Photo by Ted Plunkett
Our MileSplit national team is in the process of catching up with many of the top returning high school cross country runners in the country prior to the start of the racing season in the fall. MileSplit's Todd Grasley recently interviewed Annandale senior Ahmed Bile, who is back after a breakthrough junior year which included state titles in cross country, indoor (1000 meters), and outdoor (1600 meters) as well as All-American honors in all three seasons. Bile discusses his summer training, goals for the upcoming season, and reflects on his accomplishments from the past year.
Cross Country Q&A - Ahmed Bile
What has your summer training consisted of?
I don't go to any running camps during the summer although I wanted to get invited to the Nike Elite, but didn't unfortunately. As far as summer training I am pretty conservative. I just started consistently running every day this past week. Besides that it was just every other day starting maybe three weeks ago. My mileage is probably in the 20's right now because I'm just doing 20-35 minute jogs, but this month I'll get up to the 30's. I usually peak at the low 40's. That is as high as I go though.
(Photo right by John Herzog)
Some runners prefer high mileage 60-70 miles per week. Forty seems a little on the low end for an athlete like yourself. Do you prefer less mileage and more intensity?
I mean I've run with other great athletes and my workouts or pace of running isn't any more intense than theirs, so I wouldn't say high intensity. I just happen to do well with less miles. However, I definitely believe in quality over quantity.
What is a typical workout for you?
During cross country season I'll do from 400 to mile repeats at pace. I really like hills as well, but my favorite workout is fartleks. They are so much fun. I'll maybe do 10-12 times, 1-2 minutes hard, one minute off.
Last year you got 4th at Foot Locker South with a new personal best of 15:02 Then you finished 14th at Foot Locker Nationals. What did you think of your first Foot Locker experience?
That was my first time doing Foot Locker South and the experience was amazing. I have no clue what was working for me that day. Going into the race I was very conservative. My coach told me to stick with the top 20 and see what I can do. I knew I was in 15:20 shape, but something about that race on that day, I literally just didn't get tired. I kicked at the end for fun because I knew I was in the top 10, but had I kicked with 400 meters to go I think 14:50 was possible as well as the win. I loved it so much and hopefully if everything goes well, and I can manage to qualify again, I'll definitely be out there. It meant a lot to represent Virginia at Foot Locker Nationals. Talent wise Virginia is up there with any other state. It says a lot about the state to have four runners at Foot Locker Nationals (Silas Frantz, Mattie Webb, and Sophie Chase). It never ceases to produce fast runners like Alan Webb and others.
(Photo left by Margot Kelly)
You won three state titles last year one in cross country, the 1000 meters indoor, and the 1600 outdoors. That success garnered you Gatorade Athlete of the year honors for the state of Virginia. What did that award mean to you?
It was a huge honor to even be considered. I'm extremely grateful for it and hopefully I can receive the honor once again.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to get another three state titles as well as qualify for Foot Locker again and get a top five finish. I would also like to win a national title during one of the track seasons. Time wise, I definitely want to be around 1:50 in the 800, 4:05 for the mile. 2:25 or faster for the 1k, and sub 15:00 in the 5k.
How would you describe yourself as a runner?
I would say Ahmed Bile is a comfortable runner. In cross I'm confident in my ability to kick if I need to and I'm also confident in my ability to just stay with the leader and push if I have to. One thing my dad always stressed was to be comfortable when running. You always have to be comfortable and I feel I never really panic. A good example of not panicking was the 1600 at my outdoor state meet. I was losing the lead and there was a 20-30 meter gap with 300 meters to go and I pulled out the win.
Photo by Tim Fulton
Your dad is Abdi Bile the 1987 World Champion in the 1500 meters. Do you aspire to be like him or do you want to set your own identity as a runner.
I do aspire to be like him because he is one of the nicest people I know. He was very focused and didn't let little things and distractions get in the way of his running. However, I also want to make my own name for myself.
What runners do you look up to?
My dad and Hicham El Geurrouj.
(Photo right by Mike Somers)
What is the best advice you've ever gotten?
The best advice I've ever gotten was to "just go out there and have fun, zero pressure," from my dad.
Do you have a song that pumps you up or gets you ready for a race?
I don't like to get pumped up for races as much as I like getting really calm or relaxed before races. I'll listen to Shwayze or something relaxing, but on the way to races Taylor Swift is always on the radio, so maybe that's a sign.
What is the worst outfit you've ever seen at a meet?
The worst outfit I've ever seen at a meet has to be the time I saw a kid wearing a red "flash" unitard. I had a good laugh, but I probably would have done something silly like that too.