Road to Houston: 5 Questions with Olympic Trials competitor, Fernando Cabada

Today, we were lucky enough to have 5 Questions with the American 25k Record Holder on his "Road to Houston." We'll have a few more of these features as we lead up to the big day on January 14, 2012.

Fernando Cabada is ready for the trials. He's the American Record Holder in the 25k and won the USATF Marathon Championship in 2008. He holds a 2:12 Marathon PR from Fukuoka in 2006 and has been training in Boulder, with a recent stint at sea level in his hometown of Fresno, CA, to get ready for the trials. Follow him on Twitter here.

5 Questions with Fernando Cabada

1. Writing About Running: How is training for the trials coming along?

Fernando Cabada: Training is going great! Been keeping it controlled and safe. No sickness or injuries, can't ask for much more. I've had some of my best training ever. Having a lot of fun doing it as well.

Reclaiming his 25k title earlier this year

2. Writing About Running: You are the American Record Holder at 25k. What does that mark mean to you?

Fernando Cabada: Well, its cool having an Amercan Record in something, especially these days with how well American distance running is starting to go. I am happy to have a place. I don't think it's that fast, or that tough of a record to get, to be honest. It put me on the map and I am grateful. If it was to be broken by someone else, I don't think I'd lose much sleep over it.

3. Writing About Running: You recently posted a really strong workout on Twitter (21.1k - 15:39, 15:28, 15:23, 15:07, 3:13 (1.1k) = 1:04:51). What's another key workout you do during marathon buildup?

Fernando Cabada: Yeah, that workout when well. I got the chance to train for 10 days in Fresno, CA (my hometown), its sea level there, so I didn't struggle. Never felt so comfortable running a sub 1:05 half. Another big workout I did while in Fresno was 7 days before the 21.1k workout, 30k progression in 1:36:00 with 5k splits of 17:00, 16:35, 16:11, 15:50, 15:26 and 15:13. Again, felt really easy and just gave me confience. So doing this 30k on Christmas Eve, then seven days later running a half marathon workout in 1:04:51, showed me I am in shape, because neither of those runs made me sore the next day.

4. Writing About Running: You're a veteran of the roads. What are a few of your favorite races?

Fernando Cabada: Man.....you are putting me on the spot here, haha. I enjoy most of the races I go to. I always enjoying racing in Minnesota in the Twin Cities Marathon and at Grandma's (Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon). Of course, the 25k River Bank Run. I enjoy Boilermaker 15k in Utica, NY. There are many great events out there. Looking forward to going to different races in 2012!

Winning the 2008 Marathon
National Championship

5. Writing About Running: What is your goal for the trials?

Fernando Cabada: Top 3! I have what it takes. I've won 3 USA Championships (including 2008 Marathon Championship). I had a great 2011 season running a half marathon PB (1:02:32) and winning the 2011 USA 25k Championships. I am in better shape now. If I was to run a 2:08 on January 14th, that wouldn't surprise me. I've been due for a performance like that. It's on and I'm ready for any kind of race.

Stay tuned for more articles this upcoming week and continued coverage leading up to the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, TX on January 14, 2012.

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