We caught up with Ivy Walker before this weekend's big meet at Jesuit-Sheaner Relays. Walker is competing in several events including the 100mH and long jump.
Texas MileSplit: You're entered in a lot of events this weekend, which one are you looking forward to most, and why?
Ivy Walker:Ivy Walker: I'm looking forward to Long Jump and Hurdles the most, because for the past few weeks of competing I've been able to progress in both event more then I would have Imagined so early in the season. For Hurdles I've already hit my goal so now I'm setting a new one. & for Long Jump I'm right by my seasons best from last year.
Texas MileSplit: Which event is going to be the biggest challenge for you, and why? Which one is your favorite and why?
Ivy Walker: My most challenging event will be triple jump. It's more of a mental game for me than physical so I just need to get out there,get my mind right, and do what I've been practicing then I'll be just fine. My favorite event.... I'm honestly torn between hurdles and long jump. As of right now I'll say that hurdles is my favorite because I've come such a long way in a short period of time. And I feel like I'm not even at my peak yet so I still have room for improvement.
Texas MileSplit: Do you talk with Alexis Duncan or any of the other girls in the state who run your events? If so how has the conversation been after TX girls represented well in the hurdles at New Balance? If not what's it going to be like facing off against some of the best in the country in the 100mH?
Ivy Walker:Unfortunately I don't really talk on the regular basis with any of the other hurdle girls in TX, but it would be cool to start. After the New Balance meet I did send Tonea a text saying Congrats on that National Record because she showed out and did amazing. But I think that its going to be great to be able to run with some of the best in the country because its going to push me and hopefully put me at the top in the Nation as well.
Texas MileSplit:How are you preparing for this meet? Are you doing anything different? What are some of your workouts this week?
Ivy Walker:The way that I'm preparing for this meet is by changing my diet and my eating habits. To eating healthier, drinking more protein, and water to keep my energy up. This meet, since it's more selective I'll be focusing more on my individuals. As in triple jump,long jump and , hurdles so that I can make sure that I'm staying consistent on the runway and over the hurdles. My coach has me working on my speed and my technique for is next couple of days. 5. For this meet my goal in the 100 hurdles is to go below 13.7. In long jump it's to go over 19'10 or final or hit that 20' that I've been working for. In Triple it's to be consistent and get on the board and get some good marks put up. And since I'm also on a relay its to be there for my team and pull my weight.
Texas MileSplit: What's your goal for this weekend?
Ivy Walker: For this meet my goal in the 100 hurdles is to go below 13.7. In long jump it's to go over 19'10 or final or hit that 20' that I've been working for. In Triple it's to be consistent and get on the board and get some good marks put up. And since I'm also on a relay its to be there for my team and pull my weight.
