Webb started out as a big deal. Growing up in Virginia, he broke Jim Ryun’s 36-year-old American high school mile record. He tacked on several indoor track titles at the University of Michigan before going pro in 2002.

This last summer, Alan Webb was a real big deal after breaking Steve Scott’s mile record that stood for about 25 years. Webb ran a 3:46.91 mile on a little track in Germany, beating Scott’s previous record by over a second. A week later he ran a PR in the 800 meter, putting him in the top 8 for the fastest 800-meter runners.

So Alan Webb is a nationally acclaimed middle distance runner but most importantly, a miler. He runs the mile and he runs it fast. This is his race. After his successful season last summer, he is gearing up for August in Beijing, but before he gets to that, he is going to do a little road racing. Webb is scheduled to run the Carlsbad 5K road race on April 6, and this no doubt is more of an appearance run than an actual competition. The Carlsbad 5000 was designed 23 years ago by Steve Scott. Don’t expect Webb to be crossing the finishing tape first, but look for him to be strong, as he should be focusing not on the 5000 meter but on the 1500 meter, which would be his event coming up in Beijing. He has been able to peak and dominate in both the 1500-meter and the mile distance all throughout 2007 and will be a great competitor late this summer.

Webb is the American Miler, and that seems to hold a special spot in the imagination of all runners. He should stick to his race and be careful about committing to other distances.

He won the 2004 Olympic trial 1500-meter race and went to Athens representing the United States but came in ninth in the first qualifying round.