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Catching Up With Serena Burla

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Burla Eyes Continued Success on the Roads

By Scott Bush

2013 was quite the year for Serena Burla. This past fall, Burla charged into international running prominence, placing second at the Amsterdam Marathon, while running a US#2 time of 2:28:01. Her marathon performance was a fine step forward for the road race veteran.

This weekend, Burla looks to build upon her 2013 success, taking on a tough and talented field in Houston at the USA Half Marathon Championships. We caught up with Burla, discussing her marathon successes, her current training situation and more.

Runnerspace (RS): The USA Half Marathon Championships are coming up and you're considered one of the favorites to take home the title. How has your training been going as of late? How prepared do you feel heading into the weekend?

Serena Burla (SB): I have done my best to prepare and I am looking forward to Houston where there’ll be solid group of runners contending for the title. I’ll give it my best.

RS: You placed second at the Amsterdam Marathon, running a new PR of 2:28:01. How well did you recover coming off such a strenuous performance? 

SB: I have tried to do all the little things to help myself recover but the real indicator of how well I have recovered will be Sunday the 19th.

RS: Your 2:28:01 ranked you US#2 in 2013. That has to be a boost of confidence right?

SB: I was happy with Amsterdam as it was a step in the right direction.  I’m still working to improve and catch up with the rest who are running significantly faster. There’s still a very long way to go.

RS: You placed second at the USA Half Marathon Championships back in 2010, which was held on the same course you'll be racing this time around. How do you feel you've grown as an athlete over the past 3+ years? 

SB: I have grown through experience and learning that every race and everyday will bring something unexpected.  I have also grown to enjoy racing longer distances on the roads.    

RS; You're part of an incredibly strong Boston Marathon American field this year. What does it mean to you to run Boston, this year especially, and what types of goals will you have for yourself going into the competition? 

SB: I am honored to be part of John Hancock’s 2014 Elite Boston Marathon Team.  It means a lot to me to have this opportunity to join all other participants in supporting and uniting with the city of Boston - I can’t wait.  I am looking forward to crossing the finish line having given it everything.

RS: What's your current training situation like (location, coach, other athletes)?

SB: I am currently based in the Washington D.C. area and have been training with my teammate Semehar Tesfaye  and other local runners.  I am also looking forward to having Jen Bergman and Alissa McKaig join us in D.C. this month.

RS: What's your non-running New Year's resolution?

SB: To become a better cook



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