Photo by Aaron Kennard.
Congrats on your third-place 2:37 at the Cal International Marathon on Dec. 4. It looks like you were just 16 seconds out of the lead at half, splitting 1:15:17. Were you racing for the win then, and not merely trying to get a qualifier for the U.S. Olympic trials?
Yes, I did start a little bit off my planned pace with the first group and also the course profile set me little too fast for my level at this time. Due to health issues, I am not yet ready to train at my highest level. I was going for win and not even thinking of trial time at all.
The U.S. Olympic trials then, congrats on gaining your U.S. citizenship. You mentioned that you appealed to the USOC for special consideration to compete at the Olympic marathon trials in Jan. 2012. After CIM, are you back training again as if you'll compete at the U.S. trials
Well, I did get approval from the Romanian Federation with immediate change of affiliation, but due to the Christmas vacation and the fact that IAAF and the USATF council will not meet anytime soon, I may not be able to get the approval in time to be accepted to start the trials. Yes, I am back in training and I did register for both races in Houston, if not the trials, then I'll start the open race Sunday.
What led you to pursue your U.S. citizenship? Do you feel a little guilty about trying to represent the U.S. now instead of Romania? Wouldn't it be easier to chase a Romanian Olympic berth than a U.S. one?
The reason to pursue US citizenship and represent US internationally is because I have lived here since 2000 for most of the time. I own a home here, I like the quality of outdoor activities and the environment here around Boulder. I feel much more at home here. At this time, to qualify to Olympics for Romania is much easier of course, but I did get once to go to the games (in Athens 2004, 13th place) without too much consideration for it.
With you, Constantina Dita, Lidia Simon, Daneila Cirlan, and Adriana Nelson all training in the Boulder/Longmont area over the past few years, how did so many female elite Romanian runners find their way to Colorado?
Well, the first time I came to the US was after I finished my contract with Yutaka Giken, Hamamatsu, a pro running team in Japan. At that time, I decided to get a new coach and reached an agreement with my current coach, Dumitru Pop. He also coached Anuta Catuna, the world silver medalist for the women's marathon in 1995 and the 1996 New York City Marathon winner. At that time, they where the first Romanian team runners to train here for a long period of time and I have joined them since then.
You're 41 now, and as an American, you're sure to be collect some U.S. master's titles. Do you plan to race some of those events in 2012?
Nooooo I'm 20.5 ....on one leg. See, now you get to the point, and the reason I give up an easy spot for Romania at the games. It may end up much more rewarding in the long run and if not now, maybe in the future I will be more proud to wear US uniform at any international competition.
Are you still sponsored by Asics? You've been fortunate to make a career as a professional runner, for a long time, right?
Yes, I am fortunate to have a great sponsor like ASICS who has supported me for a full decade. I am thankful and I'll remain always devoted to this brand for offering me the necessary support that has allowed me to concentrate and dedicate all of my time for training.
A successful career is not possible without an elite sponsor as I luckily have. I'm not sure if I would have been able to race at this level without their great support.
I would like to take the chance to express my gratitude to them, especially Mr.Nagoshi Tatsuya, Deputy Manager at Asics, and to my agent and manager, Mr. Brendan Reilly (Boulder Wave).
Thanks Nuta, good luck in Houston and congrats again on the U.S. citizenship!
Without Limits
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