© 2008 The Runner's Tribe, all rights reserved.

UK Middle Distance Runner, James Thie, has been a Great Britain team member since 1998. As well as Welsh Record holder in the Indoor 1500m, 1 mile and 2000m. James has made a name for himself as a fearless competitor who's never afraid to travel the globe to gain success. We catch up with James a few months after he narrowly missed an Olympic berth and a few months before he ties the knot...

RunnersTribe: James, you are back after one hell of an injury lay-off. What's the story?

JT : I don't feel I have had a lot of luck over the last few years. I would say over the last three I have had little more than two months of running in total without any pains. First was an abductor problem, then food poisoning at the Commonwealth Games leading to further complications. This was over lapped by a long-standing hamstring injury, and then my ever hurting Achilles got worse and worse. The Achilles has been the hardest injury to shift and it's a case of living and dealing with it at the moment, but its been on and off since January 2007. In this time I have had lots of time off and lots of different treatments, some have helped and others have not. The most effective in the end was two epidurals, one of which was in April when I couldn't run more than 5 minutes without pain. This saved my summer season, but some pain is back and I have good days and horrible (painful) days!

RT: A lot of runners suffer from Achilles problems, what sort of rehab exercises are working for you?

JT : I have tried them all, at first it was all eccentric loading and I seemed to wake up doing them and going to bed finishing them off! It did help but I needed other treatments to really help the Achilles, as the blood supply is so bad in the Achilles area. I had it stripped with the needle twice, which did help and the epidurals just helped settle the area down. The big problem was the pain had been so bad for so long the Achilles didn't know how to switch the pain off.

RT: You mentioned that due to the Achillies injury that you have been unable to run for more than 40 minutes at any one time. Subsequently, has your aerobic fitness not taken a dive?

JT : My Achilles got to a point that it didn't like longer runs, I think this is due to a long standing ankle weakness. I decided the best idea would be to switch any longer runs and some morning runs to the Bike. I was going down to the gym and hitting 90mins or 45mins on the exercise bike, which was boring as hell. But fitness wise my endurance really held up and I was able to get all my sessions completed on the track.

RT: You seem to have bounced back quickly from the long lay-off. Did you do much cross training during the time off with injuries?

JT : During some of my longer spells of Achilles problems I did a lot of work on an indoor ski machine. The levels of fitness gained and maintained by cross training really shows me the importance, and use of it in my training even when fit.

 

 

 

 

RT: You recently finished 6th at the British Olympic trials and have run some pretty solid times, including a 3:58 mile at Dublin's Morton Mile (which was just 0.3 secs off his PB). Are you disappointed to miss the Olympic team, or due to the injuries and set-backs was it not really something you were expecting to happen?

JT : Yes I'm gutted not to have made it to the Olympics, and as you get older you really look back at better chances that might have gone and past. In 2000 I came 6th in the trials but was pleased as I was 22 years old and thought that I would be ready in four years time. In 2004 I took 4th at World indoors and was in great shape running 3:38 indoors. Straight after I got injured and missed most of April, by the time I got back I was chasing my tail. I ran 3:37.0 a week before the trials and the standard was 3:36.2, I ran 3:38.4 the week after and that was that. Looking back since I realized that 2004 was my best chance to have made the team, its easy to say 'what if' but I would love to have known what I could have run without the injury. Since 2005 I have had a horrible run of luck, food poisoning at the Commonwealths was hard to take. I made the European indoor champs final in 2007 with my painful Achilles, and before and after I have had loads of other problems. Leading into this summer I had missed the indoors with injury and then had the Achilles problems flair up again in April. When I did race I was just happy to be out there again, but this doesn't stop the same old thought of 'what if!. I know that this season I have run 1:50, 3:41.1 and 3:58 without any luck and in pain, so I can't wait to be fit and injury free again.

RT: I see that in the past your have used altitude tents quite extensively. You even went to the trouble of taking haematocrit and haemoglobin readings before and after the course of altitude exposure. Do you still use such tents and do you think the whole process is worthwhile and helpful?

JT : I have been lucky to use Altitude tents over the last 5 years. I have been tested before, during and after for haematrocrit and haemoglobin levels. Both went up with my norms of 46% and 15.5 going up to 49% and 16.5, this was along with a loss in body fat. The tent works very well by going 5 days in 2 days out for around 5-6 weeks, and the benefit is you can train low live high. Also you don't have to leave home for 6 weeks and can keep your normal training and home routine without travelling for days to get to altitude. Also pre big events it means you can go back in for a 2-3 week phase again without any hassle or period to acclimatize.

 

 

 

 

RT: For those of us who know squat about the British athletics system, I hear that some top runners get funding from clubs, which can at times involve more than just basic cost covering and can even extend to providing assistance helping runners with their travel, living expenses etc. Have you been able to milk this or is it not quite as good as it sounds?

JT : The only funding that is out there is the Lottery Program, and this supports those up and coming athletes that UK Athletics feels could medal at a major championships. The support is good if you get on that, but a lot of very good athletes' fall outside qualifying for the support, and something like age is used against you. My experience is mixed with the funding, as I was one of the first athletes to go on the development plan in 2000. This was after finishing 6th in the Olympic Trails, but I ended up receiving almost no money that actually helped me. The next year I took 5th in the UK champs and was dumped off as I didn't hit the times they wanted, after only 6 months on the scheme. I was gutted at the time as it was like someone saying I was no longer good enough after only 6 months! In 2003, I almost made the World indoor final running a PB, and the year later took 4th in the World Indoors. After that I went on to Elite Welsh funding, which was worth $8000 a year. This was the most disappointing thing as you believe the support will be good when you make World teams and finals, but its not. The US have a better system of support clubs and groups, in which like minded athletes train and are supported together. For the UK to move endurance forward this must be a way we look to develop, with the use of the Lottery funding to support such programs. I have more support from my US Club New York AC, than help in the UK, which I have been really grateful for. This highlights the problems that many UK athletes face, and many now are basing themselves in the US or are being lost thanks to this lack of support.

