This is a Sandy Boy productions podcast.
Hey, everybody. Welcome to all have another podcast
with Lindsay He.
I'm your host, Lindsay. Thanks so much for
being here today. Hope you've had a great
fourth of July,
speaking of fourth of July, Kendall, Ellis and
I
recorded this episode of the podcast yesterday
on the fourth of July.
Kendall is another 1 of our Olympia for
team Usa headed to Paris.
She won the 400
in the track field trials
last week, and it was so exciting to
see her come in first place with such
a strong finish.
Kendall was first on this show in May
of 20 22.
Episode 3 85 if you wanna go back
and
learn a little bit more about her history
in the sport.
She is an Olympic gold medal.
In the 4 by 4 relay and an
Olympic bronze medal
in the mixed 4 by 4 relay. She
also has a gold medal in the 4
by 4 at the 20 19 and 20
17 world championships
where she competed as an individual as well.
In 20 21,
She barely missed making it as an individual
in the 400
for the Olympics, placing in that fourth place
spot. This time around comes back and wins
the whole thing, getting a national title
and running a personal record of 49.46,
her second P r
of the week, but
that P she ran in the semi finals
at the trials was her first P r
in 6 years.
So we talk about what those last 6
years looked like and how there were so
many wins in those 6 years that she
really wasn't even focused on the
time on that personal record. But dang if
it didn't happen at just the right time.
Kindle ran for the university of Southern California
where she was a 3 time Nc double
champion, And I would say she is 1
to be watching
to
possibly
win a medal at the 20 24
Paris of Olympics. It's an honor and a
joy to talk to Kendall
and to watch her compete and cheer for
her, and I hope you'll all do the
same. If you aren't already following her on
Instagram, you can find her she's ken underscore
kendall over there. If you're enjoying this podcast,
and the additional episodes we're putting out this
week and next leading up to the Olympics
in Paris.
Please consider leaving us a quick rating and
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It's the easiest free way to support the
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And the other way you can support the
podcast is just supporting my work on Patreon.
It's patreon dot com slash Lindsay He. Alright,
friends. Thanks for being here, and please enjoy
my conversation with Kendall Ellis.
Hey everybody. So excited to bring you this
conversation with Olympia, Kendall Ellis. Welcome back to
the show Kendall. Thanks for having me again.
Yes. I'm so excited so it's been 2
years. I looked back. It was 20... Summer
of 20 22 when we first talked. And
I am so excited to have you back
on your probably feeling all kinds of emotions
right now making the second Olympic team. Yeah.
What a difference from summer 22 to now.
You
looked so strong.
You looked so incredible out there. Like,
I knew when you were coming around that
turn. I was, like, listening to the announcer
And I was like, why aren't they talking
about Kendall yet? She's like, right... She's, like,
coming up? Like, I see her, why are
they not talking about her yet and then
Sonya comes on? It's like, look at Kendall
ellis on the right?
You know, they rarely talk about me until
I win. So
And I went by a lot.
Yeah. It was a good. It was a
good race. I felt. I felt really good.
I felt really strong and I didn't exactly
know I positioned being out there in Lane
8, but
washing the race back. I was like, oh,
I didn't feel
not that I didn't give a hundred percent,
but I didn't feel like I was completely
depleted. Like, I felt like could do it
again. I felt like I could do something
faster. So I'm glad to have that experience
it. And I think my fastest races.
That is how I typically feel, like, I
don't feel spent and, like, there's something else
in the tank. So excited to tap into
that. Yeah. I was gonna say that's exciting
for Paris.
Yeah. Tell us about the the lane assignment
and, like, what that feels like because I'm
not super familiar with racing the 400. So,
like, where do you wanna be?
Ideally and typically the preferred lanes are, like,
5 and 6. Okay. I'm not really sure
why this meat was so different, but they
said that the preferred lanes were
going to be, I think
7 and 8.
I don't I don't know why. I don't
know how that works, but in every other
track that I've been on, like, the preferred
lanes are 5 and 6. Sometimes 7 if
it's, like,
bigger track or
additional lanes. But, yeah. I mean, I wasn't
too upset about it because I've been running
in, like, the outer lanes all season long.
And so it wasn't anything new for me.
It wasn't anything that, like, really threw me
off as far as I was concerned. If
I'm in the outer lane, let me just
get out. And as long as I don't
see anyone that I must be in good
position. So kinda just focusing on, like,
I get to run this race
not on anyone else's terms. I'm all the
way out here, so I just get to
run at how I wanna run, and I
think that played out to my advantage at
the end of the day.
