Upload a Photo Upload a Video Add a News article Write a Blog Add a Comment
Blog Feed News Feed Video Feed All Feeds

Folders

 

 

Catching Up with Stephanie Bruce - U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon 2020

Published by
U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon   Feb 26th 2020, 4:14am
Comments

Flagstaff-Based Veteran Ready to Challenge for Olympic Berth in Atlanta

By Scott Bush

Two performances in 2019 showcased just how well Stephanie Bruce is running.

Bruce, 36, won the USATF Half Marathon Championships over Sara Hall and Emma Bates, two of the top women entered in Saturday's race in Atlanta, while running a new PR of 1:10:44.

Bruce's second performance came at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, where she finished sixth overall in 2:27:47, setting a personal best in the event by nearly two minutes and showing she is among the best marathoners in the United States. 

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon marks a big opportunity for the HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite runner and she's put in the work to make a serious run at top three in Atlanta.

As your race comes into view, how have you attacked this training block differently compared to past marathon build-ups? 

Stephanie Bruce (SB): I have had my teammates Kellyn and Aliphine for this build-up, which was the first time the three of us were together. It's been fun, challenging, and one of the harder training blocks we have ever done.

What sort of scouting have you and your teammates done to be as prepared as possible for the Trials course? Any trips out to Atlanta? 

SB: A few of us went out to Atlanta in November for the official course preview and ran 18 miles on the course so we gathered a fairly good assessment of it's challenges. I think it is a grinder's course and we don't know what it's going to do to people.

There is the physical build-up to the Trials and then the mental build-up. How have you been preparing yourself mentally for a race that is completely different than every other marathon you have run? 

SB: Having run four Olympic Trials before, this will be my second Marathon Trials, I understand the pressure and the heightened activity that goes into a race like this. I am busy with my kids and things to do before I leave, so I've been able to distract myself fairly well. Although, yes, there are moments where thoughts begin to creep into your head and you visualize race day. But I remind myself this is the fun part.

Over the past few seasons, it seems as though you just keep taking positive steps forward. What do you attribute your consistency and durability to over the past three years or so? 

SB: The biggest contributing factor for me has been staying healthy. I haven't missed more than one or two days off from running (outside of a planned break) for about four years, so that's been very pivotal. I get therapy 2-3 times per week, including massage and chiro work, on top of strength and conditioning that our team does weekly. My mental approach has shifted as well and I am more willing to take risks and not limit my potential.

Your husband Ben is a very accomplished athlete, as well. How do you two balance each other when it comes to races like the Olympic Trials? 

SB: I think Ben and my careers have flip-flopped in a way where we had his best years from 2009-2013 and I was still trying to figure some things out on my end. Then I took a break to have our family and he was the solo provider so I think that fueled his running in the later years knowing he was supporting his family.

Now that I have made a comeback post babies he has seen my potential and really just offered his support in a selfless manner that has allowed me to focus all my attention on training and racing.

You and your teammate Kellyn Taylor are both considered amongst the favorites in Atlanta, putting you on very similar ground. How have you two supported each other throughout the build-up to the Trials and how might you support each other on race day? 

SB: I wouldn't say I am a favorite, and don't forget our teammate Aliphine. Kellyn is much more accomplished in the marathon than me, so she should be mentioned. The three of us have run almost every step together this build-up and it has been crucial in our success getting to the start line healthy and fit. I think we will have the comfort of one another out on the race course if we find ourselves next to each other.

When the going gets tough in a race, do you have a mantra you come back to that keeps you focused and positive in thought? 

SB: Anything Rocky Balboa. "I'm still standing, I ain't breathing heavy, ain't so bad, ain't so bad."

With the race within sight, how do you stay sharp during your taper, both mentally and physically? 

SB: Truthfully I don't do that well in the taper. I kind of lose my mind, but I am reminded I have done this many times before and it's always the same feeling so I take comfort in knowing that. Also my boys keep me sharp during this time since they just want to play games.

Watch Stephanie race Saturday, February 29 at 12pm ET in Atlanta, as she attempts to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. View the race live on NBC and NBC Sports Gold.



More news

History for U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon
YearResultsVideosNewsPhotosBlogs
2024 1 22 12 188  
2023     1    
2022   1 2    
Show 15 more
 
+PLUS highlights
+PLUS coverage
Live Events
Get +PLUS!