by Larry Eder
Jenny Barringer, 2011 New Balance Games, photo by PhotoRun.net.
Jenny (Barringer) Simpson is one of the most promising American women athletes in our sport. She is arguably our best steepelchaser, having set ARS in Beijing 2008 ( 9:22.26) and her stunning fifth place in Berlin 2009 (9:12.50). As with most successful steeplechasers, Jenny possesses some serious leg speed.
While at the University of Colorado, Jenny set indoor collegiate records at the mile (4:25.91), 3000 meters (8:42.03), and 5,000 meters (15:01.70). Outdoors, Jenny set collegiate records outdoors at 1,500 meters (3:59.90), 3,000m steeplechase (9:12.50) and the 5,000 meters (15:05.25).
Jenny signed with New Balance in January 2010, and it was one of the most sought after contracts for an American women in some time. Due to injuries, 2010 was more a year to focus on life changes: Jenny got married in October 2010 and also changed coaches: she now works with Coach Julie Benson.
2010 was also a lot of pressure for the young runner. Going from collegiate ranks to professional ranks, dealing with pressure of becoming an icon for New Balance, a brand focusing on performance running once again.
Jenny Simpson has started 2011 off quite well, runnng 4:28.60 for the mile two weeks ago
at the New Balance Invitational. When asked today, Jenny said that she was happy with her fitness level, and this weekend, ” is all about racing and seeing where I am. There are alot of good women in the race, and I want to compete well…this year is all about Daegu, and my fitness level for February is fine, but it is my February fitness level.”
For a complete interview on Jenny Simpson, from two weeks ago, please read:
https://www.runblogrun.com/
