Olympics: Track and Field
Carrie Tollefson
Olympic Athlete
Thursday, September 09, 2004; Noon ET
Olympic athlete Carrie Tollefson will be online Thursday, Sept. 9, at Noon ET to discuss her experiences at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens and her upcoming participation in the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K in Gaithersburg, Md., on Sept. 11.
Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.
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Carrie Tollefson: Hey Everyone,
It is great to be here and I look forward to chatting with all of you. I have had a great summer in Europe and have lots to share with you. I have lived out a dream of mine and it was such an awesome feeling to be able to represent the USA. Please feel free to ask anything you would like and thanks for logging in.
Carrie
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Carrie,
When preparing for the Olympics, what type of a time frame were you looking at to reach your goal? One year, two years, more or less? And did you map out your races? Did you plan some runs as workouts, some as strategy races, some as runs to win, etc? Did you have a time to meet or qualifying at the Olympic trials as your goal?
Also, how do you stay motivated and focused while practicing and in a race? Carrie Tollefson: My frame of mind for the last four years has been to stay positive and try my very best every time I raced. I knew it was a long time to be "training" for the Olympics so we would have four really big races scheduled for each year and focus on those trying to improve and learn from each one. The hardest part about the Olympics is having to stay healthy for four years and I think all of us athletes go through ups and downs and that is when we really need to stay focused. With regards to your time standards question, in America we have to have the time standard and finish in the top three at the trials. The way I stay motivated is just thinking about how many others are going after the same goal and they are out there pouding the pavement as well. Anytime I was down, my husband would throw out a name that was one of my contenders and that's all it took! Plus, getting to put on the USA uniform is a dream come true so thinking of that sent chills up my spine!
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Lyme, Conn.:
At what age did you start training and about how many hours did you put in for preparing for the Olympics? Carrie Tollefson: I started running when I was in seventh grade but actually training for the Olympics didn't start until after 2000. I ran my first Olympics trials in 2000 and learned so much and I walked away hoping to be on the next Olympic team. SO it was from that moment on that it was in the back of my mind and trying to improve as much as possible. I can't say how many hours I put in but I typically run about 80-90 miles a week including core and strengthening excercises. Lots of hard work.
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Washington, D.C.:
NBC, or at least the local news affiliate, was calling the winner of the Olympic 100-meter dash the fastest man in the world. I always thought that that title was reserved traditionally for the holder of the world's record, whether or not that record was established at the Olympics. Do you know which is right? Thanks.
Carrie Tollefson: You know, I am not 100% certain on that but I think that they call the man/woman who wins the 100m. at the Olympics or the Worlds the fastest man/woman in the world. It is the shortest race on the planet so regardless if they have the world record or not, on that given day no one is faster then them!
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Abilene, Tex.:
Of all the U.S. athletes competing at the Games, you seemed to appreciate and enjoy your Olympic experience the most. How would you describe your feelings during the opening ceremony. How did this differ from what you felt during the closing ceremony?
Carrie Tollefson: I had such an awesome feeling when I walked into the stadium with my uniform on. It was a moment where we all shed tears and really felt like Olympians. The crowd went crazy for the Americans and it was the same during the Closing. We had so much fun out there and seeing what China is bringing to 2008 had us all excited to be back at the Olympics. We were all so proud to be Americans.
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Orlando, Fla.:
Please give details on your training -- weekly mileage, length of base building, details re: speedwork (periodized or ongoing), etc. Also details on your diet and whether you lift weights (and when, how much) would be very appreciated! Thanks and great job on your accomplishments in making the Olympic team! Very impressive and inspiring!
Carrie Tollefson: Right now I am coming off my break so I am a bit anxious to get going on our base training. This period usually lasts about four months. Our coach takes us well into the cross country season and even a bit of the outdoor season with high mileage. I run anywhere from 80-90 miles a week at my high point and then during outdoors I am more around 70 when racing. We have three hard long sessions a week with one speed day during the fall and then add more sharpening skills as we enter the spring. We all lifts 2-3 times a week while doing abs and stretching as well. My diet is fairly normal. I love to eat so I usually have to moderate the sweets but otherthen that, I am very normal. We try to eat a little of everything for variety. I find that most of the elite runners are very similar. I think if we modify too much we sometimes lack the nutrients we need. Remember FOOD IS FUEL!!!!!!!
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Woodbridge, Va.:
How stressful was it chasing the 1,500 standard in Europe? Were you worried once you had the B that someone would get the A and you'd be off the Olympic team?
Carrie Tollefson: It was one of the hardest things I will every have to do in my career. It was stressful at times but I like to call it challenging. All of the American 1500m girls had to dig deep and I think we all came away knowing how hard we worked and pleased with our efforts. I have said that this summer has changed me as a runner and as a person. I am just so thrilled that it all worked out in the end.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
So what do you think was the bast track performance at the Olympics: Kelly Holmes double? El Guerrouj's double? Either of the marathon winners? Did you get to spectate much after you were done?
