PUBLISHED 04/14/2007
The defending Boston Marathon Champion, Rita Jeptoo, has come to Boston with one goal in mind: "I want to do the same as last year. Her preparation for this year's race has been excellent by her standards and included a PR (1:07:05) in March at the Lisbon Half-Marathon.
Was has been different in your preparation this year versus last year?
RJ: I'm now doing my training in Mosoriot, which is a new location with fewer hills. I am still using the same method, with my coach Renato Canova. My husband Noah Busienei is also there for the training runs watching and timing.
After a successful cross-country career why did you decide to move to the marathon?
RJ:In 1999, after placing 5th in the World Cross-Country Championships, I decided I wanted to try the Marathon. I choose a small one: Stockholm. To my surprise I won (2:35:14), which proved to me I could be a top marathoner.
Who do you feel is your main competitor in this year's race?
RJ:My main competition will be Jelena. She is very strong.
Are you concerned about the cold weather they are calling for on race day?
RJ:When I won Milan in 2004 it was very cold, so I can run in those conditions. The weather is what it is and all you can do is run. I don't think it's going to be a problem. People just need something to talk about (laughs).
How would winning Boston for a second time change your life?
RJ:It would be the next step in my goal of winning an Olympic gold medal.
