West Virginia Star Shines Bright
By Scott Bush
Long distance standout Clara Santucci had a terrific 2013. The West Virginia resident turned in two U.S. top ten performance in the marathon, including a top ten finish at the Chicago Marathon. With big expectations in 2014, Santucci now eyes the USA Half Marathon Championships in Houston. We caught up with Santucci this week, asking her about her current training situation, how she's feeling heading into Sunday's race and so much more.
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Scott Bush (SB): This next weekend in Houston, the USA Half Marathon Championships are taking place. Heading into the race, how are you feeling? What are your expectations heading into race weekend?
Clara Santucci (SC): I am feeling really good about my preparation and I'm excited to be back in Houston again to run the new course. My only true expectations are to put my best out there. That includes my fitness, my smarts, my heart, and my guts. I don't expect a time or a place, but I have high hopes that putting together the best I have in me right now will result in a high place and fast time.
SB: You placed ninth at the Chicago Marathon this past fall. Looking back, how did the race play out for you and how did you recover afterward?
CS: In hindsight, the race played out well, but I learned a lesson in pacing. My first half split was good, but the way I ran it could have been a lot easier. I sill feel it was a solid race and I'm happy to have gotten out of it what I did. Looking forward to Houston, I did the necessary steps for recovery while still enjoying a break. I felt that was the most mature I had ever handled a post marathon recovery and it's helped in my prep for Houston.
SB: You aren't part of any of the major training groups. What exactly does your training situation look like?
CS: That's true, but it doesn't mean I don't have a great support structure. I train in Morgantown, WV and WVU coach Sean Cleary coaches me.
As for training partners, there is a solid running community here, and a small group of post collegiate women who are turning toward road racing. We do workouts at the same time and sometimes together when it's in our plans, so we have a group feel here and support each other.
SB: What type of work have you been putting in preparing for this race?
CS: Instead of the beastly long tempos, fartleks, and long runs I've done for marathon training, I've switched to doing more interval type workouts. The mileage has been good and I've just been working on getting some turnover while staying strong. I don't have to think about getting past that 20-mile wall for this race, so I've turned the focus more toward quickening my pace. That should help when I do go into true marathon specific work again, too.
SB: Do you plan to run a marathon this spring?
CS: Yes. I am looking at possibilities and will confirm soon.
SB: Non-championship years are generally a good time for athletes to try new things. Are you making any changes to your training or racing in 2014?
CS: I am. In training, I am taking a step to develop a quicker stride and then bring that to the distance. In racing, I still plan on racing long and everything I do is always with the thought of how it will make my marathon better. The changes in racing that I would like to do are that I'd like to try broadening my horizons and go overseas for some races this year. I am well aware that Houston provides that possibility.
SB: It's a new year, so...what is your non-running New Year's resolution?
CS: My non-running resolution I have for this year is to become an avid supporter of at least one program that helps bring opportunities to children with limited resources to develop their talents into a future career. I realize how far a little support can go and how much of a difference it makes so I'd like to start taking part in giving to those who need it.
