by Larry Eder
I was unable to interview Jenny face to face, due to a funeral in my family. Jenny was kind enough to answer thirteen questions that I sent from my stop at the Chicago airport. Jenny Simpson is just starting her second year as a professional athlete. And, she has quite the dilema-should she run the 1,500m, the 5,000m or the steeplechase, or a combination thereof?
As the American record holder in the steeple, Jenny Simpson has the speed, endurance and technique to break 9 minutes, and battle for a world and Olympic medal. She also has the wheels to run 3:55 for the 1,500m, and 14:35 for the 5,000 meters. It will be fascinating to see how she makes her decisions.
She is good hands with coach Juli Benson, so we at RBR will wish her luck! We hope that you enjoy the interview!
Jenny Simpson flying down the NB Armory straightaway, photo by PhotoRun.net.
Jenny
Simpson
RBR, #1. How did you get
involved in the sport?
Jenny
Simpson: I
started running in local 5k road races when I was in elementary school. Track
Shack in Orlando puts on a series of road races in the area I grew up and
attending those race events quickly became a favorite weekend activity.
RBR, # 2. Tell us about your
first race?
Jenny
Simpson: I
was in 3rd grade and I ran a mile around a soccer field. I got second in a
close race and my competitive fire was lit!
RBR, # 3. What did you do
during your injury?
Jenny
Simpson: I
spent a lot of time rehabbing the injury and planning my wedding.
RBR, # 4. How is your
training going?
Jenny
Simpson: Great!
I’m enjoying being healthy again and have a renewed sense of joy for training.
RBR, # 5. How is being a
professional athlete diff from being in college?
Jenny
Simpson: I
have a lot more time to spend taking care of the “little things.” I
can recover better after hard workouts because I don’t have to rush to class or
home to work on assignments.
RBR, # 6. What a major goals
for you in 2011? 2012?
Jenny
Simpson: I
would love to have another season where I can produce several PRs like I did in
2009.
Jenny Simpson & Morgan Uceny, Payton Jordan 1,500m, May 1, 2010,
photo by PhotoRun.net.
RBR, # 7. What do you train
in? Race in?
Jenny
Simpson: I
train in the New Balance 759 and 890 and race in their 1000 distance spike.
RBR, # 8. Who was your high
school coach?
Jenny
Simpson: Jay
Getty
RBR, # 9. Who was your college
coach?
Jenny
Simpson: Mark
Wetmore
RBR, # 10. Who is your professional
coach?
Jenny
Simpson: Juli
Benson
RBR, # 11. What do you love
about running?
Jenny
Simpson: I
love the independence each runner can have in this sport. Everyone has their
own style, training routine, and preferences. Everyone has their own road to
the starting line. I also like knowing that it’s a sport I can participate in
for many years beyond my professional career. One day I’ll have to hang up my
competition spikes but the next day I hope to be healthy to continue to enjoy
community races and local trails.
RBR, # 12. Which do you like
more, xc or track & field?
Jenny
Simpson: Both
have exciting qualities but xc will always be my first love in sports.
RBR, # 13. Will we see you run
the 10,000m?
Jenny
Simpson: Someday
🙂
Jenny Simpson runs 4:28.60 WL, January 22, 2011, NB Games, photo by PhotoRun.net.
Special thanks to Kristen Sullivan, NB Communications/PR, and Jenny Simpson for her wit and candor. Photos by PhotoRun.net.
