Feature Friday: Collin Boler Is Blazing A Historic Path

It was incredibly satisfying. Last cross-country season left a sour taste in my mouth, and gave me a bit of a chip on my shoulder. More than anything, though, I was just happy to be able to compete, be healthy, and enjoy the season.

What's your reaction and thoughts on the 8:47.85 3,200 you ran at Arcadia, which is No. 4 in NJ history? I know you were very fit and targeting a PR, but was the 8:47 faster than you expected? 

I was stoked! I got to do it alongside a few of my future teammates too, which made it even sweeter. I knew I had it in me and I was glad everything fell into place on that day. 

You're not very far off the state 2-mile record of 8:44.06. So I have to ask what you think your chances are of breaking that record, and what would that mean to you?

It would mean the world to me, but honestly I don't approach it from an all or nothing perspective. My goals this spring are above all to have fun running with my team and compete hard. I try not to place too many time expectations on myself as much as possible.

Speaking of records, after your 4:04.05 mile indoors, what are your thoughts on trying to go sub 4 and possibly breaking the state record of 3:59.8 (set in 1967 by the legendary Marty Liquori of Essex Catholic)? I know sub 4 is a huge goal for you, so what would it mean to you if you could join that exclusive sub 4 list.

It's a major goal of mine, but similar to the 2 mile, I'm not basing the success of my season on it. I'm definitely going to go for it though! I'm looking at several potential races to try and take a crack at it. I have a lot of respect for the barrier, and it won't come easily.

What do you feel is the key to knocking off the last few seconds and getting under 4? What part of the race has to be a little faster? Going out harder? A faster third quarter?

I think the key is just continuing to get in competitive races and vying for the win. I think if you focus on racing the times will come. With that being said, getting out faster could definitely help lower my pr, as I haven't gotten out faster than 2:02-3 through 880y thus far.

Do you know which meets you will be running to try to chase down a sub 4 or make a run at the state 2-mile record?

The next mile I do will most probably be at Track Night NYC. I'd love to do some more miles later this season though, maybe at HOKA Festival of Miles and Brooks PR if I get invited. I may try for the 2 mile record at one of the outdoor nationals, or sooner, depending on how the season goes. 

How about the DMR at the Penn Relays, Collin. Obviously that's the next really big one for you and your teammates? After running 10:02.81 and getting second at New Balance nationals, your team is obviously one of the favorites to win. What are your thoughts on your team's chances of winning, what kind of time do you think it might take to win, and what would it mean to you and your teammates to bring home a wheel to Delbarton for the first time ever??

 I think we have a great chance to win, and I'm sure a fast time would be necessary to win in Philly, possibly in the sub 10 range. Bringing home a wheel to Delbarton would mean everything to my teammates and me, and I would love to continue the Delbarton Penn Relays legacy that Morgan Pearson (3K)and Pat Schelberg (mile) have left behind with their wins at Penn)

When is your next meet? You have a tune-up before Penn?

If I do a meet before Penn, it will probably be something like a duel meet or relay meet, just to keep the legs turning. We may try to do a fast 4x8 at Morris Hills Relays, but it's not finalized yet.

What do you consider your greatest strengths as a distance runner? You obviously have a great combination of speed as your 1:50 800 indoors showed, and strength. What enables you to be so great at what you do?

I think my versatility and mentality has helped thus far. I try to always maintain an optimistic mindset, and I never set limits on myself. 

What do you love the most about the sport of track and field, and what specifically do you enjoy the most about being a distance runner?

I love the sport of track and field because although you compete against everyone around you, you primarily compete against yourself, and seeing the work you put in translate into growth is incredibly satisfying. As a distance runner, I really enjoy the training, racing, and social aspect of the sport. 

Let's rewind the clock. How and why did you first get involved in track and field? Most kids don't run track at a very young age. Everyone seems to play soccer. How did this all happen for you and your brother? 

We both casually ran xc in middle school, and we both played soccer freshman fall. The sport I was most focused on coming into high school was lacrosse, but after my freshman season got canceled due to Covid, I decided to make the switch to distance running during the winter of my sophomore year.I fell in love with longer distance running though training with my brother and having some success my junior year cross season. Everything has sort of built from there.

When was your first big breakthrough moment when you realized that you could do some great things in this sport?

My junior year indoors, I ran 4:14 to win Millrose Trials, which was kind of a shock. At the time we had only done threshold work after the cross country season and there were a lot of great runners in the race. After that, I realized my commitment to our training program was working as we had really only scratched the surface of the threshold/tempo work we'd get into later. So after that race, I realized the sky was the limit.

How much time do you spend watching videos of pro or college runners, and who do you watch and what have you learned from watching them? 

I definitely spend a decent amount of time. I try to watch all the big ones like NCAA's, and Brian and I watched the Larry Ellis invite tonight to see some future teammates. I think being a student of the sport is very important to success. 

What is the most impressive NJ XC/T&F accomplishment you've ever witnessed, and what made it stand out so much to you?

Marco Langon's Indoor MOC 3200 victory last year has to take the cake. Being able to run as fast and smart as he did at the Bubble of all places was incredibly entertaining and inspiring. 

If you go for a long run with any four runners (dead or alive) who would it be and why?  

I'd love go with some of the ON team members like Geordie Beamish, Ollie Hoare, Morgan McDonald, and Yared Nuguse. I've met them at the last two Millrose Games, and I always tune in to their "Coffee Club" podcast on longer car rides. They are a great group of guys, and I think I would learn a lot and have a ton of fun on a long run with them.

I know you and your brother are both committed to Princeton. What was it about Princeton and the team there that made you and your brother feel it was the best fit for you?

I felt like Princeton was a place where I would be able to thrive on and off the track. Furthermore, Coach Vig's outstanding resume of developing fantastic runners combined with his belief in us early on was a huge factor. Finally, I felt like I got along very well with the team, and the atmosphere was definitely something I wanted to be apart of. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Surfing on the west coast near my own place, continuing to chase my dreams. Who knows what the future holds, but I'm sure God has a great plan for me. I hope it involves a lot more running. 

What advice would you give to young distance runners who are just starting out in the sport?

Enjoy the sport and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just focus on stacking good days and smelling the roses, and remember to listen to your body. Never let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. Those who believe they can and those who believe they can't are both right.