Courtesy: Running USA

Former El Paso high school star Alan Culpepper is considered by many the odds-on favorite to win or at least make the U.S. Olympic marathon team (top 3), at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Birmingham, Ala. this Saturday, Feb. 7. The Louisville, Colo. resident's qualifying time of 2:09:41 is the best in the field and ties him (with the great Alberto Salazar) for the best U.S. debut marathon. He was a 2000 Olympian at 10,000 meters and the reigning 10,000m and 12K cross country national champion. Running USA wire reporter Hank Brown had a chance to ask Culpepper a few questions just one week before the Trials.

Running USA reporter Hank Brown: At Chicago 2002 with your 2:09:41, you tied the U.S. fastest marathon debut. How was that experience?

Alan Culpepper: I had a great experience at Chicago. Carey Pinkowski does a wonderful job taking care off all the details. Everything came together well and I was very pleased with the outcome. I have always wanted to try the marathon and with no major championship in 2002 I thought that would be a great scenario for racing a fall event.

HB: Do you think you are well suited for the marathon?

AC: Being at altitude, training well for many years, plus my overall temperament and talent package all suit the marathon quite well.

HB: What did you learn from Chicago?

AC: The importance of preparation. Training appropriately, fluid and glycogen consumption, and being emotionally prepared for a race that is over 2 hours long.

HB: You and Meb have staged some memorable battles at big-time races. In 2003, you got him at the USA 12K Cross Champs and USA Outdoor 10,000m champs. Whenever you two are in a race it seems to be a wire-to- wire dual. Tell me about some of those races.

AC: Meb is a great person and a great competitor. He always brings out the best in me. Without his presence over these last few years I would definitely not be at the level I am now.

HB: Which one do you remember the most?

AC: The 2000 Olympic Trials was amazing because even after 25 laps we still had the closest 1-2 finish of any other race contested. The 100m finished further apart then we did.

HB: Do you think the Trials could be deja vu?

AC: We will see what happens in the marathon, you never know.

HB: Many consider you the favorite based on your excellent debut. Who do you consider the favorites?

AC: I never like to count anyone out, especially for an Olympic Trials event.

HB: You run roads, XC, track and now the marathon. What is your favorite?

AC: I definitely like the track the best and I am still learning how to run on the roads. I still know that I am capable of running faster on the track.

HB: Is the marathon in your future?

AC: Yes, I will definitely run more marathons in the future.

HB: Tell me how your training has gone in prep for the marathon.

AC: My training has gone great. I have done 13 weeks of very good quality training and I am feeling fresh and ready.

HB: What have been some of your best workouts?

AC: 4 X 3K, 2 x 4 miles, hill repeats are some of my key workouts and as always 20 mile long runs.

HB: How do you and Shayne (wife and world-class runner Shayne Culpepper) juggle training time, especially after the birth of your son (Cruz)?

AC: Shayne and I have to be pretty organized with our daily schedule. She usually runs first and I get Cruz up and situated, and then I run when she gets home. We have child care that helps us on the days we do hard workouts. We basically use our time wisely.

HB: Will Shayne and Cruz be at the Trials?

AC: Shayne and Cruz will be at the Trials, they help me keep all this running business in perspective. Cruz has been an incredible joy.

HB: Have you seen the Birmingham course? What do you think about it?

AC: I have not seen the course but from what I have read it sounds great. I like criterion style courses.

HB: Now that the Olympic A standard has been relaxed (from 2:12 to 2:15) do you think that will make a difference in the way the Trials will play out?

AC: As one of three men with the original standard I was a little disappointed solely because it was one more thing in my favor. I can understand why they changed the standard but it is unfortunate that they changed things so late. It doesn't really change the way I will approach the race.