2004 FOOT LOCKER CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Post-race interview with Mohamud Ige

by Ricky Quintana

Mohamud Ige leads the race early on. (Photo: Alison Wade/NYRR)

Mohamud Ige, a junior at Denver South High School in Denver, Colorado, finished 13th at the 2004 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in 15:44. He qualified for nationals by finishing third at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional.

MensRacing.com: How did the race go for you?
Mohamud Ige: Oh my God. That was one heck of a race out there. You guys have no idea how tough it is out there, in those kind of conditions. Those two hills. I'm happy to get top 15. I'm proud of myself. I'm coming back for sure next year.

MR: Did you plan to go out that hard?
MI: Yeah, that was my plan. My plan was to run the race like my time trial, which I usually do in a 4:30, coming back in 9:30. That was my plan. Those hills just attacked me. My thighs were burning for the second loop. I have no idea what happened to me, but I held my pace. I'm proud of myself.

MR: Did the course difficulty surprise you, being from Colorado?
MI: Definitely. I'm used to training in the mountains every Friday. I'm definitely surprised at this. But now I know what is up for next year, so there will be nothing to worry about.

MR: You've been through a lot with your transfer from Denver West to Denver South. Can you talk about that a little bit?
MI: Coming from Denver West to Denver South, it worked out great. We had a problem, but we worked it out. We're back on track right now. Everything is good. My family is all out here. I had a great season. This is a good way to end it, being in the top 15. I'm fine.

(Interview conducted on December 11, 2004, and posted on December 15, 2004.)