The 400 is so challenging. Like it. I
feel like there's so much calculation there because
it is a sprint, but it's also distance,
and so how did you even decide... How
do we even decide going into that final
like, how am I taking this race out?
When you know some of the women are
known to take it out fast? And whatnot?
What... How... What's your game plan?
Yeah. I think Coach Watson I kinda have
a similar race pattern for every every single
race. We don't adjust it too too much,
but there are times where we're look at.
Who's in their race? What lane I'm in,
and we know personnel. We're like, okay, We
know this person likes to run a really
hard first hundred. And it's, like, don't panic
over that. It doesn't you to go with
them, but it is something to be aware
of and just know you're positioning.
So I think really
just getting into, like, the nitty gritty of
who's in the race? I've been running for
so long at this point. You kinda know
everyone on the circuit at this point. You've
seen them race multiple times. And so
going off of that, also playing to my
strengths. Knowing that I'm a strong finish. So
it's like, okay, You can
you can go out a little faster with
them because we know that your endurance and
your stamina is gonna allow you to finish
better than most people are able to. So
really just doing the research, knowing who's in
the race, knowing what they're
historically what they've done and then tapping into
my strengths as well.
Now I've heard you talk a lot about
also the, like,
like, focusing on what you can do and
focusing on, like, what your training is and
what you're doing like listening to all the
noise, But like you were just saying you
kinda have to do the research a little
bit and pay attention so you know what
to do. How do you balance that?
A lot of times, I coach Watson I
have had this conversation. We worked together for
what
10 years at this point, if we count
college. So We have a very good understanding
of each other in the way I like
to work and the way he likes to
work and we've come to an agreement of
being like, okay. I don't like to look
at who's in my heat beforehand. It
caused me a lot of stress. I'd rather
not know. But so I'll send it the
link to him to look at the heat
sheet and, like, I'm like, it's something I
need to know. Like, tell me what lane
I'm in. If there's something I need to
be aware of. He'll let me know. If
not, he's like, you're good. Do this, Brat.
So kinda just having a nice balance of
a coach who understands his athletes and no
no knowing how they operate and adjusting to
that. So that's kind of the the balance
that we've
agreed upon, and then, you know, I end
up saying who's in my heat when I
go to check in any anyway. So it's
not a complete shock or anything. But
I don't need to know any earlier than
right before I get out to the onto
the track ultimately. Oh, that's so interesting. I
don't know how... I would be so attempted.
Would be so tempted to look. I wonder
how many other people are able to just
not look.
It's taken a lot.
Of discipline over the years. I think,
you know, people say, like, a glut for
pain. So there were times our wood, like,
in high school. I would go through who's
in the heat. I would look up their
past race. I would look up their P,
and it just became so
consuming. That, like, I was spending way too
much time and energy and effort in what
everyone else in the heat was doing instead
of being like, okay, what, what am I
gonna do? And so now I think I've
just matured and grown enough to be like,
I'm gonna know what I need to know
and everything else is just extra information that
is really none of my business.
Gosh. We should all take that advice. That's
a good size. Good life advice right there.
Now you in 20 21 had that, like,
fourth place finish, which is, like the dreaded
finish.
And a lot of people
listening or a lot of athletes that I've
interviewed have been there before, and there's a
lot of people right now who are sitting
in that space.
Who are like, I was right there.
And now you've come back and not only
made the team, but 1
and got your national title,
What is your message to someone who's finishing
in that fourth place spot right now?
Yeah. I don't want to say
hold on to that feeling for the next
4 years and, like, use it to fuel
you because I just
seems really draining.
But I think
for me, it was kind of... I remember
that moment. I was so
heartbroken. And
I don't think I took it as
I didn't do enough or I didn't do
everything I could of, or I should've have
done this and that it was like, this
just isn't my time. This isn't for me.
And you know, that was the year that
was Allison Felix last
Olympics. And so I also kinda look at
it as... This was this was her time.
This was her moment. This was
It's okay that it didn't happen for me.
I'm disappointed and I'm sad, and I wish
I would have gone in those top 3
positions, but
Maybe it just wasn't it wasn't my time.
