GETTING TO KNOW......Dustin Emerick

Prior to Saturday's U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon in Los Angeles we caught up with Dustin Emerick, 26, of Evansville, Ind. to learn more about his running, how he felt when he learned he had qualified for the Trials, and his life beyond running; including, who he would most like to have lunch with, his role model, and his favorite athlete.
 
This will Dustin’s first Olympic Trials.  
 
So let's get to know Dustin a bit better...

How did you start running?

I started running in 5th grade. I remember thinking "Cross Country is a sport that you get to  travel across the country" I was upset when I realized it was actually running!

Where did you qualify for the Trials?

I qualified at the Richmond Half Marathon in November of 2013. I ran a 1:04:17

Tell us about the point you realized you had  qualified for the Trials and how it felt.

I didn't realize I had qualified for the trials until after I had finished. I remember thinking how amazing it will be to race the Olympic Trials and what a great opportunity it will be!

High School

Elmwood High School (2008) Elmwood, Illinois

High School Best Times

• 1600m: 4:32
• 3200m:  9:32 1600
• 3 mile Cross Country: 14:53

High School Highlight

My biggest High School highlight was winning a team championship in Cross Country in 2006. 

College

Southern Indiana (2012)

College Best Times

• 5000m: 14:03
• 10,000m: 28:33  

College Highlight

Getting my first All-American award in Cross Country my Sophomore year.   

Club/Sponsor

I am currently sponsored by Skechers. I was very fortunate to get sponsored by such an amazing company.  

Current Coach

I am currently being coached by Mike Hillyard. He was my collegiate coach. I have a lot of faith in his training. 

Number of Olympic Trials

This will be my first Olympic Trials appearance. 

Occupation

I currently work at Ultimate Fit in Evansville, IN. Ultimate Fit is a running specialty store. 

Something unique about you

I really don't have anything to unique about myself. I do have two really cool dogs!

Favorite Place to Train

Currently my favorite place to train is around the campus at the University of Southern Indiana. I have always felt at home on campus. 

Favorite Food

My favorite food is anything you can put hot sauce on!

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be?

I think it would be cool to have lunch with Abe Lincoln. It would be really cool to get to know someone who influence history so much!

Your role model

My role model is my mother! She was single mother that work so hard to raise me!

Your favorite athlete

I don't really have a favorite athlete. I usually cheer for the under dog!

Goal at the Trials

My goal at the Trials is to gain as much experience as possible. I really want to learn how to race the marathon.