MileStat.com\'s Brandon Miles interviews Footlocker South runner-up Kathy Kroeger from Tennessee who dueled it out with Virginia\'s Aurora Scott as both runners ran under the 20 year old course record of 16:45 set by two-time Foot Locker Nationals champion Erin Keogh of Langley High School. Kroeger\'s final time of 16:32 put her six seconds behind Scott and 13 seconds ahead of Keogh\'s record. Keogh has the second fastest winning time ever at Balboa Park, the home course for Footlocker Nationals, in 16:43.
MileStat.com: Kathy, you took second today. You went under the course record held by Erin Keogh, who was 10:03 3200 meter runner. You are probably not as pleased in not getting the win, but you have got to be pleased with the time going into Foot Locker Nationals. How did you feel about how today went for you?
Kathy Kroeger: I was really excited about my goal of qualifying for San Diego. The starting out pace was really fast, so my legs were hurting at the end. But I was really happy with my time and breaking the record.
MileStat.com: In two weeks, you girls go to a bit more challenging course at Balboa Park. Do you feel a course like that suits you better than the course here at McAlpine?
Kroeger: Well I really like this course. Its one of my favorites. I like it better than Balboa.
MileStat.com: How did you feel throughout the race and at certain points? Did you feel under controll and in power and when you finished, did you feel you comfortable?
Kroeger: Yeah I felt pretty comfortable with my race. I knew I did not have to win it and just be in the top ten to qualify, so there was not as much pressure. I tried to stay with Aurora, but she pulled away in the last mile and I just hung on for second.
MileStat.com: A returning Footlocker finalist, last year you were just a place off All-American. This year you probably not only want to get All-American, but really improve more from than that finish. With the times today, the South region has two girls that can potentially finish up there very high. How confident with the time, do you think you can run in two weeks?
Kroeger: Well I\'m just really excited to be going back and have a chance to race again. It be really awesome to improve my time and place from last year.
MileStat.com: Well congratulations on your race and good luck in two weeks.
Kroeger: Thank you.