That wasn't my year. And
remembering those feelings of like, how devastated and
sad I was. And recognizing, like, okay. I
don't wanna if you like that again. And
so
it's a it's a fine belt. I don't
wanna myself and say, like, now I'm gonna
do everything I can to never experience that
again because you just don't know. But I
think approaching each year as This is a
new year. This is a new moment.
Maybe this is my time and kinda just
operating from that, not not holding on to
this
4 year long feeling of of grief for
sadness, but being able to move through each
year.
Okay. Let me let me see if it's
my time now and
And just taking the little wins, I think
along the way, You know, there's there's 4
years between each Olympic gains and world every
other year, but really honing in on
those wins at practice, those wins at other
competitions and and finding other
joyous moments in the sport. That don't make
the super big moment
feel like the only moment.
When I hear you talk and when when
I think about making these teams, you know,
worlds or Olympics, it's just like in life,
there's uncertainty. Right? And when you line up
in the start line of a race, there's
uncertainty, even if you're like, I am in
the best shape of my life.
Yeah. You just don't know what's gonna happen.
And so
talk to us a little bit about, like,
the mental training. Like, how have you been
able to
be strong mentally.
When this time around, you're like, I don't
want that fourth place spot again. I think
part of that.
It's it's just so similar to what I've...
I've been saying, like you said there's so
much uncertainty,
and I can't control
anyone else in the is gonna do. I
can solely only control what I'm going to
do. So it's my job to give myself
the best chance to place top 3. It's
my job to
follow the race pattern that I trust that
my coaches has given me the best I
can. If he said go out in this
time, then it's my job to try to
do that. And the cards are gonna fall
where they may fall, and that's something I
have to
accept the result or accept the potential result
before it even happens because
I can only control what I can control
and I can only do whatever it is
that I can do. So
I think just
controlling the controllable at the end of the
day and and giving yourself at least that
fighting chance. I think when I get to
the line
in the past there have been times when
I've beaten myself
hours, days before the race has even started
because I just... Haven't even given myself a
fighting chance. I decided the race was over
before it even started. And I think at
trials, a lot of it was me being,
like,
I
I told myself a few times before the
race. Why not me? Somebody has to win.
Why why can't I be the 1 to
win? And so giving myself at least of
a chance to be in the fight and
whoever wins the fight. We don't know, but
I'm gonna make sure I'm at least in
there.
So when you finish the race, you like,
kinda, like, sat there for a second. I
was like, I was, like staring at your
expression. I was like, what is she thinking
right now? Because you were clearly, like, very
out of breath. Then you kinda laid down
on the ground, and then
you smiled. And I was like, why isn't
she, like freaking out right now? What was
going on in your brain as you process
this?
1, they weren't putting up the times, like
in a place the athlete could see them,
And so I was kinda just listening first
to the announcer. Like, I think I won,
but, like, what was the time? Like, I
don't... So it's a little bit of confusion
just kinda sitting there and waiting to, like,
see a time or here a time or,
like,
they also didn't have, like, the
the the ribbon or whatever ever for you
to, like, run through. And so I was
expecting that too. And I was like, hey,
I didn't get to run through like, the
tape line I'm thinking you. They forget it?
Why didn't they have that?
I don't know if some had it and
some didn't And so I don't know what.
I was really looking for to doing that,
but
didn't happen so partial confuse confusion, and then
when I did hear this time.
It was just
relief and peace because, like I said I
had accepted the results before the race even
happened in terms of it's gonna be whatever
it's gonna be. And so I think to
actually win and then to hear APR again
on top of just P yesterday, It was
like,
we can take a deep breath now. Like,
we have accomplished
the goal for now,
and
Now I can breathe easy. So I as
happy and excited as I was, I don't
think it really resonated with me because it
was, like,
wow you've been waiting for this moment for
so long and you've been trying to P
for so long. And
now it's now it's all happening, like at
once. So kinda just... Kinda it this overwhelmed
and and soaking it all in?
Yes. 6 years.
6 years for that P.
And that's a long time.
How do you... How were you patient through
all that time? And
then, you know, like, you know what workouts
you're doing. You know what you're
Probably capable of, but to wait for it
to happen and for it to happen,
at the most perfect time.
Right.
I think for me, it was...
1 seeing what was happening in practice didn't...
