A favor-ite book

Suzy Favor Hamilton has been the legs of the U.S. women's middle-distance track and field for more than a decade. She owns five of the nine fastest American 1,500-meter times ever run, and this summer, she's set to compete in her fourth Olympics. As if that isn't enough, Hamilton has also found the time to team up with Jose Antonio, PhD, to write Fast Track: Training and Nutrition Secrets from America's Top Female Runner ($14.95, Rodale Press). We recently caught up with her--no easy feat--and asked some questions about her career, training regimen and book.

Q: What are the benefits you've seen in your own performance from incorporating strength training into your training regimen?

A: Since I began serious strength training four years ago I've had far fewer injuries and have had to miss fewer workouts. I usually train three days a week in the gym, and I devote 30 to 45 minutes just to core work. My core routine involves mostly medicine-ball work and some Pilates, and I've included these exercises in the book. I think the core work has been the single-most important factor in changing my physique and overall strength. The other great thing about core work is I can do it while I'm traveling, as the equipment and space required are minimal. I supplement the core work with pull-ups and pushups for my upper body and do quite a bit of calf work to support my tendons and help prevent ankle injury.

Q: Do you mix in other aerobic activities with running?

A: In addition to running, I cross-train for 30 to 60 minutes five days a week. Because of my age, I'm finding that my body won't allow me to put in the mileage that I did in my twenties, so the cross-training allows me to train harder without risking injury. My main staple in the gym is the bike and the elliptical trainer. I also use the pool sometimes for water-running, and I also like to sprint the hills by my house on my mountain bike.

Q: How do you motivate yourself on those days when you'd rather be somewhere else other than at the track?

A: If there's a day I don't want to work out, I just think about my competitors and the fact that they'll still be out there training and getting ahead. I like to think I'm tougher than them, so if they can get out there, so can I, and I can do it faster. The hardest thing is getting from my house to the track. Once I'm out there and actually start running, I become totally motivated.

Q: Do you have any good-luck rituals or superstitions that you follow before an important race?

A: I like my husband to be the last person I see before I go to the line. He calms me down and gives me security.

Q: What are you plans after you're done with the Olympics?

A: I want to have a baby but will definitely continue to train. I also plan on pursuing my interest in art, which was my major in college. My favorites are mosaics and stained glass. It's a nice, soothing complement to my training.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group