Libby Jenke (Heritage TC/Menlo School)
Top 800m Runner - Interview
2/8/2005

Dave Casper Photo - Jenke wins Heat - State prelims 2004

A fine runner-up in last year's State Track Meet in the 800 meters at 2:10.97, Libby Jenke (Menlo School-CCS) ranks as among the top twenty returnees in the entire nation for the two lap event outdoors. This winter she ranks an impressive #2 nationally "under-cover" off her 2:12.86 800m win in the Silver State Invitational in Reno late January for the Heritage TC. With such an impressive start to her senior year track season we were pleased that the Central Coast Section star took a few minutes out to answer some questions we had for her. It seems like she has paid the price and will continue to so that she can achieve some of the goals she has set out for herself, with it looks like a challenging task ahead for the other fine group of two-lappers statewide to wrest that top step on the State Meet Awards stand away from this Central Coast Section star! There are going to be some great two lap contests this coming spring!

1) How fast did you expect to run at Reno this past weekend? (did you have a goal or pace in mind)

I expected to run around the time that I did. I wanted to start the season around where I ended last season, so I'm very happy with my time.

2) How had your training been going lately, and did you expect to run so fast off what you had done?

My training had been going very well. My times and improvement during practice made me confident that I would be able to run a good time in Reno.

3) What kind of a springboard motivation-wise was the way that the 2004 spring track and field season ended for you as you looked to 2005?

I'm very happy about my 2004 track season-I improved so much from the previous year. I know that I have faster times coming, and it's exciting to look back at my improvement last year and know that even better things are coming this year.

4) What areas of your preparation or racing at the 800 meter distance do you particularly wish to improve this coming track season (besides obviously running significantly faster!)?

I want to continue to work on race distribution.

5) What other ways do you spend your time in addition to running?

School takes up a lot of my time. I enjoy studying history and government, and I'm involved in the
politics club at school. In my free time, I like to listen to jazz and play jazz piano, read mystery
novels, and spend time with my friends and family.

6) What other sports activities did you play while you were growing up?

I did gymnastics for about six years when I was young. After that, I did a number of sports: soccer, basketball, swimming, and in middle school, track and cross country.

7) Any goals for the coming season you would like to share?

My goal is to compete among the best high school middle distance runners in the country.

8) What tips would you have for someone new to the sport who is just taking up the 800 meters for the first time this season?

I think it's important to set goals and have a plan to acheive them. And, have confidence in yourself-don't let self doubt hold you back from accomplishing your best.

-Libby Jenke