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Ask A Ute: Cross Country's Alyssa Abbott
10/12/2010 12:00 AM | Cross Country
Oct. 12, 2010
UtahUtes.com's weekly chat is designed to get Utah fans interacting with Ute student-athletes. Simply email your questions on any topic you choose to askaute@gmail.com Thursday through Sunday of each week. This week's featured student-athlete is Alyssa Abbott (cross country).
After being screened by athletic department personnel, the best questions and the student-athletes' responses will be posted along with your name and hometown at UtahUtes.com on Tuesday each week and will also be included in the weekly Ute Update.
From John in Salt Lake City:
What was it like to fight through injury to compete in the NCAA Championships in 2008?
"Competing through injury is not only physically taxing but mentally challenging as well. Throughout the season, I experienced a lot of self-doubt and had very low confidence in myself. In preparation for the NCAA Championships, I began working with a sport psychologist on self-talk strategies. During races, I learned to essentially talk myself out of feeling pain. I was also lucky to have teammates and family who believed in me and my ability to compete through injury. Their support really helped me finish the season on a high note."
From Jan in Preston, Idaho:
What did you do to improve during your redshirt year last season?
"I redshirted last year to ensure that I made a full recovery following my knee injury and subsequent surgery the previous spring. I was able to slowly build my mileage back to where I wanted it and get all of my strength back before the indoor track season."
From Rachel in Des Moines, Iowa:
What is it like to run for Coach Kepler?
"Coach Kepler is an amazing coach. He has always provided individualized attention and training plans tailored to my specific needs. He finds the positive in any situation and has always helped me do the same. Even while injured, he has always helped me look to the future and keep my eyes on my goals. His support and optimism has definitely helped me get through times of injury or other disappointments."
From Tom in Taylorsville:
What is the most difficult thing about training for a race?
"The most difficult thing about training for a race is developing confidence and the right mindset to race well. I have found that while the physical training is often excruciating, the mental aspect of training is just as difficult. My worst races have always been those that I wasn't focused for or didn't feel confident rather than not being physically ready. I have learned over the last few years that the mind is a powerful tool but a difficult one to implement at times."
From Ann in Ogden:
What kind of advantages will you and your teammates have in competing at NCAA Regionals at Rose Park?
"Competing at Rose Park is definitely something we are looking forward to. We are excited to have the support of our friends, family and the entire university. It will be great to have so many fans there to cheer us on and it will be nice to sleep in our own beds the night before!"
Next week's featured student-athlete for Ask A Ute will be Derek Adams of the golf team. Send your questions for Derek between now and Sunday, Oct. 17, to askaute@gmail.com.
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