Summer is upon us and while most of us are outdoors and active these days, how many are running qualifying times for the World Championships to be held in South Korea late this August?
Well, that is precisely what Kara Goucher, proud spokeswoman for Nutrilite, exclusively from Amway did last week at the USA Track & Field Championships in Eugene.
Kara ran a solid second place behind Shalane Flanagan and qualified for the 10,000 meter event. She was really focused on making this qualification because despite already making the team as a marathoner, she wanted to be able to run a shorter race in the high heat and humidity of South Korea. Considering she is less than a year from having her first child, I can’t say that I blame her!
To read up on Kara’s performance, and in particular to see how she is one of the few who are focusing on both being an elite runner and a mom, check out these great articles:
As you know by now, Kara is fueled by Nutrilite and in particular, ROC2O, Endurance Cubes and Double X are helping drive her to success (among other great Nutrilite products)…
Good luck Kara! See you in Philly this September for the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.
Since the last time I wrote, I competed at the USA National Champs in Eugene, Oregon. I won with a jump of 15' 3" (4.65m). Nationals is always a meet that I get VERY nervous for. This year, we were qualifying for the World Championships in Berlin in August so it was very important for me to place in the top 3. Also, the field size is always larger at Nationals and the wait time from my warm-up until I compete is about 1 1/2 hours longer than I am used to. However, this year I was a little banged up with an injured Achilles and hip flexor. I received a lot of physio treatment while I was in Eugene and everyone helped piece me back together long enough to get the job done (phew). I am very grateful to have won my 8th US Championship title.
Technically speaking, I have improved so much since indoor and even from my first couple of outdoor competitions. My speed times (measuring how fast I come down the runway) were very good at Nationals which is proof of the all-around gains I have made.With my speed, strength, and technical adjustments improving, I can’t wait to see how high I can go. All I need to do is get 100% healthy! That has been pretty frustrating for me but I am dealing with it day by day and trying to keep a positive attitude.
Although my outdoor 2009 season has had some setbacks, I have enjoyed the summer months here in western New York. I went home for July 4th and had an awesome time with my family. We went to the pier in Dunkirk where the fireworks display takes place. My entire family was there (parents, brother, sister, brother-in-law, nieces) and family friends. We sat in the same spot with the same families that we have sat with for over a decade. Some things never change and I love it!
I decided to re-do my bedroom since we haven’t been travelling this month…a task that sounded so much easier in my head! A friend taught me how to spackle, sand, and paint so I figured…how much work could it be? The first two were pretty easy but painting is an art. I always figured, dip the roller and go but now I know there is plenty more to it. There is taping off, edging, tackling corners that the roller can't get to, paint dripping to deal with…yeah, a lot more to it than I thought of! I painted the room a very light cream/rose color that turned out even better than I thought. I have all white dressers and the hues of my curtains, valence, and duvet cover all blend so well and look very pleasant. I am all girl! I love designing and redoing rooms but in the future I will definitely leave the painting to someone else!
Another tradition that I continued since I’ve stayed home this July was attending the Chautauqua County Fair. I told Rick he hasn’t lived until he has been to the Chautauqua County Fair so yesterday (Thursday) we packed up and headed to Fredonia for the night. The 4H barns are my favorite place. I must have petted more than 20 cows, a dozen pigs and a handful of sheep… but I never pet the roosters or chickens, I am afraid of them! I did allow myself one non-healthy type of carnival food…Cotton Candy. It is my absolute favorite but the hardest decision was to decide between the pink or the blue. I will let you guess what one I chose, it shouldn't be too hard
As for now, I am going to continue to stay focused on my efforts to get ready for the World Championships. I am continuing with adapted training around my injury and have been very disciplined with it. I appreciate all your support and am looking forward to competing again.
The conditions were a little less than ideal this past weekend at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, but that didn't stop Team Nutrilite athletes Jenn Stuczynski and Sanya Richards from winning their respective events and making the U.S. National Team.
The U.S. National Outdoor Track & Field team will compete at the World Championships in Berlin from August 15 through August 23.
With the top time in the women's 400M, Sanya Richards headlines her team. Jenn bested a tough field and also headlines her team in the women's pole vault.
Here are some quotes from our winners this past weekend (credit to USATF.org):
Sanya Richards – Winner Women’s 400M
On her performance: “I don’t think this was one of my best races, just by looking at the time, but the wind has been tough at Hayward all week. I just wanted to run smart and make sure I brought it home to win. Now I’m ready to move on and focus on Berlin.”
On her goals this season: “I want to run fast. I haven’t run a 48 in two or three seasons, but my number one goal is still to win in Berlin.”
On what her experience has taught her: “I think I learned a lot from last season. I think sometimes I put a lot of pressure on myself at the big meets, and I just need to run relaxed.”
Jennifer Stuczynski – Winner Women’s Pole Vault
On winning the pole vault: “It was kind of a gutsy event. If it was Thursday, Friday or Saturday I would have pulled out. I have so many nagging injuries going on. Today I was able to compete. I am glad it worked out. Now it’s time to move on and get healthy.”
On the windy conditions: “It was just me being able to come down the runway. The wind had no play in it at all. Everything was clicking.”
Well, the Nutrilite sponsored track & field events may be done for the season, but there is still a lot of running and vaulting to be done, starting with the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Eugene, OR.
Both Sanya Richards (400M) and Jenn Stuczynski (Pole Vault) are heavily favored to win their respective championships this weekend.
The event will be televised Friday (8-10 pm on ESPN), Saturday (7:30 to 9:30 pm on ESPN), and Sunday (4 to 6 pm on NBC) and can also be viewed via streaming video.
