Rob Watson grew up in London, Ontario before following in older brother Pete's footsteps by studying and training at West Virginia University. Following the cutting of the men's program, Watson transferred to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he was an All-American in the 3000m steeplechase. After two Canadian championships and a 2009 World Championships appearance in the steeplechase, Watson moved up the marathon and trains with Reid Coolsaet and Eric Gillis at Speed River Track Club. Heading into the Scotia Bank Toronto Marathon on October 16, 2011, Watson is one of a handful of runners taking a shot at Jerome Drayton's thirty-six year old Canadian record in the marathon and a qualifying spot for the 2012 London Olympics. Tnfnorth caught up with the Guelph-based runner:

TNF: Many of our readers are young athletes. If you had one piece of advice to give a young athlete what would it be?

RW: You have chosen one hell of a sport to get involved with. Have fun but be patient. If you put in the work the results will follow.  But you can't be a wimp. If you are a wimp, you're in the wrong game.

TNF: What's your highest volume week ever? 

RW: I hit 166 miles one week, but that was one hell of a week.

TNF:  What is your favourite workout?

RW: Any workout that I smash! I am actually becoming a pretty big fan of V02max miles. They hurt like hell but they're pretty easy on your head. All you have to do is go out there and run really hard and make it hurt. If you do that, you're doing it right. I also like long tempos. That is certainly not easy for your head but they really make you work on your focus.

TNF: What does racing in Canada mean to you?

RW: Racing in Canada is awesome. We've got a pretty cool little scene right now and people are generally being really supportive and cool. I dig it. Lots of positive energy.

TNF: What will it take for you to break Jerome Drayton's record?

RW: For myself? Probably at least another year of training and a stiff tailwind. By the time I'm ready to go after Drayton's time hopefully it won't be the record anymore. Hint, hint, Reid and Gillis.

TNF: What has been different in this year's build up as compared to your previous marathon build-ups?

RW: I got a little banged up during this build up so my training has not been as consistent. But mentally I'm in a much better head space. I'm ready to just go out there and have some fun. No stress, no pressure! Stress only slows you down.

TNF: After the Houston experience, what did you learn and take away from it?

RW: I learned that I just needed to relax and chill out. I got too anxious and mental for that one.

TNF: You are well known for Le Blog Du Rob and have developed a cult type following.  What is the most unusual comment you have received about the blog? 

RW: I love it when people come and talk to me about the blog. I haven't really had any unusual comments, but the timing is interesting sometimes. I dropped out of the Acura 10 Miler (in August) and was super pissed and bummed. I was walking along the road dejectedly when some dude ran by and was like "your blog is awesome!" It caught me by surprise and cheered me up a little bit.

TNF: How do you feel the blog allows you to connect with other runners? 

RW: I think just having a blog lets people kind of get a sense of my personality, and hopefully as a result of that they aren't afraid to come and chat and stuff at races. I'm a huge running nerd and it is cool to meet other runners.

TNF:  What do you hope to accomplish with the blog and your twitter accounts?

RW: I don't really hope to accomplish much. They're just fun little things to have. I guess they help me kill time when I'm bored at work.

TNF: What do you learn from training with Reid (Coolsaet) and Eric (Gillis) on an everyday basis?

RW: Those dudes have taught me so much.  They have really just shown me what I have to do to be a real, professional runner. Those guys are on the ball. Their dedication and commitment is awesome.

TNF: What are your aspirations heading into October and 2012?

RW: In Toronto I want to put down a solid time. 2:13-2:14 would be a great start. Then I'm going to get ready to roll a spring marathon and hopefully qualify for the Olympics. That would be rad.

TNF: Good luck.