RT: The British Milers Club (BMC) system seems like a very professional and effective way to organize races, with rabbits in every race and quite good depth. How have you found the BMC races? Do you find they negate the need to travel overseas in order to race?

JT : The BMC have been a big part of my development through the junior and senior ranks. I ran most of my best junior and under 23 times in their races, which is common for most of the current internationals such as Mike East, Andy Badderely and Lisa Dobriskey. I was lucky in my youth that one of the local BMC organizers put on loads of mile and 1500m races. This gave me lots of chances to race the best guys from a young age, at 20 I ran 4:03 for a mile and was 11th in a BMC race for example. This season I have done almost all the biggest BMC races, as was perfect for my development back from injury. Its great to know we have good races on our doorsteps that are getting better every year.

RT: You are now thirty and are soon to be married, congratulations. I see on your website that you are soon to launch an online coaching business, is this what you see yourself doing in the future?

JT : Yes I'm getting married next April to my long-term girlfriend Alex, we have been together 10 years so it's about time! Work wise I am always looking at other areas to work on, I love coaching and can see myself going further down that line in the future. Coaching in the US College system is something I am very interested in doing, and can't wait to coach some NCAA champions.

 

 

 

With Fiance, Alex, in Gunnison, North America

RT: In terms of training. Since you consider the 1500m/mile to be your main event, if you had an aspiring young 18 year old 1500m runner under your reigns what sort of training program would you have him/her doing?

JT : Looking back at my old training logs there are a few things that jump out, and one of those is over-training. Too many times I trained too hard for too long, and should have had an easy week every three weeks. One time aged 19 I ran 12 weeks of 85miles average with 3 hard sessions a week, I was flying in the middle and dying at the end! Also I think that I would have looked more at technique and good conditioning work during the winter. This prepares you for future work and is hard to go back to later in your career. In the summer I wish I had done more speed work, as again its hard to go back to in the future, as its easier to move up in distances when older and speed is hard to come by in the latter years!

RT: You have traveled the world more than most, including regular races throughout America, especially New York. Do you have any particularly memorable traveling experiences that you could share?

JT : I have been lucky to do some great races and have had some amazing experiences on the way. Races have included trips to Hong Kong, Jamaica , Maui and Brazil. My favorite trips have been in the US, where I have done a few wacky races and road trips. One of my craziest was in 2004, when I ran in the wannermaker mile in Madison Square gardens at 9pm NYC time. I took 2nd place and ran straight for a cab to JFK airport and at 11pm was flying back to the UK for the World indoors trials. I landed at 10am, and at 12pm was flying to Manchester. My girlfriend met me at the airport and we drove across to Sheffield and got there at 4pm. We had heats scheduled for 5pm, and I thought I could have a chilled out run before the final. The heats were cancelled, and instead of being the next day they called it for that day. So after less than 16 hours and a few thousand miles traveled I stood on the start line in the UK championship final. I took 2nd being Mike East and made the UK team, and ended up with more media interest for two 2nd places than winning one of them!

 

 

 

Training in Gunnison

RT: To finish, what's on the cards? Is the goal to have one last crack in London 2012?

JT : I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be going for it, I will be 34 so it my last chance of making the team. In between I have the Commonwealth Games, and after being ill in 2006, I really want to do myself justice.

RT: All tbe best

Jame's website

© 2008 The Runner's Tribe, all rights reserved.

Anyone who has been around the Australian running scene for more than a few years knows all too well the talents of Suzy Walsham. With four Australian titles to her name, a Commonwealth Games berth and now the winner of the Empire State run-up for three years in succession, people throughout the running world also are now well aware of her exploits. We catch up with Suzy not long after her latest Empire State victory to find out whats happening in her post-track career.

Personal bests
800m: 2:01.85
1500m: 4:07.78
3000m: 9:01 (mix)
5km (road): 15:56
10km (road): 34:11
 

Career highlight
Winning 3 national titles for 1500m and one for 800m; Competing at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (1500m: 6th; 800m: semi-finalist); winning Empire State Building Run-Up 3 years in a row.

Coach: Self

Home town:: Sydney, but living in Singapore past 2.5 years

Job: Accountant (Senior Manager, Accounting Operations, Symantec Corporation)

Favorite session: Tough question - I really enjoy track training so probably either 8*300m with 90sec rec (common session before a 1500m race) or 8-10*400m with 1min rec. I also enjoy my long Sunday run.

RunnersTribe: Suzy, great to see you are still winning races. What are you doing with yourself these days?

Suzy Walsham: Working too much!....But trying to stay fit and enjoying competing in some fun runs and tower (stair) races here in Singapore and around the region.

RT: Congratulations on winning New York's Empire State run-up for the third year in succession. What is it about this race that keeps you coming back, is it more than just winning?

SW: Thank you! I love going to New York - so having a race there is a great excuse for a visit. The Empire State building is such a famous landmark, and the event is interesting and extremely challenging, so I like that aspect about it.

RT: Do you have plans to keep going back each year? Or do you have a certain limit in mind?

SW: It was certainly great (and unexpected) to get three wins in a row. However, I sustained injuries from a fall at the start this year, which I am still recovering from, so I think I will need some convincing to return again next year. I would like to see the starting arrangements modified to improve athlete safety in the future.

RT: What sort of training do you do to prepare for it?

SW: I pretty much stick to a fairly normal running training regime, as you have to be generally fit to do well in such an event. This year I was able to train a little more specifically for the event, as I recently moved into an apartment on the 30th Floor of a building in Singapore - so I have been doing stair sessions twice per week for the past 4 weeks. The stair session generally involves running up the 30 floors four times, and catching the lift back down as recovery - it is way tougher than any track session I ever did!

