GETTING TO KNOW......Robert Murphy

Age

25

Residence

Warsaw, IN 

Grew Up

Warsaw, IN

College

Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis (2017)

Social media handles

Instagram @robertdownymurph

# of previous Marathon Trials?

0

How did you start running?

After some mile fun runs in gym class in early middle school, it seemed fun to be able to run without stopping and I thought it would be fun to give track a try. About 11 years later I basically ended up where I am now. I was also pretty influenced by my father who was also a runner in high school and college like I was.

Where did you qualify for the Trials?

At the Chevron Houston Marathon on Jan. 19 with a time of 2:18:58.

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

With a net time of 2:18:58, my watch was telling me around that time as well when I finished in Houston. With the debate between gun time (2:19:04) and net time, I wasn't too sure if I made it. After an email or two from the director of the Olympic Trials saying congrats and asking for travel info down to Atlanta, I was confident then.

What High School did you graduate from and what year did you graduate?

Warsaw Community High School (2013)

What were your best track times in high school what were your best times in track and best placings in cross country?

• 400m - :50
• 800m - 1:52
• 1600m - 4:12
• 3200m - 9:21
• 14th at the state high school cross country championships 

#1 High School highlight?

Finishing 14th at the state cross country championships

What were your best times in college?

• 800m: 1:51
• 1500m: 3:48
• 1 Mile: 4:08
• 3000m: 8:06
• 3000m steeple: 8:44
• 5000m: 14:18

#1 College highlight?

Qualifying for NCAA Nationals in the 3000m Steeplechase.

Current Coach?

None, except for my dad who helps me out during the marathon training.

Sponsor(s)?   

None, although I am know running for Three Rivers Running Company

Favorite Workout?

400m or 800m repeats

Favorite Place to Train?

Indianapolis, since I lived down there for a while especially.

Occupation?

Custodian at Milford School

Favorite Food?

Ravioli

Favorite TV Show?

Black Mirror 

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

Galen Rupp

Dinner?

Steve Jobs