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Lead Stories: Friday, November 21, 2008

TFS Running Podcast 145: Lindsey Anderson on the State of the Women’s Steeplechase

Posted September 12th, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts, Road Racing

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with American steeplechaser Lindsey Anderson who over the past couple of seasons has become one of the best runners in the United States. She had a breakthrough season in 2007, finishing 2nd in the NCAA Championships steeplechase and then finishing 3rd at the US Outdoor Championships to earn a trip to Osaka. In 2008, she finished 2nd at the US Olympic Trails while setting a PR of 9:30.75, thus becoming the 5th fastest American steeplechaser of all time and earning a trip to the inaugural Olympic women’s 3000 meter Steeplechase. I caught up to Lindsey after her return from France where she ran a time of 9:45.28 to win the steeplechase in the DecaNation meet in Paris, France on September 6th, 2008.

Download the podcast to listen to Lindsey talk about her Olympic experience, her thoughts about the improvement in the women’s steeplechase, her role as assistant coach at Weber (pronounced “wee-ber”) State and how that helps her as an athlete, her plans for 2009 and the 2012 Olympics. Listen as Lindsey discusses the reality of competing as a clean athlete against possible cheaters, her plans to compete in road races over the next couple of months and much, much more!

TO DOWNLOAD: Right click here and select “Save As”

Host: Jimmie R. Markham | Guest: Lindsey Anderson
Producers: Greg Cherniet, Adam Jacobs
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 22.9 MB | Length: 00:33:26

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Willard Breaks American Record in Women’s Steeplchase Final

Posted July 4th, 2008 at 1:47 AM by Stephanie Lowe

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Olympics

Image details: U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials - Day Five served by picapp.com

Fireworks lit the night sky as Anna Willard shattered the American record in the Olympic Trials 3000m Steeplechase. She ran the race in 9:27.59. Lindsey Anderson (9:30.75) and Jenny Barringer (9:33.11) will join her in Beijing.

Going into the race, Willard and Barringer both wanted the record. Willard tried at the American Milers Club meet in Indianapolis and Barringer came close at the NCAA DI Championships, but neither succeeded. This was the day to do it. Barringer was in front until the last 800 meters.

“I wanted to go out and set the stage for an American record,” she said.
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Steeplechase popularity increasing among American women

Posted August 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Running & Training, Track & Field, Training Tips

The 3000m Steeplechase never has had as much of a following as have other track events. In fact, only recently did it become an official Olympic sport for women. (The inaugural women’s 3000m Steeplechase will be held in Beijing, China in 2008.) All of that is beginning to change, however, especially for women in the United States.

For you ladies interested in becoming steeplechasers, there’s a great resource for you over at Steeplechics.com, a website that “provides a medium for a growing body of information, about steeplechase for girls and women.”

The site is run by Ann Gaffigan, a steeplechaser and 2004 University of Nebraska graduate. Gaffigan was the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials champion in the 3000m Steeplechase. Gaffigan has been hindered for some time by a mysterious ailment that has kept her from performing at her best.

When I caught up with her recently, she mentioned that she was finally on her way back to top form, saying:

“I am beginning to feel better, not only physically, but mentally, which is key. Beijing is the ultimate goal, so here goes nothing!”

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