Sub 10 Second Tuesday - Kellie Wells

Track and Field is a series of falls and recoveries. USA hurdler, Kellie Wells can vouch for this, having suffered a hamstring injury in 2008, during the semifinals of the Olympic trials.

After a couple of down years, Wells has returned to the top spot. She won the USA indoor 60 hurdles title in February, with the third fastest time in history. Wells heads into the USA Championships this weekend, as the world leader in the 100 hurdles, with a season’s best time of 12.58.

PreRaceJitters caught up with Kellie to discuss her preparation for the USA Championships.

PreRaceJitters: You’re off to a fast start this season, having run a personal best time of 12.58 in the 100 hurdles, in Doha. How did you feel about your performance?
Kellie Wells: I was very pleased with the time that early in the season. I know my fitness is there so now we are just focusing on staying healthy and executing races correctly.

PreRaceJitters: Going into the meet did you think you would run so well?
Kellie Wells: Yes, we had been training well and preparing for the Diamond League series and we knew what type of times and  training that would require.

PreRaceJitters: You’re obviously ahead of the game already. What’s different about this season than last season?
Kellie Wells: In 2008, I had a season ending injury and it kept me off of the track from the Olympic trials and the majority of 2009, so 2010 was my first year back and I was finding my rhythm. Now in 2011, I am finally healthy and back to my old self and training has come together  this year. My coach asked for my patience thru my healing process and I believed in him and we are in a good place now.

PreRaceJitters: The championship season is around the corner. What are some things you’re doing in training to prepare?
Kellie Wells: We are making sure I am getting plenty of treatment, rest,  and staying sharp and executing in practice. I’m keeping my mind calm and having fun with everything. I’m looking forward to the US championships!

PreRaceJitters: You’re the USA champion in the 60 hurdles. What did it mean to you to win the indoor title?
Kellie Wells: It was so wonderful to earn a US title, a lot of people don’t look at an indoor title as much to talk about, but I ran the third  fastest time in US history and went on an undefeated season. It was my first title and it came at a great time. I’ve worked hard to be where I am and to see it come to life was amazing.

PreRaceJitters: How have you carried the momentum from indoors into outdoors?
Kellie Wells: Indoors made me hungry for outdoors! It made me want to go harder to see what my body could do. The fear of the hurdle is gone finally and I have let go of my ill feelings of getting hurt again and I’m having such a wonderful time.

PreRaceJitters: You’ve set the bar high this season. What will it take for you to maintain your presence at the top?
Kellie Wells: Just trusting in the lord and in the tools he has given me to do what I love to do.I have to do all I can to ensure my body stays healthy and not put too much pressure on myself. My main focus is to have fun and to do my best!

PreRaceJitters: Track and Field is a series of falls and recoveries. What is the biggest obstacle that you’ve had to overcome in your career so far?
Kellie Wells: In 2008, I tore my hamstring in the semifinals of the Olympics Trials. I had run my personal best of 12.58 and as I was slowing down I got a third degree tear in my hamstring and could not compete for over a year. I was in pain daily and couldn’t do what I loved. I contemplated quitting a few times, but my coach and my family kept my head on straight.

PreRaceJitters: Do you get pre-race jitters? If so, how do you overcome them?
Kellie Wells: LOL of course I do, but I welcome those feelings because they help me run faster. I love the Adrenalin rush!

PreRaceJitters: Looking ahead towards the USA championships… What are you looking to accomplish?
Kellie Wells: I just really want to make the US team. It would be my first team ever, and it means so much to me to make the US team. We have so much talent in our country, so to wear my flag on my chest would be an amazing honor!

PreRaceJitters: Thank you for your time and best wishes on the season.

David Pickett is a Contributing Editor at PreRaceJitters.com writing about the exploits of collegiate and elite track and field.

Sub 10 Second Tuesday - UNC Charlotte’s Darius Law

The bigger you are, the faster you run? Not the case for Darius Law. Standing 5 feet, 2 inches and weighing about 95 pounds during his freshman year of high school, he was cut from the football, basketball and baseball teams at Southeast Raleigh. Scared of rejection, Law decided to start running track during his sophomore year of high school, because it was the only sport that didn’t have cuts. In his senior season, he had recorded one of the fastest 400 meter times (47.24) ever run by a North Carolina high school athlete. For his efforts, he earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The 26-time Atlantic 10 Conference champion, recently completed his studies in business management, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA through four years of college. Law is headed back to the NCAA’s for the second consecutive year in the 400 meters, he’ll be hoping to end his collegiate career as a Charlotte 49er on a high note.

PreRaceJitters caught up with the true student-athlete for the Pre-NCAA installment of Sub 10 Second Tuesday.

PreRaceJitters: At the East preliminary, you ran 46.33 in the 400 meters, to advance back to the NCAA championships for the third consecutive year.
How do you feel about your performance?

Darius Law: Most importantly, I’m pleased that I achieved my primary goal of advancing to the 2nd round of the NCAA Championships in the 400m. Although I was hoping to run under 46 seconds, I’m just thankful and grateful that I survived and will get another chance to run versus some of the best 400m runners in the nation in Des Moines, Iowa. However, based solely on times, the 46.33 that I ran doesn’t quite compare to the 45.29 that I ran last year in the 400m or the 45.77 that I ran my sophomore year during this same time period.

PreRaceJitters: You’re quite the accomplished track athlete, having won 26 Atlantic-10 Conference titles in a number of events, such as the 200, 400, 4×100 and 4×400.
What does it mean to you to have accomplished this much?

Darius Law: All of my accomplishments and awards are truly blessings, but I don’t really focus on winning awards and getting recognition. Instead, I just focus on trying to be the best student, athlete, and person that I can be. While I’m very fortunate that I was able to leave my mark on the Atlantic 10 Conference, I just hope that people respect my academic accomplishments and community activism just as much as my athletic achievements. I want my legacy to be much bigger than anything that I have ever accomplished on the track because I firmly believe that as an athlete I do more than just run; I motivate; I inspire; I uplift; I achieve; and I lead…by example.

PreRaceJitters: Standing 5 feet, 10 inches and weighing about 125 pounds - many would guess that you were a distance runner instead than a sprinter. Does being a undersized in comparison to the prototypical sprinter give you a source of motivation?