RT: Rewinding back a few years, are you happy with your decision to retire from track racing after the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 06?

SW: It wasn't a conscious decision, and I actually got right back into training last year as I contemplated having another go at an Olympics….but my body did not cope with the track sessions and I had persistent calf problems which interrupted my training. It was really disappointing, as my endurance fitness had improved immensely, and I was actually doing track sessions faster than before I raced at Commonwealths.

RT: If you had your time over again, are there any things that you would do differently in terms of training, coaches, lifestyle etc?

SW: That's a really difficult question to answer….I don't think I reached my potential, but I also have a very fragile body, so doing the training that was required to get me to the level I wanted to be, was always going to be challenging. I often wondered if I had become a full-time athlete and been able to concentrate more on resting and recovery between sessions (instead of working between sessions), whether that would have made any difference…but my career off the track was also very important (and funded most of my athletic travels) and I felt it was too risky to just focus on athletics. I learnt a lot from every single coach I had, which in turn enabled me to have the confidence to start coaching myself, together with my sister, from the end of 2004. We had so much fun for the next 18months, culminating in me finally making a senior National track team (Commonwealth Games) so that time will always be very special to me.

RT: You have been around the Aussie running scene for a lot of years and have experienced the training methods of numerous top coaches, including Said Aouita, Paul Laurendet, John McDonald and Dick Telford. What are your views on the way elite runners are looked after and coached in Australia? And what changes, if any, do you think would be worthwhile?

SW: Everyone has an opinion on coaching methods and how best to handle elite athletes in terms of training and support programs. What works for some people, doesn't work for others. Some countries have centralised programs that work very well, and others have de-centralised programs that also have success….so I don't think there is one single tried and tested successful model. Ultimately, the athlete needs to believe in their coach and their training methods - if you believe, then you will achieve. As soon as you start doubting what you are doing, then your performances will suffer - so much of an athlete's success is psychological. I think the overall support of athletes is what is critical - in terms of financial, medical and psychological.

RT: What were some of the most important training principals that you picked up from these above mentioned coaches?

SW: Overall, you have to believe in your coach and his/her training methods. The difficulty for a coach with a training group, is tailoring the training programs to the individual athlete - while fundamental principles do apply, it is important to identify each athletes strengths and weaknesses, and maintain the strengths, while building on their weaknesses. For me, I had to work on speed endurance - I always found racing 800m much easier than 1500m, which in turn was much easier than doing 5k. I also learnt the importance of weight training, which I think some middle distance athletes neglect in favour of more miles - weights helped improve my bone density and gave me more strength.

RT: You were taken on numerous high altitude training camps, a few of these overseas. Were these worthwhile trips that you think should be a regular part of the system?

SW: I was fortunate to have been funded for a couple of overseas altitude training camps, and found them to be so beneficial that I personally funded several others. I definitely think there are significant benefits to having such camps as a regular part of the system.

RT: So what's in store now for you?

SW: Recovering from my injuries first! A week after the event, my knee is still sore, bruised and swollen, and I am unable to walk without pain, so running at the moment is totally out of the question. Work has become a lot more demanding over the past year, and I am finding it harder and harder to be able to find the time and energy to train, so I think this year I will scale back on the training a bit and focus on just maintaining fitness and perhaps doing a couple of fun runs. I'm also getting married shortly and hope to start a family soon, so intense training is probably not too good for that!

RT: Thanks for your time and all the best.

Rules - Introduction

This is one of the easiest tipping competitions you will ever find. Put simply, you need to predict where each Australian athlete will finish at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. Some further important notes:

• You will be required to predict the finishing position of all Australian athletes who officially start an event;
• Any Australian athlete who doesn't actually participate in his/her event will be excluded from the final score;
• If an Australian athlete starts an event but either (a) does not finish, or (b) is disqualified, then that athlete is still included in the final score;
• All entrants to the competition will be asked to submit a valid email address, as all winners will be notified by email;
• Only one (1) entry per person is allowed, no exceptions;
• After your entry is received by Runnerstribe you will not be able to update your selections - so select wisely.
• Prizes are only applicable to Australian residents, although anybody around the world can enter the competition;
• Each day a competition ladder will be posted to the Runnerstribe website, so you can see where you're ranked after each day of the World Championships;
• ****Important**** : Entries close on the 14th August, 2009 (23:59 AEST)
• If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us by clicking here

Rules - Scoring

Some examples of how your final score is calculated:

• If you select Sean Wroe to place 11th in the men's 400m and his official placing is 7th, then your score would be four (4) points for that event;
• If you select Lisa-Jane Weightman to finish 20th and she does not finish the women's marathon, then her official placing will be equal to the last official athlete who crosses the finish line (e.g 69th). Your score would be forty-nine (49) points for that event;
• If you select Sally McLellan to place 5th in the women's 100m hurdles and her official placing is 5th, then your score would be zero (0) points for that event;
• If you select Australia to finish in 6th position in the men's 4x400m and they don't finish in their heat (and two other teams also record a "DNF") then your score would be equal to (16 less 3 = 13) less 6, which equals a final score of seven (7) points for that event.

Therefore the perfect score for this competition would be equal to zero (0) points.

Other important notes to consider:

• It will be important for you ('the entrant') to consider how many athletes/teams are entered for each event (the number of athletes who have competed at the 2007 World Championships are contained on the entry form to assist you ('the entrant') in making your final prediction for each Australian athlete);
• Remember that the maximum number of teams in the relay events (men's and women's 4x100m/4x400m) is equal to 18, therefore it would be incorrect to select Australia to finish in 21st position in a relay event (although you will still be able to select any position up to 99, so remember to think about your final selection for each event).

