This is the latest in our 2011 series of Track Chat Interviews with the nation's top track & field athletes.
Photo by Margot Kelly
MileSplit.us: You pretty much soloed to a 4:50.50 mile at the adidas MOC, and qualified for the adidas Dream Mile. How are you feeling about your races and your fitness at this part of the season?
Alli Billmeyer: Right now, I am feeling really excited about where I'm at this early in the season. Considering that the Meet of Champions was the first mile I competed in this year, I feel like I am in really good shape because there is a lot of training and speed work still to come.
MileSplit.us: What goals have you set for yourself for this spring? How does running such a great time so early in the season fit into what you feel you can accomplish?
Alli Billmeyer: My goals for this spring include breaking our San Diego section all-time record in the 1600 (4:42), going for the win at the California State Meet (which would mean a lot to me considering I was runner up last year), and reaching 2:07 in the 800 and 10:15 in 3200. I also hope to place well at the Jim Ryun Dream Mile in June, to make it truly a "dream mile" for me. Running the 4:50 mile this early gives me confidence that my goals are in reach because I am running faster times this year at this point, compared to last year at this time.
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training do you do to prepare for the mid-distance events?
Alli Billmeyer: My coach has my teammates and I averaging 30-40 miles a week, running track workouts, tempo runs, long runs, and weekly duel meets; other training and injury prevention outside of practice includes weight training and swimming.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that stands out from the rest? What is the best you have done at this workout?
Alli Billmeyer: I love doing 400 repeats on the track! I always feel really strong and in control when we do this workout. Coach Thorne had us do twelve 400 repeats a couple weeks ago. I started with 74s working down to 70s. I'm looking forward to the next time we do this workout!
MileSplit.us: What does the rest of your spring look like as far as competitions?
Alli Billmeyer: Besides our upcoming DMR relay at Mt. Sac, the rest of April consists of racing mostly duel meets leading up to Leagues, CIF, and State. We have a couple local invites that im planning on competing in such as the UCSD Triton and Escondido invites. As far as after State, its the Dream Mile.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable race to date in your high school career? Why does this one stand out?
Alli Billmeyer: I would say my most memorable race was Freshman year at the State Meet in the 1600. Going into this race, I had barely broken the 5 minute barrier, surprisingly made it to finals, and had no expectations for myself. When the gun went off, I was in dead last, competitng in the field where Christine Babcock set the national high school record. With 300m to go, I kicked and got fourth place in a huge PR of 4:52. The joy and pride I felt standing up on the podium that day is a moment that will stay with me forever.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Alli Billmeyer: In my free time, I love going to the beach, whether it's surfing with friends, barbecuing with family or on the job as a jr. lifeguard instructor. And if eating was a hobby, it would definitly be at the top of my list!
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Alli Billmeyer: My track role models include Prefontaine and Jim Ryun. When I was up in Oregon for the Nike Elite camp, we went to Bill Dillinger's house, Pre's former coach, where I got to see Pre's old trainig logs he wrote in. I got personal insight from Coach Dillinger about the legacy Pre left behind. I know he is a famous running icon to all runners, but that day made it all so real for me. I was in awe over his competitive drive and never-give-up philosophy. Last summer, I met Jim Ryun at the NY Dream Mile. His wisdom, knowledge, grace and character make him not only a great runner, but a remarkable person as well. These qualities really make me look up to him.
MileSplit.us:
Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Alli Billmeyer: Outside of track, my role models would definitly be my parents. I look up to them because, I know this sounds cliche, I hope to be just like them when I am older. My Mom and Dad are amazing people who have taught me so many life lessons that have made me into who I am today. And I definitly owe my speed to my dad for chasing me around in freeze tag all those times when i was just a kid!
MileSplit.us:
What do you see yourself accomplishing by the end of your high school career?
Alli Billmeyer: It's sad to think my highschool carreer is coming to an end, but ultimately I hope I will have accomplished more than just good times and finishes. Everyone knows running has its ups and downs; I hope I leave high school looking back on all that I have been through and be able to smile, knowing I did my best and gave it my all, no matter what the circumstances. That's all I can ask for.
More with Alli (Athlete Profile...)
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