For this week's Friday Focus we caught up with Brooks Beast Hannah Fields as she gears up for the FloTrach Throwdown.
Congrats on signing with the Brooks Beast! How has it been making the transition from OBU to running professionally for Brooks?
Thank you! Oh wow, it has been so exciting! When I decided I wanted to pursue running post-collegiately, I honestly did not think any professional groups would be interested in me, so I just feel so humbled and grateful to be a part of the Brooks Beasts. They are an incredible company and the team is filled with people who are inspiring, encouraging, and super fast!
Do you think running for an NAIA school has made a difference in your running career?
Definitely. As a high school runner, I really struggled with being overwhelmed with pressure and fear which made running pretty miserable. Throughout my college career in the NAIA I was surrounded by teammates and athletes from other schools who were passionate about using running to influence others. I learned from these people that running has so much to offer and can be so rewarding when I let go of those stupid fears and unnecessary pressures. I can honestly say that have grown to love this sport and the people a part of it because of the environment that the NAIA creates.
Take us through what going on in your head during qualifying after you got tripped up?
As I was coming down the last stretch of the 1500 in the prelims at USAs I felt so good! I knew I had enough left to make a strong kick and truly believed I could qualify for the finals. The next thing I knew I was stumbling, doing everything I could not to face plant. It felt like it was happening in slow motion as I watched the field distance themselves from me. When I crossed the finish line I was in shock, feeling like I had been robbed of my opportunity to make it to the finals. I just kept thinking that there was no way that just happened. I called my husband and my brother and my dad just so upset and pretty angry to be honest. I have such an awesome family though, and they just kept telling me to remember that everything happens for a reason, to use this as a learning experience, and to remember that in the grand scheme of things that this really is not that big of a deal and life goes on. By the time I had calmed down, my coach from OBU, Coach Mastin, came up to me and told me the race was protested and I got into the finals. Once again, I was in shock and I didn't believe him at first. After that I felt like I needed to prove that I truly deserved to be in that final, which didn't really pan out, but I will be back out there again!
Describe your fondest race memory.
My fondest race memory was the last meet of my senior year that OBU hosted. I ran a PR in the 800, but what made the day so great was some of my teammates who were about to graduate qualified for Nationals for the first time ever. It was very emotional because they had worked so hard for so long and it finally paid off!
If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.
I would go run with some friends, then I would just bake and read the rest of the day. Pretty boring.
Describe your favorite workout.
I love 200 repeats because you get to go fast!
What drew you to race at the first ever FloTrack Throwdown?
The FloTrack Throwdown is such a cool opportunity to grow the sport. I can't wait to run in the exciting meet environment that lets people see how awesome track is! Also, I am always game for anything where good food is involved!
There is going to be a different way of compensating athletes (at the Throwdown) what is your take on that?
I think it's awesome! FloTrack is so innovative and I think this new way of fans contributing to the prize purse is such a cool idea to allow them to feel more a part of the experience.
Dinner with 3 (living or dead) who and why?
My husband because he is the greatest person I have ever met. Jimmy Fallon because he is hilarious. Jennifer Lawrence because she is also super funny.
What is your cross training regimen?
I usually will do the elliptical for 45 minutes to an hour, then swim for 15 to 30 minutes.
What is your main goal for this summer?
To learn more about running! It sounds kind of silly, but after being around some of the professional runners at my last few races I realized I have so much to learn. Part of that pertains to the physical side of the sport, like my form and recovery methods. Also, I want to learn more about the mental and emotional aspect of running because these women I have raced against are so tough and courageous.
If you could give one piece of advice to any runner, what would it be and why?
My advice would be to find what makes running joyful to you, whether that be striving towards a PR, living a healthy lifestyle, or getting to know the great people in the running world.
What does racing/training look like for you in the next 6 months?
I am for sure racing in the FloTrack Throwdown and the GNC Liberty Mile in Pittsburg. I have been training hard a lot longer than I am used to since I ran cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, and summer post-collegiate races. That being said, decision about my training/races will be made based on how my body is feeling and responding.