Darius Law: I would definitely say that my size does give me a source of motivation because I always notice spectators pointing fingers at me before my races begin. I would guess that they are saying, “That boy D-Law is little… but he can still fly”. I would sum it all up by saying that I have never had height or weight, but one thing that I have always had is heart…and you can’t measure heart in a form of inches or pounds.

PreRaceJitters: You’re the true definition of a student-athlete. You recently completed your studies in business management, earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average through four years of college. What does it mean to have that accomplishment under your belt?

Darius Law: I have always put academics before athletics, so being able to graduate with Business Honors and a perfect cumulative 4.0 GPA was like running 43 or 44 seconds in the 400m. Walking across the stage on May 14th, 2011 really felt like I had won an Olympic Gold Medal. Just like an athlete training for the Olympic Games, earning my undergraduate degree was the accumulation of four hard years of studying day in and day out. It was also validation of many sacrifices that I’ve made over the past four years. What many people don’t realize is that I have been able to emerge as a top sprinter without being fully committed to Track & Field. Track has always been secondary to my education, which has caused me to make some major sacrifices as an athlete. In four years at Charlotte, my sleeping schedule has been unhealthy and I have never really lifted any weights. There have been track meets where I’ve stayed up studying and competed off of only 4 hours of sleep. My coach would say, “D-Law you need to get your rest”, and I would tell him that I had to do what I had to do and that lack of sleep was just one of the sacrifices that I was willing to make. In terms of weight lifting, it wasn’t that I was lazy; I just didn’t have enough time in the day to devote to both track practice and weight training. Once again, my coach understood that sprinting for excellence in the classroom was more important to me than sprinting to excellence on the track.

PreRaceJitters: You were recently awarded the Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Student Award for your outstanding achievements in the community. How does it feel to have earned this honor?

Darius Law: First off, I just want to thank Dr. Nish Jamgotch Jr. for creating such a prestigious award. It is truly a blessing and honor to be recognized for the one thing that is most important to me, which is helping others. Like I personally expressed to Dr. Jamgotch, I look forward to the day in my life when I can pay it forward by establishing the Darius Law Humanitarian Student Athlete Award to recognize future students for his/her achievements.

PreRaceJitters: What are some of the community service activities that you have been involved in over the past four years at Charlotte?

Darius Law: In addition to leading a campus wide effort to raise awareness, money, and shoes for Samaritan’s Feet and the 300 million children that wake up every morning without a pair, I have helped organize efforts to donate new unwrapped toys for children for Toys for Tots, volunteered my time to tutor middle school children, participated in a date auction to help raise money for breast cancer, and even visited a detention center to talk to juveniles about attending college and the importance of goal-setting.

PreRaceJitters: What motivates you to give back to your community?

Darius Law: I have already noted that I have always put academics before athletics, but more importantly, I have always put helping other people before all.
My mother, who raised me as a single parent, instilled in me the importance of always helping others and giving back to the community at a very early age. Growing up in Raleigh, NC, I witnessed my mom change the lives of many children by serving as a therapeutic foster parent and welcoming children suffering from severe social, emotional, and/or behavior problems into our home with open arms full of love and joy. My rare life experiences growing up listening to the stories of children who had previously been abused, mistreated, neglected, and/or absent of a relationship with his/her biological parents is what lead to my humanitarian efforts and willingness to go above and beyond in terms of helping other people.

PreRaceJitters: How were you able to balance your academic, athletic and social lives all four years?

Darius Law: I don’t think it was very difficult at all. Although I was a 4.0 student-athlete, I had lots of fun in college and really got the full experience. For me, it was all about strategizing, keeping my priorities in order, managing my time, and understanding that having fun was necessary and healthy. I didn’t want to just be a bookworm. Therefore, I planned ahead and made sure I took care of business in the classroom and on the track first and then rewarded myself by having fun and hanging out afterwards. Finally, I mastered a lot of studying techniques early on as a college student and had a great strategy which was really the key to my success. I hope that I am able to share my true secrets and philosophy with student-athletes around the world one day.

PreRaceJitters: Talk about your four years at Charlotte, as a student-athlete. What will you remember most about being a 49er?

Darius Law: I will always remember the continuous support that the entire university and the Charlotte community provided me with. I can’t even describe how amazing this journey has been, but I can say that it has been, by far, the best four years of my life. Although I’m looking forward to everything that my future has in store, I will never forget the place that I call home and the opportunities that Charlotte presented me with. I will always be a Charlotte 49er, and I will always bleed GREEN.

PreRaceJitters: You have the ability to compete for a spot on the US team in 2012, but you’re also thinking about law school. What direction will you take?

Darius Law: Growing up, I never had dreams of becoming a professional athlete; I always had dreams of becoming a lawyer. And with the last name Law, I think it was all written from the beginning. However, instead of going directly to Law School, I have decided to take some time off to be fully committed to Track & Field (for the 1st time) with hopes of earning a spot on the US team in 2012. This upcoming year, I’m going to finally hit the weight room hard and really start doing the little things, such as eat and sleep right, that I haven’t been able to do in the past because of my extreme focus on school. Reflecting on my track career thus far, I just can’t stop running now because I know in my heart that I have so many opportunities to get better and so much unfulfilled potential. If I ran 45.29 barely getting by, then I know I have the potential to run 44 seconds or even faster once I finally commit and get serious about Track & Field. It’s almost unheard of for an elite sprinter to run fast without lifting weights, and I have been ducking and dodging the weight room for several years now. But those days are finally over, it’s time for me to step up to the plate and work just as hard on the track and in the weight room as I have worked in the classroom over the past four years. I also think this decision will help me in the long-run as taking advantage of an opportunity to earn a spot on the US team in 2012 should help me standout amongst thousands of other law school applicants in the near future.

PreRaceJitters: Do you get pre-race jitters? If so, how do you overcome them?

Darius Law: YES, I do have pre-race jitters. In addition to reciting Deuteronomy 31:6 and Philippians 4:13 over and over and over again, I overcome my pre-race jitters by talking to myself. I say, “D-Law this is the time! Get focused! Let’s go D-Law!”