Carrie Tollefson: My favorite, besides the American medal winners, had to be El Guerrouj. He was so much fun to see and what a nice and humble guy. He is a great Champion and great role model. My husband and parents stayed with me for a few days after my race so we did get to spectate and bit and check our the sights for a few days. Greece is beautiful.
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Colulmbia, Md.:
Carrie,
As an recreational runner who loves to race, I was really inspired by hearing you speak last night in Columbia. I wonder what your number one nutritional tip might be for everyday life? Is there some secret that you professionals know? Thanks!
Carrie Tollefson: I really think that most of the elites are the same in that we consider what we eat and how it will effect our bodies and our running. There are times when we eat not so great but that is usually after the season or a treat after a really hard session. I always say that we don't put bad fuel into a car so why would we do that to our bodies. THe only thing I stress hard is eating enough. I know there are a lot of athletes that try to skimp and that is not the way to go. The athletes at the top level are very healthy. The ones that have chosen to alter their diets in such a way that helps them loose too much usually ends up hurting them. So remember to fuel up, no matter what level you are at.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Carrie,
I have children that run and are very good. They are currently in a track club and run for their high school. I feel that they need more advanced coaching, encouragement and motivation than what they are receiving. I don't want to put added pressures on them since they are in high school. But I feel that for them to continue to get better there has to be a change. I would like to know what steps you took to get to the next level. How do I go about getting a skilled coach? They are excellent runners. Colleges are sending informational pamphlets to them. Some coaches have expressed interest in them but I am uncertain since I don't know these people and am afraid of the coach possibly exploiting them. Also, money is a limiting factor as I have other children in College and am struggling to make those payments.
Carrie Tollefson: This is a tough question since I was from a town of 1600 people and didn't have other opportunities to chose from. I think that your girls can help each better then anything. My sisters ran and one was a hurdler and didn't compete against me but we encouraged each other everyday to be better. My parents were very involved with my running and continue supporting me today. I think as far as taking them to a club, that has to be your call. I really don't know enough about club running to recommend that. They are only in high school once in their lives and after that it is college and then on their own. Club running is pretty serious so just remember that it is even more serious at the next level and then the next level. This is the time to enjoy those little races where they win by a minute. It will never happen again. As far as college, I would send out a little bio to the colleges you are looking at and atleast give them a headsup. Send their times and places and that should get them calling if they think your girls are a good fit. Good luck!
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St. Paul, Minn.:
Carrie - will you be at the TC Marathon Expo? You'd be a big hit.
P.S. - You're single?
Carrie Tollefson: I will be at the TCM expo at the Team USA Minnesota booth. Come out and support the race!
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Gaithersburg, Md.:
What time do you expect to run at the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K?
Carrie Tollefson: Actually I am just running for fun. I have run three times since the Olympics and so this will be a fun run for me. I look forward to meeting lots of people before, during, and after the race. Hope to see lots of people there!
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Carrie,
What do you think that we as Americans have to do to be more competetive in our middle distance races (800m and 1500m)?
Carrie Tollefson: I think the Americans are coming around. We have shown this year to be right on track with five women almost breaking 15:00 in the 5k and with the marathoners medalling I think we can expect all of us to get fired up and go back in 2008 expecting big things!
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Germantown, Md.:
What was your reaction -- and the reaction of other runners -- to the attack on the lead runner in the mens' marathon? Did Olympic officials do anything to reassure athletes that this type of disruption would not occur again?
Carrie Tollefson: Most of us were getting ready for the Closing Ceremonies so we didn't even get to see the race but I think we were all upset something like that could happen. It really is unfair but he held his head high and finished strong. What an awesome finish by MEB!
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Edina, Minn.:
Hi Carrie,
Just writing to say congratulations on a great year. I am most impressed with how competitively you ran. That 1500 final at OT was amazing. What a gutsy race, leading from the gun and really going after it the whole way, and I have no idea how you passed Jen Toomey back after she went by at the top of the home stretch. Even more impressive to me, though, is the way you were able to race competitively at Athens after running both 5k and 15 at Trials and then immediately afterward running 4-5 1500 races in a week to 10 days in Europe chaisng the qualifier. Most people would have been absolutely cooked after that. How did you survive that?
Not sure what brought you to Kentlands 5k (I used to live about a mile from there), but good luck, and hope to see you when I am out running again soon back in Minnesota.
Andrew
Carrie Tollefson: How did I surrive is a question I will probably ask myself for a long time but I kept seeing the USA uniform in my mind and that drove me to the line everytime. I also have a good friend that is very sick with Lung Cancer and she was always in my thoughts. What a tough woman and role model she is and I felt I couldn't give in just as she is. I was thrilled to finally get into the Athlete's village and very tired but it was soooooo worth it!
