Jenny Barringer: 'Story-Book Stuff'

Jenny Barringer is one of, if not the, most talked about distancve runner in the US right now. Recently she won her third NCAA title, a mere week after clocking a 3:59 1500m at the Prefontaine classic. We catch up for a chat a few days before the 2009 USTAF trials get underway...

Runnerstribe:So first off, congratulations on your NCAA title! That makes three in the steeple, how did it feel to finish your college career with a win?

Jenny Barringer:I feel privileged and a bit lucky that I had four consistent and injury-free seasons. The last few laps of that race were so special to me because I was wrapping up a story-book week and also winding down a storied college track career.

RT:What was it like going in with the pressure of everyone expecting you to win?

JB:It wasn't as easy as some might think. It's a lot of pressure to go in with such tall expectations from the track and field community. But, I guess it's just like anyone that's expected to be good at their job. I work hard and train just for this sort of event. Part of being good at it is being able to deal with the pressure.

RT:Which one of your NCAA wins has meant the most to you?

JB:You know I can't hardly begin to answer that. Each one is so precious. Each one has a story. The kick my freshman year, coming so close to the American Record last year, flying around that tiny 200m track in the indoor 3k. Even the NCAA titles I didn't win; each has their own story.

RT:You're in incredible form, how fast do you think you can run in the steeple this year? How low can the record go?

JB:All of my improvements in the other distances both shorter and longer indicate that I'm ready to run faster in the steeple. I thought NCAAs might have been a faster race for me but I was a little compromised and it was the end of an emotional week. How low can the record go? Well, it's the most vulnerable record on the books right now and I expect that the increasingly elite level of competition in the event is going to force all women steeplers to consistently be stepping it up a notch.

RT:You ran that incredible 3:59 at Pre recently, were you expecting to go that fast?

JB:I just wanted to beat as many people as I could that day. What the clock gave me at the end was an unexpected gift.

RT:What went through you mind when you saw the time?

JB:I was shocked. I didn't know what it meant really and I still don't.

RT:Anna Willard is also in pretty good form, what are your thoughts about clashing with her sometime soon over the steeple, probably at USAs?

JB:I know that when we race each other it's going to be tough and exciting. Her consistent improvements are impressive and remind me every day that I can't cut corners.

RT:What's your goals for the Berlin World Champs this year?

JB:My first goal is to make it there :)

RT:What about for the rest of the season, is there anything else specific you're looking to achieve?

JB:If I make the USA team this summer I'll probably go over to Europe to race a few times before Berlin. I'm really excited about that. I got a chance to put in some good races this same time last summer and I think it really helped. Also, I'll be returning to the University of Colorado for my final Cross Country season as a Buff. That is always in the very back of my mind so staying on top of every little ache and pain will be crucial to making it through the summer in form to jump right back on the cc course.

RT:What is training like for you, can you give us a typical week's training?

JB:Training is hard. I run long on Sundays and usually put in two other workouts during the week and everything is above 5000ft. elevation because I live in Boulder. I take my easy days easy and sometimes even ditch the watch. At this point in the game though, every day is important.

RT:Thanks Jen! Best of luck.

 

'The last few laps of that race were so special to me because I was wrapping up a story-book week and also winding down a storied college track career.'
Jenny Barringer