An Interview with Sally Meyerhoff

Sally Meyerhoff was a nine-time Arizona state champ in high school and an All-American runner at Duke. Having now turned her attention to the marathon, she qualified for the Olympic Trials in her first attempt at the distance.

Boston Athletic Association: How did you first become involved in the sport?

Sally Meyerhoff: I started running when I was about 8 or 9 just doing fun local track club meets but didn’t get serious about it until middle school when I did cross country and track and field almost year round.

B.A.A.: You were a very successful high school runner, winning nine Arizona state titles and finishing 12th in the nation in cross country. Is there a particular achievement that you look back on today as the highlight of your high school career?

S.M.: Thanks. I think the highlight of my high school career was winning the first state title in cross country as a team, my senior year. We worked extremely hard that season and it all paid off. It started what would become a dominating team in the state every year. Another highlight was qualifying for Foot Locker National a month later that year; it was something I focused on for four years and it finally happened.

B.A.A.: You must've been heavily recruited by colleges. How did you decide upon Duke?

S.M.: I fell in love with Duke from the moment I saw it. I always had it in the back of my mind as my favorite and when it came down to it, when coach Kevin [Jermyn] called me with their offer, I was very happy and told him I wanted to come. It was special because he called during my cross country banquet at my house, and I told everyone that night.

S.M.: I had a fantastic time at Duke. I still miss it and think about it all the time. I accomplished quite a bit when I was there, but I believe I had a lot more in me. Unfortunately some injuries came up a couple times and my training never got to be really consistent. The friends I made on the team though and all the great experiences really made up for any athletic regrets.

B.A.A.: You finished up your college career last June, and ran your first marathon, Rock 'n' Roll Arizona, just seven months later. When did you first set your sites on running a marathon?

S.M.: I thought about doing one when I found out that my friend Phebe Ko, who also ran for Duke, qualified at Boston in 2007. She and a few other Duke girls decided to all try and qualify and meet up and race together at the Trials in 2008. I picked P.F. Chang's [Rock 'n' Roll Arizona] so my family could see me do my first one.

B.A.A.: Tell us a little about your marathon debut. What surprised you about the distance, what didn't surprise you, and what do you think you can do to better prepare for your second marathon?

S.M.: I was excited for my first marathon. I was a little nervous at the start line and driving to the course, but I knew it was a long race and that if I raced smart I would accomplish my goals. I went through the half right on pace for the “A” standard, but around mile 15 I could tell I was slowing down a bit. I tried to focus on each mile, because I ran the race alone for nearly the entire time. Around mile 20 I was just trying to stay composed and push through the pain. I was surprised at how difficult it is to balance fluid and gel/food intake. I wasn’t surprised by how sore I was afterward; I knew that was coming! For the Trials I want to master my fluid intake and calories because I think it really affects how my legs feel during the race.

B.A.A.: What are y our goals and expectations for the Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston?

B.A.A.: With less than five months between your qualifying race and the Olympic Trials, what is your plan for recovery and then for your build-up to April?

S.M.: Yes I think I have less than three months from now until race day, so this week I am actually getting back into things. I am racing at the U.S. Cross Country Championships on Feb. 16th so I will get ready for that while simultaneously training for the Trials. I am going to Hawaii in the end of May for a half Ironman so I also will be training for that. It will keep me busy but also I plan to be super fit come April 20th.

B.A.A.: Are you currently training with a coach and a team, or on your own?

S.M.: I train on my own and coach myself. I am great about listening to my body and taking time off. I run with my sister Samantha, who runs in high school, every now and then, but mostly all on my own. I also coach the girls cross country team at my old high school. I won’t start up with them again until June, but I can’t wait!

B.A.A.: How would you characterize your training philosophy, and how has it evolved over the years?

S.M.: My philosophy really is to just train as hard as I possibly can while also being smart. I don’t believe in running 90 mile weeks and obsessively following a strict schedule. I have learned it’s important to listen to my body and use those feelings as my feedback on what is working. I plan a long term schedule for myself and stay as dedicated as possible, with room for changes. It has worked since college so I’ll keep it up, while also making small changes here and there. However, I am definitely not afraid to test my pain tolerance in training.

S.M.: My biggest influence has probably been my parents. They always want to see me compete and I appreciate that more than anything. They have sacrificed a lot to see me race and take me places. My mom has ALWAYS set the bar high for me with what I can accomplish. It used to frustrate me when I didn’t understand but now I know it’s because she believes I can do anything I set my mind to, and hearing her scream for me sometimes brings tears to my eyes because I know she cares as much as I do.

S.M.: Any athlete who beats me! Ha ha. I’m inspired everyday by the pro athletes out there who dominate in their sport. Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Sam McGlone, Carrie Tollefson, Deena Kastor, etc. . . They know what it takes to be at the top and some day I want to be, so I think about them.

S.M.: I love to just lay around on the couch and watch a funny movie or TV show, but I never have time for that, so my relax time usually is when I am cooking or baking with music on. It’s my time to do something I love and just think. I also love to read or sit outside and just talk to my mom over tea or coffee.

B.A.A.: What is something interesting that the running community may not know about you?

S.M.: I speak Spanish, and my dream is to have a house or condo in Cancun, Mexico someday!