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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.:
Hi Carrie!
Congratulations on making it to the Olympics!
Can you give away any secrets as to how you, as an elite athlete, recover from hard workouts? I'm a 36-year-old female who likes to compete locally, but I'm having a hard time recovering after track workouts. What's the secret? Or am I over the hill already?
Carrie Tollefson: You are not over-the-hill. DO you know how many woman reach a new peak of running in their late 30's? You go girl. ANyway, I recover basically by taking easy days, a day off if really needed, replenish, replenish, replenish. I say that because we are so busy all the time that if you don't take the time to refuel it takes even longer to get out of the hole. Just make sure you are resting enough because a workout that isn't run when you are ready to go won't help you as much as it would if you were fresh. GOod luck!
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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.:
carrie,
It's a real treat to get to "chat" with you! thanks for doing this!
I feel like American milers aren't appreciated the way sprinters and marathoners are. What do you think? Do americans understand how much strength and endurance it takes to compete at the middle distances? What do you hear from the fans?
Carrie Tollefson: Well I think us athletes know better then anyone how badly we want to be on top. We are the most respected track team in the world and it would be so nice if the middle-distances got some recognition as well. I think we can all learn from what Allen Webb has done this year. Wow, amazing guy. I would like to say he is a friend of mine now that we have raced in the same races and gotten to know one another but he puts himself in the race and goes after it. I think we are going to start seeing more from the MD men and women now that people like Allen are going to Europe and winning or atleast going after it!
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Washington, D.C.:
Hi Carrie,
I was curious about what the actual physical
accomodations in the Olympic Village were like (I'm
assuming that you stayed there). I'm assuming that
everyone had a private bedroom, but were they like little
apartments, with several people sharing a common
bathroom and living area? Kitchens? Or was it more like a
dormitory? Was it only athletes staying there or were
there also family members, coaches, trainers, etc? And
how were the quarters-mates picked? (I.e., were athletes
always living with others from the same country? Did
people choose their own roomates or were they assigned?)
Thanks.
Carrie Tollefson: The village was very nice. We had an apartment that had 8 athletes in each. It was so much fun getting to know some of the other American woman that competed in other events. I roomed with a thrower and we had the pole-vaulters, a hurdler, 800m runner, the 5k girls all in our little suite. It was awesome. All the countries had their own block so right across the street the swimmers stayed along with the cyclists and other sports. We ate at a few different caffeterias and they did our laundry for us. WE could get our eyes checked, our teeth cleaned, and a haircut if we wanted. It was really neat.
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Abilene, Tex.:
I've seen you on TV several times doing commentary for running events. Do you plan to pursue journalism after your competitive career is over?
Carrie Tollefson: I do plan to continue doing commentary. It is my second passion and I love being on air. I know I have the Minnesota accent but I am proud to be from there and it gives me a little character. I plan on seeking more opportunities real soon.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Would you care to comment on drug use in the sport? At your level are you aware of it happening around you? Ever been tempted or approached to use something illegal? Is it just show or do the testers seem to be getting more serious about it?
Easier question: Who are your training partners in Minn.? Do you have a group of women to train with or do you have to train with guys to find people to push you?
Carrie Tollefson: I think that it is great they are starting to buckle down on the drug issue. We all work so hard and it should only be fair for us all to have the same chance at winning. I have never been approached and hopefully never will be. It is sad that people have to do that to their bodies in order to win. I cherish the fact that I would never do that. I have never even had a drink in my life so it is a pretty foreign subject for me. As far as who I train with, I train with both men and women. Our coach, Dennis Barker, does a great job trying to push us all in ways we can help each other and benefit individually at the same time. FOr instance, during the fall I do a lot of 5k, 10k, even longer workouts and then in the spring we all drop down and do 1500 meter stuff. SO the marathoners are out there sprinting right with us shorter distance people.
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Germantown, Md.:
Are you going to stick with the 1500 meter, or move back up to the 5K or 10K? Have you considered doing the marathon at the next Olympics?
Carrie Tollefson: I will hopefully run all three along with the steeple. I think being able to run all of those events will only help me become a better runner. However, I will not go to the trials the next time around with only one time standard. If things go well, I will hopefully have a couple. The marathon will be after the next Olympics if I run it.
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Carrie Tollefson: I want to thank all of you for writing in. I know I didn't get to all the questions but I tried to comment on all areas. I just hope you know how much I appreciate your support. I have had a blast this past summer and hopefully the American distances will start getting back on top like Deena and Meb did. Just know we are working really hard and trying to represent the best way we know how. Thanks again and go USA!!!
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