Tweet

Last season you got your first taste of racing in Europe.

What are the main differences between racing in Australia, America and Europe?

(e.g style of racing, benefits- prize money, appearance fees, accommodation, more aggressive competitors, quality races, travel etc.),

The difference between racing in Australia and America is that the field in America is a lot deeper. I found this to be a bit of shock when I embarked on my first season in the US in 2007. I went from placing third in the Austalian Champs, to getting knocked out of the quarter-final of the collegiate nationals. I did come on the following year to place 4th at collegiate nationals- so that gives you an idea of the standard of US college athletes alone. In America you also have the team dynamic, compared to the individualization of Australian track and field. After college athletes are allowed to accept prize money, and basically need an agent if they are planning on competing at the top level, in America or Europe. The agent can help with this, but there's less pampering than in college- you need to be a bit more independent while travelling. Meet directors can arrange accomodation/transport, but there is no team physio with you or daily allowance placed in your hand. Nonetheless, it's part of the fun, which I found in Europe. The quality of the races is highest in Europe. 

 
Are there any lessons you have learnt from racing and training in different countries?

My experiences from running in different countries have been in different stages in my life- high school, collegiate and then professional. But the main thing to realize is that wherever you go, it's going to be different to what you're used to...so you just need to relax and take it as any other race.

At the Australian nationals this year the announcer mentioned your 2011 NCAA indoor performance. For people that do not know, you placed third in the mile at NCAA this year behind teammate Jordan Hasay and posted a personal best of 4.33.76 to help the University of Oregon win their second straight NCAA title and run yourself into the record books for running the third fastest time in school history 

Firstly can you explain a little about what NCAA is?

The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Assoc.) has 3 divisions- with D1. being of the highest standard. It's made up of several sports, with each university ranking itself in a different division- depending on the standard set to compete on that team. For athletics there are 3 seasons- Outdoor, Indoor, Cross Country. Each team begins by entering whatever meets they choose, and then go on to the conference championships (localized states), regional championships (a third of the country) and then the show-down, for those qualified schools! To "score" for the team, an individual must place in the top 8- 10 points for 1st, 1 for 8th.

Is it true that if you win or you team wins a NCAA that you receive a NCAA ring?

Yes, the winners all get championships rings- at conference and NCAA titles. They are custom made with the team logo.

What was the significance of you coming third at NCAA, your team winning the title and for you to run the third fastest time over the mile in school history?

For me personally, it was such a kick to finally prove myself as a top athlete in the NCAA, after so many years of treading water.  I felt privileged to have been part of the Oregon team success. It was quite surreal, considering what a turn-around it was from the first year result. I think the program will continue to gain momentum over the years. 

In 2009 you were interviewed by Athletics-gold and you said in one of your responses My goal for years has always been to make the 2012 Olympics. While I'm still young, my prime focus will remain the 800m, as I want to retain my speed. Realistically I'll probably end up being a 1500m runner, but by no means do I want to move up from that! 5k it is too far for me.

Do you still call yourself an 800m runner or since your 4.05 result do you consider yourself more a1500m runner?

I consider myself a 1500m runner (since 2010), with the engine of an 800m runner. I decided to give it a proper go after watching the 2009 NCAA finals from the stands, and comparing the events.

At the Australian national championships this year you demonstrated your speed in the 1500m final against Kaila McKnight and Georgie Clarke, where you jumped to the lead 400m to go and kicked again in the last 200m holding off the girls to win the championship title.

Do you believe that speed is your main weapon on the track?

I think it's advantageous to have (speed) in the 1500m, as many of these championship races come down to the last lap. That's one thing I like about the 1500m- it's versatility. You must have the aerobic fitness to keep up, but speed is important for adjusting the pace; as is strength, to hold it. It's something that I continue to work on.

What things do you do in your training to try to maintain and develop your speed?

I do some fast strides after my training run once a week, and some similar turn-over work before my tempo runs. Also gym work 2x / week, to help with power.

