Road to London: Zoe Buckman Q & A

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