PUBLISHED 11/03/2006
Looking absolutely stunning Jelena has returned to New York with one goal in mind; to win the race on Sunday. She does not care about times, or other places, she wants the win... and believes she can do it.
Her preparations this year have been stunning, four national records, two personal records, and the only slip up was a 'mere' second place at this Spring's Boston Marathon.
Runner's World Online: Jelena, compared with last year what has the build up been like?
Jelena Prokopcuka: It has been great, no problems. In fact even better than last year. I have been following the same plan I did in 2005 before my win here.
RW: Have the runs been the same, or do you feel, with your PR's this year, you are running faster?
JP: Yes, I have noticed that the same training runs have been completed faster, so there is an improvement.
RW: What kind of mileage have you been training at, and where have you been training?
JP: Well the last two weeks I have been in Latvia, but before that at altitude. I have run up to 120-miles per week at the peak, and a little less than that for the average.
RW: Where is the altitude camp?
JP: In San Moritz, Switzerland. I like this place because of its beautiful forests, lakes, and just the nature. Then of course you have the undulations and also the flat areas for training too. It is simply ideal.
RW: Will you use a blueprint tactical plan for this year from your victory in 2005?
JP: For the first half I shall just hang in and stay with the group. The second half of New York is far more difficult, so it is here that I will make my attack. This course really suits me.
RW: They say to win a race is easier than to defend, do you feel pressure?
JP: That is true, but no I do not feel any pressure that I can not handle at all. I am strong enough to defend against anyone. The field is much stronger than last year, but so am I.
RW: Tell me what did winning last year do to 'Jelena' as a runner?
JP: It made me the most famous person in Latvia (laughs) and also I became more confident as a runner, more assured of my ability.
RW: What do you do away from the running world?
JP: I like to relax by reading reading, I like to watch other sports, like cycling and my favorite winter sport is Biathlons-- they are big in Latvia. My favorite cyclist to watch is Ullrich.
RW: What do you think Lance will do?
JP: Depends on his training, he could be in trouble if he has not done much training. Big trouble!
RW: You started running marathons when you were 24 right?
JP: Yes, six years ago I ran Paris, but before I had a long career on the track, and hold all the Latvian track records.
RW: Speaking of which you must be delighted with the new PR of 30:38 for the 10,000m this summer?
JP: Especially as that, and also the 51:50 I ran for 10-miles in Holland was done whilst training in heavy preparation for the marathon.
RW: What is the main difference for you between track and road racing?
JP: I don't like to run intervals round a track, I like to run in a straight line, going somewhere. I also enjoy running long; both these things are a problem if you want to compete primarily as a track runner.
RW: Which athlete do you most admire in sport, and why?
JP: Paula Radcliffe because she is dedicated and she is so strong.
