In this quick chat with California distance phenom Jordan Hasay, MileSplit national editor Scott Bush asks Hasay how her build up is going, what her expectations are heading into the Trials and what her plan is at the World Junior T&F Championships in a few weeks. Hasay has a lot to say about each subject, especially on what she learned from racing the pro runners earlier in the season at Stanford and what competing in Poland means to her.
Here Come the Trials: Jordan Hasay Interview
MS: What are your goals heading into the Trials?
JH: I'd just like to be competitive and have a good experience. I'm so excited and honored to be able to take part in such an amazing event. I'm sure the crowd and the overall atmosphere is going to be incredible.
MS: What have you done over the past few weeks to prepare yourself physically and mentally for this race?
JH: I've just raced Jr. Nationals in the 1500m, the same distance I will race at the trials. My workouts have been going well also. My coach and I have been working to get me into peak form for this race and for the World Juniors. Mentally, I'm just so excited to go out and race in Eugene that I don't think I'm going to have a problem staying motivated!
MS: You ran the Stanford Invitational earlier in the year. What did you learn from that event and how will you apply it to the Trials?
JH: I learned that running against the best professional runners it really pays off to just hang in the back of the pack and have patience. I ran most of the Stanford race in last place, but then I was able to pass some runners at the end. As far as running the trials, I will follow pretty much the same strategy as I did at Stanford, but also I will try to keep maintaining focus that last 200m. At Stanford, a couple runners passed me in the last 200m, so I just need to keep fighting and keep in mind that I am running for a fast time, even if I may be far back from the leaders.
MS: You qualified for the World Junior team. What are your expectations heading into the World Junior event?
JH: It is just going to be an honor to represent my country. Our main goal this season was to make this team. My main goal is to run as best as I can and to race smart. I was able to get a silver medal last year at World Youth, and I know the competition is going to be much more difficult at World Juniors ( because it is age 19 and under as opposed to age 17 and under at World Youth) but if I could medal again I would be very happy. But most of all I just want to enjoy the experience and learn from it for the future.