Julie Culley was an All-American at Rutgers despite dealing with many injuries during her college career. She went on to be head coach at Loyola College in Baltimore, MD. She returned to professional running and by 2007 she had moved Arlington, VA to be coached by Matt Centrowitz. 

Earlier this year, she was the highest U.S. women’s finisher at the World cross country championship finishing 21st. She finished 4th at the National Championships in the 5k but ran the B-standard in Liege to be placed on the team. She will run in the 5k prelim in Berlin on 19th.

Run the Roads (RtR): Who was going to worlds was not settled at the National Championships, you ran a 15:21.97 and an eleven second pr in Liege to get the B-Standard. What thoughts were running through your head once you realized you were going to Worlds?

Julie Culley (JC): Excitement, joy, shock, you name it!  I approached the 5000m in Liege with confidence, but I was unsure at that point whether I would need an “A” standard or “B” standard.  Talking with my agent, Chris Layne, before the race, we determined the best approach would be to comfortably go after the “B” standard and worry about the “A” at either London or Stockholm.  The USA 3rd place finisher was also in the race in Liege making her one and only attempt at the “B” standard.  Depending on how she finished, I would also know if I would get into Worlds with a “B” standard or if I would need the “A”.  It sounds confusing!

But it worked out perfectly for me.  I hit the “B”, Angela did not.  She graciously congratulated me and told me she was heading home to the states and would no longer chase the standard.  It was a bittersweet moment.  Ideally I would have finished top three at USA’s and been on the podium at Hayward Field.  But making the World Championship team is absolutely incredible, I’m still pinching myself.

RTR:What was your plan after the National Championships and going to race in Europe?

JC: My plan was to simply gain experience racing overseas and make a valiant effort at trying to make the World Championship Team.  I struggled a lot this spring with injuries and illness and had a slow start on the season.  I was really pleased to finish as high as I did at Nationals considering my fitness.  My goal in Europe was to build upon the momentum of my season.  I knew my best chance to run a personal best was going to come later in the summer.  My agent lined up a few low key meets and some bigger meets towards the end of July.  I approached each race as though I was going to run a personal best.  I ran personal bests in both the 5000m and 1500m.

RTR: Did you believe that the standard was in reach?

JC: Yes, I believed I could hit the “B” standard if my body was feeling good.  Fortunately for me, the stars aligned in Liege and everything went according to plan.  I only ran the 5000m in Liege, I came home shortly after to continue training for Berlin.  I never made an attempt at the “A” standard as I had already secured my national team position.  I’m feeling more fit and confident now prior to Belgium, so we’ll see what happens in Berlin.

RTR: After obtaining the standard and the World championship spot, what has your training been like?

JC: Training has been excellent.  As Coach Centrowitz said to me, “you should be extremely excited and confident; you’ve really come on strong down the home stretch.”  I’ve had a few key workouts that have given me more of an edge and confidence to compete on Wednesday.  The training has been intense, but I took a leave of absence from my job so I could focus on recovery as well (something I don’t normally have the luxury of doing).  I feel well-rested, excited, and am anxious to get to the starting line.

View complete article http://runtheroads.com/2009/08/19/running-strong-an-interview-with-julie-culley/