This coming season you will be racing the likes of flying Dutch women Susan Kuijken (4.05.86) who is based in Australia and trains under Bruce Scriven. She was also a college athlete having raced for Florida State University.

Do you feel racing against past and present American college athletes, that they have a somewhat different racing style then non-collegiate athletes? (e.g. more aggressive, do not sit and kick etc.).

I feel that the American collegiate races and professional races are different ball games to one other. The best competitors are those that are able to adjust to shifting conditions. In college, I think you have less hit-outs at a fast time than you do in say, professional, paced races. So in my first race or 2 out of college, I lacked some confidence in how fast I could go. But you adjust quickly to the temperament of the race.

Are you excited knowing that another 4.05, 1500m runner will be pushing you and the field this coming Australian season, especially with London Olympics on your mind?

Yes, I look forward to some competitive races. It will be good to gain some tactical experience, and hopefully hit it out at a fast time.

 

Athlete Profile

 

Name: Zoe Buckman

 

Nick name:

 

Age: 23

 

Coach: Nic Bideau

 

Training Partners: Kaila McKnight, Charlotte Browning

 

Sponsors:Nike

 

Personal bests:2:02.5, 4>05.05

 

Career Highlights: Qualifying for London Olympics, 2011 Australian Title, 2011 NCAA Indoor bronze

Best piece of advice you have ever received: To tell myself, "It doesn't matter whether I plough through this or claw through this, I'm going to get through it".

 

Preferred Pre-race meal: Keep it simple- sandwich 

 

If you had an important 1500m race on Saturday, what quality sessions would you do that week to sharper up�.. I don't taper a lot. Usually something at threshold pace and then some faster short strides.

 

If I was not a runner I would be a�.. A post-grad student/ museum curator/ psychologist

 

I am a front runner or a sit and kick chick: I like to be able to do both.

 

Briefs or tights: Briefs

 

Superstitions: Not very superstitious, but believe somewhat it karma.

 

After a Sunday long run I like to���. Brunch, go out for coffee or relax somewhere outdoors- a beach or park

 

Favourite Food: Seafood, Steak

 

Favourite track to race on: Hayward Field, Eugene

 

Favourite meet to race at: Pre-Fontaine Classic 

 

Favourite Moive: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (to name one)

           

Favourite Music / Band: Chillout, RnB

           

What TV series are you abusing at the moment: Don't watch a lot, bit of a book nerd right now :)

 

 

If I made the 2012 Olympic team I would celebrate by�Jumping in the lake at Albert Park (just kidding)...probably visiting my family before I head overseas

 

After a big competition and long season I take time off and enjoy� Going to big events, doing touristy things around a city

 

What I miss most about college life and America is�. My friends, the local community

Tweet



Times could be a changing for women’s middle distance running in Australia. We currently have 4 of Australia’s fastest 6 ever women actively competing;

-          Zoe Buckman: 3^rd all-time Australian with a 4:05.06 (set in 2011)

-          Lisa Corrigan: 4^th all-time Australian with a 4:05.25 (set in 2007)

-          Kaila McKnight: 5^th all-time Australian with a 4:05.65 (set in 2011)

-          Georgie Clarke: 6^th all-time Australian with a 4:06.50 (set in 2005)

Zoe Buckman is the latest Aussie out of this group to burst onto the scene. Fresh out of college and full of experience from a successful few years with the University of Oregon; Buckman just missed out on selection for the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, with selectors using their discretion to leave her out of the team.  Buckman didn’t let this disappointment sway her rise, posting a fast 4:05.06 in Rieti on September 10, just a week after the world champs concluded. Buckman finished 9^th in the race, one place ahead of the world champion, Jennifer Simpson. Her time was an A- qualifier for the London Olympics.

We caught up with Zoe post Rieti…. 

RT: Zoe, first of all congratulations on your 4:05.06 performance in Rieti. You must have been pretty happy with the time. How did the race pan out?

