MileSplit.us had a recent talk with defending NIN 800 champion Billy Ledder, Gonzaga DC, about his success this season and his goals for NIN this year.
MileSplit.us: You have run 1:52.81 for 800 indoors. Are you pleased with that? Do you hope to go faster by the end of the indoor season?
Billy Ledder: I ran 1:52.50 indoors last year, so I know I can run faster. The bad weather this winter has made training tough and has canceled a few races that I wish I could have run. I also wish that the race where I ran 1:52.81 wasn't at 10am, but those are things you just have to learn to deal with.
MileSplit.us: What is your favorite thing about the 800? How do you prepare yourself mentally for each race?
Billy Ledder: My favorite thing about the 800 is that, in my opinion, it requires the perfect combination of speed and strength. The level of intensity in an 800 is incredible and it is really fun to be in an intense race. Usually, I don't like to think about my race too much. I like to develop a strategy a few days before a race, but then I get my mind completely off the subject until an hour or two before the race. Then you just have to get loose and get pumped.
MileSplit.us: Are you going to a indoor national meet? What goals have you set for yourself there?
Billy Ledder: Yes, I will be running in the fast heat of the 800 at Indoor Nationals in Boston. The field in my race includes some of the best runners in the country and I'm really excited to toe the line with these guys. I'm going to do my absolute best, especially because I am defending champion.
MileSplit.us: What is a typical strength workout for you? Speed workout?
Billy Ledder: Because of the massive amounts of snow this winter, it was tricky to get in good strength workouts. To make up for this, I did one workout many times and I believe I have become much stronger from it. There is a half-mile-long, steep hill about 1.5 miles from my house that I would jog to and run hard six times. The recovery between each was a jog back down the hill. The hill was always clear of snow so I was able to get my work in when everywhere else was buried in snow. I have not yet done any speed work this year. However, all year round and once a week, I go to the local track and do some 100s on the football field, followed by a few 200s on the track. I usually drop down the 200s to about 23-25 seconds to make sure I get all the speed muscles involved.
MileSplit.us: What goals have you set for yourself by the end of your senior year? Specific races you would like to win? Times you'd like to hit?
Billy Ledder: First off, I want to help my high school team defend our title in our conference (WCAC) championship. My team and I also hope to run a good 4x800 at Penn Relays. Individually, I would like to break 1:50 this year. By a lot if I can. I also want to run a fast mile, 4:08 or better. I plan on running Outdoor Nationals in North Carolina in June as well as some other big races such as the Midwest Distance Gala and the Junior Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.
MileSplit.us: What do you enjoy doing away from the track and competition?
Billy Ledder: When I'm not doing something that is involved with running, I really enjoy spending time hanging out with my friends and family. I also enjoy listening to music, going to the beach/pool in the summertime, and playing basketball, soccer, and golf.