Liz Jackson, the winner in 9:39.78 (a personal best), and also the USA Champion in 1999, 2000 and 2002, was interviewed following her fourth USA National Championship win. She has the fastest American time this year, and qualified for the World Championships, to be held in Helsinki, Finland in September. Here are some excerpts from some of her interviews:
On her year and past injuries: “I wanted to be able to reach my potential, and train hard the whole year and see what I could do. This year I really went for it, and I’m so excited. It’s been a hard year, and I’ve really had to stick with it and give it my all. I’ve had a lot of help from my family, from a lot of people, I’m so grateful.”
On whether she ever thought about quitting while being injured: “I’ve thought about it. You definitely don’t run for the attention, or for financial reasons. Most runners run because they’re driven and they’re running for themselves. It’s a unique sport. It’s not like some sports where every athlete is wealthy… where financially its an easy life. It’s a sacrifice… It takes a lot of hard work, combined with sacrifice in many different areas of your life. There are a lot of other things you could be doing with your life. But I love it. I’m so excited to be here today. I’m so excited it went well.”
On her thoughts on Briana Shook having the early lead: “I wanted to go out and keep a distance on her because I usually I have a lot left at the end of my races. I’m more of a kicker than a person who goes out too fast at the beginning… I thought if I could stay within distance with her, go with her, and not let her get too big a lead, then the second half of the race (which usually is the stronger half of my race), push it and go around her. That was my plan.”
Was she surprised to go under 9:40: “Surprised, I’m not sure if that’s the right word. I’m excited and really happy! My coach though I could go under 9:40.”