PreRaceJitters: Looking ahead towards NCAA’s…It’s your final meet in a Charlotte 49er uniform. How do you want to end your career?

Darius Law: I just want to end my career doing what I always do, which is step on the track and give it my all. No matter the outcome, I know I will have always have support from Charlotte and will always be a winner in their books. But being the competitor that I am, when I step on the track to race, please believe that I’m in it to WIN IT!

PreRaceJitters: Thank you for your time and best wishes on the season.

David Pickett is a Contributing Editor at PreRaceJitters.com writing about the exploits of collegiate and elite track and field.

Sub 10 Second Tuesday - Tennessee’s Ellen Wortham

Just a junior, Tennessee’s Ellen Wortham has emerged as one of the top 400 meter hurdlers in the country this season. After missing the finals last year at the NCAA’s, Wortham is back and in great position to win the NCAA title this year.

At the East preliminary, Wortham recorded her eighth consecutive victory. She is currently  ranked eighth in the world, with a career best time of 55.70.

PreRaceJitters caught up with Ellen for the Pre-NCAA installment of Sub 10 Second Tuesday.

PreRaceJitters: At the East preliminary, you recorded your eighth consecutive victory in the 400 meter hurdles. Rainy and windy weather in Bloomington, not the best conditions for hurdling. However you still manage to post a solid time of 56.95, but more importantly you punched your ticket to the NCAA’s. What was the plan going in?

Ellen Wortham: My plan going in mainly was to qualify for NCAA’s with a smooth race, but also stay focused and not relax too much.

PreRaceJitters: You’re headed back to the NCAA’s for the second-straight year. What does it mean to you to return to nationals?

Ellen Wortham: It is a great opportunity for me to race against the fastest collegiate 400 hurdlers in the country and really get a chance to compete to the best of my ability.

PreRaceJitters: Having competed in nationals last year, you know what to expect heading in to competition. Do you feel more mature after last year’s experience?

Ellen Wortham: I definitely feel more prepared at this point from experience in racing at nationals, and I am excited to go out and run my best.

PreRaceJitters: You’ve run some fast times this season, 55.70 being the fastest, which you ran at the SEC Championships. Could you briefly recap that race?

Ellen Wortham: It was a very tough race, because I had to stay relaxed in the beginning when my main competitor, Cassandra Tate, went out really fast the first 200 meters. I had to trust myself to be able to finish strong and run my race and not get too emotional. Sticking to my race plan paid off, and I was able to catch her in the last few meters.

PreRaceJitters:As the meet favorite, do you feel any pressure, if any to perform at a high level to what fans are accustomed to seeing you perform at?

Ellen Wortham: I feel confident and relaxed at this point. Going in last year I was going to have to run my best time to make it into finals. This year I know I will be able to do that without stressing myself. I don’t feel too much pressure from fans or anyone else. I know I will be able to get done what I need to get done if I trust myself.

PreRaceJitters:Running in college your force to compete in a lot of meets. Talk about your health going into the NCAA’s. How are you feeling mentally and physically?

Ellen Wortham: At this point in my career I am accustomed to long seasons, thankfully. I am healthy physically and relaxed mentally. I am excited and ready to go.

PreRaceJitters:What have you been doing in your training to prepare for NCAA’s?

Ellen Wortham: At this point in the season we are just focusing on fine-tuning and keeping the body fresh and maintained for competition. We have been doing lots of recovery and preventative treatments getting ready for the NCAA’s.

PreRaceJitters:What’s life like outside of track?

Ellen Wortham: I have been able to spend more time with my family now that school is out, because I am from the Knoxville area. Most of my time is spent just taking it easy and relaxing from school, and I’m very happy to do so.

PreRaceJitters: Do you get pre-race jitters? If so, how do you overcome them?

Ellen Wortham: Sometimes I get a little anxious earlier in the day if I have to wait a long time to race. I like to listen to relaxing music to help me from getting hyped up too early before my race.

PreRaceJitters: What are you looking to accomplish at NCAA’s?

Ellen Wortham: I am going in hoping to win. More importantly I want to focus on bettering my own race, because I know that doing that will most help what I need to get accomplished. I am also excited to help out our 4×4 and 4×1 relays.

PreRaceJitters: Thank you for your time and best wishes on the season.

David Pickett is a Contributing Editor at PreRaceJitters.com writing about the exploits of collegiate and elite track and field.

Sub 10 Second Tuesday - Florida State’s Maurice Mitchell

Over the years, the Florida State men’s track and field program has had its fair share of great sprinters.

Today, Junior Maurice Mitchell’s rise is directly related to the Florida State men capturing their seventh consecutive ACC outdoor title on April 23.

Walter Dix was once the star of the program during the Seminole’s championship run from 2006 to 2008 but today there’s a new face to the program.

Texas A&M men are coming off winning the last two NCAA team championships. However, this season looks to be different as the Seminoles are ranked number four in the the latest USTFCCCA national team poll and poised to make a run for the title.

Fast forward to 2011.

Mitchell is now the two-time ACC champion in the 200 meters, running a career best time of 20.19 a month weeks ago. He also produced a runner up finish in the 100 meters, with another career best time of 10.03.

PreRaceJitters caught up with the FSU junior for the second installment of Sub 10 Second Tuesday.

PreRaceJitters: You’ve run some fast times this season, 10.03 in the 100 meters
and 20.19 over 200 meters. Both times are personal bests and rank third and
second, respectively, in the NCAA this season. How do you feel about your
progress this season?

Maurice Mitchell: I am very happy with how things are progressing. The main
thing that I am happy about is that I am healthy and fit to get nothing but better
everyday. I’m way further along than I was last year, so I’m looking forward to
regionals and nationals.

PreRaceJitters: The ACC conference is one of the most competitive conferences
in the NCAA. How does it feel to repeat as an ACC Champion at 200-meters?

Maurice Mitchell: It’s a true blessing to go out there and compete with the best
guys in the conference. To repeat the 200 at ACC’s was an amazing feeling, and
I thank the Lord for allowing me to represent him and glorifying his name when I
compete on the highest level.

PreRaceJitters: Florida State men captured their seventh consecutive ACC
outdoor title in April. What is it like being part of a winning tradition?