ZB: Thank you. The race didn’t pan out quite how I envisaged, as I like to get out well and be somewhere near the front. There was a bit of a gap between the first two and the rest of the field, so I found myself a bit caught back. From then on I just tried to relax on the rail and stay alert, but went through the first 800m a bit slower than what I wanted. I also would have liked to have closed a bit stronger than 64/65 but maybe the legs were a bit race-rusty. Nonetheless it was nice to finally get the time.

RT: Did the disappointment of not being selected for the 1500m for the World Championships in Daegu motivate you that extra little bit to post a fast time?

ZB: Yes and no. The motivation was already there, because I knew that I had a bit left in the bag. It is normal to feel a little deflated under those circumstances. But you can’t allow yourself to feel defeated. That’s a choice. The bottom line is that I tried not to let a setback determine my course, and just keep going the way that I had been.

RT: The time takes you to number 3 on the Australian all-time list. It is exciting to think that Australia has both yourself and Kaila McKnight pushing for that number one spot. How important is having Kaila around to your own performance?

ZB: Having a training partner who I also compete against is nothing new to me. When I considered where to move after Oregon, this played strongly into my decision. I wanted an environment similar to what I was used to, and surrounding myself with highly successful athletes is a plus.

RT: Your non-selection and unsuccessful appeal for the recent world champs in Daegu got a fair bit of attention and press. What did the Athletics Australia (AA) selectors tell you as to the reasoning behind the non-selection?

ZB: That all factors were taken into consideration when exercising their discretion, in accordance with the selection policy.

RT: Have you heard anything from AA since the 4:05.06 in Rieti?

ZB: No. But we are a good few months away from the next selections J

RT: What is it about Rieti and fast times?

ZB: As far as I know, athletes go there committing to running fast, more than in other places. The conditions help too.

RT: What are your views on selecting athletes with B standards whenever possible? Do you understand why AA maintain their hard-line stance on selection?

ZB: I understand that the policy is aimed to encourage athletes to hit the A mark, and send the strongest team possible. Of course the B-qualifier will be subject to discretion, otherwise there would just be one standard to hit. As long as there is consistency with the criteria, there shouldn’t be any problems. Having missed the experience of world championships, I’m not in the optimum position as a potential Olympic contender...but I try to find a positive for every negative. Now I have a qualifier out of the way, and the goal is not just to be there but to be competitive.

RT: Where will you base yourself for the next 11 months, leading into the London Olympics?

ZB: I am returning to Australia and basing myself in Melbourne.

RT: Is Nic Bideau your coach and manager? How are you finding the transition away from the collegiate system?

ZB: Yes. It is has worked out very well. I’ve taken 4 seconds off my PB and nothing in the training has changed dramatically. If it has, I haven’t noticed! I’ve stayed healthy and learnt more about living as a “professional” athlete. Striking that balance between focusing and staying relaxed. In college, there is always the distraction of studying full time and racing 3 seasons of championships, which means that you come to rely heavily on routine. Here there is the training routine, but travelling around Europe forces you to become a bit more flexible. My first 2 races out of college were overseas (Australia and Korea). Getting the opportunity to do that, and being able to pull it off too, gives you more confidence on the international scene.

RT: In hindsight was the US collegiate system the right decision for you? What advice would you give to an 18 year old considering the move?

ZB: Yes! Of course. The NCAA is a much deeper field than I found in Australia, so it was eye-opening in that respect. The races are tough. You need to work on how to be tougher than everyone else, run with your head (as many of the races are tactical) and handle the pressure of competing at the championship level. A lot of these lessons I learnt the hard way. I suppose that’s inevitable. But for me, this only increased my determination and passion in the sport. Other than that, it’s a valuable experience for developing interpersonal skills, diligence and resilience, that comes with being on a team. The advice that I would give to anyone considering the move: Go on a recruiting trip (look at the dorms). Get yourself as comfortable as possible early on there. Consider the 4 years ahead of you and be organized. It’s a demanding lifestyle. The more settled you are, the easier it will be to figure out how to manoeuvre yourself on the track.

