Leonel Manzano speaks out about…
The Big XII Championships/The sub-4:00 mile:
1) How did it feel to cross the finish line and see your mile time begin with a 3?
I was very excited… almost as though it was a dream.
2) What was your goal time for the mile heading into the season?
I had wanted to run under four, but I hadn't ran that great in the beginning of the season. So if I would of ran a 4:02 I would have been happy.
3) How has the sub-4:00 mile affected your racing goals for the outdoor season?
First of all it has laid out new expectations for myself. So now I will have to do it again an hopefully faster.
His first NCAA Indoor Championships:
1) You finished tenth at the NCAA Indoor meet after qualifying for the finals with a 4:03 in the prelims. Can you give us a rundown of the final from your perspective?
I was pretty confident in my kick so what I was going to do was to stay second or third till the last 50 meters, but the field was too good for that. So I had to change up my strategy a little. I went from second to last and then in the last 50meters I went back to second. So I was happy with that.
2) How will this year's experience affect your race strategy the next time you compete at an NCAA track meet?
I will have more experience I will be able to run smarter. In other words my race… the way I like to run.
The University of Texas:
1) What factored in to your decision to attend the University of Texas?
I have always wanted to come here ever since I was in seventh grade. I think it was something like destiny.
2) Due to recent recruiting, the Longhorns appear extremely strong, not to mention deep, in the distance events. How has having runners in the caliber of Floreani, Ponsonby, Stanley, and Miller helped your training?
It's brought my training to a whole new level of competitiveness and an urge to improve my times. Those guys are very competitive, especially in the workouts. Our workouts are tougher because each one of us wants to be the best and doesn't want to be beaten. We also work together to make ourselves better runners, mentally and physically.
3) Where do you see the UT distance program going in track and cross country in the near future and by the end of your collegiate career?
I think we will be one of the top teams in the nation and hopefully be able to win nationals in cross and in track. I think we are aiming high in the near future and with a little bit of luck and a whole lot of hard work we think we will be able to keep improving every year and maybe be the best.
4) Speaking of the future, what will it take to unseat Colorado as the only program to ever win a men's cross country title in the Big XII?
Like I mentioned above with a little bit of luck and a whole lot of hard work anything is possible
5) Have you and your coach discussed redshirt possibilities? If so, do you plan on running outdoor track this season?
We have discussed it a little but I probably will not be red shirting this year in outdoor.
Training/Racing:
1) What is your favorite workout that you have done at UT?
One of my favorite workout is eight four hundreds in 60sec or better with a minute rest. And the Sunday runs. I have really enjoyed those.
2) How many miles do you run in a typical training week? How is that compared to your typical training week in high school?
Right now am doing between 60 to70 miles a week. Compared to what I was doing in high school I think I have double if not tripled my running. In high school I think the most I ever ran, which was rarely was about 30 miles a week. So it has really been a dramatic increase in my training. That's why I have high hopes for my next mile.
3) Do you prefer training for the cross country or track seasons more?
I really don't have a preference I like both… they both do you good in the long run because cross is a little more about strength and track is a little more about speed. So they both help you out when it comes to racing.
4) What is your favorite event in track?
Right now I don't think I have a favorite event in track. I like the mile as much as the 800 I would run them both if I could. So it might be a tie between these two races.
Etc.:
1) What advice would you give to a high school runner regarding the recruitment process?
Make sure that the school you are looking at is what you want. Not what someone else wants for you. Also make sure you ask all kinds of questions regarding dorms, education, the team, and the coach as a person and this should send you on your way to making the right decision.
2) Do you have any advice for an aspiring collegiate miler in regard to training or race tactics?
Run your race. Don't let anyone else run it for you. And make sure you do your workouts to the best or your abilities as well as listen to what your coach has to say because "sometimes" he knows best.
3) What is your favorite class thus far at UT?
On of my favorite classes that I took last semester was a communication class it was very fun as well as very informative.
4) What is the best part about attending UT?
That's hard because there are many. I think one of the biggest parts is just to have the privilege to be at this school as well as on the team.
5) Who is your favorite runner of all-time?
The one and only STEVE PREFONTAINE … the way he ran was jut amazing… that guy had guts
6) Who has been the most influential person in your life?
There have been many people but I think the most influential have been my parents.
