A Distance Gala Interview

Placing second at the Arcadia Invitational in the 3,200m and winning the Penn Relays mile, Matt Jablonski (Sr., Loyola, MD) showed the nation he was quickly becoming one of the best distance runners in the country. Having run in numerous top-level events over the past few years, Jablonski has proven himself time and again to always be a factor in the biggest races, and it seemed he was taking that next step in his racing.

Unfortunately, the University of Oregon bound senior had to shut down his season after the Penn Relays, receiving word from his doctor that he had a stress fracture. Despite the injury, the future looks bright for Jablonski and we wish him a speedy recovery.

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Distance Gala (DG): You've had a tremendous spring, with a second place 3,200m performance at Arcadia and a big win in the boys mile at the Penn Relays. How is your current training going?

Matt Jablonski (MJ): Training and racing started out very well for me in the beginning of this spring. However, after I fell over the finish line to win at the Penn Relays, I started to experience some pain in my glute area. 

After giving it almost a week of very little running I still had the pain. After seeing a doctor, and having a MRI, the results showed that I had a sacral stress fracture.  The doctor informed me that I would have to take 4-5 weeks of no running for it to heal, thus ending my season.

DG: With a few more big meets left, what are your goals for the rest of your senior track season?

MJ: Prior to my injury I received an invitation to run at the Jim Ryun Dream Mile and I was planning on running at New Balance Nationals, but since I am now injured the goal is just trying to get healthy and then start training for next fall at Oregon.

DG: You've seemingly taken the next step in your performances this spring. What do you attribute your rise in performance to?

MJ: There haven’t been many things that I have changed, but I think I have done a better job of being more consistent with my training.  Also, a lot of it has to do with being more experienced compared to the previous years and growing as a runner.

DG: You tend to compete in a lot of national-level events. What have you learned over the past few years from competing in such high profile races?

MJ: I've learned to become more relaxed and focused in bigger meets and to not get nervous no matter how fast the competition may be.

DG: You're headed to the University of Oregon next fall. It's obvious UO has a great distance program, but what other factors went into choosing Oregon?

MJ: Oregon had a lot of great things about it that in the end made my decision easy.  One of the main things about it was how well I meshed with the coaches and team, and academically it was a great fit for me as well.

Quick Six (six quick questions, six quick responses)

DG: Favorite band or musician?

MJ: Kid Cudi

DG: Best movie?

MJ: Inception

DG: Car you drive?

MJ: '99 BMW 328i

DG: Shoes you train in?

MJ: Asics DS Trainers

DG: Cross country or track?

MJ: Track

DG: Favorite vacation?

MJ: Hawaii