The Sports Truth

Jane Murray, 26, is not a professional marathoner. But since she actually trains for, runs in, and completes marathons pretty damn fast, the Long Island native certainly qualifies as interview material by Sports Truth standards. After all, our editor routinely pulls muscles stepping off the sidewalk on the way to the “office.”

Murray, who will take part in her second New York City Marathon November 5, could definitely kick my ass, but was kind enough to participate in an interview with the Sports Truth. Below, she opines about current and past TV shows, what it’s like to date across Yankee-Red Sox fan lines, why she runs, and how she’s going to lay the smack down on Lance Armstrong a week from Sunday.

Q: As the six people who have actually read the proudest athletic moments on our Sports Truth staff bio page know, there are some dubious ones. As a former D-I lacrosse player and serious runner, what ranks highest on your list of your athletic achievements?
A: One of the greatest moments in athletics occurred during my senior year of college, when we beat Lafayette to qualify for the Patriot League tournament. I had 15 saves in the 12-8 victory. Completing my first marathon was definitely another career highlight.

Q: I once ran two miles. I rule. Anyway, what inspired you to start running marathons?
A: Once lacrosse was over, I missed competing, so I began running races in NYC and eventually decided that I wanted to run a marathon.

Q: What size shoe do you wear? How is that working for you?
A: 7.5 for my running shoes. 7 for street shoes.

Q: You’ve participated in, and completed this race before. Is your approach to running it a second time any different?
A. Definitely. The first time I ran, I just wanted to finish and felt like it was something I needed to prove to myself that I could do. This time it’s much more competitive. I want to beat Lance Armstrong.

Q: He is so overrated. And going down. You heard it here first. In preparation for your first New York City marathon, you were actually living in Manhattan. You’ve since moved to Boston. Do you find training for the NYC event any more difficult there? What is your practice route of choice?
A: It was exciting to train in NYC because the energy level was so high and there were plently of people that you could tell were going through the same grouling process. I love training in Boston, and running around the Charles is a beautiful training route. However, it feels a bit isolated.

Q: What advice would give a marathon-running hopeful (God help them)?
A: Find a good training program but make sure you listen to your body and don’t over train.
Q: What’s it like being a Yankees fan in Boston… and dating perhaps the biggest Red Sox fan in the city?
A: I’m sort of used to the Boston nonesense, however I did notice a lot more people wearing Yankees attire here. I live with a fellow Yankees fan, so it makes it a bit easier to take. As far as dating a Sox fan, well, I’ll leave it at that.

Q: Fair enough. Who’s your favorite character on The West Wing and why?
A: This is a tough question. I think it’s Sam Seaborn. He’s clever, easy going, and just makes me laugh in every scene that he’s in. I just love how he seems so clueless all the time.

Q: If you had to watch a show that’s currently on TV, and not DVDs of The West Wing, which would you choose and why?
A: Scrubs. It’s very witty and commical, yet heartfelt.

Q: Alright, enough of this nonsense. Back to running! What is the most difficult stretch of the New York Marathon’s course?
A: I think it’s the Bronx for sure! That is where you hit Mile 20, the “wall” and then coming back into Manhattan before you get to the park. There are a fair amount of hills and it’s when your body starts to break down a bit.

Q: Do you feel confident that you can defeat Lance Armstrong at this event? Or at least cover the Sports Truth’s official spread of Jane +56:12?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you have an agent? If so, can we talk to him/her about an endorsement deal with the Sports Truth?
A: No agent, but I do have a sponsor. We can talk business offline.