 

Tweet

 

Personal best times for Riseley and Buckman

 

Jeff Riseley and Zoe Buckman both set new personal best times in the 800m and 1500m respectively at the IAAF world challenge meet in Rieti (ITA), while Sally Pearson came second in the 100m.

 

World champion Pearson had her sights set on Melinda Gainsford-Taylor’s national record in the 100m and had Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM) started she may well have been driven into such territory.

 

However, Pearson ran 11.24 to finish second behind Schillonie Calvert (JAM) who won in 11.09. Pearson’s 4x100m relay team member Melissa Breen crossed the line in seventh in 11.74.

 

Riseley found himself in a quick 800m, which was won by the world champion David Rudisha (KEN) in a new world-lead time of 1:41.33. Riseley came seventh in 1:44.64, which moved him up to second on the Australian all-time list.

 

Meanwhile in the women’s 1500m (Race 1), Buckman was one of nine athletes to run faster than the time it took to win gold at the world championships in Daegu. Buckman’s time of 4:05.06 saw her place ninth and move up to third on the Australian all-time list, while Mariem Selsouli (MAR) won in 4:01.04.

 

In the second 1500m, world championships semi finalist Kaila McKnight finished third in 4:06.58, which is the second fastest time she has clocked this season. Hellen Obiri (KEN), who won in 4:04.10, and Genzebe Dibaba (ETH), both recorded personal bests.

 

In the men’s 1500m Collis Birmingham ran a season’s best of 3:36.87 to finish seventh place, while Ryan Gregson came home in 12^th in 3:47.05. World champion Asbel Kiprop (KEN) won the race in a new world-lead time of 3:30.46.

 

In other results:

 

-        Walter Dix (USA), the silver medalist in the 100m at the world championships, won the 100m in 10.02 with compatriot Justin Gatlin inthird.

-        Kaliese Spencer (JAM) followed up her Diamond League title with a win in Rieti and was the only athlete under 55 seconds, in 53.60.

-        Shericka Williams (JAM) won the 400m in 50.81, with Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu(GBR) in fourth place

-        Bernard Lagat (USA) won the 3000m in 7:32.13 ahead of Vincent Chepkok (KEN) 

 

ENDS

Tweet

Gotta get a move on…

Well! Yesterday’s training session passed in a whirlwind, or perhaps I should say a sleet shower…but I’m not here to talk about the weather. Point was that it felt great. I love it that you can start out feeling incredibly crummy and then it turns out to be a pretty good day. The day began with a hobbling shake-out, followed by a desperately-needed massage and 3 cups of coffee later…I was on the track. It was going to get done, whether I clawed or ploughed through it. 400 reps in the low 60s never felt so good.

Since arriving back from Australia almost 2 weeks ago, it’s been nice to settle back into the training hub with the luxury of having no school (one class doesn’t count). But I’m finding that just being an athlete is not enough. You need to get something else going on the side, something to be excited about, whatever that may be. I am someone who likes to be busy. But hobbies aside, I’ve just realized that I have a massive to-do list to conquer in the next month! The deadline is set. I think most people would agree that moving is pretty daunting…throw in the overseas factor and you’ve got yourself some luggage. But it will be quite the adventure too. I suppose I should just take it one step at a time.

Next up is Oregon Twilight on May 6th, Diamond League in Korea on the 12^th, then another race before Europe this summer. I’ll be quite jet-set for the next few months, as I’m also hoping to call in on some friends in San Fran and Vegas as promised! Hopefully my frequent flyer miles will come in handy there…

If you have read up until here~ thanks for your time.

Ciao for now,

Zoe

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6zWtrQXoaw

Tweet

Date: June 4-5

Location: Leonora, West Australian outback.