Rules - Final Score/Rankings

Your final score is simply the addition of all your predictions for each Australian athlete who starts in his/her event. The final score is then matched against all other entrants in the competition, with the winner being the entry with the lowest combined score. If there are ties for any of the top-3 entries (prize winners - see below), then the tie breaker will be number of exact matches (i.e zero (0) points for an event) an entrant has selected. If a further tie breaker is required, it will be who is closest to selecting the final finishing position of Scott Westcott in the men's marathon.

Prizes

This is the fun part. The prizes on offer (only available to Australian residents) are as follows:

1st Prize: Any pair of New Balance Shoes (running shoes) from the New Balance store (located at - http://www.nbwebexpress.com.au/) plus a Runner's Tribe singlet (approx. $250.00);

2nd Prize: A New Balance Jacket from the New Balance store (located at - http://www.nbwebexpress.com.au/) plus a Runner's Tribe singlet (approx. $150.00);

3rd Prize: A New Balance Performance Top from the New Balance store (located at - http://www.nbwebexpress.com.au/) plus a Runner's Tribe singlet (approx. $90.00)

All prizes will be shipped to the individual winners, with all winners notified by email.

* Note the singlet will include "Runner's Tribe" on the front (not as shown above).

So are you ready to enter? Well then make sure you read the "Terms and Conditions" and then click on the "enter competition" button below. Good luck!

Terms and Conditions

1. The Runnerstribe World Championship Tipping Competition (the "Game") is promoted by www.runnerstribe.com. The Runner's Tribe is the trading name used by Avago Running Pty Ltd, a private Australian company. When you enter and participate in the Game, you are bound to play and accept that you must participate in the Game in accordance with these terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”), the Rules of the Game (the “Rules”) and any other materials relating to the Game published on the runnerstribe official website (the “Website”) including without limitation the list of the prizes.
2. Every application to participate in the Game must be made by a natural person (the “Participant” or the “Participants”) on the official electronic application form. Applications must adhere to the required format. Entry and participation is free.
3. Runnerstribe is subject to the data protection laws when collecting and processing personal data. For details, please refer to our Privacy Policy on the Website. Please remember that when participating in the Game, you are also subject to the Terms and Conditions for the use of the Website.
4. Upon submitting an entry to this competition, a valid email address but be supplied. The Runner's Tribe maintains the right to contact you in the future using this email address. If you do not wish to receive any further correspondence from The Runner's Tribe after the completion of the competition then please inform us and your email will be deleted from our database immedately.
5. By submitting your application, you hereby warrant that all information submitted by you is true, current and complete.
6. Only one application will be accepted per person.
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9. The start date and end date for entries to the Game are the 4th August 2009 to the 14th August 2009. Entries which are not submitted within the dates shown will be invalid. Acceptance of an entry to the Game is at the sole discretion of Runnerstribe. All accepted and registered Participants will be notified by the Runnerstribe via electronic acceptance messages. Electronic acceptance messages that are either “undeliverable” or that remain undelivered will nullify the application and will result in the participation in the Game not being accepted. Runnerstribe shall not be liable for electronic acceptance messages which are either not received or wrongfully sent or are “undeliverable” or remain for any reason undelivered. Unless an electronic acceptance message is received from Runnerstribe, the entry is not accepted.
10. All winners will be notified by e-mail. If any prize is not claimed within 14 days or the potential winner is deemed ineligible an alternative winner shall be selected. All details of the prizes and in particular the terms of their attribution and use will be provided by notification to the winners. No interest will be paid on any prize. Participants cannot request a cash alternative or substitution of the prize. Runnerstribe, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to substitute a prize of greater or equal value in particular if any prize cannot be awarded as described due to unavailability. An independent observer shall oversee the selection of winners.
11. A list of prizes is available on the Website. The prizes shall be awarded on or after 30 August 2009.
12. In the event a Minor wins a prize, the participation in the Game has to be confirmed and the prize has to be accepted by his/her parent or legal guardian. Runnerstribe has the right in its sole discretion to amend or not to allocate a prize won by a Minor.
13. Application constitutes permission for Runnerstribe and any third party authorised by Runnerstribe to use the names of Participants at its sole discretion for publicity purposes. In particular, Runnerstribe intends to publish the winner's name on the Runnerstribe home page. By participating in the Game, each Participant explicitly agrees to publication of his/her name if this is required by Runnerstribe. A full list of winners will be available on request from Runnerstribe.
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15. Informative and explanatory material relating to the Game (including instructions for this competition and the scoring system) and the Rules form part of these Terms and Conditions.
16. Runnerstribe may, at its sole discretion, suspend a Participant, disqualify any application or vary, amend or waive the Rules and/or the Terms and Conditions at any time or cancel the Game at any time in the event of circumstances arising beyond the Runnerstribe’s control or which make it desirable to do so. The Participants agree that no liability shall attach to Runnerstribe as a result thereof and that the exercise of such discretion shall not result in any compensation being payable or paid to any Participant or other person.
17. Runnerstribe cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any Participant entering the Game or as a result of acceptance of any prize. Runnerstribe is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software failure of any e-mail or entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, telephone lines or at any web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to a Participant’s or any other person's computer or mobile telephone related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in relation to the Game. By participating in the Game, you agree that no claim relating to any such loss or injury (including without limitation special, indirect or consequential losses) shall be asserted against Runnerstribe, its sponsors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees or agents.
18. By participating in the Game, you agree that no claim shall be asserted against Runnerstribe, its sponsors or affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents in respect of any and all losses or injuries (including without limitation special, indirect or consequential losses), damages, rights, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever that result from your acceptance or use of the prize.
19. Runnerstribe reserves the right to take any decision in relation to any matter whatsoever in connection with the Game. For the purpose of the Game, event results shall be deemed to be those standing at the time any winners of the Game are selected, notwithstanding any subsequent amendments. No correspondence shall be entered into with any Participant.
20. Any legal dispute between you and Runnerstribe in relation to the Game shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Australia. Place of jurisdiction shall be Australia. Runnerstribe shall also be at liberty to enforce its rights and to take legal action in any competent court of your domicile.
21. The Participant must acknowledge and agree that he/she has read and understood these Terms and Conditions and that he/she is fully aware of the rights and obligations arising therefrom by ticking the "I agree" box on the application on the Website.

