Navigation
Regional Features
Military Running Scene: Olympic Trials Put Spotlight on New Local Talent: Lieutenant Amanda Rice
By Sue Himes, CDR U.S. Navy
November/December 2011
Lieutenant Amanda Rice, 27, a Navy dentist, is currently in the beginning of her general practice residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with her since she’s from Portland, OR, but Brenda Barrera (WRR Editor), noticed her time at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon and mentioned her to me when we were discussing which athlete to profile for this column on Armed Forces qualifiers for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Rice is an incredible talent who is quickly rising not only to the top of the Armed Forces running circles, but also the civilian running community.
At press time, as far as I am aware, there were no Armed Forces men who had qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials which will be held in Houston, TX this coming January. Six Armed Forces women will be participating: Maj. Emily Potter (Army), Capt. Kelly Calway (Army), Maj. Jaymee Marty (Air Force), Capt. Caroline White (Air Force), Lt. Gina Slaby (Navy), and Lt. Amanda Rice (Navy).
Never before has there been such a high number of qualifiers from the military. Lt. Rice qualified at the California International Marathon (CIM) in December 2010 where she ran a 2:44:12 (gun time) and then in June she improved that qualifying time to the “A” standard with a 2:38:57 performance at Grandma’s Marathon. In September she had a phenomenal performance at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, finishing in 1:14:36 (That was 16 minutes faster than me that day).
I had the opportunity to chat with her and e-mailed some follow-up questions. I think you will agree, they revealed a fresh, energetic young lady with a positive attitude and incredible potential.
Sue Himes: When did you start running and at what point did you realize you had some real talent?
Amanda Rice: I was a ballerina all the way through high school but discontinued once I started my undergraduate training due to time. My mom is a runner, and when I left for college (Willamette University in Salem, OR) I decided to give running a try to keep physically active. That is what is so convenient about running--you can fit it around a hectic schedule.
I usually carry a pair of running shoes with me at all times if possible . . . just in case I have an unexpected break. It is amazing how effective just a fast 15 minute run can be to improve your running skills. I would go on long runs with my mom, who was training for marathons at the time I was finishing undergrad, and that is when the bug bit me. I started to run regularly, five to six days a week, until I entered dental school at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU).
It wasn’t until I met my coach, Rick Lovett, during my third year of dental school that I realized I had a knack for running. It is true that running requires talent, but I also enjoy the sport, having come into it later in life.
SH: When did you set your sights on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials?
AR: After a year with Rick and some short distance races under my belt, I finally saw I had a shot at getting a qualifying time. Like most things in life, however, I was never certain I had what it took to be an elite runner. My coach, on the other hand, always knew I had the potential. He just wanted to let me discover it for myself and said, "Even before you went to race at CIM, I knew you had what it took to make the Trials. You just needed to race it to believe it!"
SH: How is your training going? Who is coaching you/giving you guidance?
AR: Training is actually going fairly well, considering the residency I am currently in requires overnight stays and middle-of-the-night operating room cases on occasion. I have found the treadmill to be my best friend these past few months when on call at the hospital. (Note: She did two 21-milers on the treadmill as part of her work-ups for her last marathon.) My training strategy is somewhat sporadic, due to my rotation schedule coming up in October and November with oral maxillofacial surgery. I am still coached by Rick Lovett via e-mail and train with the Georgetown Running Club (GRC) led by Coach Jerry Alexander.
SH: How do you juggle your commitment as a dental resident with the demands of training at an elite level?
AR: Determination, along with creativity. As I said before, 15 minutes can go a long way. I have to make every workout count, and I don’t dilly-dally at workouts. Once I am on the track, it’s time to warm-up, do the work out, and run back to work as my cool down.
Ironically, being busy also forces me not to overdo it, as many elites find themselves dealing with injury and fatigue. I am forced to rest, and in turn, have found it an advantage rather than a pitfall.
SH: What is your goal for the Trials?
AR: I would love to PR and get below 2:35. Based on my half marathon time, I could possibly run a 2:34 or 2:33. We shall see.
SH: Do you have any pre-race rituals for race day or the days leading up to it?
AR: I hardly run the last week before a race. I do best with my legs fully rested. I might do a 20-30 minute warm-up at a 10 minute/mile pace. I also love getting motivated with some pre-race music. It calms me down, allows me to focus, and get into the zone. I find myself later in the race listening to the music in my head, keeping my legs moving to the beat, distracted from other stimuli that may be telling my brain to slow down or quit.
SH: How do you manage to sustain your high level of training and remain injury-free?
AR: Since I only started with track a little over a year ago I have not been in high level training for an extended amount of time. I also don’t have the time to put more than 85 miles a week (and usually only 70) so my legs don’t get the pounding from mileage that most elite runners are putting their bodies through.
I also make sure to rest after races. A lot of elites like to get back out the day after a race and go running to see how their bodies feel. I took two days off after the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly half and two weeks off after the marathon! Resting your legs is key to staying injury-free.
SH: What has been the biggest challenge in training for the Trials?
AR: Learning the mental aspect to racing. I understand how to build strength and endurance with racing and long tempo runs, but have just recently discovered what it means to "get into the game." It’s not only being competitive, but being smart about racing and knowing how to push yourself to limits that might be very uncomfortable to maintain during a race. I have to remind myself, no matter how stressed my body may feel during a race, no matter the urge to slow down or stop, I will make it to the end. Training for a marathon is as much a mental as it is physical challenge.
SH: What is your favorite workout?
AR: The hard ones, 10 x 800 meters at near-race pace. These build strength and it’s a good workout to predict your racing potential. Next, I would say the long runs with embedded tempo to build endurance. Both are necessary to maintain a well-rounded training program.
SH: At the end of the day, what inspires or motivates you to train and compete at such a high level?
AR: The support and encouragement from my friends, family, and coach. I can’t help but try to race at my very best and see where I can take my running career. Each new race is an adventure, to see how far I have come and what I can do to improve. A lot has happened in a year’s time, just think what could happen in the next few months.
I am motivated by those around me; I have many friends now in the running circuit, talented women runners, who motivate me every day to achieve new goals. Inspiring athletes such as Kara Goucher and Kim Smith are what make the rest of us determined to set higher standards for women in the global running community.
SH: What made you decide to join the military and, more specifically the Navy?
AR: I was considering joining the military during my undergrad training, but didn't pursue the obligation until I was in dental school. I knew I wanted to travel and focus on humanitarian relief projects, which is easier to accomplish as a military officer compared to the civilian sector. I researched the possibilities and was enthusiastic about what I read in regards to the work done with the Navy’s hospital ships (Mercy and Comfort). I would love at some point to be involved with the humanitarian assignments with either one. The Navy was also very good with explaining the overall mission and flew me down to San Diego to tour some of their clinics.
It is clear that this young Naval officer has a lot on her plate between her dental residency and training for the Trials. Though her first obligation is to fulfill her residency and remain an active participant in the Dental Corps, running in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that she certainly doesn’t want to miss. Rice admits that it will take some creative efforts to meet both commitments. I am certainly excited for her, as I am for all our Armed Forces athletes competing in the Trials in January. I can’t wait to go to Houston and cheer them all on in person.
Sue Himes works at the U.S. Department of State. Since 2003, she has been a member of the all-Navy teams for both the marathon and cross country. Her resume includes 19 marathons (2:57 PR) and one Ironman Triathlon (Hawaii 1995). She lives in the DC area with her four children and husband.