Wittenberg: "Is Nick Arciniaga the new Brian Sell?"

Date of Birth: June 30, 1983

Hansons-Brooks Distance Project start: February 15, 2007

Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA

College: Cal State Fullerton

Personal records: Marathon 02:13:46; 25k 1:18:41; Half Marathon 1:05:44; 10,000m 30:32; 5,000m 14:21

Miles run/week: Between 100 and 130 mpw

Why do you run? I run for the joys of running well and winning. I run because I am good at it. I hope to make an Olympic team, running is my best option for that.

The best thing about being a Hansons-Brooks athlete? Having guys to train and race with every day. It makes it easier to wake up in the morning and get my run in.

How have you improved since joining the Hansons-Brooks ODP? Not very much yet, but 3 months isn't that much time and I am a slow learner.

When did you start running? Freshman year of high school, 10 years ago.

What challenges do you face as an athlete? Training as much as I can to improve without getting injuries. Eating as much as I can without spending too much.

What do you like to do when you're not running? Mostly sleep, I like to watch every movie that I can, expanding my movie trivia.

Favorite event: Right now it's the marathon, but I do like running the steeple on the track. I don't think I'll be running that anytime soon though.

Favorite workout: Tempo runs, as long as it doesn't get too much faster than 5 minute pace, the longer the better.

Favorite pre- and post-race foods: Pre-race would be Mexican food and Pasta. Post-race is whatever I can get my hands on, usually a nice bloody steak.

Role models: My parents, who have taught me how to do things the right way. And Brian Sell: Trying not to sound too corny, but it's true, ever since I first heard of him I've respected the way he has trained and raced.