By: Karen Karnis
On October 16, Dylan Wykes battled the wind at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon to finish 6th in 2:12:56 – a very solid performance. But anyone watching that day knew before he got in front of the cameras that he didn’t get what he was after. He missed the Olympic Qualifying Standard of 2:11:29 and his disappointment couldn’t have been clearer, yet all of the class that is Dylan Wykes shone through in his first tweet following the race:
“@DylanWykes: Well that got ugly. Really ugly. Hats off to @ReidCoolsaet & @nishrunner amazing performances today. Very happy 4 them.
I had the opportunity to chat with Wykes the week after the race before he headed home to Vancouver; here’s what he had to say about running, training, and qualifying for the Olympic marathon.
Age: 28
Age you started running: I started running in elementary school. In grade 6 (I think). I joined a local track club in grade 7.
Coach: Richard Lee. He lives in Port Coquitlam.
Favourite training shoe: Mizuno Wave Elixir
Favourite racing shoe: Mizuno Wave Ronin
What were your thoughts when the 2012 Olympic Qualifying Standard was announced?
I wasn’t surprised – Athletics Canada has been clear that they expect world class performances. At the time it was announced, I was training for the California International Marathon. When I ran 2:12:39 there I decided I had a chance at the standard, I just had to buckle down and go for it.
Describe your training for Toronto
In the final 15 weeks leading into Toronto, I was running about 12 times a week for a total of about 120 miles [about 190km]. My long runs were between 18 and 25 miles [30-40km], mostly easy pace but some was at goal pace. We also did track work every week, and lots of runs in the range of 15 to 20 miles [24-32km].
Do you train with other runners or groups?
I train with a small group 2 to 3 times a week in the lower mainland. Dylan Gant (ran 2:24 at Toronto) and Trevor Feeney (2:33 at Toronto) are two good training partners. Steve Osaduik (2:16 marathoner) trains with us sometimes too.
What is your favourite workout?
A long tempo run 16-25km at around marathon pace on the roads in Stanley Park.
What is your favourite running/racing memory from 2011?
Definitely the Toronto marathon. There was so much hype and buzz surrounding the event. It was my focus for so long. Race day will be forever ingrained in my brain (and muscles!).
What’s next?
I’m not really sure yet – I am still recovering and haven’t had a chance to sit down and really talk it out with my coach. I have until April 22 to get the standard, so I will probably be looking at another marathon somewhere around February, March or early April.
Personal Bests
5,000m – 13:43
10,000m – 28:12
Half Marathon – 1:02:14
Marathon – 2:12:39
Image Credits: Andrew McClanahan@PhotoRun
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