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Runners on the Way Up
Julie Hayden - Getting to Know You
By George BankerMay/June 2010
How can you measure passion and determination? It is hard to measure what you cannot see, but if you were to stand next to Julie Hayden, a native of Swindon, Wiltshire, England (now living in Ashburn, VA), you can hear the passion and determination in her every word. At 5 feet 3 inches she can make the track rock and have you standing up on your feet. Career highlights for Hayden who turned 50 this past January include: World Indoor Masters Athletics 800M Champion 50-54 (2010); USA National Masters Outdoor Championship Winner 1500M 45-49 5:06.64 (2006); 800M PR 2:16.8 (1988).
THE EARLY YEARS: "From an early age I loved all sports. My two brothers and I joined the Swindon Athletic Club. Between the ages of 11 and 14, I ran cross country and track for my comprehensive school. I represented my school in all the competitive outdoor sports available to girls in England at the time: field hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, and track and field."
EDUCATION: Honors graduate of Bedford College of Physical Education (1982, major Human Movement Studies) and Certified Aquatic Fitness Instructor.
SIR ROGER BANNISTER CONNECTION: She ran for Oxford City Athletic Club on Oxford University track, which was used by Roger Bannister to break the four minute mile.
FINDING BALANCE WITH FAMILY: The balancing of the lifestyle is always a challenge for any athlete, "We are a pretty sports-orientated family. My husband Richard, and children Katherine and Andrew are interested in my running and very supportive. Richard and I enjoy occasional runs on the W&OD Trail together. Katherine, a college freshman, ran youth and high school track. Andrew also ran youth track and is running cross country and track in high school. I'm working part time as a fitness professional, I can build my training around my work hours and the needs of my family."
ATHENA MASTERS TRACK CLUB: In early 2006 discussions were held with Lorraine Jasper and Mary Greene to form a women's masters track club. They selected the name Athena that has become a recognizable name within the masters track community.
TRAINING TODAY: "When I ran as a youth, and when I first returned to racing as an adult my only form of training was running. Now, I cross train much more. Most of this is water running and other aquatic exercises, but I do strength train and occasionally use a bike or elliptical machine. I try to always keep some sort of speed work in my training. In the fall, it is mostly striders at the end of a run or short hill sprints. Early season there will be a gradual increase, going to more, fast quality work as the season progresses. For about the last 11 years I have been blessed to have a wonderful training partner in Athena teammate Terri Rath.
RECOVERY: It depends on the length of the race and how thorough I am about stretching, icing, and recovering in the pool. Generally about three days."
HOBBIES: "Training takes up most of my non-work, non-mom time. I enjoy voluntary work like coaching the youth track team, the high school track team, and church-based activities. I like outdoor activities such as hiking and geocaching."
RUNNING IN THE UK VERSUS THE US: "There are a number of similarities and differences between running in the US versus England. The biggest difference is that the clubs are more serious about competitive running. There are a lot more leagues and team races, including cross country and road relays. There are more track teams for other than just youth and college level athletes. Running is popular in the UK and has a higher status than here."
FAVORITE RACES: "Race for the Cure 5K because the atmosphere is amazing. I would be lying if I said that the 800 meters I just won at Indoor Worlds wasn't special. Not because of my time or competition in the race, but "Worlds" is "Worlds!" I love master championships of any description."
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY: "I am a Christian, and believe that no matter what your circumstances, when you take time to do things for other people you receive reward yourself. I try to be positive and optimistic person, and show gratitude to those who give, so that I may benefit. I try to be a role model to all around me whether it is youth, peers, or older adults. I want to demonstrate what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. I strive to build up the people around me and help them grow their confidence, self worth and desire to succeed. I recognize that no one is perfect, but we can all give of our best, and age is not a barrier to this."
|
Collegiate PRs Masters |
Post Collegiate PRs |
|
|
400M |
1:03 (1988) |
1:05.77 (2005) |
|
800M |
2:16.8 (1988) |
2:25.16 (2006) |
|
1500M |
4:49 (1988) |
5:06.64 (2006) |
|
Mile |
5:22 (1988) |
5:34.1 (2005) |
Full stats located at www.athenatrackclub.org
Running historian George Banker is a frequent contributor to WRR. He's the author of The Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition and recently completed his 77th marathon.