The 2015 Hershey Canadian Indoor Championships take place February 20 to 22 in Montreal, Que. Over the next few weeks we will profile some of the top athletes competing in the event. The Hershey Canadian Indoor Championships serve as a national championship for youth and junior age category athletes, and the event will also see competition from Canada’s national team athletes in Open events. For more information and to register visit www.indoors.athletics.local.
Alex Genest of Lac-aux-Sables, Que., will race in the men’s Open 3000m on Saturday February 21. Alex is a 2012 Olympian, a 2013 IAAF World Championships finalist, and three-time Canadian champion in the 3000m steeplechase.
AC: After competing in two World Championships and the Olympic Games you took a year away from competition in 2014. How are you feeling now and what was the time away from the track like?
AG: The years between 2011 and 2013 were absolutely amazing athletically and personally. I became the athlete I wanted to be and also became a father. I finished a degree in nutrition at the University of Guelph in 2013. My life was really busy and I forgot to rest when it was time. In 2014 my body and my brain told me it was time to stop. I could not sustain any type of work. I made the tough decision to take time away from the track and it was really beneficial. I took care of my family as we welcomed our second child. I coached a few steeplechase athletes on the Speed River Track and Field Club but I did not run for a long time. When I felt I had recovered and found myself energized again, I started running. I missed running, especially the racing part of it, but I had to take a break if I wanted to achieve my long-term goals.
AC: You recently returned to competition, finishing 12th at the Canadian Cross Country Championships in Vancouver (November). How has your training been going this fall and into the winter?
AG: My training has been pretty good through the fall. My coach, Dave Scott-Thomas, and I discussed a plan on to get back in shape, and especially how to be smart about it. The race in Vancouver was a lot rougher than I expected. I was physically ready for a better placing but I underestimated the fact that I had been away from racing for a long time. I am training very well now and I can't wait to be back racing on the track this winter.
AC: What role does the indoor season play as you prepare for a year that includes both the Pan Am Games and World Championships?
AG: The focus for me this winter is to race the way I am able to. Indoor racing is not my favorite, but it is essential to get myself in race mode, figure out what is working and what is not in order to adjust for the summer.
AC: What specific elements of your race or fitness are you focusing on?
AG: The number one focus is to stay healthy and consistent in workouts. I will carry the momentum in races when it is time.
AC: Growing up and competing in Quebec, what are some of your favorite memories of competing in Montreal?
AG: I raced in Montreal for the first in 1999, at the CCR (Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard). It was quite the experience since I had been in Montreal only a few times before. I was impressed by how many athletes could compete at the same time and never thought I could be top three, but I was. I raced in Montreal many times since then, but my favorite memory is when I won my first national title in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2005 Canadian Junior Championships. Overall I have tons of great memories racing in Montreal and I want to keep this going in 2015.
AC: What are your goals in 2015?
AG: I want to get back to the top. Winning a national championship in Edmonton is one of my goals, but I would like to better my performance at Worlds (13th place in 2013). The challenge is big, but I am doing all the work that is necessary to achieve my ambitions. I am thrilled to find out what next summer will bring!
-AC-
