Interview with Kevin Castille
By: The Webmaster
December 2003

1. I understand you will be leaving Lafayette in January for Eugene , Oregon to train for the Olympic trials (July 2004 in Sacramento ).  Who or what organization runs this training facility and how did you come to be invited?

I plan to leave for Eugene on or around January 7 or 8.  It is run by Puma's Team Eugene/Olympic Development Program, run by manager/coach Matt Lonergan.  I met Matt before the nationals 10k in Mobile before the race.  Afterwards, he was impressed and we exchanged numbers and everything just fell into place.

2. What is your training like these days?  What does a typical week look like?

Tom has me on a two year high mileage program, in which I stay off the road and run from 90 to 100 mile weeks for no less than a year and a half, backing off to about 60/70 miles the week of the race. I normally run 20 on Sundays, 10 on Tuesday and Thursday.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday vary depending on if I have a race or not.

3. What might a typical day or week in Eugene be like, as far as you know now?

It's going to be very different: two-a-days five days a week, without having to balance school and work.  The training will be a little more intense.  I'll have more time to focus.

4. Can you explain how, at age 31, you are significantly faster than you were as a scholarship track star at UL-Lafayette?

I was very immature.  The workouts doubled and it took me some time to adjust and by the time of adjustment I had lost my focus.  Now I'm older and I have a second chance because I wasted my twenties, so now it means a lot more to me than it did then.  I'm not getting any younger and I've worked too hard to waste this opportunity.

5. How long will you be in Oregon ?  Can you share with us any goals you might have for your training there?

At the minimum, 6 to 9 months.  My goals are those of the Qualifying Standards:

3000 steeplechase: 8:36
5000: 13:32
10000: 28:15

6. Realizing that one never knows how life will unfold, how committed are you to returning to Lafayette , at this point anyway?

I would love to return to Lafayette but we never know where life takes us or what it holds for us so that would be the plan, but it's too early to determine.

7. What is the selection process to participate in the Trials?  How about for the Olympic team itself?

Top 3 each event, no exceptions.

8. After a recent 1:05 half marathon on an accurate course that included two tough miles off road, you must be capable of something approaching 1:02, especially if you had some peers to run with that would push you.  Have you ever raced a full marathon?  Is it possible that the longer distances might be where you are best?

I'll have my chance to match up with peers of my talent and we'll see how that goes, so before I make any predictions we'll just wait to see what happens when that time comes.  No, I have never run a marathon - only the Cajun Country Half Marathon the last two years.  I would have to say, yes, it is possible because I haven't been doing any type of intervals or speed work.  But I do enjoy the long races so in the future that my be my secret weapon.  I'm looking forward to my debut marathon which is still not determined, nor do I have a date yet.

9. What is your personal philosophy toward running and fitness?

I personally feel that running is the beginning to all fitness programs.

10. Any thoughts on diet, stretching, cross training, etc.?

Stretching is a priority, especially for young runners, because it becomes a habit, which is good.  Cross training also is an effective tool because it gives one a variety in their exercise program.  Now on the diet issue - I'm still experimenting on it but when I figure it out I'll share it with anyone who is interested.

11. What one bit of wisdom would pass on to someone who wants to get faster?

Just for the record I would like everyone to know that about two years ago I met someone who told me that when I was ready to start running to come find him.  When I decided I was really ready I did just that and what a wonderful job he did.  Everything he told me came to pass and I would like him to know all the hours and time behind the scenes he put in has paid off.  So if anyone wants to know how to get faster I suggest that they inquire of my friend, my coach, my mentor Tom Hopkins to whom I owe my new found life and thanks for helping restore me to the sport