Eric Gillis grew up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia before studying and training Saint Francis Xavier, where he was a multiple-time All-Canadian before joining Speed River Track Club in Guelph, Ontario. After two Canadian Championships over 10,000m, Gillis represented Canada in the event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics finishing 33rd. He has since moved up to the marathon and debuted at Houston in 2:13:52. Heading into the Scotia Bank Toronto Marathon on October 16, 2011, Gillis 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: What advice would you give a young athlete?

EG: Take the long road. There are no shortcuts to a marathon.

TNF: What's your highest volume week ever?

EG: This build-up it's been 226k, but it may have been over 230k last year.

TNF: What does racing in Canada mean to you?

EG: Racing in Canada gives our sport more exposure at the elite level. That means something to me. The extra support during race doesn’t hurt either.

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

EG:  To break Jerome Drayton's record I'd have to commit earlier in my build-up, and not have an A standard to achieve. Haven't had many thoughts of going for it this year. I just hope it won't be too much faster when I do tackle the record.

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

EG:  I’m enjoying training more this year than last summer. Mostly because I have figured out my alignment issues that were causing me knee discomfort on easy runs. And training with a great group of guys sure beats the solo build-up for Houston, which was my first marathon.

TNF: Of the top Canadian contenders you are the only one who is married and has a child. How does this affect your training?

EG: Yeah I’m the only one with a child and I believe (none of the other top entrants) are married either. I love being a father, but the tricky part with training is getting used to all the new routines that come along with that role. Emily, my wife, is a very patient woman as transitioning to these new routines can be slow for me. Once I have it down, all is usually good again.

TNF: What do you learn from training with Reid Coolsaet and Rob Watson on an everyday basis?

EG: Ah, what I learn from Rob and Reid on a daily basis is how to be good training partners. You da best fellas!

TNF: How do you feel about your new lifetime best in the half marathon?

EG: My new half PB makes me want to run one I can taper for, and has cool temperatures.

TNF: How important was the 2008 Olympic experience in preparing you for 2012?

EG: 2008 Olympics experience will serve me will if I get a chance to race in London. I’ll have been there and know what to expect. It’s one hell of a trip.

TNF: What are your aspirations heading into this month and 2012

EG: My aspirations are to get standard in Toronto, prepare well for London and kick some ass there!

TNF: Good luck.