Samsung Diamond League Ambassador - Allyson Felix

Chat with the three-time World 200m champion

11 August Start time 5:00 PM End time 5:30 PM CET = 16:00 - 16:30 hrs British Summer Time (BST)

Allyson Felix

6 August 2010 – London, UK – We are delighted to announce that our latest webchat with the Samsung Diamond League Ambassadors will take place in London at 1600hrs (British Summer Time) / 1500hrs GMT on Wednesday 11 August, with Allyson Felix.

Felix will be competing at the Aviva London Grand Prix (13th and 14th August) – Samsung Diamond League in London’s Crystal Palace stadium, and has kindly agreed to give up some of her time while in the British capital to answer your questions.

The three-time reigning World 200m champion is the current Diamond Race leader in the 200m and 400m, following second and first place showings respectively in New York and Paris in the 200m and victories in Doha and Eugene over the full lap.

In Stockholm tonight (6), the 24-year-old athlete who is coached by Bob Kersee and is managed by her brother Wes who was himself a World Junior bronze medallist, will race the 200m.

In London, Felix will take on an impressive double as she lines-up in both the 200 and the 400.

THE CHAT IS CLOSED

THANK YOU TO ALLYSON FOR GIVING SO GENEROUSLY OF HER TIME TODAY & THANK YOU ALL FOR SENDING IN SO MANY QUESTIONS & SORRY THERE WAS NOT TIME FOR ALL.

All questions Displaying records 1-37

11.08.2010 - 5:32 PM | by Echaminya Mbarani - Nairobi

do you do both plyometrics and isometrics. Are they effective? do you do long runs in training and are you aiming at the world record by any chance? what do u think is keeping you from getting it coz i know u definitely can!!!!!!!!!

Allyson Felix 5:36 PM I do a lot plyometics which are definitely important for my fast twitch muscles. I do a few long runs but not very many and I hope to keep aiming for records. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING A CHAT WITH ME! I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT TIME!!

11.08.2010 - 5:27 PM | by Cesar Perez - Mexico

Hi Allyson! You made one of your best time in Mexico City. Are you coming back soon?

Allyson Felix 5:33 PM I was actually there visiting earlier this year. It is a very special place to me. There is no longer the same meeting there but I would love to compete there again!

11.08.2010 - 5:29 PM | by Alex Gribanov - Russia, Moscow region

More interestingly, how much and how you rest usually before the competition? Thanks

Allyson Felix 5:32 PM I usually spend the day in my hotel room. I watch movies and just stay off my feet.

11.08.2010 - 5:29 PM | by Siqi Li - China

Hi,Allyson :Really looking forward to seeing you in China！You re the best one!Good luck

Allyson Felix 5:33 PM Hi! Thank you, I love coming to China and hope to be back soon!

11.08.2010 - 5:31 PM | by amanda quispe - peu

what do you think before a race?

Allyson Felix 5:32 PM I run the race in my mind and think about what I need to be doing with technique through the entire race.

11.08.2010 - 5:15 PM | by Dorian powell-harris - atlanta, georgia

Your stride is very long and fluid, How can I increase my stride length?

Allyson Felix 5:29 PM You want to make sure not to increase it over what is natural to you. You can put down marks on the track to try to reach then with each stride. I have extremely long legs and that is the reason my stride is so long.

11.08.2010 - 5:24 PM | by Cesar Perez - Mexico

You are about to get 25 years old. Do you think that you have already achieved the climax as a sprinter, or the best of you is still to come?

Allyson Felix 5:30 PM I really don't think I have. I feel that the next few years will definitely be my best years. I hope that everything will come together in London!

11.08.2010 - 5:13 PM | by Tyler Sipprelle - Camden, NJ

Hi Allyson, I'm a big fan of yours!! What do you think of the junior Jodie Williams? And do you think she will be able to challenge you in the future?

Allyson Felix 5:28 PM I think she is pretty awesome. I actually met her for the first time yesterday. We spent the day together and trained. I think she has a bright future and I look forward to running against her very soon!

11.08.2010 - 5:17 PM | by Siqi Li - China

What's the most important in traning?

Allyson Felix 5:24 PM There are a combination of things. I think focus and effort are huge. To always give 100% and focus on technique as well.

11.08.2010 - 5:05 PM | by Dorian powell-harris - atlanta, georgia

I am a 110 hurdler who is being told by coaches and other athletes that I would make a good 400 hurdler, the problem is that I DO NOT LIKE 400 HURDLES. What advice would you give an athlete who is being told to make a permenant event change?

