Track Q&A: Izzy Connell
3/27/2016 9:52:00 PM | Track, Competing With Purpose Blog
Izzy Connell is a junior sprinter for the Pepperdine women's track team. She has set four school records this year in the 100, 200 and 400 meters and the 4x400 relay. She talks about what this means to her and what goals she sets for herself going forward:
Q: You've set four school records this year. How does that feel for you?
A: Setting school records has been awesome because my teammates and coaches have constantly been supportive. We have broken the 4x4 relay pretty much every time we have run the event and we are only getting better. The relay is one of the most exciting events to run in and to watch because there is so much commotion happening on the track. You get such an adrenaline rush.
Q: How difficult was it for you to set these records? Was it something you expected from yourself this season?
A: When I started the season, my goal was to hit certain times in the 100, 200 and 400 and the relays. I didn't focus on breaking school records when I trained during the offseason. With each meet, I concentrate on improving my time and breaking a school record is an added bonus.
Q: Given these records,you could now potentially claim the title of the greatest sprinter in Pepperdine's history of women's track. What would that mean to you?
A: It is a great feeling to know that the endless hard work, sacrifices and ice baths paid off in the end. I am humbled to be recognized as a great sprinter but I really owe all my accomplishments to my coaches and my teammates. They allowed me to come back to the team after studying abroad for a year. I definitely could not have gotten where I am now without our sprints coach, Coach V (Venus Jewett). She knows the ins and outs of track better than anyone. She is constantly encouraging me and all of the track athletes to have fun while training hard. We all love and appreciate the time and effort she puts in on a daily basis to make us better. I can easily say that Coach V is by far the best coach I have ever had and the best sprints coach Pepperdine has ever had.
Q: Given that you just got back into track after studying abroad all last year, how were you able to come back so fiercely and more competitive than ever?
A: I have been competing since middle school, so being abroad gave me a much-needed mental and physical break from track. When I came back, I found a renewed passion and love for the sport. Not being able to compete for a year made me more focused at practice and more driven to compete to the best of my ability. Instead of having the mentality of running to beat other people, my mindset changed to enjoying training and racing because it's fun.
Q: What do you do to prepare for your track meets?
A: During the bus ride to the meet, I listen to country music and look up dessert places to eat at after we finish the meet. I keep a positive mindset and focus on my first race. It's easier to take each race one at a time instead of thinking about running four races in four hours. I like to be completely calm before I get behind the blocks to start my races, so I close my eyes and visualize crossing the finish line in the time that I set for myself.
Q: Now that you've set four school records, what other goals do you have going forward?
A: We will break the 4x100 record! We have three more meets this season and we have been working our butts off to break this record and it is going to happen before the end of the season. Also, I want to continue improving in the 100 and the 200.
Q: What in your opinion makes someone a good sprinter or how can they train to become one?
A: I believe a great sprinter is someone with a fierce attitude who is confident in their abilities.They give their all at practice and at meets. A great sprinter will put in the extra time and work to gain a competitive edge over others. At the end of a meet regardless of the results, a great sprinter will come back to practice on Monday ready to put in work. I think great sprinters don't dwell on past achievements because they constantly strive to improve.
Q: What motivates you to do well at all your meets?
A: Our team is always supportive and endlessly encouraging. My teammates really motivate me to work hard at practice. My teammates are the definition of Division I athletes because they are disciplined, they show up early to practice ready to start,they have a positive mindset even when they are out of breath and their body hurts, they never complain about the workouts and they constantly push each other to be better.
Q: What thoughts go through your head right before a race?
A: Right before a race, I think about all the hard work I put in to get to this point and I think about all the people who are rooting for me. It might be cheesy but I always say out loud, "I can do this" and hearing that calms me down and gives me confidence when I walk up to the start.
Q: What do you love about running track?
A: I love track because of the competition, not against others but against yourself. Track isn't about beating other competitors and finishing first, it's about competing against your best times. I race the clock always aiming to better my time. I love track because it constantly keeps me striving to be the best I can be.
Q: Do you think track and running will be something you'll pursue or still integrate into your daily life after Pepperdine?
A: Running will definitely be a part of my daily life after I graduate. It's the best form of exercise and it's fun.
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