Nick Symmonds:
Conventional Wisdom
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 17)
Posted July 28th, 2008 at 11:44 AM by Nick Symmonds
Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics, Elite Athlete Blogs, Nick Symmonds
Welcome to the official blog of middle-distance track star and 2008 U.S. Olympian Nick Symmonds. Be sure to check every other Monday at http://nicksymmonds.thefinalsprint.com for Nick’s latest entry! For more information about Nick, also please visit: nicksymmonds.com
Its July 15th as I sit on my couch in Springfield, Oregon and write this blog. To people who follow my race schedule closely that might seem a bit strange as I was on the start list for the meet in Luzern Switzerland tomorrow. I was actually scheduled to race again next week in Belgium and in London on the 25th as well. Unfortunately, I will not be running in any of these meets. I spent all spring looking forward to my trip to Europe and imagined running a 1:43 or two as I prepared to compete in China, but after the amazing experience of the trials I was left physically and emotionally drained. The combination of training, doing interviews, signing autographs and cheering on my teammates in the second session was simply too much. My usual perfect schedule that includes nine hours of sleep each night, regular meals, and naps in the afternoon was thrown for a total loop. By day 8 of the trials I was running on an average of about 5 hours of sleep and had lost 6 pounds. In training I felt worn out.
I sat down with Coach Gags and my manager Chris Layne and we talked about last year. We looked back and remembered how tired I was from my trip to Europe prior to the World Championships and how I felt like I was just barely hanging on when I raced in Osaka. Though conventional wisdom leads most people to go to Europe before a major championship such as the Olympic Games, I ultimately decided to learn from last year and to listen to my body. Fortunately, Coach Gags and Chris were right behind me and we left the meeting deciding that I would forgo the July tour of Europe and that I should get out of Eugene for a bit and get back to living like a champion.
So, last week I had perhaps the most enjoyable week of my life here in Oregon. I went up to Lake Billy Chinook and spent a few days camping and boating with the Fleshman family. Though I had to force myself to stay off the wakeboard and pushed myself through the fatigue to train at 5000 ft there I had an incredible time and left feeling mentally refreshed. I then came back for a quick workout with Andrew Wheating and AJ Lacosta before taking off for a weekend in Portland. I spent time with a lot of close friends and enjoyed an incredible 12 mile run through Forest Park and a delicious sushi dinner washed down with a large Sapporo.
Long story short, I spent a care free week with friends who helped me forget about the hard work I need to put in over the next 6 weeks.
During the trials I thought, “I wish the Games were tomorrow because I can hardly stand the thought of having to re-peak 7 weeks from now.” However, I now feel physically and mentally refreshed and ready to train my ass off! I realized that by staying in Oregon and focusing on getting better prepared I will not only be the freshest guy on the start line in China but will have allowed my body to strengthen and sharpen even more then I had for the trials.
Over the last couple days my training has been incredible and I feel as fresh as ever. Whether its a set of intervals on the track or just a nice easy run I am focused and eager to train. If I am smart and listen to Coach Gags there is no reason why I cant run a PR in China and come home with a medal. So, as hard as it was for me to turn down a tour in Europe, I am now fully content to stay home and train hard each morning, fly fish in the evenings, and fall asleep each night in my own bed dreaming of Olympic Gold.
- Nick
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Tags: 800m, Beijing, beijing olympics, boise, coach gagliano, coach gags, frank gagliano, nicholas symmonds, nicholas symmonds blog, Nick Symmonds, nick symmonds blog, nike oregon track club, olympic team, oregon, oregon track club, otc, Team USA, u.s. olympic track & field trials, usa olympic team u.s. olympic team, willamette
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The Final Sprint
I feel bad that you were unable to compete but at the same time I can see how it would be emotionally draining after working so hard and running around all over the place.
Good luck in China! Ill be watching =)
July 25th, 2008 at 3:31 pm-Shannon
Nick,
I must have watched how you ran the last 150 meters at the Olympic trials a dozen times at least. It was freekin amazing. I’ve never seen that kind of running in a 800 meters in a long time. Anyway, good luck in China. Any idea on what kind of strategy it will take to beat Abukaker Kaki of Sudan?
Tony
July 25th, 2008 at 5:13 pmGood luck at the Olympics, Nick! You will need it; the competition will be stiff. But having watched your career thus far, I see you have the ability and experience to win gold. It sounds like you made the best decision about your pre-olympic plans too, sounds very smart. Bring the gold home, brother!!!
July 26th, 2008 at 4:49 pmGood luck as others have said. I have to say you are definetly my favorite runner since Prefontaine. I’m still in high school and I have to say when I saw you win the Prefontaine classic I became an instant fan of you. The only piece of advice that I could give is two words. Do Work! Think that in your race and you’ll do work. Again good luck. Hope to see you with a gold medal in a little while.
July 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pmNick,
I am so excited to watch you run in the Olympics! When you ran in the trials I was amazed by the amount of sprint you had left at the end of your 800m, it was phenomenal. Run well and go for the Gold! Also, be sure to have a ton of fun.
Marie
July 29th, 2008 at 9:11 amI will never forget that “swim” move you pulled off at the trials…it was electrifying.Run fearlessly at Beijing and take it from them(the gold medal).Don’t get caught on the inside with more than a 5 meter gap between you and the leader…relax and let them feel the fear,the speed,and the power of your finish…take what you’re hungry for and don’t be denied…the gold!Your mind and spirit have the power to transcend all limitations…you are living a dream for all of us…please unleash its power.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:21 pmNick,
August 10th, 2008 at 12:44 amGood luck in Beijing! I am excited that a fellow Boisean is running in the Olympics. I am a 13 year old distance runner and recently went undefeated in my spring track season. You are a great inspiration for me and someday I hope to be a great runner too.
Nick,
August 11th, 2008 at 10:08 amI love watching you race because your intenstiy level is so much higher than everybody elses. I am a high school runner and I have been inspired by you because you have such a strong work ethic. Good luck in Beijing and leave nothing on that track.
Congrats again, Nick! The D’Orio clan will be cheering you on in Beijing! Us St. Marks alum are all very proud :) Good luck!!
August 11th, 2008 at 7:43 pmNick,
August 21st, 2008 at 11:49 amJust heard the news about semifinals. Wanted you to know we are so proud of you. To be an Olympian is a great honor to our country. You are a breath of fresh air and an inspiration.