Allyson Felix 5:26 PM That is always tough. I would encourage you to never give up on what you love and have a passion for. Everyone always tells me that the 400 could be my best event, but the 200 is my favorite. I will never give up the 200 but I do like the challenge of the 400. At least put an effort to learn the race of the 400 hurdles for the challenge, but never give up your true love.

11.08.2010 - 4:42 PM | by J.D. Crook - Keizer

Do you have a boyfriend? Because if you don't you definitely should. ;)

Allyson Felix 5:21 PM How sweet, thank you! And yes I do!

11.08.2010 - 4:42 PM | by @alrick chats - usa

Do some media outlets put unrealistic goals on you because they don't understand track and field?

Allyson Felix 5:21 PM It is a real balance. I always put training first and then I am selective about everything else I choose to participate in.

11.08.2010 - 4:47 PM | by Yelena Yelenina - Ukraine

One more question: what does your normal training session look like: which distances and how many repetitions? Thank you in advance for your answers!

Allyson Felix 5:22 PM It really depends on what time of year it is. I do everything from 600 repeats to block work. I also spend a lot of time in the weight room.

11.08.2010 - 5:00 PM | by Norman Brierley - Wellington, Somerset, UK

I note that you'll be running the 400 metres in London this weekend. Has this been a much greater strain for you as you've stepped up from your normal distance of 200 metres? And do you plan to run 400 metres at the London Olympics?

Allyson Felix 5:19 PM I have always trained from a 400m base so the training wasn't any different. For me the hard part was learning the race. I'm a sprinter and love to go fast, it is tough to be patient!

11.08.2010 - 5:16 PM | by Annie Gardiner - Sydney Australia

Hey Allyson! Do you see yourself competing in Australia in the near future? Thanks & goodluck :)

Allyson Felix 5:18 PM I would love to and I do hope to in the future. I have a very good aussie friend and I do plan to visit her soon!

11.08.2010 - 5:08 PM | by Chris L - New York City

Being that you usually run the duece and the 4, After winning the 100 at the Championships into the negative win, how special was that win for you?

Allyson Felix 5:15 PM It was so much fun! I have always loved the 100 but it has been a difficult event for me. Although it is an off year it was still very special.

11.08.2010 - 5:09 PM | by Dorian powell-harris - atlanta, georgia

How do you know that God is getting the glory from your talent?

Allyson Felix 5:16 PM I believe it is through the way you carry yourself and lead your life. It is the way you act when you lose and when you win. Even when no one is looking it is knowing you are doing things in a way that honor God.

11.08.2010 - 4:55 PM | by Alex Gribanov - Russia, Moscow region

Hi Alison, I'm Alex, 21, and I'm glad you asked, 200 & 400m, what do you like? Very interesting that you pretty thin compared to other rivals, or is it only seems)? Thanks for your reply and I wish you to take in London.

Allyson Felix 5:14 PM I love the 200 but I'm learning the 400 more, which makes it more enjoyable. Yes, I'm very thin which is unique. I just have to know that I am also strong even though it doesn't look that way.

11.08.2010 - 4:59 PM | by Kelly Peters - USA

Hey Allyson! What kind of music you listen to pump yourself up or work out to? :)

Allyson Felix 5:14 PM I love Jay Z and Lil Wayne!

11.08.2010 - 4:47 PM | by J.D. Crook - Keizer

How do you use your faith when it comes to pushing through difficult situations?

Allyson Felix 5:11 PM I put all my faith in God. He is the reason that I run and I just want to glorify Him through my running. I feel like my running and faith go together so well.

11.08.2010 - 4:36 PM | by Mika Suomi - Stockholm

Do you like animals, have any pets. What do you want do after you stop as a runner

Allyson Felix 5:11 PM I love pets. I have a yorkie named Chloe and she is an absolute doll! After my running career I would love to be a teacher.

11.08.2010 - 4:32 PM | by James Jee - Florida

And another please. Wht you prefer 200 or 400?

Allyson Felix 5:09 PM The deuce!! 200 has always been my favorite event. It is my true passion.

11.08.2010 - 4:16 PM | by Daniel James - Mudgee NSW Australia

Where do you see yourself in 20 years time ?

Allyson Felix 5:09 PM I see myself with a family and just enjoying life. I would love to still have a connection with athletics and be giving back to my own community in some way. I would also love to be in a classroom teaching children.

11.08.2010 - 4:22 PM | by Annie Gardiner - Sydney Australia

What sort of cross training do you do?