Maurice Mitchell: It’s a great feeling to be part of such a prestige school like
Florida State. They are all about winning and I’m glad I can be able to be part of
a great school with great coaches and athletes. I couldn’t ask for a better team
to be on.

PreRaceJitters: Florida State men won national titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Texas A&M have won the last two championships. What will it take to bring back
the crown  to Tallahassee?

Maurice Mitchell: It’s going to take determination and the team to come together
and step up to the plate. We have a lot of talent and if we all come to nationals
and compete to our best ability, there is possibility we can bring home a national
championship.

PreRaceJitters: You’re coach by Ken Harden, one of the most highly regarded
sprint/hurdle coaches in college track, having coached Jonathan Borlee, Ricardo
Chambers, Charles Clark and Walter Dix to national titles in their individual
events. What is he like as a coach?

Maurice Mitchell: Coach Ken not only cares about himself and winning
championships but he cares about us as individuals. All he wants is the best for
us and I couldn’t ask for any better coach. He gets us ready to compete at the
big meets and I’m happy he knows his stuff.

PreRaceJitters: Some people may think your training sessions are like track
meets, just based off who you’re training with. Your training partners are:
Charles Clark (20.0) Brandon O’Conner (45.89), Ngonidzashe Makusha (9.97),
Kemar Hyman (10.27), David Ambler (10.37) and Brandon Byram (20.4). What is
it like training with these guys everyday?

Maurice Mitchell: It’s just overall great. To have the top guys in the country on
your team is a plus. I’m glad to have great guys around me to get me to that
next level. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to train with. We do nothing
but get each other better.

PreRaceJitters: Can you describe a typical training session at FSU this time of
year?

Maurice Mitchell: During this time of year, we pick up the intensity. Because
regional and nationals are right around the corner, we are now beginning to pick
up our tempo in our practice sessions. Coach Ken is getting us ready to run fast
when it counts.

PreRaceJitters: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

Maurice Mitchell: My goal for the rest of the season is to obviously continue to
get faster and better as we get close to the end of the season and stay healthy.
I’ve come to realize I can’t run fast if I’m not healthy. If I can stay healthy I’m
sure ill be able to beat my 10.03 and 20.19.

PreRaceJitters: When you’re away from the track, what are some of things you
enjoy doing?

Maurice Mitchell: I just enjoy relaxing and watching tv, watching moves,
spending time with my fiancé and teammates on occasions. I just do whatever to
keep my mind off of track most of the time.

PreRaceJitters: Do you get pre-race jitters? If so, how do you overcome them?

Maurice Mitchell: I definitely get jitters, but for me I just pray and ask God to
keep me calm, and it works for me. I mean I get nervous but God does help me
get through my nervousness and also listening to music before my competition.

PreRaceJitters: Thank you for your time and best wishes on the season.

David Pickett is a Contributing Editor at PreRaceJitters.com, writing about the exploits of collegiate and elite track and field.

13 Questions with Texas A&M sprinter Jeneba Tarmoh

You might be hearing lot about Jeneba Tarmoh after her blistering individual and relays races at the NCAA Championship that helped Texas A&M defend their NCAA crown.

Is Tarmoh the next great collegiate sprinter?

The Aggies travel to Eugene to defend their title. Enter Tarmoh. In just her first season at Texas A&M after transferring from Tennessee, Tarmoh narrowly placed runner up (22.92 ) in the 200 meters to teammate Porscha Lucas, ran 11.13 to finish third in the 100 meters and ran pivotal legs on the victorious Aggie 4×100, and 4×4 relays teams.

The Texas A&M sophomore talks abou running for Texas A&M, her educational pursuits and the lesson she learned this season.

PRJ: Winning the 100 meter in 11.00 (wind-aided) at NACAC against top international talent from North America, Central America and the Caribbean – does that make your title mean more? Of course winning always has a positive effect on a person. But what makes my title mean the most is the time I ran.
JT: Of course winning always has a positive effect on a person. But what makes my title mean the most is the time I ran.

PRJ: What’s it like to be the NCAA Champs?
JT: It’s a honor, not many teams have the talent and depth Texas A&M has. I never thought that I would be part of a team that has so much talent and it makes me feel blessed to be part of it. The feeling still has not sunk in.

PRJ: How confident were you that Texas A&M could overcome such a talented Oregon team after finishing second to the Ducks at the Pepsi Invitation back in April?
JT: I was very confident, I know that Oregon is a talented team but I also know we are just as talented.

PRJ: What amazing runs you had in the 100 and 200 meters – how do you feel about your races at the NCAAs?
JT: PROUD! Like many athletes my journey over the course of the year made me doubt my ability to attain the goals I set for myself. But a person comes to realize that the journey they go through is what makes the end product mean what it does.

PRJ: How did the team react to losing Gabby Mayo in Eugene?
JT: The team was sad for the most part, but we are aware that Gabby is not what makes the team good. We all practiced hard when it was time to, so therefore we all have trained to compete hard under every circumstance good or bad.

PRJ: What about Coach Henry? How much does it mean for you to give him back-to-back national titles and the first in school history?
JT: It always a good feeling to please some else. It made me happy because when Coach Henry smiles it means that someone has really touched his heart and it felt good to see him smile ear to ear.

PRJ: You lose some runners next year but you have some help on the way?
JT: We have plenty of help on the way and by the grace of god we also have athletes coming back stronger than last year mentally and physically.

PRJ: You were at Tennessee before transferring to College Station? Were you nervous at all about the transfer?
JT: Of course. In my mind I was afraid the team was too good for me and that I would not be able to contribute. But the reason why Coach Anderson recruited me was because I can contribute and I was wanted.

PRJ: What is campus life like at Texas A&M?
JT: For the most part it is fun. I have friends who make life so much more exciting.

PRJ: Have you thought about what you might get your degree in?
JT: I made up my mind about becoming a psychologist in high school and I’m still sticking to it. I’m almost done now so there’s no turning back.

PRJ: So when did you start running?
JT: I started running my freshman year in high school when I was 14 but it took me many years to get serious about the sport.

PRJ: What are you doing outside of track?
JT: I do everything a girl my age does. I watch tv, read, and just relax with friends and family.

