Hansons-Brooks Stars Sets Sights on 10,000m

By Scott Bush

Bobby Curtis got his 2015 season off to a good start by qualifying for Team USA and headed to the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. In China, Curtis struggled a bit on the tough course, finishing 37th overall. Despite getting knicked up a bit at World XC, Curtis tackles the 10,000m distance at the Payton Jordan Invitational this weekend.

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Scott Bush (SB): Payton Jordan is this weekend, where you'll be competing in a stacked 10,000m race. How's training been the past few weeks and what are your goals for this next race?

Bobby Curtis (BC): Training hasn't been too impressive. I was a little banged up after world XC so I haven't done as much 10k specific training (or mileage) as I would have liked. I think sneaking under 28 minutes would be be a good result for me.

SB: You are coming off competing at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Obviously it's such a tough race, but looking back, how do you feel about your performance?

BC: I was disappointed with my performance. I would have been happy with high 20s. That being said, I don't think the course suited me. I'm definitely a rhythm runner and the uneven footing and steep short hills were really challenging for me.

SB: It's a World Championships year. What are your goals for this season and is making the team in the 10k the focus?

BC: At USA track champs I'll be focusing on the 10k. It's going to be an incredibly difficult team to make. Hopefully, I'm in great form in a few months. Leading up to the U.S. Track champs I'll be competing at the Bolder Boulder 10k and the Portland Track Festival 5k.

SB: You continue to run a variety of race distances on various terrains. How do you feel this benefits you as a pro?

BC: I like running a lot of distances. I think a mixture of roads, track and XC is good. I'm excited the see if 2 years of injury free marathon type training will help me on the track this season. Also, I think a good track season this spring/summer will help me with my 2016 US marathon trials preparation.