Speed is the Name of the Game

By Scott Bush

The start of a new year always brings a ton of excitement from the best American distance runners. A new year unveils new opportunities to improve, compete and win. One runner to watch this year is Fernando Cabada. Cabada has been one of the best road runners in the United States for years and kicks off his 2014 racing season at the USA Half Marathon Championships. Catching up with Cabada recently, we discussed his new focus on speed, what the new year holds for him and his focus heading into Sunday's race.

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Scott Bush (SB): The USA Half Marathon Championships seem like a perfect way to kick off your 2014 racing season. How's training going for you as of late?

Fernando Cabada (FC): It's been 5 years since I last competed at a USA Half Marathon Championship, so I am looking forward to getting back out there. Training is going pretty well, I am very happy with how things are going.

Had a good week last week, Tuesday, I ran 8x1k @2:47 avg. off 2:00 rest up in Boulder. Thursday, 4 miler in 18:30 (sea level). Saturday, 10 miler in 49:53 (sea level). This week is going well and my body is responding great! This past Tuesday I did 5x400 off 5 minutes rest in (55, 54, 56, 57, 57). Thursday I jogged an easy 18 miles (1:52:30). Not much left to do now, we are 9 days out. 

SB: You raced a half dozen half marathons last season. What were you able to learn in 2013 that you can apply to your race in Houston? What are your expectations heading in?

FC: In 2013, it was all about having fun and mixing it up in different distances. I ran a 5k for the first time in 5 years on the road, as well as, an indoor 5k (13:55) and that was my first indoor track race in 6-7 years. I've always run a lot of half marathons, since that is where the money is at mostly. What I was able to learn is that if I want to be a serious threat and win some more national championships, I need to be fast. I am talking miler/5k type fast and bring that to a half marathon and up. That is what I am doing.

I am hitting all the bases, from 5x400 all out to a 10 mile tempo at marathon pace type work all in the same training cycle. With all that being said, at Houston, I am expecting myself to be in the top 5 as the good goal. Great goal will be the win. I feel I am prepared to take on next weekends field and cover anything they throw down. 

SB: It seems as if you like to jump around a bit when it comes to training. What's your current training situation? Who are you training with?

FC: Training base and home is Boulder, Colorado. My current training location is Fresno, California, my winter training camp. Other then having a bike pacer here in Fresno, or my brother pacing me on the track in Boulder, I don't train with anyone. I am a lone wolf. 

SB: What does 2014 hold in store for you? Do you plan on running a spring marathon or hitting the track this summer?

FC: Just like 2013, I just want to run a variety of distances on the roads and the track. To have fun and enjoy the sport. As for a spring marathon, not sure? I haven't had anyone interested in me. Maybe after Houston, someone will invite me!?! If not, then I will run some track.

SB: Okay, it's a new year, so...what's your non-running resolution?

FC: Better my relationships with family, friends, fans etc.