TFS Interview: Olympic medalist Shannon Miller talks about running 26.2
Posted November 13th, 2006 at 7:00 AM by Adam Jacobs
Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Interviews
Only a week removed from her final gymnastics performance, Shannon Miller completed her very first marathon; running all 26.2 miles at the 2006 ING New York City Marathon. The seven-time Olympic medalist had confessed to being quite nervous when I spoke to her two days before the race at Tavern on the Green. However, when it came time to perform, Shannon, as per usual, rose to the occasion.
Shannon and I spoke again a few days after the race and she reflected on her experience in NYC and life after gymnastics:
1. So you did it! You ran your first marathon! How was it and how do you feel now?
It was amazing. It was just so weird you know, because I finished and felt great. I really felt good throughout the entire marathon. My legs were a little sore, but nothing horrible. I had heard all these horror stories about blisters and cramps. I didn’t have any of that, but after my excitement wore off a bit and some time had passed after I crossed the finish line – I really started to feel it. My ankles, everything, haha. But that’s OK - I had such a good time.
It was like nothing I had ever done before. When you hit those spots when no one is really around or at mile 18 when people are getting tired, everyone pulls together and cheers each other on. There are people along the way who had a tough time or had to walk a little bit, but everyone really helped them through it. It was a real group effort, I loved it. I have also never seen New York City like that – it was incredible. Part of me still doesn’t believe that I did it!
2. How did you feel as you started to near the end of the race?
When I crossed the finish line I was just on cloud nine. Actually after I hit around the 23rd or 24th mile I was like, “Wow, I’m gonna finish – I really am.” I started to really speed up and get excited. That last mile I was moving pretty good. It felt really good to be able to pick it up at the end and to still have that energy left.
3. Why did you pick New York for your first marathon?
I figured I wasn’t sure if I would do another marathon – so if I am only going to do one – then I might as well do the best – and that is New York.
4. So that’s it? You don’t plan to continue running marathons?
Not necessarily. I’m not sure. People don’t realize what a non-runner I am. I am very athletic and like to challenge myself in different ways, but have never really enjoyed running that much. However, I did love the marathon. I am just going to enjoy this one a little bit and wait for the soreness to go away!
5. You have obviously always been very into fitness and incredibly successful as an athlete, but what motivated you to run a marathon?
When I was doing gymnastics, pretty much the only thing I was doing was gymnastics and ballet. So when I retired it was pretty light, so I jumped out of airplanes, I went scuba diving, I took up golf and even dabbled in figure skating. Each year I take on a different sport – so I guess this was the year of the marathon. I like the variety of sports and doing a variety of things. They are all so different. Like in golf, where it is very structured and mental. Then there is running which I find to be so pure; you just go out and run.
6. What was your training like in terms of duration, intensity, etc.?
I didn’t really have a training program. I think that because I have been an athlete for my entire life, I just know my body really well; when to push myself and when I need to run. I did as much running as I could. I started running in early July. It was all on the road though because I was never home. I try to run 45 minutes on hotel treadmills when I can. I tried to run at least 2 or 3 days a week for about 5 miles and then maybe a day of elliptical for an hour. I’ve heard you are supposed to include a long run so I did two 8 mile runs before I did the half marathon in Jacksonville. Then really before the marathon I kind of backed off because I had my final gymnastic performance the week before the race. I kind of needed to save my legs for the gymnastics. But training for that gymnastics show was great cross training and I got to use a lot of other muscles and plus, it is without the impact of running. That way I went into NYC fresh; without any shin splints or other injuries. It worked for me. It wasn’t the greatest time, but for me it was about finishing. That was just a huge accomplishment in my mind.
7. Do you usually train by yourself? Does your boyfriend or any of your friends or family come on your runs with you?
My mom came in and ran the half marathon with me that I did in Jacksonville a few weeks ago, which made it a lot better. She is much more of a runner than me. But during the marathon and in almost all of my training I didn’t run with anyone. I travel too much to ever have a consistent training partner.
