Jess Lawrence
Thanks to Amanda Miller for helping come up with some great interview questions for the athletes on this page.
I was born in Detroit, MI in 1975 and grew up in Tucson, AZ. I have played soccer since I was 5 years old. I went to college at the University of Arizona and played soccer for their club team. I moved to Scottsdale, AZ after I graduated from college and also spent three years in Denver and Fort Collins, CO before coming back to Scottsdale in January 2005.
How did you get started in endurance sports?:
I was one of those kids that could eat anything, but never gain weight. I was always a skinny rail. My metabolism finally started to catch up to me in my mid 20's. I decided to start eating right and get more regular exercise in than my weekly indoor soccer games, so I started running. In the beginning it was to get healthy and lose weight. When I moved back to Arizona in 2005, one of my co-workers talked me into signing up for a 1/2 marathon. I started training and couldn't believe how difficult it was initially. I had this wall getting over 3-4 miles. My co-worker friend, Mitch, gave me some invaluable advice. He told me to just get through the mileage for the day. If I was supposed to go 5 miles, then just keep going until you've done it. That means getting through it, even if you have to walk it. I realized that day that you don't have to sprint in every race. That was the beginning of figuring out how to pace myself depending on the distance. Once I learned that, I got addicted to running. My first 1/2 marathon was excrutiating. I think I finished in 1:53 and I couldn't imagine doing it again. As all you runners know, a few days later, you're thinking about the next race to sign up for.
As far as triathlons go, I was asked to be the runner in an Olympic distance triathlon relay. It was the first triathlon I had ever been too. I fell in love with it that day and realized I had to try it. There was something so intriguing about balancing the three sports. I also loved the technical aspect of how you have to plan so much more to get ready for each of the three disciplines in transition. I haven't looked back since.
What sports do you participate in (other than endurance sports)?
I played soccer all my life. A few years ago, I decided to take some time off of soccer to focus on running and triathlon. It was just getting too frustrating to train all week and then tweak my ankle in a soccer game. Other than that, I played baseball as a kid and in high school and also on a men's hardball team in Phoenix.
What type of distance or race do you consider your specialty?
That's a hard question. As far as running goes, I think 1/2 marathons are my specialty and I really enjoy them. I want to continue running at least one marathon a year though. For triathlons, I would say I'm best at the sprint, but I'm getting better at the olympic distance. I would really like to improve my half-ironman time and possibly someday, complete a full ironman.
What race and/or personal record are you most proud of?
Right now, I would say my 1/2 marathon PR of 1:33 is my best accomplishment. That's about a 7:05 min/mile pace, which is pretty good for me at that distance. Coming in 6th overall and 1st in my age group at the USA Fit Half-Marathon in Houston, TX was another proud moment. It was pretty surreal being in the lead pack the whole time and following bikes that are in front of the leaders. Pretty cool feeling. Just finishing the half-ironman distance is another pretty cool accomplishment. I'm proud of that.
What is your favorite race to compete in and why?
This is a super tough question. I've only done it once but the Tucson Half-Marathon was pretty nice. It's mostly downhill, so you can just fly on that course. The Fiesta Bowl Half-Marathon is a flat fast course and it's in Scottsdale, so that's a favorite. The Lost Dutchman Half-Marathon old course with all the hills was great too. It was hilly and unique, but the scenery kept your mind off everything. As far as triathlons go, I love the Tribal Sprint Triathlon in Lake Pleasant. The water there is great. The bike is super hilly, which sucks, but the run is mostly a trail run. It's known as the hardest sprint triathlon you'll ever do. I'd have to agree with that. Soma Half-Ironman is a special race and has a ton of spectators, which is cool. Ragnar Relay Del Sol holds a special place in my heart too!
What' the craziest thing that's ever happened to you in a race?
Well, in a race, nothing too crazy. I did go a mile off the bike course in a triathlon once. Then, my bike chain popped climbing a hill in the same race. Worst thing to ever happen to me came during an 8 mile training run. This was early in my running days, so I hadn't learned the issue people can have with running and lactose! The night before the run, I had a crazy need for Strawberry Quick milk. I drank a huge glass of it before bed. The next morning, I'm about 3 miles from finishing my run and in a residential neighborhood when it hit me. I seriously had no idea what to do. At one point, I actually considered knocking on a strangers front door to ask to use their bathroom. After about an hour of walking, clenching, walking again...I made it home. Disaster averted!
What's your worst race experience and why?
Ha. Just read my blog titled "Screwed at PF Chang's Marathon". 'Nuff said.
What's the best training or nutritional advice you use?
I would say the advice that Mitch gave me that I talked about above. Whatever your mileage is that you've got as training that day, do it, even if you have to walk through it to finish. Otherwise, I would say stretching is key to staying healthy. Try and eat well, most of the time. I swear by using Fluid as a recovery drink after long workouts.
What team do you race for?
I race for Tribe Multisport in Scottsdale, AZ
How many miles do you log each week?
That totally depends on what I'm training for. If it's a 1/2 marathon, about 30-40 miles per week. If it's a full marathon, between 40-50 miles per week. For triathlons, it depends on the distance too. I generally do Olympic distance triathlons with one half-ironman a year. For an Olympic distance triathlon, I'll typically do about 25 miles a week running, about 60 miles per week on the bike and around 6000 meters per week swimming and strength training 2-3 times per week.
Do you prefer to train alone or in a group?
I actually like both. I regularly do the weekly run on Tuesdays and rides on Thursdays with Tribe Multisport. I also like to do bike/run brick workouts with my friend Vance on the weekends when we are training for longer triathlons. Otherwise, I also enjoy the solitude of training alone.
