PUBLISHED 03/01/2005
Do you ever get out at all to run in D.C?
Not in the winter. In the spring and summer I try to go outside. I had this one route that my friend showed me. Most people run the Mall or whatnot. But we went up through Massachusetts Avenue so you'd see all the embassies. But it's streets. So downtown area, up past the Cathedral, then keep going, then turn back and go back. I'll be honest, I'm someone who likes routines. I don't like to venture out too much. When I was training for Boston, the two long runs, I had a friend who just led the way. It was not that route at all. There are a lot of paths here, I'm just not familiar with them.
Do you keep a training log?
No. I'm not a professional.
So you're not at all tough on yourself about running?
No. I mean, I think, like I said, I know I should probably be a little bit faster than I am. I would like to run New York under four hours if I run it next year, but other than that....
What's your favorite brand of sneakers?
I was wearing Nikes but I just switched to Asics (Gel Kayano XI). I went to this store that my podiatrist recommended. They filmed me while I ran on the treadmill and then pick what shoes I need. So I just switched, and they're great so far. They're like the top of the line. They're like 140 bucks. But the guy said they were the best ones. They have a wide toe box and arch supports. My dad was there with me, for all the running, he said I needed a good pair of shoes. I used to buy my shoes at Nordstrom. He said that was ridiculous. So he took me to this special store.
Is your dad a runner too?
No, but he's very much into exercise. He was a cardiovascular surgeon and underwent cardiac arrest himself so now luckily he's OK. Now he's in better shape than myself, quite honestly. He doesn't run marathons, but he has a trainer and he plays tennis a few times a week. He does the bike and the elliptical trainer and lifts weights. He's very active, but he doesn't run because he has bad knees. He works out sometimes two hours a day, like an hour with the trainer and an hour of cardio. He's in really good shape. He thinks I need to be more serious and sometimes says, "Why don't you do less time, but more intense?" So I should follow his advice.
But if it's fun for you, that's good too.
I like crossing it off the list each day. I guess in hopes of not getting too serious about my exercise program after the Olympics, I have gone the other way. I just want to make sure I don't get burned out since I hope to be active for a lifetime.
Are you still a really competitive person?
I think I am innately competitive, but I have learned to bring it down a notch since the Atlanta games. I was much more competitive and in need of perfection in every aspect of my life for the first 23 years. But I have changed my attitude and focus. I think with time, I have learned the process and enjoying the day to day is important too, not just the final product.
Is there anything from gymnastics that helps you in your running now?
I guess my discipline from gymnastics is the biggest attribute to running now. Even when I am exhausted or not in the mood, I always get myself to the gym--I think that is a piece of me that has not changed. I like routine and get comfort in having a schedule and doing what I did the day before and attaining that self-satisfaction of knowing I can cross that thing off my list for the day.
