Interview with Stephanie Suggs

When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Stephanie - February 2001, Florida, my parents

Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Stephanie - Both. my mom in Texas during high school, my pop during high school in Florida.

What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Stephanie - 400 Meter dash because I broke the freshman record. I out ran seniors on the team and I believed I did great then but now it make me wish I was a freshman again to perform so much better up to my new abilities.

Do you have a favorite Track venue?
Stephanie - I would have to say it is University of Arkansas because the track is banked

How has your training changed from the off season to the beginning of track?
Stephanie - Training has become longer harder and faster to get the team stronger. Running longer distances more often at faster paces each time has made me stronger than ever.

Can you give us some insight to your training? (i.e. milage, two a days, cross training, and workout samples)
Stephanie - I usually run about 2 miles or more a week, ladders (100, 300, 500,500,300,100) sometimes 6 two hundreds with aerobics training in between each one. Then on Mondays and Wednesdays I work on field event and hurdles.

How would you say your training has been going for you and your team?
Stephanie - Its been great. Everyone is stronger. I have seen lots of improvements from last year out of everyone.

Can you tell us about your injuries this season (if any) and how you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
Stephanie - At the Wolfpack Invitational I landed on some concrete as I was triple jumping and bruised both my ankles badly. Until this day they bother me but with ice and ankle support I stay on the track.

What events are you looking to focus on this on this season.
Stephanie - Triple jump, 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles and the 4 by 400 meter relay

Based on your performances in the 2005 track & field season, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
Stephanie - Only to jump farther and run faster. I am trying to catch up and go beyond my performances that I did before I was injured for the season.

Do you have a specific pre-meet tradition/ritual, individually or as a team?
Stephanie - As a team we have a scrimmage meet called the green and black meet. the whole team is randomly put on a team and we compete against each other as a real meet.

When a race strategy changes from how you planned, how do you react?
Stephanie - I stay focused to my goal and do what is necessary to achieve that goal.

Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field and how did this rival develop?
Stephanie - Ayone that ahead of me by a few split seconds or inches are those I concentrate on defeating first then when I do I move on to the next. but if I had to pick one person I would say Cherice Robertson.

Have you decided on a college? if so where are you going / if not where are you considering?
Stephanie - I top two choices are to go to Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas or University of North Florida in Jacksonville, but if there are any good colleges that would accept me I would go.

What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
Stephanie - My dream is to become a clinical pharmacist and to have a great life. I just want to be successful and repay my parents for everything they have done for me.
Do you have a favorite running book or movie?
Stephanie - no I don't.

What do you see happening with track and field in Tennessee in the future?
Stephanie - I believe that it will become more competitive and exciting in some areas among those who actually enjoy running as much as I do.