Online entry: HERE

Australia's richest and most unique mile, the Leonora Golden Gift, is back once again in 2011, grander than before, with over 50,000 dollars up for grabs.

In 2010, Leonora’s main street was graced by the likes of Australian middle distance star Ryan Gregson who took the men’s title. Gregson collected $6000 dollars for his efforts plus a gold nugget valued at over 1000 dollars.  Just six weeks later Gregson went on to break the Australian 1500m record, clocking 3:31.06 in Monte Carlo on July 22. The event has a proud history of helping Australia’s best along the road to greater things, just one of the ways in which the Leonora mile has distinguished itself within the Australian running community.

 

In 2011, a new array of stars will entertain the eager and vocal crowd. So far confirmed starters include Jeremy Roff, who is the 7^th fastest Australian of all time over 1500m, Kaila McKnight, the Australian 1500m champion, and many more of Australia’s best. 

The men's field has a tradition of being as competitive as an Australian championships, with progression from heat to final not being considered a certainy for all but the very best. This year will be no exception. Furthermore, this years women's field is set to turn heads with the likes of Georgie Clarke, Bridey Delaney, Lisa Corrigan, and fresh from the United States, Zoe Buckman. Stay tuned for more announcements.

The prize money on offer for the elite men's and women's mile are as follow:

- First: $6000 plus gold nugget
- Second: $4000
- Third: $2000
- Fourth: $1500
- Fifth: $1250
- Sixth: $1000
- Seventh: $750
- Eighth: $500 

Stay tuned to Runner's Tribe for more updates and information.

If you are an elite 1500m runner and would like to be considered for entry, then please email us at

info@runnerstribe.com 

 

UW Invitational

En route from another meet in Seattle, listening to some instrumentals as I wind down from a rigorous weekend. I was a bit nervous going into this meet, but it can be an incentive to get out there. Kind of like skydiving.  Anyway, led off on the distance medley relay on Friday night (1200m leg). Oregon put 2 teams in. Wasn’t happy with my close, but it gave me some relief to learn that I had been wearing x-country spikes. Did in with the clog-hoppers the next day…luckily my teammate could lend me some for the mile. We had a great field there, with 3 pros entered (2 members of the Oregon Track Club Elite). I tried to keep the pace going from 500m in, but with 300m to go I was chasing the elites. Finished in 4:37, just outside the NCAA auto mark. Oh well~ on to the next. 

Had a refreshing break in Australia over Christmas, and was able to get in some good training under the favorable climate conditions. It is so great to be doing some speed work again. Now I am back in Eugene for the winter term, taking a lighter class load in order to make the most of my last season with the Ducks.

Despite the winter chill I am really enjoying being back among my teammates. Had my first indoor meet for the season yesterday in Seattle, opening up with the mile. 

My coach and I decided to approach it tactically, just to get in the racing experience, although I ended up running on my own. The race went out staggeringly slow, and I wasn’t happy to start out in the second row, as it meant that I had to float around people for the first 300m lap (next time I will know to speak up!) As I approached my coach (Vin Lananna), he did his classic sign language which meant to speed things up. And when I say sign language, I mean this loosely, so as to not give away his coaching code! J For the rest of the race I just gradually increased the pace, and let it rip in the last 600m.

It was really fun to almost lose that clear sense of pace and distance, that you have on the outdoor track, and just run intuitively. I ended up running a 4:45 with a 2:30, 2:15 split. After that I watched my teammate Phyllis Francis set a school record in the 600m (1:27), followed closely by Anne Kesselring in 1:29, who I was also excited for as we have hardly done any speed work at this point in the season!

After a workout and a massage, I headed back to Eugene in a van (5 hours), making a brief stop at the Burger Barn.  Am really looking forward to the next meet in 2 weeks, where some tough collegiate and pro athletes are bound to be.

