Interview assistance given by David Taylor
Ben Johnston, North Central WA, has run 4:06 for the 1600 meters, in the same race in which Krotzer went 4:07. The times are currently US#1-2 but Lindgren's 4:04.3 could be within reach. Read on to learn more about this talented athlete...
MileSplit.us: Seems like something special is going on with distance running in Washington. A 4:06, 4:07 plus two at 4:11 and sophomore at 4:14. Where do you think you guys will push each other to by the end of the season? Do you believe Gerry Lindgren’s city record of 4:04.3 within reach?
Ben Johnston: Definitely will be tough with 3200m the night before. Our main goal is to advance to Regional with times not being the focus this week.
MileSplit.us: You must have a lot of strength right now, posting an 8:58 3200m, 4:06 1600m, and 1:54 800m. Has this 4:06 caused you to revamp your outdoor goals? If so, what have you had to change?
Ben Johnston: One of my goals this year was to go sub 4:10; with 3 weeks left in the regular season I’d like to run a PR at state.
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training do you do to prepare for the pace required to run that fast?
Ben Johnston: Coach Knight doesn’t have me do a lot of pace work on the track. The focus is more on effort during hard workouts.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that stands out from the rest? What is the best you have done at this workout?
Ben Johnston: I enjoy long Saturday runs with teammates, to get out on the trails and relax.
MileSplit.us: What are your plans for the remainder of the season? Nationals? Which events?
Ben Johnston: At this point I’m planning to run the DMR at the Portland Track Festival and the open mile.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable race to date in your career? Why does this one stand out?
Ben Johnston: Sophomore year regional two mile. It was a really competitive race and I knew no one would back down. It was a huge breakthrough (even though I got outkicked for the third state spot by Allan Schroeder) and it told us that we could be really good the next fall (2008, when we won Nike Nationals).
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Ben Johnston: I like to play Frisbee, hang out with friends, camping with boy scouts, mountain biking.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Ben Johnston: Andy Kimpel ( NC and WSU). He was an example of how hard work and dedication can bring you along as a runner and a person.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Ben Johnston: My Dad. He does a lot of things to help me and my siblings get to do things that he didn’t have the opportunity to do.
MileSplit.us: We know you are heading down to run for Ed Eyestone at Brigham Young University, what excites you most about collegiate running?
Ben Johnston: I’m pretty excited about my teammates. It looks like we have a good freshman class.
MileSplit.us: How influential have legendary coaches Tracy Walters, Len Long and Jon Knight been to your success? What component do each of them bring to your training that has enabled you and your team to have such remarkable successes?
Ben Johnston: My coaches have a lot of experience and stories. They have a story about every situation that might come up. Also, character is just as important to them as running.