Jenn Suhr is “relaxed and learning to let go”

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.diamondleague.com/News/NewsA ... plate=News


Suhr is “relaxed and learning to let go” – Samsung Diamond League

Jenn Suhr
2 July 2010 - Eugene, Oregon - On 27 June in Des Moines, Iowa, onlookers seating near the Pole Vault area fervently clapped to encourage Jen Suhr as she attempted to be the second woman in history after Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva to clear the 5m mark.

What may have then seemed as a usual instance for Pole Vault aficionados really represented a unique moment. “It was my first time asking for the crowd,” confessed a smiling Suhr who will compete in the Prefontaine Classic – Samsung Diamond League here in Eugene on Saturday (3).

“I was so tired that it came naturally for me to do so even though I had never done it before in my career. I am learning how to let go and be more relaxed now.”

More than witnessing a stunning world season leading jump over 4.89m, spectators at Drake Stadium had just encouraged and applauded a rejuvenated athlete. “I was happy to compete as it felt as if I had been away from competition for a long time,” she said.

After a frustrating year 2009 spent battling a lingering Achilles tendinitis in her take off leg, the 28-year-old modified her physical and mental preparation to regain the second spot in her discipline.

Olympic silver medallist in Beijing and second best athlete of all-times behind Isinbayeva, Suhr adjusted her training to avoid putting too much pressure on her tendons.

“My coach (Rick Suhr, who is also her husband) and I incorporated more gymnastics and less plyometric exercises. I already had a bit of gymnastic in my routine, but I am now doing new drills,” she said. This newly implemented regimen started during her indoor season and carries on today. “I am still sore after some exercises,” she said laughing, but this is the year to do that. My workload is not as rigid as before.”

Suhr also now practices regular positive thinking. “My husband is a wrestler and he talks with me a lot about the power of the mind, telling me to stay positive.”

The quintuple national outdoor Pole Vault champion (2006-2010), who admitted to being concerned about walking up a hill before a competition fearing sudden lactic acid increase and fatigue build-up, now sees the same walk as a way to jump start her warm-up.

“I am now more relaxed. I am still working on it but I am better at looking at the positive. Discussions with my husband help me a lot.”

Specific gymnastic drills, precise weight exercises, video reviews and technique work now fill her training week. The benefits of her updated regimen were reaped in Iowa as she finished her competition with the third best jump of her career last week.

“I surprised myself there,” she admitted. “I was so excited to compete again and feel the energy of the crowd. The Nationals were a hard meet and we were so proud of my result. It was very special for us.”

In Eugene, where the American established her personal best of 4.92m back in 2008, she may be wearing a neoprene as predicted cooler temperature impacts her leg more substantially. Yet her mental approach shows no signs of precaution. “I know the track here and I am ready to go, ready to continue using my new phases and learning how to let go.”

“I am no longer wearing shoes for fashion but for comfort,” she concluded.

A new athlete indeed.

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.usatf.org/news/view.aspx?DUI ... 2_18_08_11


Jenn Suhr

Q: Did you expect to break the American record in the women's pole vault last week at the USA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines?

A: Not at all. My coach expected it but for me it was unexpected because I kind of like to jump it in practice first before I jump it and I wasn't there yet. I just went with it and I can remember the jump clearly. I jumped like I knew I was going to make it, and I made it and I was excited. That was probably the most I've celebrated for a jump because it wasn't a clean jump, it wasn't a pretty jump but it was a tough jump. Q: There was a lot of wind in that stadium through the week. What was it like during your competition and during that particular jump?

A: We watched the guys finals and they had a tailwind and I couldn't wait to compete, and the next thing you know they switch the pad and we're warming up into a headwind. They kept saying it was going to change and at times it did, and at times it was back to a headwind. It was about being patient and waiting for the wind and knowing how to conserve your energy to wait so that you have the right wind.

Q: Do the conditions at Hayward Field usually suit you well?

A: I wish every field had the same direction of wind every time but it doesn't and you just don't know. The stadium and the crowd are always fantastic, it's just what way is that wind going to blow.

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?A: I think it's to maintain in the competitions and keep jumping tough and try to have more habitual, technical jumps. They've been a little sporadic at times. We watched tape of all my jumps at Nationals and every jump was different and there's no habit yet. I need to get the habit back and the form consistent.

Q: You have the top mark in the world this year and you could be on your way to the #1 world ranking at the end of the year. Is that a goal of yours, and what would it mean to you to achieve it?

A: It would mean a lot for me to get that. It's definitely something that I want, but it's also something I can't push for or sustain any injuries trying to get. It's going to be a play by ear thing the rest of the season.