PRJ: What has this last year taught you?
JT: Everything happens for a reason. God always has a plan. I learned to stand still in the midst of a trial, I hated that I had to sit the year out, but looking at how this year turned out I’m glad because I learned more about myself as a child of God, and as a person.

14 Questions with South Carolina’s Johnny Dutch

PRJ: How did you get started running?
JD: I started running when I was 10 years old. My sister ran on a summer track team at St. Augustine college in Raleigh called the Carolina Eagles. I used to watch her run every evening while I sat in the sand pit and made ant hills and holes.

Her coach would ask me “when you gonna run boi” and I’d be like “never.” Eventually, a few years later I watched her at hurdle practice. I saw what she was doing, so I grabbed a few hurdles and lined them up on the grass and started hurdling.

PRJ: Where did your love of running coming from?
Being around it majority of my life is what really developed my initial love for the sport. At first I hated it because I saw what it did to people at practices, but when I first set up those hurdles on the grass, I saw it was something I’d enjoy doing.

PRJ: Congratulations on winning your first NCAA title and South Carolina’s first 400-meter hurdle title in 48.75. The time was blazing. Did you feel confident after the first two hurdles that you could take home the gold?
JD: I said in a previous interview with our media relations guy, Miquel [Jacobs],that with the right time, circumstances and conditions anything is possible.

Unfortunately, on the backstretch it was extremely windy which caused me to exert more energy going over the first few hurdles than anticipated, but sometimes you have to stay focused and adjust to that circumstance or that condition. So that’s what I did. I wasn’t confident until the last part of the race when I knew I hadn’t yet won an NCAA title. That’s when I went into overdrive.

PRJ: In years past, you have been so close in the runner up position. How does it sound to say NCAA Champion after your name?
JD: It still feels surreal to me. I’ve always admired people who have been NCAA champions in the past because every year it’s just as competitive as the year before and I knew it took patience and hard work to have an NCAA title. I still can’t believe it.

PRJ: Did the win over Washington State’s Jeshua Anderson the two-time NCAA Champion add fuel add to the already budding rivalry?
JD: That’s exactly what it is, a “budding rivalry.” Again, that’s my homie, so I have always been supportive and excited about his NCAA wins in the past. I think it was more than just Jeshua’s NCAA titles that fired me up. It was probably more so of people doubting me and not believing I was capable of winning a title. I’ve even overheard people talk about me not being able to win. I’ve been truly the underdog for three years since I’ve been in college. But I kind of liked that because I knew what I was capable of achieving. It just took time and patience.

PRJ: What has your training consisted of after NCAA Outdoors and USA Outdoor Nationals?
JD: A lot of rest days. I back off more now so I can give my body time to recuperate. But I still have those hard practices a few days out of the week to keep my fitness level up.

PRJ: Speaking of U.S. Championships, you don’t mind going up against the top hurdles even to make a US team, do you?
JD: That’s exactly what I like. I feed off of the other runners presence and the intensity in the atmosphere.

PRJ: You said winning NCAAs that you didn’t run as fast as you wanted to run. How fast do you feel you are capable of running right now?
JD: Well, I just stepped on the scale a few days ago and I weigh the same, if not less, than I did in high school. Therefore, I feel like I can run anything I put my mind too, being I’m small enough to throw myself around the track.

PRJ: After competing the NCAA seasons how fresh do you feel to tackle Europe this summer?
JD: Being that I just finished a long college season, it’s going to be all about heart running over on the European circuit. My heart is what I run with 95% of the race, so regardless if someone thinks I’m too fatigued or still fresh, I know my heart says something else.

PRJ: You have the keen ability to run the 110s and 400 hurdles extremely well. Which race do you see being your bread and butter at the level?
JD: Growing up, coach Aaron McDougal, the man that engineered the beginning phases of my career, told me that the short hurdles were my bread and butter. I was always good in them growing up. When I got to college it took a minute to, again, adjust to another height. So once I fully adjust to the 110s again, no telling which one will be better. As of right now, the 400 hurdles are definitely it.

PRJ: What would you say is the most memorable moment in your career to date?
JD: Making the world championship team in 2009. I don’t think anything beats the opportunity of being able to represent your country and wear the U-S-A across your chest.

PRJ: In contrast, what has been the lowest moment in your career?
JD: I’ve had many. One that sticks out is sitting in the hotel my freshman year while the finals of the 400 meter hurdles went off at the 2008 NCAA championships in Des Moines, Iowa. I was so bitter about the situation, I couldn’t even go out to watch the race. But thank God for getting me through those times when I felt low.

PRJ: You have run on track and fields all over the world, which would you say is your favorite?
JD: It has to be between North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro and the Eugene, Oregon facilities. The reason why I say A&T is because all of my family and friends come out and support me. I feed off their energy and always put something fast down on that track. And I love the blue surface. It’s where I ran Nike high school nationals and all of my states meets.

Eugene is a place where track and field is appreciated and people respect what you do. The weather isn’t always great, but on your way walking to the track you see huge posters and billboards of Ashton Eaton or Andrew Wheating, athletes who run track and work hard. That’s something you don’t see anywhere else in America.

PRJ: Do you get prerace jitters?
JD: Yessir. Most definitely. I get them even before I arrive at the track facility the day of the meet. I’ll be laying in my bed running the race back and forth through my head until it feels right.

14 Questions with Brittney Reese

She is arguably one of the most talented in the sport.  Turns out Brittney Reese has managed to remain at the top of an event where less than inches separate the competition.  This talented long jumper fills us in on her journey, dreams, and what it takes to be the best in this weeks 14 questions.

PRJ: Well first things first: How are you doing?

I’m doing well. Right now I’m in Europe doing some Diamond League meets.

PRJ: How did you get started running and jumping?

I first started running in the 7th grade but I didn’t start jumping until the 11th grade. My high school      coach took the basketball team members that were already on the track team out to the track to see who  could long jump the farthest for a Coca Cola.

I was already doing the 400 and thought this was my opportunity to get out of it. So I asked could I try  and he said no but I kept on asking him could I try it until he finally said yes. When I jumped he was shocked and said go to it again. Once I did it again I had convinced him that the 400 wasn’t for me.

PRJ: How hard was it to leave basketball to focus on track?

