A chat with Sarah Haskins

April 25, 2008

Sarah Haskins narrowly missed taking the automatic qualification spot at the 2008 US Olympic Trials in Tuscaloosa, AL, but put herself in a good position to be considered for the final slot. She talked to Slowtwitch about racing, training and a variety of other topics.

ST: Sarah, Tuscaloosa was so close. Can you talk to us how the race went for you and what would have had to happen for you to take the win?

Sarah: The race field was small, but it was intense. All eleven athletes were competing with the same goal; to earn the Olympic slot. My goal was to push the swim and have a small pack up front on the bike and it turned out to be a smaller group that was able to push the pace and work well together. The race did come down to a run and as it turned out, the fastest runner of the day took the spot, Julie Ertel. She had a great run and I was not able to match her speed. Looking back, I can always analyze what I could have done differently, and I would have liked to try to attack on the bike and stay away, but I decided during the race to conserve as much energy for the run as possible.

ST: You still are very much in a good position to make the Olympic team. Will you do anything different to prepare for Hy-Vee?

Sarah: My main goal since the start of the season is to get on the 2008 Olympic Team. I am in a good position to make the team; however, I do not want to let my guard down. If I had made the team in Tuscaloosa, I really don’t think I would have changed my training much leading up to Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee is a very competitive World Cup and I would have placed a lot of focus and preparation on that race even if I was already on the team. However, now that Hy-Vee is the race to secure that spot, my focus will be even more critical headed into the event.

ST: What else is on schedule for you for 2008?

Sarah: I am planning on racing mostly within North America this year and focusing on qualifying for the Olympic Team. I am racing the St. Anthony’s triathlon this weekend and ITU World Championships in June (two weeks before Hy-Vee). In July, I am planning on doing some non-drafting races in the Lifetime Fitness Series (Minneapolis and New York). Post Olympics (if qualified), I will be racing Elite Nationals in September, Dallas in October and finish off the year with some ITU world cups in Mexico.

ST: Can you describe what you do in a week of training?

Sarah: A typical week of training varies depending on the time of year. During racing season, a week will consist of 6 swims/week ranging from 3.5-5K (3 sessions with intensity). I usually ride 4-5 rides/week with easy spins equaling 60 minutes and longer rides up to three hours. At least two rides a week include intensity. Running is also 5-6 times a week with 3 sessions of intensity. My easy runs are 30 minutes and my longer runs are up to 90 minutes. (I also usually do at least one brick per week).

ST: What sports did you take part when you grew up?

Sarah: I began swimming on a summer swim team at age 5 and started swimming year round on the Parkway Swim Club at age 9. I remained very involved with swimming throughout high school. I also was involved in gymnastics for a short period of time before I became really involved with swimming. I played tennis during the summer months and began running in junior high and started running more seriously in high school.

ST: Who inspired you to get involved with triathlon?

Sarah: Watching the triathlon in the 2000 Sydney Olympics really inspired me to think about giving triathlon a shot down the road. I loved the variety and balance the sport offers. My family was also extremely supportive in helping me get involved in the sport.

ST: Your support crew in Tuscaloosa was very visible and vocal. Did you notice them during the race?

Sarah: I definitely noticed everyone before the race! My aunt made T-shirts for everyone expressing their support. I did hear my family cheering me on, but I am also so focused during the race… a lot is blocked out.

ST: Do you have a favorite race, and if so, what is it?

Sarah: This is a tough question, because there are so many great races. I was very impressed with Tuscaloosa this past weekend for several reasons; the race course had a great flow and variety of terrain, the community was extremely supportive, and the landscaping was beautiful. My favorite country I have visited is New Zealand. The people there are so friendly and the country is breathtaking.

ST: What is going on for you in terms of sponsorships?

Sarah: I have many great and supportive sponsors. Currently I am working with Blue, Speedo, Newton, Rudy Project, Power Bar, Zipp, Sampson, Blue Seventy, ISM Adamo saddles, Campos Creative Works and USA Triathlon. I also have a sponsor from my hometown who has been supporting me from my start in triathlon, John Lynch of ShowMe Cables. John not only helped me with my first bike, but he also spent the summer of 2003 teaching me how to ride a bike.

ST: Do you follow any other sports?

Sarah: I do like to watch swimming and running. I also keep tabs on the St. Louis Cardinals and fill out a bracket for the NCAA March Madness!

ST: What is your favorite and least favorite food?

Sarah: My least favorite food—beets!!
Favorite—-ice cream (desert) food (pizza)

ST: Could you share with us what the last book was you read?

Sarah: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle…
My favorite recent book was My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

ST: What about music, what do you like?

Sarah: I enjoy most music, especially country. I am also a big American Idol fan!

ST: Have you thought about where you see yourself in 5 years?

Sarah: 5 years from now, I will be heading towards the end of my triathlon career. At that point in time, I will have competed in Olympic and 70.3 non-drafting events and world cups. I also have a goal of competing in the 2012 Olympics in London. I will continue tris for a couple more years, but I also will be itching to start a family.

ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?

Sarah: I am very close with my family and enjoy spending as much time with my one year old niece, Sarah Lauck! I love what I do and love competing in triathlons and living a healthy and active lifestyle. One day, I would like to go into coaching and/or teaching (I have a degree in elementary education).
I love to watch movies and watch most reality TV!