I think for some people might discourage them
because it's like, I'm running these fast times
that practice. Like, why is it not translating
in But for me, it was like, okay,
It's in there. Like, I know this isn't
some pipe dream of me. Like, I hope
I run this time 1 day. It's like,
it's it's there. When it's gonna show up,
I don't know, but I'm glad, like, I
know that it's in my tank. And then
throughout these 6 years,
I've had so many other wins.
And so I think that was also really
encouraging because
I went professional in 20 18, and then
I made the 20 19 world team. I
made the Olympic team in 20 21. I
made the world team in 20 22. I
made the world relay team This year. So
there were so many other wins and successes
within these 6 years that kept me going
because it's like, okay, I don't necessarily have
to P r in order to make these
teams. I don't necessarily have to p art
to win the race. And I think in
professional track and field,
I could be wrong, but
I don't think P r's come as often
as they do
in c track field. And so also understanding
that being like, professionals aren't P every other
week. That's not common. That may happen in
college, but that's not necessarily the case as
a professional. I was, like,
I'm not
an extreme
anomaly or something. Like, this is this is
kind of okay. But in the back of
my mind, every season I go into, like,
Man, I hope this is the season Ip.
Like, I really hope this is this is
the time that Ip. And so
just
Like I said, a lot of wins along
the way that that made the weight.
Okay. That made the weight not as unbearable
as you would think it would be without
P because it wasn't
quite necessary
at at the time. And
Maybe I just wasn't ready ready to P
r, just yet. Maybe I wasn't
in a place to handle running 49
twice or consistently and now I'm finally in
that place. So I'm just... I'm really glad
that it came when it did, and then
for it to come back to back was
something I didn't expect to at all for
sure not, and that was really exciting for
me to, like, do it once. People are
like, oh, okay. Like, It could be a
fluke, like whatever. But then I backed up
again the next day and did it even
better and faster and it's like, oh, 0
this is for real.
Yeah. How do you prepare for that, like,
when you run that huge p in the
semi finals? And then you're like, okay,
I know I can do it now. I
have to do it again. And I know
there's, like, such a balance with you all,
like,
pacing your your rounds and making sure you
don't like,
put it all out there before the final.
So how did you manage that?
I even think about it. It truly didn't
even cross my mind. They're looking back.
I think I I know the way we
train with Coach Watts, and we are set
up to get better round by round. Mh.
So for me, it wasn't necessarily a concern
to being, like,
I saw, you know, some comments and I
hate looking at comments anyways, but they're gonna
come across you at some point and people
are like, Oh, I don't know. Like, I
don't know if she can do it again
tomorrow. I don't know if she can go
faster just as fast, and I'm like,
well, I know I can. Like, yeah. And
I it wasn't my goal to run a
certain time. I was just there to win.
And so whatever time came with the win,
then that's the time that I was gonna
run. And so
I approach the race as just trying to
win. And I knew what I did yesterday.
I was like I got out a lot
harder than I, like, have in the past.
And so I just
did what I felt like I needed to
do to win the race. I set it
up that way and didn't bother looking at
a time didn't bother considering a time. So
it didn't even...
That's why when I finished, and I was
just waiting for so long to hear what
the time was because it was just curiosity.
I was like, oh, did I do, like,
what I did yesterday or was this a
50 point raise? Like, I don't know. I
don't really care. I'm glad I won, but
I didn't let the previous day get in
my head about, oh, I have to do
this again, and I have to replicate it,
or I was just there to win the
race.
Man, you were pumping those arms.
And if you were going.
I was like, there is nothing. Those arms
if those arms are working with those legs.
I mean, Know in the spreads, like, you
didn't use your arm so much anyway, but
I felt like you were all in there,
and that was strong. Yeah. It's that has
been drilled in at practice. If you come
to a workout, there's an assistant coach there
and he is constantly saying arms, arms, arms,
arms because I have a tendency to kinda
celine, side to side. U. And he was,
like, to get down that last hundred, you
need to pump them. So Yeah. I'm glad
I did it. It worked.
Hey, friends. Did you know I have training
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Alright. Back to the show.
I noticed and I listened back to the
to the race and watched it again, and
I noticed that Sonya Richards R ross is
like, this is a wide open 400, more
wide open than it's really ever been, and
she said there were 4
women who could potentially win this race.
And I didn't know which 4 women she
was talking about, but is that... Did you
have that thought in your mind at all?
I knew that it would be
an
fairly open race. I wanna give credit where
credit is due because there were
incredible women in that race and con... Including
the college women who had
been grinding 49
all season long. It absolutely killed it at
Nc double,
but also as a professional,
I know that it's a different...
