Olympic Trials Talk With Elise

For more in our “Olympic Trials Talk” series visit our Olympic Trials page.

Do you remember when you first set the goal of making the Olympics? When did it begin to feel like a realistic one?

I remember first having the goal of making an Olympic team when I was in middle school.  I remember watching Michael Phelps win his 8 gold medals during the 2008 Olympics and since I was swimming at the time (and not super into running yet) my goal was to make the Olympics in swimming.  A few short years later, I realized being an Olympian in swimming wasn't looking too promising, but as I became more serious about running my goal shifted to making the Olympic team as a track and field athlete. The goal became more of a reality when I competed at the Olympic Trials in 2016 during my sophomore year of college.  I vividly remember watching the 1500m final from the stands and telling myself that I'd be standing on the start line in that final at the next Olympic Trials. 

It wasn’t in the event(s) she planned, but Elise achieved her Olympic dream in the 5,000m on June 21st!

The last time there was a US Championships, in 2019, you were primarily a 1500m runner. Now you're in the top 10 all-time in the US in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. Is it strange to have changed your situation so much without having had the chance to race many people outside the group?

I haven't actually thought about that too much because of my incredible teammates and training environment.  Getting to train with some of the best in the world over 5k and 10k has prepared me well for events that were completely out of my wheelhouse just two years ago.  From workouts to instraquad meets to conversations on runs, I am grateful for teammates that have pushed me and prepared me well for newer events.  Although the 1500m will always be my first love (and my favorite). 

You do a lot of training with Shelby and Karissa, the two fastest Americans ever over 5,000m and two athletes not known for chilling in workouts. Can you describe for the fans what that workout environment is like and how that's helped you as an athlete?

I can confirm they have no chill in workouts.  In the beginning, it was hard for me to walk away from a workout feeling confident because I was getting dropped hard and not finishing the full workout.  However, they were always great at reminding me to keep showing up and continue to put myself in it.  Working out with Shelby and Karissa has been inspiring and challenging.  It has forced me to let go of subconscious limits I put on myself and taught me the importance of continually working on the mental side of the sport. They hold me accountable to do all the little things outside of training so that I show up to each workout healthy, rested, recovered, and ready to bring my A game. 

Is there one key workout that's given you a lot of confidence or do you just look at the total body of work?

As a younger athlete I used to get confidence from one key workout, but this also meant that I could lose confidence from one bad workout.  I have learned it is much better for me to get confidence from the total body of work.  It isn't one day that makes or breaks an athlete, but the consistency over time that leads to something great. 

How do you prepare mentally in the weeks prior for a big race like the Olympic Trials? Are you someone who likes to think a lot about the race and it's potential variations, or do you prefer to put it out of your mind and focus on other things?

I don't like to think about any race too much in the weeks or days leading up to it.  I prefer to spend time with family and/or teammates, read, watch some movies or shows and focus on other things until it is time to get in the zone a few hours before a race. 

What's been the team activity of choice up at altitude camp? 

Either a movie night or game night.  Watched Inception for the first time and have been playing some Catan and Cribbage. 

Do you have a favorite Jerry story?

Automatic* from 45 feet.

*~5%

After being asked the famous Chris Chavez question on the Citius Mag Podcast ("You have 25 shots from half court.  If you make one you get $25 million, but if you miss all 25 you go to jail for 25 years...would you attempt the shot?"), Sean and I decided to attempt the challenge post-leg lift one night at Jerry's gym.  As we were doing the challenge, Jerry came in and we told him about the question. His answer, full of confidence, was something along the lines of "Yes, I would definitely attempt the shots.  That would be so easy."  So he lines up, wearing his house slippers, and starts taking the shots.  As Sean and I count down the shots, he is puzzled that none of them seem to be going in.  It wasn't until shot 24 that he made his first half court shot, but he still claims the answer to this question is a no brainer (but we can confirm he was starting to sweat a bit).