Reneau Looking for Next Level in Chicago

Former Minnesota resident Mike Reneau is at the Bank of America Chicago this weekend (as is your editor) with hopes of reaching a new level in the marathon and, along the way, earning a spot on the USA's 2009 IAAF World Championships team.

Two spots for the Berlin event were earned at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon last weekend -- by Fernando Cabada and Team USA Minnesota's Matt Gabrielson -- while the remaining three will be awarded based on time. Reneau is targeting a 2:14-2:15 marathon here on Sunday, if the weather cooperates. Warmer-than-normal weather is forecast.

"I felt like I needed to get on a little bit faster course, because, obviously, after those first two spots they go to the time list," Reneau said. "I think a high-2:14, low-2:15 is a possibility for one of those final three slots on the World team. I also just wanted an opportunity to run on a fast course -- I think that's why most people come to Chicago."

Reneau, who sports a 2:17:46 PR, has focused on Chicago since his 3rd place finish at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in June. The former Twin Cities-based road-racer, who is now a member of the Michigan-based Hanson's-Brooks Olympic Development Program, spent the spring of 2008 focused on half marathon training. Earlier in the spring, Reneau notched a 1:04:30 at Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach.

Reneau may face a solo challenge on Sunday. The pace he plans to run will put him well behind the race leaders, who are targeting 1:02:45 for their half marathon split.

"It's unlikely that I'll be running with anyone else, except for some Kenyans falling off from 2:06, 2:07 pace," Reneau said. "I expect it to be about a 26-mile time trial.

Audio ... Listen to my full conversation with Mike Reneau below ...