By Zoe Buckman

November 13^th 

Today was a pretty significant race day for me: the NCAA West Region Cross Country Championships. It was the last time that I’d represent the Oregon Ducks in front of our home crowd, having only eligibility left to last me through the indoor season.  Our team placed 2^nd to secure our berth at Nationals. Everyone who was anyone was out there, and seeing faces that I knew in the crowd really helped push me along. I particularly liked it when my Australian friend yelled, “Av-a- go-ya-mug!” as per request. I managed to finish 10^th over the 6k. My time was 20:24, though I’m not sure if it was a personal best or not seeing as the courses vary. It was a big improvement for me since our conference meet, 2 weeks ago, where I finished back in 23^rd. The difference was made up from saving my energy and excitement until the end, rather than the other way around. 6k is obviously a lot farther than my distance on the track, so harnessing the long distance mentality is something that I’ve had to work on.  Being on a collegiate team has helped me to grow into the role of a team player, and into my potential as an athlete.  Next up…Nationals in Terra Haute!

View Zoe's blog homepage HERE

 

 

After missing the entire XC season, im back into it, ripping out some kms, pumping some weights, lining up a few local races trying to get into some race fitness.

Cameron is sponsored by The Runner's Tribe. Made possible by    

 

After missing the entire XC season, im back into it, ripping out some kms, pumping some weights, lining up a few local races trying to get into some race fitness. Training has been going pretty well, doing some solid session's including some tough sand hill reps in boudi national park. Winter training was pretty light , trying to get a toe injury better and stay injury free, during this time I did a fair bit of cross training including swimming, gym and underwater rock running which is a real lungbuster. I've also become a lot more serious in stretching and icing and getting on top of little injuries before it becomes a major problem. Most of my sessions are run in Bouddi National Park including beach running with 1 or 2 track sessions, a fair bit of swimming with a couple of gym session's a week and some recovery icing session's. One of the greatest things about living/training on the Central Coast is the national parks and the beaches, Bouddi has magnificent views, reefs, shipwrecks, pounding surf, beaches, scenic coastal tracks, its just a wonderful environment to run in, its spiritually uplifting, so when you're running along one of the many beaches in Bouddi and you�re hit with a spray from the surf you can just breathe the salt air and you can feel your chest expand and you can feel the muscles in your leg tingle, its just makes you want to run. A usual daily discussion of Steve Prefontaines "Without Limits" passes the time. I'm stoked on running after any sort of session in Bouddi. Most hard session's are usually done in the arvo with easier ones in the morning so recovery is maximised. After any sort of hard sess it's recovery time which usually consists of a dive in the ocean, some gentle kicking in the water, a good surf, and laying on the beach with some beverages.



However the price to pay for Bouddi's breathtaking beauty is the difficulty of the terrain, lets just say I'd take 'The hill' at Nowra any day over a run in bouddi, it has some hectic hills, best summed up by the infamous 'Goat Track', forged on a steep mountainous climb that could have only originated in hell itself. When your toes bleed, that's running, when everything bleeds, that bouddi national park! Bouddi is also home of Trevor the bush turkey, a likeable young bush turkey, who we found injured one morning and nursed back to health, he usually joins for a couple kms before dropping us. Another great thing is having a very supportive coach- Kevin Wills who has come up with some unique principles of training to follow which keeps it interesting. Also having a great group of central coast runner�s notably the BMDB- Bringing middle distance back guys including Geoff Arnold, Cale Bowd, david Mainwaring, Tim Page, Dom an Ed Perry and Ben Guest.

Hopefully in the next few months I'll have a lot more time to train and get serious, with distraction�s such as the HSC etc out the way. Training now is starting to get more race specific including more fast track workout's and shorter, faster runs in general. I'm hoping to race well in the NSW 3km champs and run a fast time there and race consistently well throughout the season, hopefully clocking some world junior qualifier's and focus on that as a main goal in the long term.

Cam

 

'Most hard session's are usually done in the arvo with easier ones in the morning so recovery is maximised'
Cameron Page