Everyone knows that basketball is my first love. So leaving basketball was a tough decision for me. I talked to my mom about it and she thought that my career was in track and field. Turns out that she knew exactly what was best for me.

PRJ: What is it like being a professional athlete now?

I like being a professional athlete. Being able to travel the world is a big part of being a professional athlete in track and field. I have finally gotten used to the traveling because when I first turned pro I used to be scared to fly now I am ok and don’t mind it as much.

PRJ: Have you treated yourself to anything special since turning pro?

No I haven’t. I have been saving my money for a special something I might be able to get by my birthday or Christmas.

PRJ: You’ve had a pretty amazing run lately – winning the World Title in Berlin last year, World Indoor title in Doha this year, and winning USA Outdoor Nationals – what’s the been key?

I would say the key to my success is by staying humble. Keeping my head on straight and training hard that’s all I can do. The women’s long jump is a tough field and every championship is up for grabs. It only takes one jump.

PRJ: So are you aiming for 2012 now?

Yes I am. I missed out on getting a medal in 2008 and I plan on not letting that happening again in 2012.

PRJ: Where are you training, with whom, and why?

I train at the University of Mississippi with my coach Joe Walker Jr. The reason I train with him is because he was my college coach. He is the person that has gotten me to where I am now and without him I wouldn’t be here. I believe in him and he believes in me.

PRJ: What are your thoughts on Allen Johnson’s recent retirement?

Allen Johnson is one of the best hurdlers of all time and its sad to hear about his retirement. I think it would be great for him to help future up-and-coming athletes in the sprints and hurdles. I wish him all the best.

PRJ: When was your “break through” – because it seems like you were good in college during your sophomore year you really ratcheted it up.

I think my “break through” was the World Championships in 2009. At that meet I really proved to myself that I could compete with the best. Jumping my PB 7.10 there at a major competition was the best feeling ever.

PRJ: What were the 2008 Olympic Trials like for you and what did it feel like when you made the team?

The 2008 Olympic Trials were the first major win for me at being professional so it was real important to me. My goal was to make the team but winning it put the icing on the cake. I was just so happy that day.

PRJ: We see track athletes one year win medals and then disappear, and then maybe come back — you have been consistent, what is among your keys to consistency?

I would think the key to consistency is that I have a dream that I want to accomplish and with the grace of God I will not stop until it is accomplished. I watch film before every meet sometimes at home. I try to go out to meets with already knowing what needs to happen before it happens.

PRJ: What’s it like to be at the forefront of the conversation when people discuss long jumping on the international level?

It’s a great feeling and hopefully it can stay that way for a long time. I work hard at what I do and for people to acknowledge and appreciate it is even better.

PRJ: What have the last two or three years taught you about yourself?

What I have learned about myself these past two or three years is that I am a competitor and I love competing. I used to be scared because I knew my competitors could pull out a big jump anytime. I have now recognize that after my first World Championships in 2007 that I also can pull out those big jumps at any moment.

Brianna Glenn: “I definitely feel that momentum is in my favor. New York is a big part of that, of course”

The long jumper prepares to compete at 2010 USA Outdoor Championships.

June 23, 2010-San Diego. PRJ: So far 2010 has been the Year of Brianna Glenn with your recent victory (6.78/22-3) at the 2010 adidas Grand Prix.

BG: I wouldn’t totally say that. This year, there are people who have jumped further and more consistently than me. It is shaping up to be a good year and right now, I definitely feel that momentum is in my favor. New York is a big part of that, of course.

PRJ: How proud are you of the major victory in New York? For what seemed like all a few  years you kept being asked about it, you kept getting close, and finally broke through. I just wondered, what is like to have this break through with this Diamond League Series win.

BG: I always want to have my best competitions at the times that matter most. I want to know that I can rise to the occasion and perform big on big stages. This is the first year of the Diamond League circuit so those meets are very important to us, especially in the long jump. It’s a guarantee to be jumping against the best jumpers in the world and so doing well at those meets is a great indicator of how you stack up.

PRJ: What would it mean to win at the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships and can you talk about stadium set up?

BG: I competed at Drake in college and I know it’s a great track and an amazing atmosphere. It’s been 8 years since I was National Champion, so I definitely think I’m due for a repeat.

PRJ: Are you motivated at all to be the best long jumper in the world?

BG: I have all the tools necessary to be the best long jumper in the world, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.  I believe that if I focus on jumping what I’m capable of and have the skill to do, that will take care of that question.

PRJ: This marks the eighth year in your professional career. Can you compare maybe what your long jumping is now compared to what it was when you started. In general what track and field athletes need to do as they get into their late 20s and early 30s to keep at that level?

BG: Oh, how I wish I had the body I did when I was in my early 20s.

Now I am left foot jumper instead of a right foot jumper when I first turned pro. I definitely wouldn’t recommend other people trying the switch.  I’ve learned a lot more about the mental aspect of this sport over the last 8 years. More than anything, the switch has allowed me to be where I’m at now.

Some people might consider me over the hill but I haven’t peaked yet. The exciting part is that my best years are still ahead of me. The hard part of the journey was getting through the rough patches when things weren’t going well and finding the desire and will to continue. I’m happy I fought through the rough times because right now I’m enjoying the sport more than I ever have. The most important thing now is staying healthy.

PRJ: Early in the season you struggled a bit and then it sort of clicked when you got to New York. Do you feel like you’re in better shape with your jumping coming into USA Outdoor Nationals than you were in say April?

BG: The goal is definitely to be in better shape now than in April. So far, I’ve jumped the same outdoor mark that I did indoors and I am in better shape now, so I expect to jump even further in the weeks and months to come. Nationals is important, but because we aren’t trying to make a team, I am more so interested in having the ability to jump well over the next two months, instead of peaking for any one meet.

PRJ: This is the time of year when elite collegiate track athletes are making the transition to the professional ranks. What advice do you have?

BG: If you are dedicated and have the desire though, traveling the world to do what you love is not a bad way to earn a paycheck.  The most important thing to realize when turning professional is that it’s a whole different ballgame at this level. For starters, everyone is good. Great collegiate athletes are used to winning all the time and chances are it’s not going to be like that once you’re a pro. It’s also quite different competing in Europe than it is competing in the States.