by Chris Wainwright

On the 31st July, 2004 a future star of the track was born. Standing at only 5 feet tall, Jordan Hasay ran an amazing 9:48.77 over 3000m at the US Junior Olympics in Eugene, Oregon and in the process showed the world of track and field that one day she would be a star of the sport. So what's happened in the life of Hasay since that magical run in Oregon? Well she's grown another four inches and has also been to a World Youth Championships (2007) and World Junior Championships (2008). Added to this was the fact that she made the final of the women's 1500m at the 2008 US Olympic Trials and in the process broke the US High School record, running 4:14.50 in her semi final.

So is Hasay really the next big thing in the world of middle distance running? Well Track and Field News had her on the cover of their March edition this year and considering that they usually have the likes of Usain Bolt and Jeremy Wariner on their cover it was a rare honour indeed. The title, "Prep Phenom Jordan Hasay", also says a lot about how the US track and field community rate Hasay's performances over the past five years. They simply see her as a junior star, who should one day become one of the best US track athletes ever to wear the red, blue and white. Ok, that's where it becomes interesting. Will Hasay become that champion, and do her junior results really suggest that she will one day join the likes of Suzy Favor-Hamilton and Mary Decker-Slaney as one of America's best ever female middle distance runners? Well we take a look at why she will become a champion and why she could end up being just another very talented junior track star.

Does Hasay's Times Really Hit the Mark?

There is certainly no doubt about the fact that she has broken numerous records as a high school athlete, including her 1500m US High School record of 4:14.50. Although based purely on times I don't think you could get too carried away with what she has achieved. On top of her US High School record in the 1500m, Hasay has run a 4:42.21 mile (coverts to around 4:21 for the 1500m), a 9:19.6h 3000m - on her way to a 9:52.13 for the 3200m, and a 10:07.65 over 2 miles. She has also run a personal best of 2.09.92 for the 800m, but we would expect that to be much faster if she was given the chance. So how do these times compare to two other junior stars, Australia's Georgie Clarke, who back in 2000 ran at the Sydney Olympics in the women's 1500m as a 16 year-old and Stephanie Twell (pictured above), who also competed at the Olympics as a teenager (she was 19 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics)? Below is a table comparing the three athletes, from ages 15 through to 18 (* based on her 4:42 mile effort - estimate only)

Clarke also recorded a 9:01.7h 3000m as a 16 year-old (versus Hasay's best of 9:19.6h) and she also had a far superior 800m time of 2:01.73 at the same age. So what does this really mean, especially considering an athlete such as Clarke have never gone on and run any faster in their careers? Well the point is that Hasay's times recorded as a junior need to be put into perspective. Although she has recorded some excellent times over the past three years, it would be safe to say that she hasn't reshaped the world ranking lists. It is also a fact that she doesn't hold the title of World Champion (placing 2nd at the World Youth Championships in 2007 and 4th at the World Junior Championships in 2008 - although she did have to run less than a week after her 10th placing at the US Olympic trials, reducing her chances for success at the Championships. Interesting to note however that it was the best placing in the 1500m by an American female at the World Juniors).

Hasay will get the chance to become a World Junior champion in 2010, if she makes the trip to Canada, and by then she could have broken the 4:10 mark for the 1500m - a quality performance by any junior female 1500m athlete. It is interesting to see that an athlete such as Twell from Great Britain, the 2008 World Junior 1500m champion and prospective rival for Hasay in the future, has since run a 4:03.62 in 2009(7 June) and has also run a personal best of 8:50.89 over 3000m (when finishing 7th at the 2008 World Athletics final). Twell, the 2008 Olympian and next big hope in middle distance running in Britain, also finished off her junior career with an impressive 4:05.83 in the 1500m. If Hasay can replicate these times over the next 18 months then there would be no doubt that she should be rated as one of the worlds better junior female middle distance runners. See below for the junior women's 1500m world all-time rankings (note: I have omitted the performances of the Chinese at both the 1993 and 1997 National Championships with big question marks surrounding their performances - official place on the rankings are placed in the first column in the ( ):

It should also be noted that Jenny Barringer (who recently ran a 3:59.90 personal best over the 1500m at the Prefontaine Classic) was still running 4:21 for 1500m at the age of 21, while Suzy Favor-Hamilton had only run a 4:09.10 as a junior - although this has remained as the American Junior record since 1987 (before going on to record a personal best of 3:57.40 in 2000). Therefore if Hasay doesn't rank with the worlds best as a junior athlete, it will be what she achieves over the course of her career that will dictate as to where she stands within the ranks of the top track and field athletes.

Can Hasay Handle the Pressure?

Hasay has certainly become a big hit with the American press over the past 5 years. It could simply be the way she presents herself when being interviewed, or the trademark long flowing blonde hair, but in the end the American media simply can't get enough of her. Even to the extent that her announcement on which University she was going to attend was broadcast live to the American public. Will the constant pressure of being the darling of women's middle distance running in America become too much of a burden, and ultimately place too much pressure on her to perform at her very best? Well the good thing is that she has her feet firmly placed on the ground. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times (see below), it is clear to see that Hasay can manage the pressure that has, and will, be placed on her in the coming years - especially in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics.

Aramando Siqueiros, Hasay's high school coach, suggests that it won't be the end of the world if Hasay doesn't line up at the London Olympics (although you would think that not all is going to plan if she doesn't go). Siqueiros simply says that it's all about small steps, which included her participation at the 2008 US Olympic trials - to gain that experience required when she competes against the older girls on the track in 2010.

