Matt Baum (flrunners.com): 10:49.37!
Jenny Barringer: [Laughs]
MB: You apparently had intentions of breaking the 11-minute mark Friday night. Was this planned for quite awhile?
JB: Well, ofcourse I wanted to break 11, I don't know how long though. I've known for a while that I was capable of it I just had to get out there and do it. After taking a week off and coming back well rested, I thought the Lyman meet would be a perfect opportunity to go for it. So as you know, I just ran the 2 mile that night, leaving out the mile, so I could focus on my goal and do my best.
MB: Why were you out a week?
JB: I had run the Seminole meet on Wednesday and then run at Florida Relays where I broke the 5 minute mile and also won the 2 mile race. I had been working really hard in practice. Coach and I thought I would take the opportunity to rest a little so I could come back fresh and ready for conference, districts, and so forth.
MB: How long were you out?
JB: I still practiced, I just didn't compete. For the most part, I just do what coach tells me to do.
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Personal Facts: Birthdate: August 23, 1986 Height: 5'6 Weight: 116 Favorite Food: Potatos and Ice Cream Favorite TV Show: Everwood |
JB: I never really thought about the fact of running alone. I just knew I had a goal and set out to do it. When I started the race I was really excited and pumped about doing my best, so I ended up running my splits way too quick. I think I was in mile mode. [Laughs] After the race my coach and I looked over my splits and I did go out fast, but I worked through the oxygen debt and came through with a sub-11 time which I was pleased with.
MB: You also had an amazing double a few weeks ago at Florida Relays winning both the 1 mile and 2 mile.
JB: Yeah, I was really excited about my mile time. I knew I was on a good pace, but I was surprised by my finish. The two mile was good, I won by a pretty good margin, but I was a little disappointed in my time. I can't complain though, I performed very well and am pleased with the results.
MB: Your training is obviously going really well. Can you give us some insight in what you're doing?
JB: I have a very good foundation from cross country. I think it is very important that every runner, if they aspire
to be elite, needs miles of foundation to build on. My week usually consists of one long day, at least one day of speed and
some recovery. I am a true distance runner, the longer, the better!
When we get out to do speed, I dread 200 workouts, I would much rather do a timed mile and get it all overwith. [Laughs] I
think the biggest part of my training is that I work hard everyday, I believe I get out of running as much as I put in, and I
put in a lot of hard work and effort into every practice.
MB: I'm sure you will be focusing on the 1,600 and 3,200 at State. Do you think anyone in 4A can give you a run?
JB: Honestly, I am focused on getting there first. My dad always tells me, "you can predict and scout all you want, but you haven't won until the race is over." And that is so true, I will try to qualify for both and focus on what I think will be to my best advantage.
MB: Do you usually keep up with how your competitors are doing and other runners throughout the state?
JB: I know who everyone is. I do look up times frequently and see how other girls have been doing. My general rule is that I can scout and look up times as much as I want, but once I get on the line, I don't even look at who is in my race. I'm there to run my own race, it doesn't matter who else is in my race.
MB: Last season I noticed you didn't run any races over the summer. Do you plan on running any post-season races this summer?
JB: I'm just trying to get through states and school exams, who knows! I would like to run a few races maybe, but that will be decided later.
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Personal Records: 5,000: 17:58 3,200: 10:49 1,600: 4:57.64 800: 2:17.21 |
JB: I ran cross country of course, but I also ran before cross country, during the off season. I usually take a few weeks off after the track season is over and by then I am just dieing to put my running shoes on. My coach usually gives me a schedule to give me a rough idea of what to do, and I kinda make it up around that. Depends on how my week is going and how I feel, but I put in a fair amount of miles.
MB: Okay, now some easy questions. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
JB: Running! [Laughs] No, really, I do lots of stuff. I usually don't have a lot of free time because of homework, but I enjoy spending time with friends from my team. I play the piano and also have horses that I ride occasionally. My mom and I always try to ride when I have a long weekend off of school or something.
MB: Do you enjoy any other sports?
JB: Nope! I just run! I'm not the most coordinated person, I know my limitations.
MB: Do you have a role model?
JB: I've never been really stuck on one athlete, although I love watching all sports, if I would have to say I have a role model it would be my Dad. He is a very hard worker and excels at everything he puts his mind to. He encourages me to be the best I can be, but always tells me he's proud of me regardless. Both my parents are strong Christians full of integrity and character. I love them a lot and their support is what keeps me improving.
MB: Well, that's all. Thanks a ton for the interview, Jenny. FLRunners.com wishes you the best of luck on the rest of your season!
JB: Thanks!