Rookies have to be patient and give themselves time to adjust to the learning curve because the adjustment to the pro level takes time. The worse thing an athlete can do is to start doubting themselves or their abilities. You can’t ever lose your confidence.

PRJ: Convention thinking is that at U.S. Outdoor Nationals without a World Championship that you compete conservatively. Conventional or conservative is not really what we associate with your jumping? In a major meet, do you have to rein yourself in more or fight to your instincts in the way you attack the board?

BG: I would not even know how to compete conservatively. What does that even mean? I go out there to jump my best and try and win from jump 1 to jump 6.

PRJ: Spoken like a champion. Brianna, thank so much for joining us today. We wish you well this week?

PRJ Exclusive: Jeshua Anderson Gets Straight to the Point

At first glance, his understated  persona is easy to miss in a room of his peers.   Washington State’s Jeshua Anderson stands out at the track among muscular men and women - world-class hurdlers and sprinters - stretching to warm up for another more practice.

Anderson keeps his mind fixed on his goals. He knows his own style styles, what bad habits to correct, what techniques to tweak and what thoughts he should muster to motivate himself.

Any runner knows the shortest distance between two points is straight line.

Anderrson, The reigning NCAA 400m hurdle champion is straight up, with no sugar coating - about his goals and the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

PreRaceJitters’ caught up with Jeshua to discuss the 2010 season and more.

PRJ: Is breaking the NCAA record of 47.10 on your list of goals?

JA: Yes it is.

PRJ: What are your goals for the outdoor NCAA Championships in Eugene?

JA: Hopefully to win another title.

PRJ: How did you get started running?

JA: My uncle [John Anderson] ran hurdles in high school and then at USC. After I played football by freshman year in high school, my coach urged us to run track that spring.

PRJ: Were you always an intermediate hurdler?

JA: I started running both hurdles but enjoyed doing the 110m hurdles more those first few years.

PRJ: The 400m hurdles is considered by some as the most difficult race in the sport.

JA: I think it is. It is a man’s race. A lot of people call it that.

PRJ: So far this season, you have run 49.11 over the 400m hurdles. Has the change to the NCAA qualifying standards for nationals affected your season in terms of the way you and your coach have approach this outdoor season.

JA: No.

PRJ: By all accounts, you were having a successful college football career. Walk me through the decision to concentrate solely on running track?

JA: It was a rough decision. I still love the sport but I didn’t have the same passion for playing the game that I had when I first came in as a freshman. I still would love to play.

PRJ: You suffered a difficult injury last season, what did you learn from the experience?

JA: Staying healthy is a big factor in whatever level you’re at, but you have to get your body looked at right when it bothers you and not let it bother you more and more by training and competing. Trust how your body feels. [Last year] I was out there trying to run in front of family and I disregarded how my leg was feeling.

PRJ: What is your toughest workout?

JA: Running the 4-mile runs in Fall training. I also trained with the cross country/middle distance runners this winter so I did a lot of miles.

PRJ: Edwin Moses was a really solid 800 meter runner. Will we see you run the two-lap race?

JA: Edwin Moses is a great role model for me. I have run the 800m throughout the year to help my strength level out.

PRJ: You set the then high school 300m hurdle national high school record with a time of 35.28 seconds and have won a pair of NCAA titles. What is the difference between running in high school and college?

JA: The extra 100m added onto the race. When I ran the 300m hurdles it was more of a sprint race for me and I didn’t get tired. Now, the 400m hurdles is a technical race and you find spots in the race where you can rest and spots where you can move throughout the time. It is more of a technical race now.

PRJ: You grew up in the California and now train in Washington.

JA: This [Northwest weather] prepares you to appreciate the heat and warm weather more. Running here you have to toughen up and though it out. We have some tough runners here. When I was being recruited, I knew what the weather was going to be. You have to get your fitness level up and run through the training and get ready to run in the heat and get your times down.

PRJ: Thank you for your time and best wishes this season.

PRJ Exclusive: All Hail the Queen: Harrison Ready to Rule

Photos courtesy Virginia Tech Athletic Department

She is on a roll.  Queen Harrison has run sparingly so far but the 60m hurdler has been nothing short of spectacular in each of her meets during the 2010 indoor campaign.

She is an Olympian. She is an All-American. She is one of America’s most talented hurdlers and sprinters. And Harrison is looking to continue on that success at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Champions by taking the meet by storm.

Winning an NCAA title during senior season what it is about for Harrison.  But it won’t come without it’s own set of hurdles to clear.

“That is something I have had my eyes on, both indoor and outdoor, since I was a freshman here at Virginia Tech. My sophomore year before I got injured in the 4×1 during outdoor NCAAs, I really felt like it was my time to take the individual titles in the hurdles but I found out that there were other plans written for me that year making the Beijing Olympics. But I am definitely looking forward to NCAAs this year and all that could come out of it.”

She gave an exclusive interview to PreRaceJItters.

This is what she said:

PRJ: Thanks for taking time to speak with us. Congratulations on running a new indoor personal best and school record, 7.99 seconds in the 60m hurdles at the VT Elite Meet– the no. 1 time in the nation. How did you feel in the race and what were your expectations?

QH: Thanks and thank you for having me. I felt really great when I ran the 7.99, it was in the prelims so I had the ability to really focus on my race and work on the elements of my race that my coach and I have been really focusing on improving. In the finals when I ran 7.96 I felt like I put all those things together and with the help of the competition, I really pulled my best out that day. I didn’t have too many expectations but after consistently running 8.0s at the last two meets I felt like I definitely had a sub-8 race in me.

PRJ: Did you think going into the race you were capable of a sub-8 second race shape that early in the season?

QH: I wasn’t sure what I was capable of but I knew I wanted to go under 8 seconds. In practice I had been consistently running under 8 seconds but I knew that in order to do that in the race I would have to a really good start or have really great turnover at the end of the race.

PRJ: You placed third time in 2008 in the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA Championships. What are your goals for your final NCAA Indoor competition?

