A Distance Gala Interview

North Carolina's Blake Williams (Sr., Northern Durham, NC) has shown some tremendous versatility this year. Placing 15th at Foot Locker Nationals, all the while ranking as one of the best prep milers in the land. With big expectations heading into his final high school track season, Williams talks about a minor injury, his goals the rest of the way and his college choice.

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Distance Gala (DG): You've had a relatively quiet outdoor season, so far. How is your training and racing going? What type of work are you putting in currently?

Blake Wiliams (BW): I started my season with a minor achilles injury, disallowing me from participating in a few big meets. But my season is coming around. I have been putting in a good base since then and I am now working on my speed. 

DG: Looking forward, what are your goals and expectations the rest of the season?

BW: My goal for the rest of the season is to to dip under 4:09 in the mile. 

DG: You competed at Foot Locker Nationals (placing 15th) and the Brooks PR Invitational (placing fourth in the mile in 4:13.96). What did those two national-level events teach you that you can apply towards future competitions?

BW: I think that the national level meets I have competed have helped me become a more mature racer. This should help me keep my composer at the bigger meets that I will participate in during college or the end of this season.

DG: It seems like the University of North Carolina has quite the recruiting class coming in next fall. What helped you decide that UNC was the right choice for you?

BW: UNC just had all the right benefits for me. When I visited I had that gut feeling that it was the right place for me.

DG: You've had tremendous success both on the track at the shorter distances, as well as on the 5k cross country courses. Do you think you'll stay a more middle distance runner in the future, or start moving up to a little bit of the longer distances?

BW: I will probably be a middle distance guy ranging from the 1500 to the 5k. If my coach has different plans for me then I will happily run anything.

Quick Six (six quick questions, six quick responses)

DG: Favorite professional runner?

BW: Craig Mottram

DG: Best movie?

BW: Inception

DG: Favorite track and field meet you've participated in?

BW: Brooks PR meet

DG: Favorite band?

BW: Chiddy Bang

DG: Shoes you train in?

BW: Brooks Ghost 3

DG: Favorite sports team?

BW: Any UNC team