Puskedra Ready to Tackle Marathon

Published by Portland Track on October 1, 2014

With fall marathon season in full swing, especially after last weekend's inspired performance by Portland's Shalane Flanagan (second fastest American ever with her third-place finish in Berlin), it's time to turn our collective attention from the oval to the roads. 

As the TCS New York City Marathon announced their professional fields a few weeks ago, one name in particular caught our attention. Luke Puskedra. Puskedra, the multi-time All-American at the University of Oregon and current Nike Oregon Project runner, has long been labeled a future marathon standout, but had yet to make the leap. That all changes this November!

We caught up with Puskedra as he ramps up his marathon specific training and starts to prepare his mind and body for the 26.2 mile distance.

Portland Track (PT): Your running the TCS New York City Marathon this fall. You're debut marathon. Why did you decide to debut this fall and why NYC?

Luke Puskedra (LP): Yes, I’m very excited. I decided to debut this fall so that I could get some good marathon racing experience going into the Olympic Trials. I chose the New York Marathon for three reasons: 

1. The rich history of the event. I’ve watched the best in the world compete year in and year out at this event and was very excited to be involved in this history.
2. The course suits my running strengths. I have had success in cross country and running on hilly courses. I believe this will translate to my debut.
3. I have been very impressed with how the New York Road Runners use their events to make a positive impact on the community.

PT: After your 61:36 half marathon in 2012, many thought you should jump in a marathon almost immediately. Why did you wait two more years?

LP: At first I thought the same. I have been excited about running the marathon since my sophomore year in college. I have always excelled on more mileage coupled with longer training sessions. But after taking a step back and looking at my running career, I wasn’t ready. I have used these two years to get stronger not only as a runner but an overall athlete so that my move to the marathon wouldn’t be short lived.