Experts Q & A # 2

[Nick]

Chat Wrap : Mike Inge of Kent State


Mike Inge of Kent State participated in the Chat Wrap on Tuesday, October 21, from 8:00-9:00pm EST. As only a freshman last season, Inge claimed the Mid-American Conference title in the 800 meters. If that wasn't enough, the Elyria, Ohio, native went on to win the U.S. Junior National title in the event with a personal best time of 1:47.89.
Looking forward to the 2003-04 track & field seasons, Inge is currently in the middle of fall training under the guidance of head coach Wendel McRaven. With another MAC season on the horizon, Inge hopes to add several more titles to his collegiate career.

Below is the Chat Wrap session transcript from Mike Inge:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------  Inge is the defending U.S. Junior Champion in the 800 meters (KSU sports info)

Perry from Indiana - What are your goals fo? the 2004 season?

Mike Inge - My biggest goal, which last year was my only personal disappointment, is to make the NCAA national meet. In the 800 meters, I hope to start running 1:48 consistently indoors. As for outdoors, I'm not setting any specific goals or limits on myself. I just want to compete with some studs and see how far I can go in the summer.

John from Youngstown - When you're not training, what do you do for fun?

Mike Inge - Well, I'm into fishing, watching football, hunting, and chillin with the MD's. It is said that I can play a mean cello too.

Jansen from Manchester - I hear your Madden 2003 skills are unmatched. What are your secrets?

Mike Inge - Well, If you wanna get down on some 2004, give me the 49ers and we can throw down. The west coast offense with the short underneath passes is the key. You have to run the ball too.

Denover from Pennsylvania - Do you plan on running any 1500's or miles this season, or will you continue to focus almost exclusively on the 800?

Mike Inge - For now the plan is to run 1 or 2 miles for strength. The 800 will be my main focus. Hopefully those 5 and 8k races will help with those longer track races, huh?

Kim from New York - Did you participate in any other sports in high school?

Mike Inge - I played football until my junior year until I realized that track was my true calling.

Hutch from Toronto - Which runners do you look up to?

Mike Inge - Marc Sylvester (Tennessee) has always been the guy that I looked up to. At the Ohio state meet my junior year, he talked to me before the 4x8 and I'm sure he didn't know it, but that meant a lot to me. I got to race him at regionals where he ran a great 1:47 in the prelims along with Nate Brannen (Michigan).

Jerry from Washington - Describe the feeling you had after winning the U.S. Junior 800 meter title.

Mike Inge - Well, I crossed the finish line and when I looked at the scoreboard, I couldn't believe the time. I was wiped out, but it was the greatest feeling to win with that tough field. It's been the highlight of my career.

Gregg from Massachusetts - What kind of workouts do you do during your tapering down phase of the season to let you know your in shape?

Mike Inge - Well, one thing I do to test my strength is an all out 600. That's a great confidence builder. But during my taper phase, I do 200's at 800 pace and judge it depending on how I feel afterwards.

Scott from Marysville - Did you run in the Ohio state track meet?  If so, how did you do (time?, place?). Keep up the great work.  That's a great time for a freshman!

Mike Inge - Thanks Scott, I was fortunate enough to run in the state meet my junior and senior seasons. In the 800, I tripped and placed 15th with a 1:59, but I had some great relays to run on.

Geoff from Penn Hills - Do you have any superstitions in relation to running?

Mike Inge - I have never been big on superstitions, I just take that head band and necklace off. Good luck in your training Geoff.

Connor from Colorado - As a middle distance runner, do you find your focus to be more on distance runs or on interval workouts? Which pays off more dividends? And what type of intensity do you train at for the distance runs?

Mike In?e - Some middle distance runners can handle heavier volume but I don't happen to be one of those people. The intervals seem to be my focus at this stage but I think that being more aerobically fit, by doing distance runs, will make me a better runner in the end. For your last question, I probably don't go under 6:45 pace for my distance runs.

Seff from Brimfield - What basic stragies do you use when running an 800 meters?

Mike Inge - I've found that I'm the most sucsessful when I go after the lead early and take control. The strategy will vary from race to race but that's the basic idea. I just hope to learn more ways this year as I gain more experience.

Flash Fan - Is this only the beginning of the middle distance success at Kent State?  What can we expect of the middle distance crew this year?

Mike Inge - This is just the beginning brotha. The MD's from Kent will hopefully make a visit to the NCAA meet in the DMR as well as some open events. MD4LYFE

Zeke from Michigan - What was your fastest 800 meter time in high school?

Mike Inge - Well, I truly feel like I left my best race on the track in high school, but my best time was 1:54.7.

Indorunner from Maryland - Do you see yourself in the 2004 or 2008 Olympics?

Mike Inge - Everyday 2004 sounds less ridiculous but I'm really looking forward for the oppurtunity in 2008.

David from Greensboro - What are your fall workouts like? Thanks and great success this year!

Mike Inge - On my hard days, I usually do repeat 800s at tempo pace or I do hills. Broken tempo runs or fartleks are mixed in too like 800 on, 800 off.

Diego from Ohio - What is it that you do through during the off season (summer and fall) while you aren't racing to prepare you for the indoor and outdoor track seasons?

Mike Inge - After the spring season, I take about a month off with 2 or 3 easy runs per week. Then, I build my base with a long run, 2 workouts, 2 recovery days and a speed development day. Theres usually a day off here and there too.

Thomas Quaid from Ireland - When did you first become a sub 1:50 half-miler and what would you say was the reason for your improvements?

Mike Inge - The 2003 MAC Outdoor Championships was my first time under 1:50. I built a strong base during the fall, and had consistent training for most of the year. I did a lot of 800 specific workouts too.

Howard from Rochester - How do you feel your team's chances are this year with the departure of so many seniors from the MAC Outdoor Championship team from Central Michigan?

Mike Inge - I feel we have a great shot at making some noise in the MAC. If everybody stays healthy, we'll be strong contenders for the title.

JJ Wilson from Austin - What kind of 400 meter times do you run and will you run any relays this year?

Mike Inge - Last year I ran 48.03 in the open and split around 48 flat all year. With a stronger sprint and middle distance crew this year, I'm not sure what kind of shorter relays I'll be running.

Steve Campbell from Florida - How is your build towards a new season coming along?

Mike Inge - It's going great, I can't believe how much easier it is this year after a great summer and early fall of training. I definitley feel more aerobically fit.