Competing for Oregon will certainly see the bar raised for Hasay, with high hopes from the Oregon fans of a 2010 NCAA title (both indoors and out) after such a successful 2009 (where both the men and women finished 2nd at the NCAA Outdoor Championships). Hasay could easily be the no.1 athlete at Oregon for the duration of her education at the University, which will add to the already pressure cooker environment that is College track and field.

Only Time Will Tell

In the end it will be all about having fun for this bubbly athlete with such enormous talent. The 2008 USATF Youth Athlete of the Year will definitely have more pressure placed upon her than a normal track and field athlete entering their first year at University.

Leading into her debut season as a College athlete, representing Oregon University, there are so many questions that we would all love to know the answers to. They include - will she ever be an Olympian? Will she win the World Junior title in 2010 and break 4:10 for the 1500m? Will she become one of Oregon's most famous athletes? Only time will tell, but there are suggestions that she will simply take it all in her stride. A 4.53 grade-point average also suggests that if track and field doesn't work out for her then it won't be the end of the world!

Note: Hasay has also just been named the MaxPreps 2008-09 Female Athlete of the Year.

One year ago, Athletics in Australia was stunned, when Craig Mottram's 3000m junior record was broken by New South Welshman Ryan Gregson. Fast forward to January 2009, and the seemingly impossible has happened - the record has been broken, again! Many thought that once broken, Gregson's record would stay around for quite some time, daring up and coming juniors to touch it. Enter Richard Everest.

Hailing from South Australia, Everest has built up a commanding resume as one of Australia’s best new prospects in the distance ranks. A 3000m PB of 8:00.76, a 5000m PB of 13:49.25, and for those who know Falls Creek, an impressive 60.16 for the Fitzy's hut run. So what is it that makes Richard Everest tick? And how has he managed to seemingly slip under the radar until the last few months?

Like most young kids, Everest saw running as a pastime in his days, enjoying it a great deal more than schoolwork. “It wasn’t until my sports teacher in primary school got me involved by taking me to the local school events that I found out I could run a bit”, Richard says. I performed reasonably well, and I guess that’s where I started to realise how much I enjoyed it.”

However, breaking the Australian Junior 3000m record wasn’t even on Everest’s mind until late 2008. “The 3k record was only really a focus since about December of 2008”, explains Richard. “Up until that point I didn’t think I would be able to run that quick, and it wasn’t until after a 3 week stint up at Falls Creek, where I felt that I was running really well that I thought I may be able to get close to that time.” Get close to that time he did, running 8:00.76, on a cool, calm night in Adelaide. Set up by race promoter PJ Bosch, the race was won in 8:00.2 by Australian Representative Liam Adams, who seemingly gave up the opportunity to run his first sub 8 minute 3000m to look back and cheer on Richard over the last 100m.

Fresh from his 3000m race, Everest proceeded to break another barrier, this time in the 5000m, running a time of 13:59.71 at the Graeme Briggs Classic in Hobart. This was made even more impressive by the fact that Everest ran just under half of the race by himself, after losing contact with the lead pack at the 3000m mark. “The 5k PB was hard cause I did run the last 5 laps by myself”, tells Everest. “Unfortunately I didn’t back myself enough to go with the leaders which essentially cost me a far quicker time. The aim that day was to run under 13.50 so hopefully this season I will get close to that.” Bring on the Melbourne World Athletics Tour, March 5, 2009, and Richard did just that, nailing out a 13:49.25, beating home fellow-star, Ryan Gregson.

Away from the track, Everest is starting his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, which should keep him in the country for a few more years yet. “I’m currently going to stay in Adelaide at this point of time”, explains Everest. “I have all the resources that I need in Australia, so there’s not a huge need to move overseas at this point in time. However, hopefully I’ll travel to Europe this year to train and run in a few races, just to get some experience.”

Although Everest may not have achieved his personal goal of finishing top 20 at the World Junior XC Championships in Amman, Jordan, the race was certainly no failure, and more-so a testament to the hard work and perseverance shown by himself and coach Michael Butler. This time last year Everest was on the long road back from injury; however this year, he is feeling fitter and stronger, and no doubt will continue to keep athletics enthusiasts around Australia talking for years to come. If Richard has anything to do it, 2010 and 2012 could just be years to keep watch.

'It wasn’t until after a 3 week stint up at Falls Creek, where I felt that I was running really well that I thought I may be able to get close to that time'
Richard Everest

Well another Aussie summer has come and gone and it's fair to say that something special was in the air this year. Athletics in Oz is looking up, for a number of reasons, and it's exciting. Let's take a brief look at some of the highlights from Brisbane.

Sorry for the slim pickings of videos but we were only granted a limited amount of coverage, so no full race coverage unfortunately, just highlights from the closing stages of select races :

Women's 400m Hurdles

An amazing battle down the home straight. With 100m to go you would have bet your house that Boden, the youngster, was going to win. Enter Tamsyn Lewis's strength over the final 80 meters, result, Lewis in a photo finish. Whatever your views on Lewis, her brilliance at winning on home soil is undeniable, she is the Queen at the national level.

1 Tamsyn Lewis              78 VIC                       56.27 WCB
2 Lauren Boden              88 ACT                      56.33 WCB
3 Lyndsay Pekin             86 WAIS                     59.70    
4 Amanda Morris             88 NSW                    61.37    
5 Catherine Newell          85 QLD                    61.61    
6 Gemma Radford             85 NZL                   63.08    
7 Tarin Nevin               87 NSW                          63.95   
-- Shannon McCann            88 WA                    DNF   



Men's 800m final

The 800m final had the smallish yet boisterous crowd on their feet. Lachlan Renshaw, defending champion, Olympian and outright favourite, went straight to the front with the rest of the field bunched in behind him. Nick Bromley looked ready to pounce the entire race and unleashd one mighty kick down the home straight to win his fourth national 800m crown.

