12. Who are some of your heroes and people that you look up to?

God would have to be #1 because he is the creator of all things. After him some of the more famous people would be; Steve Prefontaine, Haile Gebrselassie, and Lance Armstrong. I also look up to a lot of other people in my life that may or may not be so famous.