Stanton Prep rising senior Janaya Chambers will be the lone quarter-miler for Florida at the 2015 Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. Chambers was first at the 3A state championship with a personal best time of 54.17.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
I first learned I was invited to Brooks PR about three days after the Golden South Classic meet. Originally due to my performance at that meet, I thought that I missed my chance of getting an invite because I didn't run the time that I wanted or thought would get the invite but when I was told I DID get the invite I was BEYOND super excited. It felt like a blessing because that has been my goal as well as my coach's since the beginning of this track season: to run a fast enough time to get me an invite to Brooks PR.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
To be invited literally means everything to me because as I stated before, this was top of my "to-do list". Ever since I heard of former teammate Kendal Williams' experience there, I told myself that I will work hard enough to get an invite. Getting the invitation was a reassurance that hard work does in fact pay off. All of the dreadful practices and my coaches constant words of encouragement were key to keeping me motivated and dedicated.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
First and foremost what I want to achieve most is a PR of at the most a 53.8 but I'm expecting a 53.5 or lower because I believe my coach has gotten me in the condition to run those types of times. Of course if at all possible, I want to win and come out on top. The main thing is a PR because I'd rather get a PR than win with a slow time , but I know that wouldn't be a problem because its a competitive field set up so I have no worries really.
What music do you listen to before races?
My music playlist ranges from hip-hop to country. I don't have specific songs that I always listen to on race days but I try to stick with songs that have an upbeat tempo to get me in a hype, focused mood. (but if I had to choose and be real specific, you'd see a lot of Chance the Rapper)
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If I were stranded on an island with three things, they would have to be my phone, double-stuffed Oreos and strawberry lemonade Gatorade. I ALWAYS crave Oreos and strawberry lemonade so those are a must.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
I would have to say my best race of all time would have to be the 400m dash at the FHSAA 3A State meet this past May. I'd pick this race because to me I felt like really portrayed my hunger and drive for a PR (which happened to be 54.17 that day) and also a gold medal. Last year at the state meet I ended up placing 7th with a 57 which was a huge disappointment so I knew this year I had to give it my all and finally put my name on the map. Also, I thought it was cool to be able to experience it with my teammate Kayla Heard who placed second. We were each others motivation all season and running with one another gave us the push we needed.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
Un-running related things: I have a twin brother(who I'm trying to convince to run track again so we could be like a dynamic duo), I played volleyball and basketball alongside running track, and I'm really an introvert. I'm very quiet especially around strangers and I tend to just sit back and observe rather than jump into things.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
I got involved in track in 8th grade. My gym coach persuaded me to run and told me he knew that one day I'd be something great on the track so I joined the team and loved it ever since. It's a team sport but mainly all individual because how you perform depends on you and only you. You have to take sole responsibility for what you're able to do and that's what I love about it.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
My training is always intense and that has been hilighted even more leading up to this meet. My coach believes in hard work; the harder you work in practice, the easier the race. There is no easy day. Expect prolonged intensity at every practice
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
I'm mainly looking forward to really just the overall experience I will have. Meeting and making ties with other top athletes from around the country who have the same drive and determination like me, enjoying the scenery of Seattle and its attractions, and lastly running a great race.
