Welsh athlete Chris Gowell is based in America these days after finishing his studies in the states. 1500m runner Chris recently popped across the pond to take part in the National 6 stage relay for Swansea and then again for Christmas where RunnersLife caught up with the Team Rogue team member. Chris has run 1.46 for 800m and 3.41 for 1500m, he represented Wales at the last Commonwealth Games and will be hoping to be in the mix when the trails for the London Olympics come around.......  

How did 2011 go for you running wise?

It was a year of many transitions. UK athletes are notorious to slumping after being in the NCAA and I was a typical example. I moved to Team Rogue in Austin and the endurance based program took some getting used to. I made the choice to move up to 1500 and only managed 3.42. I over trained and couldn't recover from back to back seasons in NCAA, Europe, and then Commonwealth games. In short, it was a disappointing season but one I will learn from immensely.

You ended the year racing at Nos Galan, how did that go?

It went well! I wanted to show that i have gained considerable strength from a year ago where when racing for Wales in the 400 relay at the commonwealth games. Coming off the back of a 1.09 half marathon I knew I was in good shape. Came 3^rdin 14.44 in a great field. Im pleased with the range I've developed

What did you think of the race?

For sure, it was one of the best atmospheric road races I've done, the narrow streets made it a great race for spectators too. I enjoyed the short, fast loops through the town and the quick turn-around at the top of the hill. A lot of hustle and bustle.. It's a good time of year to test the endurance too.

What are your plans for the rest of the winter?

My plans are to keep my head down and hit the training with relentless pursuit. Back in November I was in horrible shape at the 6 stage relays, coming off a break and low motivation. I actually had one of the slowest times in the field. I am very pleased with the progress made in such little time and I owe it to mileage and strength work done back in Austin with Team Rogue.

Do you have an eye on the Olympic Games this year ?

Like many athletes, the Olympic trials are the focal point of my season. Even though 99% who try will fail. There is always that hope, which drives us all. I am the fittest and strongest I've been, and with added speed I see no reason why fast times will not come this year.

Will that be at 1500m?

Yes, I've been training for the 1500 for a few years now but had little chance to exhibit what I can truly run. Hopefully I can turn some heads in this new discipline in 2012.

You are based in America with Team Rogue Elite, how did that come about?

As my career at Baylor university came to a close I knew I needed to move on. I heard about Team Rogue through a friend and so I called the coach, Steve Sisson, who was excited to coach me. I signed within the week and have had to time of my life since! Austin is an awesome city to live in and I have met the most incredible people and athletes.

What is the background of the team?

Team Rogue is a non-profit team set up to develop talented distance athletes after their NCAA careers and bridge the gap toward professional standard. Because we are non-profit, we also aim to help the local youth and inspire them into health and wellbeing. We are sponsored by Adidas and are looked after very well. Check us out HERE 

Who is in the team?

We currently have 9 members, 3 of which are guys. We are a team specifically geared toward middle and long distance running at the elite level. We have 3 milers, 4 steeple chasers /5 k athletes and 2 marathoners  In American terms, we all earned a few all American honours (top 8 at the NCAA championships) during our college careers, but need that extra push to make it the next level. You can catch us HERE

Do you all train together daily?

We meet most days for runs, training sessions and gym work. It's a very close knit group. It's great to have a big group to train with, especially on a 20 mile jaunt through the Texas country. Recruiting for the team isn't just done on times, but energy and personality. You can see this when we run together, sometimes it's too much fun, but we also know how to work hard.

What support do you get from them?

Adidas sponsor the group so we get full kit and a small allowance. Rogue - who own two running stores in Austin also organise local training groups for all standards from their HQ, known as Rogue Running - also employ athletes to work in the running stores or on marketing campaigns. They also help us find part time jobs. The founders Steve Sisson and Ruth England really help us in all walks of life, and not just the running part. We have a great community within the set up that also help us. The ultimate dream is to run fast enough as to where we no longer need to work. But what runner doesn't want that?!

Is it disappointing you have to be in America to gain such support?

The chance to make it as an athlete is higher in America. In the UK you have to run fast to get support, very fast, and rightly so - but its difficult to run fast with not much support. Luckily I've always been on the fringes of support through Welsh athletics and at Baylor university. The key difference is that in the NCAA system 'club level' athletes are given full support and want for nothing. Basically, more athletes are given the chance to run fast in University and very few slip through the net. I do realise the complexities of the funding system in the UK and college sports plays a very small part compared to America. To be honest, I'm lucky I'm welsh because Welsh Athletics have helped me a lot over the years.

The coaching talent in the UK, and specifically in Wales is enormous, there are many unsung heroes. This sport has little money for us mere minions, sadly. But I guess we all do it for the love of it.

How long do you plan to stay in the states?

I'd like to base my training there for the duration of my career and continue to come back to the trials and such.

Do you miss the UK?

Absolutely. It is one of the finest places to run in the world and I miss my family a lot. Also, with a newly blossomed passion for distance running, I often go to the Lizard down in Cornwall and run countless miles on the coastal paths. I would go so far as to say the week I spent in The Lizard last September saved my career. I was on the verge of quitting until I went for a run on the coastal trail. Every step is a truly breath taking and spiritual experience and it felt great. This lead me to believe that running is mostly mental and anything can be overcome with the right attitude. I've never seen scenery like it. Likewise in the Welsh hills. I get my Dad to drop me many miles out on a Sunday (when I'm home) and I find my way back through the single lanes and woods, hopping over fences and through hilly farm land. Just me and the ipod for a couple of hours. What more can a runner ask for in such a land?

What is a typical winter training week for you at the moment?

It used to be barely 50 miles just a few years back. Now I'm touching 100 but 80-90 on a regular basis. I know that 100 is perhaps a little excessive but I love to run and discover new hills and trails. Also, my marathon buddies back in Texas usually eek more miles out of runs; mileage junkies.

A Typical week during the depths of winter, or as wintry Texas gets, is a training session on Tuesday, usually a 7-10 mile steady, progression or tempo. Wednesday is medium long run at 90 mins. Friday is usually a session of reps, sometimes mile reps, step down ladders, or fartleks. Sunday is long run - usually 2 hours unless I get carried away. We alternate weeks and we add a block of speed work to remind the legs they are not primed for a marathon.

Every week is different, but the program is predominantly based on endurance and strength.

What is the next race?

I may have a dabble with the indoors to keep the competitive edge going. Likely going to be a 1500 somewhere. Not totally sure when.

What do you like to do outside of running?

I love to play golf when I'm home. I was a keen golfer in my younger days. One day, as a young junior me and my buddies decided to take a golf buggy for a joy ride, crashed it into a parked motorbike in the car park. Consequently we got banned from the club for the summer. As a result, I took up running and entered the welsh U13/15 champs and won the 800. My late coach, Ann Hill, and saviour in many ways wanted to coach me and here I am today! If it wasn't for Ann and my parents acting as my personal taxi I would be a significantly less of a person today. I still play golf to a handicap of 3, but I often wonder how life can take a turn so easily.

Stealing a golf buggy was undoubtedly the best decision of my life.

RunnersLife Team