Running Times reported some collegiate national indoor rankings yesterday and we were happy to see a couple of New England school represented: Abbey D’Agostino of Dartmouth and Eric Jenkins of Northeastern both appeared multiple times on the short lists presented.
Less than a month until nationals, a summary of the top college indoor distance performances to datej.mp/V47PWn #indoortrack
— runningtimes (@runningtimes) February 12, 2013
Jenkins was the only guy representing New England schools to crack the list. His 3:58.11 mile (also at the BU Terrier Classic) was fast enough to place him fifth. That performance might’ve slipped under the radar a bit considering he toed the line with Rupp et al as part of Rupp’s record attempt that day. Eric is also tied for fourth in the men’s 3,000m with his 7:50.44. Not a bad indoor season so far for a guy who had to redshirt outdoor last season and then cross country this past fall.
To find out a little more, we reached out to Eric Jenkins for his second interview on the Level.
You’re ranked 5th in the mile and tied for 4th in the 3000. Which are you more excited about?
I’m a little more pleased with being 4th in the 3k right now. Not just because its better than 5th which is where I’m at in the mile, but also because I haven’t run that race in a couple years and it’s not really my main event.
Are you about where you expected to be for this point in the season?
Yeah I think I am right where I should be at this point in the season. I’m in great shape, I’ve gotten a lot of hard training in and am feeling great about the rest of the season.
Will there be any shift at all in your training approach (like focus more on one event over the other)?
I’m not too sure if there will be a shift in my training towards one event. My coach and I still have to figure out which event I would run at nationals if I end up making it in both. But I’m sure when we do that then the training and workouts will start to be geared towards one or the other.
Jenkins gearing up at the Exeter Mile last summer, third from left in the black singlet (courtesy of Anne London… NACHO!!!)
Back in August you told us (after running a 4:00.13 at the Exeter Mile): “I won’t be happy with just breaking four” later on the in the year. What mile time would make you happy right now?
I think I’m in shape to run atleast 3:55. I wasnt really pleased with the time I ran during the Terrier meet but it went out a little slow and it was hard to make up time.
Of your experience at the BU Terrier Classic, what did you come away from that with? Was it a challenge to stay focused on the task at hand with Rupp making a run at a record?
The Terrier meet was an awesome experience for me. Being able to race against someone like Rupp is a great opportunity in itself. A couple weeks before the race my coach had talked about using the race as sort of a tune up workout to prepare for the 3k in Seattle. Then Rupp announced he was going for the record there and everyone and their grandma showed up to watch. It was really nerve wracking, but those types of big races are important learning experiences for the future.
A little less than half the season to go. We’re excited to see what both Eric and Abbey can accomplish the rest of the way.
Also, Katrina Coogan of NH is #6 in the 3k.