Over the past few weeks, a handful of articles have mentioned that Foot Locker boys champion Mike Fout (Sr., LaPorte, IN) (pictured left by John Herzog) was injured with a leg injury, however, none of the articles really dug to see just how the national champ was doing. So we decided to go right to the source himself. Mike was more than happy to talk about what's been going on, answering some questions via email in regards to his current fitness, his road to recovery and the goals he has set for himself the rest of the season.
MileSplit (MS): There have been a few articles written lately about you being injured. Tell us a little bit about what's been going on if you could.
Mike Fout (MF): I first felt my injury the week of March 16-22. It was nothing too serious at first, but then after I ran an indoor meet on the 22 it worsened quickly. On one of my runs I had to stop about 600 meters in because I knew if I pushed it anymore I would further injure myself. I have been hitting the biking, elliptical, and swimming very hard. I do not honestly feel like I have lost much and look forward to competing again soon. I have been running 1-2 miles daily this week and want to get back to "normal" training by next week in hopes of returning to the track soon.
MS: Since Foot Locker Nationals, what have you been up to besides your Reebok Boston mile early in the indoor season?
MF: Since FLN and BIG, I have run a couple indoor meets at the state level. Nothing major, but the meets gave me a chance to stay in race shape and stay in the right state of mind. I split a 4:13 1600 on March 22...nothing too special.
MS: Coming back from injury is always hard, but you seem to bounce back pretty well from past experiences. You've talked about breaking Rudy Chapa's state records, are those still a main focus?
MF: Yeah, I feel that I stay focused and confident in times of injury. I do not get too upset over it, and just focus on staying in the best shape possible. And yes, Rudy's records are still a main focus of mine. I still feel that I have enough time to break those records. I was originally thinking about doubling at the state meet and running the 1600 and 3200, but I am not so sure about that anymore. This is definitely a bump in the road, but I am keeping my head high and still aiming high.
MS: So many of your fellow national level runners have been putting up some big results. What's it been like sitting on the sideline and watching them turn in some big-time performances?
MF: It has definitely been frustrating. I really feel that if I could have been training consistently, that I could also put up some big times. I am biting at the bit and cannot wait for my chance to show everybody what I have to offer this track season.
MS: What are your goals the rest of the season? What event(s) will you be running at NON?
MF: Well first, I want to be the state champion in the 3200 and break the state record set by Rudy Chapa in that event. Then, I would like to go out to NON and run a very solid two-mile. Depending on how things are going by then, I may also run the mile (mostly to see what kind of time I can drop against some great competition).