Aspire OTQ has been well-received by the community. Our momentum is strong, and we are achieving our goals. We are fortunate to have partnered with truly community-minded athletes who are already giving back as much, or more than they are receiving.
Contributors to the program become “Aspire OTQ Insiders” and receive periodic updates from the athletes with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their journey to the Olympic Trials and beyond. Below is the latest “Insider” post and consider donating to Aspire OTQ if you haven’t done so already.
Olympic Trials Qualifiers
So far, three Aspire OTQ athletes have achieved an OTQ and qualified for the Olympic Trials! They will be competing at the Trials June 21-30 in Eugene, Oregon at the historic Hayward Field. Let’s give a big round of applause to:
- Brian Barraza – 5000m, 13:19
- Brian Barraza – 3000m steeplechase, 8:23
- Joey Berriatua – 3000m steeplechase, 8:25
- Carmen Graves — 3000m steeplechase, 9:32
The USA outdoor track season is now underway, with elite-level track meets happening nearly every weekend around the country. Aspire OTQ athletes are traveling frequently to compete, secure an OTQ, and sharpen their skills before the Trials.
Race Results
The athletes are getting after it. Some highlights to date:
- Carlsbad 5000 – Carrie Verdon, 3rd elite, 15:49
- B.A.A. Boston 5k — Joey Berriatua, 8th, 13:52
- Brian Clay Invitational, Asuza, CA – Brian Barraza 5000m, 6th, 13:19; Austen Dalquist 1500m, 27th, 3:41
- Mt. Sac Relays, Walnut, CA – Carmen Graves 5000m, 3rd, 15:32 PR; Carrie Verdon 5000m 6th place, 15:39; Brian Barraza 3000m steeplechase, 6th, 8:36; Austen Dalquist 1500m, 2nd, 3:42
- Payton Jordan Invite, Stanford, CA – Joey Berriatua 3000m steeplechase, 2nd, 8:29
- Track Fest, Los Angeles, CA – Brian Barraza 3000m steeplechase, 4th, 8:23; Austen Dalquist 1500, 8th, 3:42; Carrie Verdon 10000m, 10th, 32:26
Athlete Q&A
Carmen Graves, 3000m steeplechase
Q: How’s training been so far this spring? Can you give us an update on how your fall and winter build led into this outdoor season?
A: My Fall and Winter build was slower than usual with the focus on the outdoor season, which took a lot of patience. I’m finally seeing a positive shift in my fitness this Spring. Workouts are getting faster, and easy runs are getting slower which is my marker for quality training.
Q: You hit the steeplechase OTQ standard late last summer. How does that impact your mindset and racing schedule for the Olympic year, not having to worry about chasing a standard?
A: It’s influenced my racing and mindset in a few ways. I was able to open up in the 5k this season, giving me the opportunity to knock off a long time PR. I also don’t feel the pressure to race as often, which in the past has led me to burnout before the main event. I can also go into races just to practice racing, instead of stressing about splits.
Q: What are your goals going into your races leading up to the Trials?
A: My goals going into my next couple steeple races before Eugene is to remember how to hurdle in a big group of ladies, to figure out what my red line is, and to discover what I need to work on leading into prelims.
Fundraising
As of May 13, we’ve raised over $25,500. That means we are 91% of the way to our goal of $28,000. We’ve recently gained some new key community partners: BOLDERBoulder, ALTIUS Financial, Big Shooter Coffee, and OCC Cornerstone Orthopedic. We appreciate your contributions!
Videos and Interviews
Here’s some Aspire OTQ event snippets and post-race interviews:
- Aspire OTQ Fundraising Event
- Aspire OTQ Panel Discussion — Athlete Goals
- Post-race Interview: Joey Berriatua, Boston 5k
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