Defar And Lagat Talk To The Press In Monaco

Both athletes fielded questions ranging from debut marathons to the secrets of longevity.

On the eve of the World Athletics Gala in Monaco, world indoor 3,000m champion Meseret Defar of Ethiopia and American record holder in the 5,000m Bernard Lagat spoke with the press. Defar was asked about her recent half-marathon debut at the ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon in September where she won in 1:07:45. “Before Philadelphia I was a little scared because it was my first half marathon.” she said. “But I only had problems in the last kilometer. But I’m still focusing on the track. Maybe in the future I will think more about the roads.”

Defar also pointed out that she is not sure when she will run her debut marathon. “I haven’t decided yet when I’ll run the marathon. But I am thinking about it. But not before the 2012 Olympics,” she said.

Thirty-five-year-old Lagat was asked about the secret to his longevity. “Trying to stay young,” he laughed. “Seriously, training hard. Focusing on certain performances. And focusing on certain competitions.”

For More: IAAF

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FILED UNDER: News TAGS: Bernard Lagat / debut marathon / ING Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon / London Olympics 2012 / Meseret Defar / Monaco / World Athletics Gala

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin is the news editor at Competitor.com and a freelance journalist who’s been covering the sport of running for over five years. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. His first running book, RUN SIMPLE, was released last July.

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