QH: I am usually not the type to really talk about my goals especially in huge championship situations, at least not place or time wise. I have a couple numbers in my head for prelims and finals but I like to hold on to those. However I do feel confident that I will run a very fast race. I have a couple weeks to really work on the sprinting aspect of my hurdle race and get quicker in between the hurdles so I have no doubt that NCAAs will produce some very fast times.

PRJ: What do you plan to run at the indoor NCAAs and what do you think it will take to win?

QH: To win I am sure it will take a sub-8 performance, I don’t know how far under 8 but I know that 8.0 will probably not suffice to win the championship.

PRJ: What would winning an individual NCAA title mean to you?

QH: A LOT!! That is something I have had my eyes on, both indoor and outdoor, since I was a freshman here at Virginia Tech. My sophomore year before I got injured in the 4×1 during outdoor NCAAs, I really felt like it was my time to take the individual titles in the hurdles but I found out that there were other plans written for me that year (Beijing Olympics). But I am definitely looking forward to NCAAs this year and all that could come out of it.

PRJ: It’s crazy to think that the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships are less than a three weeks away. What are your goals for each week in training and competition to make sure that you are peak shape for conference and beyond?

QH: My main goal for the next couple of weeks and for the rest of my career is to stay healthy. I have had more than my share of injuries so I am mostly focusing on staying healthy and taking all the necessary steps to do so. I am also going to be working on being quicker out the blocks and in between the hurdles. In the past, I always have had to come from behind in the short hurdles but now I feel like I am right there with my competitors going into the first hurdles. So now my goal is to be a step ahead of everyone going into the first hurdle and gradually accelerate through the rest of the race.

PRJ: At the VT Elite you put on a show, lowering your school record to 53.54 in the 400 meters. What does that race say about where you are right now?

QH: It tells me that the training I’ve been doing and the mind set I have this season is really paying off. I also think that is just a stepping stone to what else I can accomplish both this indoor season and outdoor season over 400 meters.

PRJ: You’re working your way back from an injury that ended your 2009 season and kept you from running in the outdoor NCAA Regional and Championship meets. How are you feeling and is the injury been completely behind you?

QH: I am so happy to say the injury is behind me and off my mind. I am feeling great except for hurting from our difficult practices every week lol. But other than normal soreness, I feel great and ready to continue on a winning season.

PRJ: What percentage of meets were you 100 percent healthy last season?

QH: During indoor ACCs last year when I was preparing for the 60m hurdles is when I originally injured myself and with the urgency to get back healthy I am not sure how many races I was actually 100 percent healthy after that. But I am looking to the present and future now and am hoping and praying for a much healthier career than I’ve had in the past.

PRJ: You competed in the 2008 Olympic Games as a collegiate sophomore – how has that experienced prepared you for this season?

QH: It really allowed me to not get stressed or overwhelmed in large stressful championship situations. When you’ve been on perhaps the biggest stage possible for track and field, I am better able to calm myself before meet situations and enjoy the large demanding atmosphere rather than be nervous from it.

PRJ: Who are some of the hurdlers that you look up to and strive to compare your self to? What have you learned from their techniques as you’ve watched them over the years?

QH: Honestly, there aren’t really any hurdles I would say I strive to compare myself to or really look up to. There are so many talented hurdles both in the US and other countries but I am looking to establish myself as a hurdler not short or long, just a hurdler and most of the hurdlers on the professional level are one or the other. Not to name names but I have seen a lot of passion in our hurdlers over the years and while some events are usually dominated by one select individual, the hurdles are pretty wide open to anyone so I am just looking to make my way right into that open space.

PRJ: With all puns intended, what has been the most difficult hurdle that you have had to overcome?

QH: I would say the changing of our coaching situation for the past two years. When you are really used to one coaching style and have seen the results from it, it is hard not to be skeptical of alternative workouts and coaching staff. So I would say that the large amount of changes, especially coming off of such a successful year as my sophomore one, and a couple injuries would have to be the most difficult hurdles to overcome.

PRJ: What is like to practice every day with Kristi Castlin, one of the NCAA’s top hurdlers?

QH: I think that practicing with someone else that not only has a similar level of talent as myself but also wants success as bad as I do, creates a great training situation for both of us. We do not practice going over hurdles together all the time because all of our coaches think we get way to competitive and end up working harder than they intended, but when we do work together it is very beneficial because she can execute certain aspects of the race better than I can and vice versa, so we are able to push each other to our full potential in that way.

PRJ: It’s six or seven months away but have you thought much about transitioning into the professional ranks and where you might want to be to do that?

QH: I have thought about it and I am both nervous and excited to transition into post collegiate track and field because it is like a whole new world out there. I think I will really have to adapt to not having that team comradery you have with your collegiate team but I am willing to take on the challenge. I am not sure where I want to do it yet because I am just focusing on the immediate future right now, but ask me the same question in a couple months and I’m sure I’ll have an answer.

PRJ: What skills do you feel you need to improve or work on at the next level?

QH: Definitely work on my speed and coming out of the blocks more powerful. A lot of short hurdlers have very powerful starts which give them an advantage going into the first hurdle and beyond, so I want to make sure that is something I work on and get better at by the end of my senior season.

PRJ: What are a few things people need to know about you personally and what you bring to the sport?

QH: Know about me personally? Hmm I am a really fun person to be around, in my opinion. LOL. I dance a lot at practice to the music in my headphones and really try to create a productive but fun training environment for myself and teammates. I love to dance, sing, and travel to new exciting places (minus the actual plane/car ride). I am sure I can transfer some of my fun and outgoing personality to the sport of track and field. Also, Flo Jo has been one of my track heroes not only in her running but with her unique uniforms and appearance. I think a lot of times people mistake women who play sports to be rough or tomboyish in nature but I am very much a girl so I want to definitely bring the beauty and fashion side to the sport of track and field with me also.

PRJ: You are from Virgina– which has been produced the likes of LaShawn Merritt and Charles Clark – just to name a few. Is Virginia underrated as a track and field powerhouse?

QH: Yes, I feel like Virginia is underrated as a powerhouse mostly because unlike some other states, most people are not looking to our state to produce track stars instead they are looking to what we offer in football or other sports so our facilities we have to run in or at are not up to par with other fields of play. But I think that in the near future I definitely believe Virginia will transition into being one of the powerhouse states in the country.

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