If a middle-distance athlete is to choose a race victory in their career, the historic Hayward Field in Eugene is likely at the top of the list. VIS runner, Luke Mathews, has done just that, winning the International Mile at the IAAF Diamond League Prefontaine Classic in 3:57.02.
“I’ve always seen Hayward field as the hub of athletics in the world! So for me personally, it’s a big deal to race there and obviously a bigger deal to win. Prefontaine is one of the biggest meets on the circuit and it usually draws the strongest and deepest field,” Mathews said.
The win was a momentous occasion for Mathews, as he became the 400th runner to go under four minutes at the annual event. Mathews was presented with a commemorative plaque by the renowned American record holder, Alan Webb.
“Hayward Field and the University of Oregon have produced legends of our sport, so it’s certainly a special feeling getting on that track, whether it’s empty or packed. My first ever international championship took place at Hayward Field in 2014, so I’m always keen to return!” explained Mathews.
Mathews let the race take its course, backing his race tactics in. Before he knew it, he was within striking distance on the home straight.
“It’s really assuring knowing I have a kick! It’s certainly something Mum and I have worked on - building up an aerobic base and then combining that with lactic and speed endurance sessions.
“At Commonwealth Games I got a little lucky and at Prefontaine I had to push my way to the front because the gap didn’t really open. I like getting to the lead on the back straight, but it’s handy being able to make moves on the front straight also,” said Mathews.
The recent reconnection with his mum, Elizabeth Mathews, as coach over the last 12 months has been a special and rewarding path to date.
“Mum and I have always had a good relationship, especially when it’s come to athletics! It’s really a two-way coaching relationship. She writes the program and I offer suggestions. Then occasionally I’ll put forward a session and she will offer suggestions. Ultimately, we work it out together when certain sessions are going to be, but at the end of the day, she’s the coach so she gets the final say,” described Mathews.
A student of the sport, Mathews credits his mum’s precise planning toward his programing that has seen him develop an impressive ability to move up gears when appropriate.
“We don’t really do anything special in training, the only real thing we have changed is the introduction of speed endurance and lactic sessions once a week. That’s probably helped me get that kick and feel comfortable running at high speeds,” he said.
“Mum is one of the smartest ladies I have met, so everything is pretty meticulous and calculated when it comes to athletics.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Mathews will depart for Europe in a few days with his Kenyan and Great British counterparts.
“Currently in Eugene. I’m spending 4 days here and then heading to Leuven, Belgium with Ed Cheserek. I’ve got a 1500 in Prague, 1km in Stockholm and then a race in France. That’ll take me to the middle of June or so, then I think I’m heading to south England and training with the Phoenix Track Team headed by Jon Biggs to train with Kyle Langford and Charlie Grice! Should be fun.”
