Track and Field Blogs - Jenny Barringer

I was listening to a mix of music this afternoon and on it is Jack Johnson's "Breakdown." Recently that song strikes a chord with me. The lyrics talk about a train rushing through town and how he needs "this old train to break down" so he can take a look around. I kind of feel like this entire experience of being at the training camp (which wasn't mandatory) and being in the Olympics is a bit like that speeding train. The scenery is so beautiful and it's a thrilling experience but it's all rushing by. If only time could just break down for a few moments and I could just absorb it all fully. I know I'm going to get back to Boulder in a few weeks and wonder how it all happened so quickly. Anyway, I mention this because tomorrow I'm leaving training camp to go into Beijing. Opening Ceremonies is on the 8th and I'm not going to miss the opportunity to walk. I'm also staying through the entire Games and will return after Closing Ceremonies.

I had a workout on the track today. Last one before I go into Beijing. It went really well and I'm feeling more confident every day in the fact that I'm here in the first place and will be ready to race. The women's steeple doesn't have much of a history compared to many other events. Those of us that are blessed enough to be here, Anna, Lindsey, and myself, are writing the history books. I feel very honored to be in this position but also a bit of responsibility to put my best foot forward and give all future female steeplers a respectable starting point.

I'll be anxious to get into Beijing, settle there, and get in my last few training runs. Obviously, I'll taper several days out. I haven't spent more than a few hours in Beijing yet so I can't really speak on my experience with the pollution or smog. Even when I am there though, the appearance of "smog" in what is typically a very humid place, is pure speculation from someone like me. I hesitate to make any comment really for two reasons. First, I'm no expert on pollution and I'm surrounded by environmental experts in Boulder, so I know I'm not one of them! (By the way, someone wanted to know, I'm a political science and economics major). And second, I want to give the Chinese an opportunity to put on the best Olympics possible. If I already have made up my mind that they're going to do a wonderful or terrible job then I think those preconceived judgments would distract or completely limit my experience. I hope for China, for the athletes, spectators and for myself that they pull off the most amazing Olympics yet!

No matter what I find in the next weeks, I fully expect my train-cart to rush through far too quickly for my liking. So, while I can, I'll take it all in and share it the best I can with all of you!

Last note... I want to cover a few questions every day if I can...

1. I don't count calories

2. I traveled over here with peanut butter :)

3. Some of my favorite foods are fish (especially salmon! yum!) Avocados (avocado, tomato, and mozzarella cheese sandwich!) and ever since I was young my dad always kept mixed nuts around the house for snacks. Love those almonds and cashews!

4. I usually like to eat at least 2 hours before a hard workout or race. I think that's pretty typical.