If you like sports or science or reading, you may have heard of longtime Sports Illustrated senior writer David Epstein and his book The Sports Gene, which explores “the science of extraordinary athletic performance.” That certainly describes Sir Roger Bannister’s breaking of the four minute barrier, and Epstein was also instrumental in our being able to tell Bannister’s story in our documentary BANNISTER: EVEREST ON THE TRACK. First, he helped make introductions with the great man, and later sat for two interviews that help make up the backbone of our story. We asked the former Columbia University track athlete a few questions about his history with Sir Roger and what makes his story special.

You were gracious enough to share a lot of time and insight for our documentary BANNISTER: EVEREST ON THE TRACK. How did you and Sir Roger Bannister first connect?

First, basically the “Where Are They Now” issue of Sports Illustrated is one of my favorites, and given that it’s harder to get track in there anymore, I always tried to use that issue to write about someone in track and field. It’s a much easier way to get track in the magazine.

So I pitched stories thinking, “Who would it be awesome to meet and write about?” And I pitched Sir Roger. I didn’t know Read the full article

Sixth in London, fifth in Moscow, Evan Jager is a medal contender whenever he contests a championship steeplechase — but Friday in Brussels he’ll take the line in his third 5000 of the 2013 season at the conclusion of this year’s Diamond League. Previously, he ran a new personal best of 13:14 back in April at Stanford, and will face a slew of sub-13 and “13-oh” runners Friday. It’s an uber-competitive field but Jager sounds excited to face the challenge, as he gave us an update from the lobby of his hotel in Brussels…

1. Your performance at Worlds seemed to be a step forward from London but in post-race interviews you were obviously still disappointed not to medal. How did you feel about the race, when you left Moscow?

I would say that initially, after the Final in Moscow I was pretty disappointed that I didn’t get a medal because I had built the idea up in my head that I had the chance to. When I came away empty handed again, I was pretty bummed. But after having some time to step away and think about the race I am very happy with how much I have improved since last summer.

2. Do you feel like the steeple (hurdling) or the 5000 (longer distance) is a tougher event? Read the full article

Chris Solinsky suffered a horrific hamstring injury in late-2011, leading to an entire 2012 season away from competition… and one of the most remarkable comebacks in recently memory. An 8:05 3000m indoors showed he had solid fitness once again, as he cruised to the win, going away. Then he entered the Stanford Payton Jordan 5000 with questions swirling about how competitive he could really be. A very strong 13:23 answered them and put him within striking distance of the World Championships “A”-standard of 13:15, a mark at which he will take aim on Friday at the USATF Occidental High Performance Meet.

Before flying to LA for the meet, he took to Twitter to answer some questions. Read the full article

Here’s a nice (older) Q&A you may have missed with Ms. Emily Infeld, the newest member of Team KIMbia. In it she talks with Runner’s World about her race at the US Cross Championships and adjusting to being in a professional group — including her first stint at altitude:

I’m not the best pacer. The first time, when we were doing mile repeats, I was supposed to be doing 74-second quarters, and I went out in 31 seconds [for 200 meters], which is what the boys did. A hard lesson learned; the rest of that workout was really painful and the rest of that repeat was really painful. I think it’s just knowing your body and not getting too antsy, and also thinking to take a little more rest between repeats. During tempo runs, I’d start out thinking, “I’m felling great, I feel like I’m going really slow,” but toward the end, I wasn’t picking it up too much. [The effect of altitude] was definitely building in my legs. I definitely did the hardest workouts I’ve ever done there.

Anyone who has run at altitude, recognizes this awareness as key, sage advice. Infeld, of course, would go on to place 21st as the 2nd American on a team that missed a bronze medal by just 17 points. Now she looks to make another world team, this time on the track. The US Championships kick off June 19th in Des Moines.

Lots more in the full interview, here.

The number three American performer at two miles indoors is now Andrew Bumbalough, after he ran 8:13.02 at the Millrose Games on Saturday. Teammate Evan Jager ran 8:14 to grab #4 on the US all-time performer list, while Lopez Lomong won the Wanamaker Mile in a facility (and meet) record time of 3:51.26, making him #8 all-time in the world. As a Georgetown grad, Bumbalough feels a strong connection to the east coast and loves New York, and here he talks about the experience this past weekend.

What stands out about coming to New York to compete?
Flying into NYC is always exciting. The lights and buildings of Manhattan sparkling as the sun dips beyond the western skyline. I love this city and I especially love competing here.

Coming into Millrose, what were your expectations for the race?
There is an undoubted energy that surrounds this sport in the city that never sleeps. You feel it is almost your duty to go out and give a good performance because the fans give you so much back. The 2 mile set up to be an awesome race at Millrose. A record attempt certainly meant a quick early pace and so I was ready to hurt early.

How do you remember it playing out?
We came through the mile in 4:06, a pace for which I felt Read the full article