8. Did you have to significantly change your diet during training? What did you eat on a typical day?
I didn’t change it much. I try to stay active all the time and part of the reason it is that I like to eat. I can’t diet - I can’t do it. I love chocolate. I am a chocaholic. So I’ve just tried to keep eating anything I want, but in moderation. One of the things that I have learned is that I really need to eat about every three hours. I eat constantly, but just a little bit. I don’t sit down for any one huge meal. I have little meals throughout the day so I am never so full where I can’t move. That way I am always going and can stay active. Plus, I find that if I don’t eat often, I really hit that low and get cranky and tired.
9. What type of running/training apparel, gear and shoes do you wear?
I am sponsored by adidas for golf, so I wore adidas clothing and apparel for training and during the marathon. In terms of shoes, I wore Fila’s for the marathon. I was the honorary chairman for the kids race at the Oklahoma City Marathon – I am from Oklahoma – and that was in late May. Fila gave me some shoes and said if I am going run – wear these. I have really high arches, so these shoes worked great.
10. Do you still talk to all of your former teammates and coaches from the Olympics? Have you guys stayed close?
I do stay in contact with everyone. I am still very involved in the gymnastics world through broadcasting and through just being friends with everyone. They are my second family and I try to see them as much as possible.
11. Speaking of your former teammates, Kerri Strug has gotten quite involved with marathon running. Are you at all disappointed that you weren’t able to run faster than she has?
I know that Kerri has done several marathons. I think she even ran Boston a few years ago. I spoke to her in August and asked her if she had any advice since she enjoys them and has done really well with them. I didn’t know her exact time, but I didn’t look at my own time very much anyway. That’s just how I am - I was one of those gymnasts that didn’t look at scores very much.
12. Do you miss gymnastics?
It was really hard after my final performance (the weekend before the marathon) because really up until then I was so focused on performing in that show, that I didn’t think about it being my last. It was really bittersweet. It is good because there are so many other things I want to do. But, I didn’t give it up because I was tired of performing - I actually love performing - But there are only so many hours in the day.
13. Who is your favorite athlete?
Growing up I knew about other great athletes, but I didn’t spend a whole lot of time watching sports because I was always in the gym. The people I looked up to were the older girls in my gym. They weren’t famous by general standards, but they were a big deal to me because I saw how hard they worked in the gym and then how it paid off when they brought in their trophies.
14. What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate is one of those things that if I want it – I have to have it right then and there. But the one food that I can always eat – and people make fun of me all the time because it is so healthy – is grilled chicken caesar salad. It is something that I can eat all the time!
Supermodel Kim Alexis said the same thing about chicken caesar salad – what’s with these ladies?!?!
15. Do you have any advice for beginners who are thinking about training for and running their first marathon?
I would suggest starting earlier than I did. I think generally that you just need to take it at your own pace. You can listen to avid runners about the need to do a long run every week and about getting in at least one 20 mile run. But that didn’t work for me – it didn’t work for my schedule nor for my body. I don’t think that training one day on and then taking the next day off will kill you, especially if you start earlier than me. Ultimately, you just need to enjoy it and have fun with it. The best advice I got – that really was beneficial to me – was to take it slow. Walk through the water stops – make sure you take something to drink and stay hydrated. I think the mental part of the marathon – just like in gymnastics – is the most important and sometimes challenging part.
Shannon, congratulations again and thank you so much for all of your help. It has been an honor and a privilege to share in your first marathon experience. The entire TFS team and I wish you the best of luck in retirement and your final year in law school.
The final performance that Shannon mentioned in this interview is called the Hilton Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular. It will be aired on NBC from 4-6pm on Christmas Eve.
For more about Shannon, please check out her official website.
Further Reading: TFS’s 2006 ING NYC Marathon coverage
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Tags: celebrity marathon times, gymnastics, ING New York City Marathon, interview, Kim Alexis, olympic champion, olympics, Shannon Miller
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The Final Sprint
[…] Senator Frist has not only achieved great success and widespread recognition for his work as an elected official, but is another example (like Oprah, Al Gore, P. Diddy, Kim Alexis, Shannon Miller, and of course Jim Ryun) of a public figure that has successfully completed a marathon. As a matter of fact, in just ten years Senator First was able to complete 7 marathons and 2 half-marathons despite the demands of public service. […]
May 4th, 2007 at 2:05 pm[…] (Quote taken from TheFinalSprint.com’s interview with Shannon after she ran her first marathon at the 2006 ING New York City Marathon). […]
June 25th, 2007 at 7:35 am