Allyson Felix 5:10 PM I love to have fun in the off season. I don't consider it trainning but I love to play tennis and roller blade.

11.08.2010 - 4:19 PM | by Anssi Niemipelto - Pori

What do you think is best in athletics? Training, breaking personal records, traveling, seeing people, competitions...

Allyson Felix 5:05 PM Definitely competing. Going against the best athletes in the world is truly amazing and inspiring!

11.08.2010 - 4:23 PM | by Betty B - Birmingham

Are you are Veronica Campbell Brown, Carmelita Jeter etc... good friends? Do any of you sprinters socialise on or off the circuit together?

Allyson Felix 5:06 PM We are definitely friendly competitors. We are all from different parts of the world so we don't really socialize away from the track but all respect each other.

11.08.2010 - 4:18 PM | by BJ Briggs - Durham

What's more important to you a world title or a world record? And would you swap your 3 world 200m golds for 1 Olympic 200m gold?

Allyson Felix 5:05 PM That is a hard question. I have mixed feelings, I think a world title is great because no one can take that away from you. But it would be amazing to be the fastest person in the world in your event ever, only if for a short time. I have also joked before about trading my world titles for an Olympic one, but even though an Olympic gold would be much more important to me I still cherish my silver medals because they took an extreme amount of hard work and they are apart of my journey.

11.08.2010 - 4:15 PM | by Daniel James - Mudgee NSW Australia

What is your favourite training session ?

Allyson Felix 5:02 PM I love to sprint! My all time favorite workout are to run 150's.

11.08.2010 - 4:10 PM | by Annie Gardiner - Sydney, Australia

Does Chloe have a little running outfit?! :)

Allyson Felix 5:01 PM She doesn't....but maybe she should =) She does come to the track with me often and run around.

11.08.2010 - 4:06 PM | by Matt Mooooooney - Sydney, Australia

How do you intend to raise awareness of women's track as a legitimate sport and not just a 'warm up' to the more hyped up male dominated events?

Allyson Felix 4:59 PM That is a tough one. I think one thing that can help are great match up races. I love competing against Veronica Brown. It will always be difficult challenge males for attention but exciting races are a start.

11.08.2010 - 4:08 PM | by Siqi Li - China

Hi,Allyson:I'm ur big fans.And very happy to chat with you.I want to know how to adjust your attitude before the race？

Allyson Felix 5:00 PM To get in the zone I like to play my race over in my mind. I like to listen to music and just get really focused.

11.08.2010 - 4:07 PM | by Annie Gardiner - Sydney, Australia

What are your hobbies outside of athletics?

Allyson Felix 4:59 PM I love to bowl! Also, shopping and reading are great.

11.08.2010 - 3:56 PM | by Annie Gardiner - Sydney, Australia

what's it like being a celebrity?

Allyson Felix 4:56 PM I really don't consider myself a celebrity at all. It is a great feeling know younger people look up to me because I feel like I can give something back.

11.08.2010 - 3:55 PM | by Mathias Bengtsson - Denmark, Copenhagen

Hey Allyson! Im a very huge fan of you! i have a couple of questions. 1. How long is you warmup session, and what do you do? how much do you run, stretch, etc. 2. What do you eat before a morning competition, and/or a later competition?

Allyson Felix 4:57 PM Hi! My warm up usually takes about an hour and a half. I jog, stretch, drill and do sprints. I usually have a normal diet the day of a race and try not to change things very much. After my races I love to splurge and have a great meal.

11.08.2010 - 3:39 PM | by Gene Cherry - Salvo, NC

Is the 2-4 double in London a trial run for a double in Daegu and London?

Allyson Felix 4:55 PM It is a bit of a test run. This year I really want to see how I can handle both. I only want to attempt a double if it is realistic to be competitive and if my body can handle it. Good to hear from you Gene!

11.08.2010 - 3:37 PM | by Stefan Yankulov - Bulgaria

Allyson,how many times do you train a week?

Allyson Felix 4:53 PM Hey! Thanks so much for joining me for a chat! I train 5 days a week on the track and 4 days a week in the weight room.

11.08.2010 - 4:08 PM | by Diamond League Moderator - London

Welcome to everyone,thank you for joining us. Allyson will be with us in just under one hour's time to answer your questions. Our system is set to CET time & we are here on BST, so you have ended up with an extra hour to submit your questions :)

Allyson Felix 4:12 PM So please keep the questions coming and Allyson will be here to chat at 16:00hrs (4pm) British Summer Time in London - 1700 CET / 1500 GMT

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