Allyson Felix is a two-time Olympian and a winner of gold and silver medals. Following yet another successful season on the track, including two first-place finishes at the World Championships in Berlin, Allyson sat down to answer some questions about her life as a professional runner on the international stage.
Snapshot
- Age: 24
- Home base: Santa Clarita, California
- Occupation: Professional runner
- Family: Her father (Paul) is an ordained minister and seminary professor; her mother (Marlean) is an elementary school teacher; and her brother (Wes) is a world-class sprinter himself
- PRs: 100 meters (10.93); 200 meters (21.81); 400 meters (49.70)
- Leg press: 700 lbs — not too shabby considering that her high school teammates called her chicken legs!
Notable Accomplishments
- Gold medalist in the 200 meters and 4x400-meter relay at the
2009 World Championships in Berlin
- The first woman to win three consecutive World Championships (2007–2009)
- Gold medalist in the 4x400-meter relay at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing
- Two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters
(2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing)
- Five-time champion in the 200 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- Champion and world-record holder in the 200 meters at the 2004 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships
- Champion in the 200 meters at the 2003 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships
- Five-time California state prep champion (three times in the 100 meters and twice in the 200 meters)
Q: With all that you’ve accomplished in your running career, what stands out to you?
Allyson: Winning a silver medal when I was 18 years old at the 2004 Olympics is very special to me. It was amazing to go to the Olympics for the first time and to represent my country. The whole experience was definitely life changing, and I took away so many memories from it. That’s something I will never forget.
Q: How and at what age did you get into the sport?
Allyson: I started running track when I was 14 years old in high school. I was at a new school and I thought it would be a good way to meet new people. My older brother was also running on the track team, and I've always tried to keep up with him in anything he does, so naturally I decided to go out for the team.
Q: You are characterized as the world’s dominant 200-meter runner. How did you work your way up to be the best? Describe getting that first win that put you on the map.
Allyson: Everything clicked for me in 2003 when I was a senior in high school. I was racing and winning against professionals and I made the World Championship team that year. After that, I decided that I would turn professional while continuing with school. I really dedicated myself to track and made a lot of sacrifices. Success wasn't immediate, but gradually I got better, and that’s how I got here.
Q: What do you think makes you so successful?
Allyson: First, I know that I am blessed. God has given me a gift to run, and I just want to glorify Him and bless others. I also work extremely hard in training. Finally, having the drive and desire to achieve my very best helps me.
Q: What do you love about running?
Allyson: I love being able to line up against the very best athletes in the world. I thrive on the competition, and it’s so much fun for me!
Q: What’s most difficult about the sport, and how do you deal with that?
Allyson: Training can definitely be a struggle at times. But when I'm having a hard time, I focus on my goals and what I want to accomplish. It’s not always easy, but that’s what helps me to push through.
Q: How are nutrition and hydration important to your ability to train?
Allyson: They are both vital to training and competing. When I was new to the sport, I remember not being able to finish workouts because I hadn't eaten properly. I was lacking the energy and strength to make it through. Now I know how important nutrition and hydration are, and that I need to take care of my body.
Q: Could you describe a typical day of training?
Allyson: A typical day of training begins with about a 1-hour warm-up on the track, consisting of jogging, drills, and stretching. Then we begin the main part of the workout where we work on tempo runs, speed endurance, or sprinting. Whatever we do, it’s always sure to be challenging and can last anywhere from 1 to 2½ hours. After that, we'll do a cooldown and more stretching. The last part of the workout is in the weight room. This usually lasts another 2 hours and consists of Olympic lifts. With all this training, I burn a lot of calories, so I have to make sure that I take in around 2,500–3,000 calories every day. I always start the day with a solid breakfast, and to refuel immediately after workouts I always eat a PowerBar
® Performance Energy bar. I follow that up with a big lunch with plenty of protein, and later I have a large dinner. To stay hydrated, I always have a water bottle with me.
Q: How about for an actual race — what’s your typical regimen?
Allyson: For a big meet, I eat about 2–3 hours before I race. I bring lots of Performance Energy bars to snack on if it is going to be a long day. I also make sure to have lots of protein and fruit, and I constantly drink water to stay hydrated.
Q: Do you do anything in particular after a race to reward yourself?
Allyson: I’m pretty disciplined during the racing season. But at the very end of the year, when I'm finished with all of my competitions — like right now — I splurge and eat all of my favorite foods and sweets!
Q: What is your favorite PowerBar® product?
Allyson: Peanut butter-flavor Performance Energy bars are my absolute favorite! I love eating them right after workouts. I'm a pretty picky eater and I've been a fan of these bars since my high school days.
Q: What words of advice do you have for up-and-coming endurance runners?
Allyson: Dedicate yourself. Surround yourself with great people, and train with friends. And finally, remember to have fun while running!
Q: What goal is on the horizon?
Allyson: My goal is to make it back to the Olympics in 2012. I would love to make that team, have an outstanding performance, and get that gold medal.
So my focus is on training and continuing to run my best.
You can find out more about Allyson at allysonfelix.com. Also, if you’re interested in knowing about other PowerBar® Team Elite™ athletes or how you can join the ranks, click on the Team Elite link at PowerBar.com.
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