It's a different sort of meat when the
professional athletes are in it. Like, we have
contracts on the line. We have health insurance
on the line. Like, this is
no longer for fun or, like, play playtime.
Like, it doesn't matter what a professional athlete
season looks like. When it comes to trials,
something shifts. There's a different
gear shift mind shift that, like,
I'm here to make this team, and you
guys are not gonna take my contract from
me. And so
I knew that they were talented women in
the race, but
I I
felt like I was 1 of the talented
amongst them as well. And so it was
like,
it wasn't a matter of of approaching the
race like, oh, I have to beat so
and so or, like,
I can get third going off of of
this time or like, this result. It was
like,
no. You guys have to compete against me
too. Like, the same way I'm competing against
you. I am all also a competitor and
you have to compete about me. Keep compete
against me. And so, yeah. It was it
was fairly open because I think the 400
and, at least in the Us this time
doesn't have, like,
a reigning front woman.
You know, Sydney has has run it at
and has ran incredibly so, but decided to
focus on the hurdles, and so I think
that kinda left the 400 pretty pretty open
for for anyone to step up.
Wow. You that's crazy the the c women
were running 40 nines. I,
okay. Talk to me about that a little
bit though. You graduated in 20 18. That
when you me in? Okay. Yes. Because so
was that before super spikes? Like, did... Were
you running a different season then?
Yeah. I wasn't in the era of super
fight because that's so funny.
So is that... I mean, is that... Would
you think that's 1 of the reasons the
c are running so much faster than they
used to.
I think
so much is changing
in track and field as a whole and
just athletes are getting
faster, better, stronger. I think, partially,
the equipment they have now, like, we didn't...
I remember growing up an Aa asu wearing
like, hand down spikes and spikes I found,
like, Marshall and Ross that were on sale,
like, it wasn't
going to the Nike store and getting, like,
the latest brand new spikes. That wasn't my
experience. And a lot of the people around
me experience. And I think we are getting
so much smarter and learning so much more.
And so athletes are training differently. Now we
have high school athletes who are training, like,
professional athletes. I didn't lift a single weight
until I got to college. Wow. And so
so many things are changing now that... Yeah.
If you're training like a pro and you're
already you... You already have this level of
talent. You're gonna be running, like a pro
as well in terms of time.
And so I think it's just a shift
that we're seeing in Track fields
from
7 year olds to 18 year olds, and
things are just changing and people are getting
faster because they're fully using the research and
the knowledge and the equipment,
that we have.
And so also, just
when you have such talented people who come
into the space, like,
let's say, Sydney, for example,
when you have people come into the space
who are running so incredibly fast, you automatically
make everyone else around you better. They have
to they have to level up. They have
to run faster. So if you have 1
athlete in college who is killing it and
running 40 nines,
anyone else you wants to get on the
podium or even touch it, they simply have
to elevate and be better as well. So
I think we're is... It's really fun. Like
seeing what what we're seeing. I'm glad I
graduated when I did, but I'm I'm not
in that, but
it is an exciting shift we're seeing in
the sport. Like but you might have elevated
as well. You know, you would have yeah.
Yeah.
But that's interesting and I wonder...
Some people, like, a Sydney can handle that
for so many years, but I just wonder,
like, how many people
we'll get burnt out if they're doing all
of those, like, extra things from the age
of, like, 13 years old. Like, you think
if you started that then,
Yeah. I definitely
not to wish Ill on anyone, but I
do think that at some point there is
going to be a fall off because it's,
like, how much...
Faster can you get your body hasn't even
fully developed yet, And
it'll be...
I'm so curious to see how this plays
out over the years, especially when. You go
pro straight out of high school and you
don't have that c
development, and it's it's hard. It's it's very
difficult. I think to be
professional, and I think a lot of times
you overlook that, and it's just... Oh, if
you're running the times, then, yeah, you should
go you should go pro. But there's so
much more to it. They're such a different.
There's a transition period. There's a coaching,
transitional period and your body changes and things
like that. So
I definitely think there's... There has to be
some sort of a little bit more care
pertaining to it.
Yeah. Can you imagine not getting your college
experience becoming an Nc double champion and just
like, I'm sure there's so many
amazing memories from
running in college.