1 Nicholas Bromley          83 NSWIS            1:47.76   
2 Lachlan Renshaw           87 NSWIS          1:48.17   
3 Werner Botha              85 QLD                    1:48.24   
4 Matthew Hammond           86 NSW           1:48.52   
5 Matt Inglis Fox           87 QLD                     1:48.67   
6 Fraser Coss               90 QLD                    1:49.29   
7 Chris deBoer              84 WAIS                   1:49.65   
8 Lee Berry                 90 QLD                        1:49.75  



 

Women's 800m final

No huge surprise that Medelaine Pape took out her first national 800m title.  Pape's run was impressive, her first lap was honest, she led from gun to tape in windy conditions, and she held off a fast finishing Kiwi, Nikki Hamblin.  She needs to now go and chase some fast times overseas to impress the selectors, good luck to her.

1 Madeleine Pape            84 VIC                  2:02.57
2 Nikki Hamblin             88 NZL                    2:03.23
3 Katherine Katsanevakis    88 VIC            2:05.91
4 Holly Noack               83 SA                        2:06.64
5 Kelly Hetherington        89 VIC                  2:07.83
6 Salome Dell               83 PNG                    2:08.09
7 Sianne Toemoe             89 NSW               2:08.89
8 Selma Kajan               91 NSW                   2:09.19



 

Men's 1500m

Jeff Riseley's win in the 1500m was nothing short of breath-taking. He is without doubt one of the brightest 1500m prospects to emerge from Australia, perhaps ever. Credit also must be given to Jeremy Roff for his second 3:37 for the year and his well deserved selection for the Berlin World Champs. Roff is one hell of a hard worker and this season he has done very little to deter the selectors from giving him a crack at the World Champs. Well done to both of them, and good luck.

1 Jeffrey Riseley           86 VIS                         3:35.71MWCA
2 Jeremy Roff               83 NSWIS                   3:37.62 WCB
3 Craig Huffer              89 VIC                          3:41.67    
4 Brenton Rowe              87 VIC                      3:42.11    
5 Philo Saunders            76 ACT                     3:42.77    
6 Grant Page                82 TAS                         3:44.10    
7 James Nipperess           90 NSW                3:44.81    
8 Richard Olsen             85 NZL                      3:45.03    
9 Daniel Clark              85 VIC                          3:47.04    
10 Jayden Russ               85 QLD                    3:47.63   
11 Peter Bock                82 QLD                       3:56.90   
-- David Campbell            82 IRL                        DNF   

 

Want to see more Riseley/Roff action?, not a problem. Check out their race from the Melbourne World Tour

Want more 1500m action? Check out our video interview with junior James Nipperess, who finished 7th running up in the opens. His clocked 3:44.81, pretty awesome for an 18 year old. Or check out our video interview with Ken Green, the current coach of Jeremy Roff, James Nipperess, Bridey Delaney and Nikki Molan.

Video interviews with James Nipperess and Ken Green
 

Women's 1500m final

This race was interesting to watch. The older and experienced Sarah Jamieson vs the young up and comer Bridey Delaney, vs Olympian Lisa Corrigan vs fast finishing Kaila McKnight. Credit has to go out to Delaney, she isn't the sort of runner to be left wondering about what may have been. However, in the end Jamo was just too strong and too experienced.

1 Sarah Jamieson      75 VIS                    4:16.15              
2 Kaila McKnight      86 VIC                       4:16.27              
3 Bridey Delaney      89 NSWIS                4:16.58              
4 Lisa Corrigan       84 ACTAS                  4:17.34              
5 Nikki Molan         83 NSW                       4:19.59              
6 Erin Montgomery     85 NZL                    4:25.61              
7 Corinne Myles       85 QLD                     4:29.96              
8 Linden Hall         91 VIC                          4:32.18              
9 Lucy Kennedy        88 QLD                     4:34.34              
10 Lauren McKillop     90 NSW                 4:34.67             
11 Nikki Hiscock       93 QLD                     4:36.79             
12 Anna McMurtrie      85 QLD                    4:38.31             


Men's 200m Final

Hats off to Aaron Rouge-Serret, getting some revenge on training partner and mate, Joshua Ross, after Ross announced his return to serious form in winning the 100m. In was a great championships for Rouge-Serret, with a silver in the 100m to add to his collection. Unfortunately he will have to do more if he wants to make it to Berlin, all the best to him.

Women's 200m final

This race was dominated by Kiwi, Monique Williams. On the home front Melissa Breen took the national honours, and took with it a berth for Berlin. At just 18 years of age, her emergence is exciting.

 

1 Monique Williams          85 NZL                  23.74        
 2 Melissa Breen             90 ACTAS               23.96        
 3 Alicia Wrench-Doody       86 SA                  24.33        
 4 Jody Henry                85 WAIS                      24.40        
 5 Andrea Koenen             90 NZL                   24.53        
 6 Jess Gulli                88 VIC                           24.84        
 7 Caitlin Sargent           92 QLD                      24.90        
 8 Morgan Whiley             84 TAS                     25.19


Sorry, broadcasting limit has been reached

We wish we could bring you more highlights, but it's not to be thanks to copyright laws. To watch further action from the 2009 Australian Championships tune in to channel 10 on Friday the 19th of April and Saturday the 20th of April at 9am

What the Press Had to Say

Although the general media coverage of the nationals was far from extensive, the world wide web did toss up the odd read. To avoid us repeating others, check out our collecion of worthy articles:

And if you missed Justin Rinaldi's entertaining preview form charts, then it's never too late to take a peak, just don't get too sucked in by the forum chit chat, forums can be ruthless places:

