Three-Time Olympian Still Running Strong

By Scott Bush

We're seeing a trend in American distance running, where age plays far less of a factor when it comes to running at the highest of levels. While Bernard Lagat, Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor get plenty of acclaim as they pass the 40 year old mark, another 41-year old is still running extremely well in three-time Olympian Jen Rhines.

We caught up with Rhines recently, discussing her expectations heading into this weekend's .US National 12K, what keeps her running at such a high level, her BAA High Performance team and much more.

Follow Jen: Twitter | USATF Running Circuit Bio | USATF Bio

Scott Bush (SB): The .US National 12K is here and once again the field is strong. How's your fall training been going and what are your expectations heading into the race?

Jen Rhines (JR): I'm really pleased with my late summer and fall training. It's the most consistent training I've done in a very long time.  Heading into last year's race I felt that I was past my peak fitness and beginning to wear down but this year I'm fresh and ready to race.  I'm aiming for a top ten finish.

SB: You're coming off a solid showing at the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. How did the race play out for you and were you happy with the end result?

JR: I came up short of meeting my goal of running a personal best in Philly (1:11:14) but I felt I competed quite well. I put myself in the right positions the first half of the race but simply wasn't fit enough to maintain 1:11 pace the whole way. It was by far my best race since last March and a solid start to the fall season.  

SB: It's been a good year for you, with a half marathon win, making the Team USA cross country team, running at the World Cross Country Championships, etc. As the season draws to a close, how would you grade your season?

JR: I would give myself an "A" for the winter season - my third place at the USATF Cross Country Championships was the first time I placed in the top thiree at a U.S. Championship since 2011. However, in terms of staying healthy, my feet are my weak link and I had some foot trouble in the spring and early summer.

While I wasn't competing at the same level, I wouldn't give myself a "failing" mark because I did a pretty good job of getting the most out of my limited fitness in the races that I ran. I would rate my race in Philly a solid "B" and am looking to improve on that in the next couple of races.

SB: Athletes like yourself, Deena Kastor, Meb Keflezighi, Bernard Lagat and Blake Russell are all performing at a very high level as you mature into your 40s. Why do you think there are more of you having such successful extended careers and what's your secret?

JR: I think there are multiple reasons. I believe if you have a big (but attainable) goal that you're excited about, age isn't a limiting factor. As long as that excitement level is still there the performances will follow.  

Also, in addition to the running, I have always paid attention to the details such as stretching, strengthening, nutrition and proper recovery.  I think developing this as a habit keeps you healthy as you get older. These things become even more important over time when you have years of miles in your legs and the recovery process slows down.  

In terms of actual training I don't try to repeat the workouts that I've done in past. I look at it in terms of "what do I need to do right now to get the most out of myself." I'm fortunate to have Terrence as a coach because he's very creative at tweaking the workouts and strength training to achieve this goal.

SB: You've competed in three separate Olympic Games in three separate events (5k, 10k and marathon). Will you focus in on one event in 2012 as you try to make your fourth Olympic team?

JR: The last two seasons that I had intentions of running the 5k on the track (2013 & 2015) I developed problems with my right foot. Right now I'm planning to run the 10k at the Pacific 10,000m Pursuit on December 6, so that will be a starting point and I'll go from there. But honestly I would be hard pressed to compete with the likes of Shalane, Molly & Emily, who were all top six in the 10,000m in Beijing last summer.

SB: The BAA High Performance team has a group of fairly new pros like Emma Bates, Juliet Bottorff, Emily Lipari and others. What's it like for you to train with athletes who are right at the start of their careers and how much do you view your role on the team as one of a mentor?

JR: When we started the BAA high performance group, I saw my role in the training group shift more from peer to mentor. I enjoy sharing my experiences with the younger athletes and teaching them the nuances of being a professional athlete. I have to think back and remember that when I was finishing college the idea of taking a nap was a foreign concept and I was just learning to stretch properly. I hope that the skills that took me a few years to learn will be developed faster for these athletes in the team setting. And from my own perspective, training with the young athletes keeps me feeling fresh and excited about the sport.