McLeod Goes The Distance

Matt Baum (flrunners.com): So, how has the summer been treating you, Tim?

Tim McLeod: Well, it started out sort of shaky, but now it's back where i wanted it to be.

MB: Can you give us some quick insight into your training?

TM: I took about 4 days off after the state track meet before I could no longer stand not running. I did a couple of weeks at good mileage, but then went to the beach and bruised my foot. After that I was forced to take a week and a half off of training by my family. I did a week of about 40 miles all fairly easy in intensity before I headed off to the University of Arkansas for a cross country camp. I worked up to 70 miles at really good intensity there, in the process of which becoming quite sore. I returned home about a week before the Citrus Summer Showdown so i took it easy for that week. I had an alright race, I went 16:53 or something like that, which wasn't too good or too bad I suppose. Then came three weeks of trail running in Brevard North Carolina and West Virginia. I'm up to about 80 miles a week right now, and I feel awesome.

MB: Are you usually a high mileage guy?

TM:In the past i most certainly have been, last year i got to 98 miles for a week during the summer, but now I have dropped my mileage slightly and made it much higher intensity than before. Coach Mckinney also likes to make sure his athletes are going to peak for college and careers after that, as opposed to just racing well in high school.

MB: Going back to track season now, it seemed that you dropped down to the 1,600 where as the past two seasons your focus was on the 3,200. What was the reason behind that?

Name: Timothy Reeves McLeod Birthdate: 8/22/1986 Height: 5'10" Weight: 132

TM: Well, I had never been one to be known for speed. I decided that running and training more for the 1,600 would help a lot with my lack of strength and speed. It was a pretty good decision, I feel that my overall running ability has definitely benefited from the change, but in retrospect more long runs would have helped keep up my endurance going into my summer training.

MB: What did your spring training consist of?

TM: Basically, I dropped my mileage from in the 60's and 70's as it had been in cross to in the 40's. We would normally do two track workouts a week, one focusing on speed, and one later in the week more geared toward pacing goals. On occassion we would get in a long run, but that happened less than I would have liked. Friday's we'd race, then Saturday would be a really easy day, or off all together.

MB: As you know, there has been some talk about your transfer to Episcopal. Can you tell us a little about that.

TM:Well, my dad is retiring this month from being a priest, and wants to move out of Orlando. Seeing as he is an episcopalian minister, Episcopal was an obvious choice.

MB: Are you content with the move and change of plans?

TM: Very, I get along very well with the rest of the guys on the team, and Coach Mckinney. They are all very motivated, which is something I was definitely looking for in a new team.

Personal Records 1,600: 4:23 3,200: 9:33 5,000: 15:57

MB: Moving forward to this upcoming cross country season, have you set any goals for yourself and your new team?

TM: Coach Mckinney and I sat down and talked about that recently. The main goals, as of right now, are to win the state meet both as a team and individually. He also said he thought I could get top 20 at Footlocker South. Basically this year is just getting used to the program and building up for a stellar senior season.

MB: Even though there is some stiff competition, will you still be aiming to qualify?

TM: Well, last year during cross i was taking Accutane, which is an acne medication that pretty much horribly dehydrates your body. During track I didn't have nearly the endurance I should have, so I think with both of those factors fixed I have a chance at making it. Only one of the top eight from last year is returning so that makes the chances significantly better.

Favorite Food: Butter Pecan ice cream, and gummie bears Favorite Book: Beowulf Favorite Band: Switchfoot Favorite Runner: Dathan Ritzenhein, anybody who runs themselves into injury that much has to be cool.

MB: Wrapping it up a bit, do you have any long term goals in mind?

TM: I have always wanted to run in college, and that is my main goal. As far as hopes and dreams, it would be awesome to beat all the African runners, I'm not saying it's a given, but if nobody ever tries Americans will never beat them again.

MB:I know it's pretty early, but do you have any college(s) in mind?

TM: If I had my druthers, it would be a toss up between Arkansas, Colorado, Stanford, big powerhouses like that. But it all depends on scholarship money and how I like the coaches, and team.

MB: Alright, Tim, that wraps up the interview. Thanks for the interview and best of luck to you and your new team this fall.

TM: Thanks Matt, you are the most lovely interviewer I've ever come across in my 16 years of living.

MB:Well, thanks, Timbo! And if you can, try to keep McKinney from losing his hair like Coach Butler. That would just be awful!

TM: [Laughs] I shall try.