Former Franklin County Star Robert Sandlin is running at USATF Indoor National today in New Mexico. He is in the 1st section of the 1500m that runs at 1:20 local time. He is coming off a huge 4:01.2 Mile PR at the Meyo Invitational. He answers some questions for KYtrackXC.com below:
KY: How awesome was it to drop a 4:01.20 at Notre Dame? How did it feel to be that close to 4 flat?
RS: Ha well it didn't feel so great thought I was going to blow up 60m out. My PR was just 4:05, and best time this year just 4:09.99 so really just wanted to get back to 4:05 maybe a little under. I couldn't believe that time when I finished it still doesn't make sense to me. The crowd was absolutely insane too!
KY: What made you want to go out to New Mexico and compete at USATF Indoor Nationals?
RS: You might have seen the USATF threw everyone a curveball by putting in a second section of the 1500. So at first I wasn't in the top 12 so wasn't racing. Then I think Thursday night they added the second section and didn't even tell us I just found out yesterday. Has been really hectic but just now got in to New Mexico to race tomorrow. And now it looks like they might put it back to one heat after all!
As far as why I wanted to-I mean why not? This is USA Nationals we are talking about. It blows my mind that no other college milers submitted to compete. I know schools are more concerned with Conference and ncaa performance (especially D1. I'm glad my school see's past that and that this is really as good as it gets within our sport. Also great publicity). But I can't wait and am so fortunate to be in such high level championship race with the names runners talk about. Can't think of a bigger race.
KY: What is your plan when you are competing against many of the best milers in the United States including multiple Olympians and record holders?
RS: I just plan on hanging in there and mixing it up with them when I can. I kind of injured my Achilles in the Meyo race so haven't raced since and had to take time off so training has suffered. But in this kind of atmosphere I think I can still get out there and do something special. I am seeded last and am the only college runner I'm pretty sure, so there is no pressure to do anything except what I put on myself.