PreRaceJitters Exclusive Interview: Brianna Glenn- Back To Work After Vacation

After the stress and bumps of the 2008 season, the professional long jumper and sprinter was long overdue for a vacation. Brianna Glenn took off to Cancun, Mexico with a handful of close friends to recharge her batteries in preparation for the 2009 indoor season. The group had so much fun that they have vowed to make the trek an annual event.

Brianna is leaving no stones unturned in her quest to be the best. During this off season, the University of Arizona alum hired a sports psychologist, as a consultant giving her access to an expert to help improve performances at all levels. “I am working with a sports psychologist on a weekly basis to make sure I’m not a head case,” said Glenn.

No doubt, professional track and field is a tough gig, if you can get it. PreRaceJitters.com caught up with the pro track athlete and part-time model as the the indoor season is just getting under way.

PRJ: What are your expectations going into the 2009 season?
BG: First and foremost, I want to stay healthy. I believe if I do that I will see a lot of great things happen. I am learning a lot and really progressing great so far. It’s my intention to really put a big emphasis on both the long jump and the 100 meters this year. It will be a process, especially in the long jump because I switched takeoff legs, but I expect it to come together.

PRJ: In past seasons you’ve run the sprints in the early portions of the indoor and outdoor seasons. How many long jumps in comparison to sprint races, do you anticipate running in during the season?
BG: Hopefully they will be about even. I want to give both events my all this year so as long as I can find competitions, I will be running and jumping as much as possible.

PRJ: How has your transition been to ARCO Olympic Training Center Chula Vista from Arizona?
BG: It’s been fairly smooth. Being out here is great because the atmosphere is positive and you are around like-minded people. There is also a tremendous support team and staff that makes sure we have all aspects of training covered, from sports medicine to sports psychologists, and of course top of the line coaching. I enjoy the people I train with and I love my coach.

PRJ: What changes if any, are you doing this offseason in preparation for the 2009 season?
BG: I do a lot of work with my body off the track since I’m not the young spring chicken I once was and my body reminds me of that more often these days.

PRJ: What meets are your planning to compete in during the indoor season and/or outdoor season?
BG: I will be doing an indoor meet in Ireland and then heading to Australia to do a few of their meets, which comes during their outdoor season.

PRJ: What songs are always in your Ipod’s Top 5 and why?
BG: I’m pretty trendy. Right now you’ll find Beyonce, Rihanna, Kanye, Ne-yo, Alicia Keyes, etc.

PRJ: What is the first cd that you ever bought?
BG: I think I was a little late in the CD game. My first CD I ever bought was Erykah Badu’s CD Baduizm.

PRJ: What songs get you pumped up before competing?
BG: I have a unique mix of music that I use before competitions that gets me pumped up and ready to compete. I start with my gospel music, because it’s always inspiring and it puts me in the right mindset. A little Donald Lawrence, Kirk Franklin, etc. I end with songs like Champion by Kanye West, Lose Yourself by Eminem, and my all time favorite, Eye of the Tiger. It’s cheesy but it gets the job done.

PRJ: Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
BG: I don’t really have any superstitions. Of course my preparation is pretty defined but nothing really out of the ordinary. Perhaps the most ritualistic part of it is my consumption of my sugar-free Red Bull. I drink it at specific intervals and I can’t use other types of energy drinks. There is one country in Europe where it’s banned so I made sure to buy it before I went there and smuggled it in in my luggage.

PRJ: Who is your favorite player from another sport?
BG: I’ve always been intrigued by Jordan [Michael]. I’ve read his books and everything. He’s one of a kind.

PRJ: What is the sport that you are worst at?
BG: Swimming. I can keep myself from drowning but that’s about it.

PRJ: What is your favorite television show?
BG: I got hooked on Lost a few summers ago, although I prefer to watch whole seasons on DVD rather than shows that you have to wait a week for a new episode. My guilty pleasure shows are The Hills and Real Housewives.

PRJ: Who is your favorite male celebrity?
BG: I have always been a fan of Denzel Washington. He will never stop giving me goosebumps.

PRJ: Do you experience prerace jitters before competing?
BG: Jitters are part of the job. I just do my best to keep them positive.

PRJ: Thank you for taking the time out to sit down with us. Good luck with your 2009 season.

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