Rinaldi's Aussie National 800m form chart
Rinaldi's Aussie Nationals 1500m form chart
 

Or if you are more a photograph sort of person then this collection of action shots from Inside Athletics is rock solid :

2009 Australian Nationals Photo Collection
 

A few more highlights

We can't end without pointing out a few other highlights.
- Sean Wroe's win in the 400m. A new PB and very close to breaking 45 seconds.  A huge breakthrough season for Wroe.
- Tamsyn Lewis's victory in the 400m, with Monique Williams (NZ) 0.4 of a second behind.
- Dani Samuels continued good form in the women's discuss.
- Fabrice Lapierre's huge 8.29 m long jump
- Sally McLellan's cotniued dominance.
- Linda Allen's jump of 13.48m to take out the women’s triple jump.
- Petrina Price's victory over long term rival Ellen Pettitt in the women's high jump.
- Linda Allen's jump of 13.48m in the women's long jump.
- Tristin Thomas's continued brilliance in the men's 400m Hurdles.

 

We look forward to covering our stars as they travel the globe in search of qualifying times or to perform for the green and gold. So make sure to get your daily dose of Runner's Tribe, a website run by runners, for runners, with the goal of being the most entertaining athetics website in the world.

'At the start of an Olympic cycle we need to blood athletes'
Eric Hollingsworth

 In December, 1952, a young man stood on the starting line for a mile race at Melbourne ’s Olympic Park, unsure whether the rumbling in his stomach was pre-race nerves or emanated from the couple of meat pies and chocolate sundae he had wolfed down less than two hours earlier.

The quest for the four-minute mile made John Landy a world star, famous from Afghanistan to Zanzibar . Few other Australian sportsmen or women - certainly no other track and field athlete, had achieved such fame. Starting with Edwin Flack at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, there had been a handful of champions. Flack, among others, achieved fleeting fame. But no Australian athlete would have established him or herself on a wider, international public in the manner Landy did from December 1952 through to the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. People all over the world knew who Landy was, followed his exploits, made judgements on his athletic strengths and shortcomings. When he struggled with an achilles tendon injury shortly before the Melbourne Games, an overwhelming flood of letters advising treatments and cures poured into his family’s letterbox from all around Australia and overseas.

It's a gloomy summers morning, and as I look across the road, a sea of runners are making their way in either direction around the well known 'Tan' track in Melbourne. As I contemplate this scene for a second, my attention returns to my company, that of Australian 1500m runner Jeremy Roff. Having run the heats of the Victorian 800m titles last night, Roff and I have just finished an easy jog, and tuck into a coffee and muffin while we discuss all things running, and importantly, the running of the man opposite me.

For those who are unaware of Roff's exploits, it is a tale of hard work, determination and perseverance. While many of his junior age group counterparts were running mid to low 3:45's over 1500m, Roff wasn't. However, four years later, Roff was the one lining up on the start line of the Commonwealth Games 1500m final, a PB of 3:38.20 to his name, and a handful of senior medals in his possession. The final may not have been a PB run, but making it this far was a dream that every young athlete had dreamt of, and now Roff had achieved.


This year, Roff is taking a slightly different approach to previous years, focusing more on one or two main races, and training through the races in between. "Probably one of the mistakes Ken (Green) and I made was to taper for too many races last year, so this year we are going to make sure we keep the mileage up throughout the summer, instead of backing off every couple of weeks", Roff explained. "I am feeling good about how things are progressing so far. I have opened up the season with faster times than previous seasons. I am hitting better marks at training and also making sure I continue to do all the little things which over time add up."

 

His trip to Melbourne for the Vic Champs was all aimed at increasing his speed, whilst getting used to a Nationals program. Contesting the 800m involved running three rounds in four days, giving Roff the opportunity to get in plenty of race practice. One goal had set himself is to run a PB and break the 1minute50 mark, which he confesses is something that needs to happen to take the next step (Editors note: Roffy did indeed break the 1:50 mark, clocking 1:48.79).

"Most of the guys I am racing have run under 1:50, some as fast as 1:46, so I need to have that speed available for the back end of a 1500m if the pace turns out to be slow", states Roff. "The World Champs in Berlin will be a heat/semi/final affair, so I need to get used to that feeling of backing up as well. It's all well and good to be able to turn out good sessions on the track, but if you don't know how to put that hard work into a race, then you're not really achieving much".

One of the integral parts of Roff's development as an athlete is the yearly trip to Falls Creek, which he has been making for the last seven years. Being able to train with Roff and be part of Falls Creek in 2008/09, I was able to see just how much having time away from work and all other commitments can enhance ones running. "You basically train, recover, sleep, train, recover again, stretch and sleep", Roff describes. "You aren't tired from a days work. The only thing that tires you out is the work you are putting in. It's a fantastic way to get the most out of your body, and having nothing else clouding your mind."

From here, Roff will run the Sydney Track Classic, and the World Athletics Tour event in Melbourne, running in the 1500m in both. Following that, either a European or USA campaign will follow, based on how he is travelling. "We stayed in Wimbledon last year, and that was terrific", Roff revealed. "I would love to go back there, or somewhere else if a better offer comes up." Either way, Roff is doing all the right things, and with the careful guidance of Coach Green, and with his own steely determination, it seems anything is possible.


 

Editors Note: Jeremy fnished 3rd in the Final of the Vic Champs on Sunday, with a new PB of 1:48.79. Roffy then went on to place fourth at the Sydney Track Classic 1500m running a PB of 3:37.59 (World Champ B qualifier). The Runnerstribe team wish him all the best for the rest of the track season, and for the road to Berlin.

 

'It's a fantastic way to get the most out of your body, and having nothing else clouding your mind'
Jeremy Roff on training at Falls Creek

Hicham el guerrouj world championships 1997

1500m - World Record