For sure. That's such a special time. And
I even say like, just
socially, like, it's so important to learn how
to be on a team and how to
work with different personalities
and it's it's important for your social development
as well as, like, your athletic development.
So you you are an Olympic gold medal,
am Bronze Medal in in the 4 by
4 relay and mixed relay.
What does it mean going to Paris
as an individual this time. This one's special
because
I've made
every team that I have made
I've made individually
except for the 20 21 Olympic olympics team.
And
I think sometimes
that gets
overlooked when it comes to me and people
can see me as a sort of relay
specialist, and I do run incredible relay relays,
but I'm also an incredible open 400 meter
runner.
And I'm glad that
even though I have made it in the
open 400 in the past and that's kind
of been overlooked because I haven't progressed well
throughout the rounds, and I can acknowledge that
and and admit that. But
I just feel, like, right now, I'm in
a place of
making a statement. And so not only did
I win, but I won an incredible fashion,
and not only did I win, but
I ran P yard back to back. And
so I think
that sets me up nicely going into Paris.
And kind of being like,
okay. She's
she's finally coming into her own. Like, I'm
finally
being the candle that I knew I could
be that my coaches knew I could be
that my parents knew I could be
in
entering the space of
I want to show that I am so
much more than just an incredible relay runner.
I can also replicate it in the open
400. So I'm really excited for that and
to get the chance to
showcase it.
Oh, I'm so excited for you. Yeah. Earlier
you had mentioned when I said, like,
they didn't mention your name until, like, you
were, like, about to win, and you're like,
yeah, I don't mention me unless I win.
And I... I've been thinking about this a
lot lately. I interviewed Michael Johnson and we
were talking about, like,
track personalities and, like, contracts and all this
thing, all these things. And
it's like, you can't
just have this, like, big, loud,
exciting personality if that's not who you are.
And I wonder, like,
you seem like a little bit of an
introverted person. I wonder do you feel like
that's 1 of the reasons.
It seems like people don't talk about you
as much as they probably should.
Yeah. I am certainly an introvert, but
I don't know. I think I I say,
like, this is my job. My job is
to run fast and towing win races. My
job is not to
be a source of entertainment outside of that.
I don't... I shouldn't have to
dance and and do all these things and,
like, be funny on Twitter. Like,
that's not what you're paying me to do.
You know if you want me to do
that, put a little extra dolly in there.
But my job as a contracted athlete is
to run fast and win races make teams
and get medals.
And that's what I'm doing. And the 400
or so tiring. I don't have
energy before the race to be doing too
much. I have to conserve everything I have
to run the race well.
But, yeah, I don't know. I think even
with being an introvert, like, if you have
a history of success of winning and of
making teams then you ought to be mentioned.
And
I'm not necessarily offended by it because I
don't care for a lot of the attention
that's not really my style, but
I've made
individual teams numerous times.
I
was the American and c record holder in
the indoor 400.
I was running 49 in college at the
time. I think it was like, number 4.
On the list. It's definitely gotten bumped down,
but
I have always been in the mix. I've
always been in the top 3 mix.
And so that just hasn't been reflected in
the case of when discussing me because I
think it gets forgotten. Mh. Because I get
associated with
relay running only,
despite
making it
individual more often than not. But
Yeah. It's it's a really interesting
thing that
I don't necessarily understand, but
I don't hold it against anyone. I'm gonna
keep being
quiet because that's what I prefer. And
not what I get paid to do. So
Yeah. I, like, I like, didn't know how
to word that question. I was like, I
don't wanna be offensive when I say that
this.
No. You're it's... I mean, it's literally just
the truth. I remember when I won. The
indoor 400,
and the article was written about second place.
Instead of me. And so
it's like, what more what more can I
do? I don't know. I don't know what
else I can do. And so it's fine.
I'm I'm here to Run. I'm here to
win. I'm here here to make teams and
get medals I'm not not necessarily here to
be an announcer favorite, and that's perfectly fine.
Well, the other thing too,
and I think part of what Michael Johnson's
is trying to do with the the track
leak, G slam track leak, it's like, I
feel like outside of the, like, very
tight knit running media and running space, like,
people don't understand worlds. Like people. Yeah. They,
like,
Olympics are on this pedestal and, like, they
don't understand Oh, she made a world team.
What does that mean? Does that mean she's
an Olympia? So like, if we can, like,
mainstream that a little bit more, that would
be hugely helpful. For sure. For sure. People
only
understand Olympics every 4 years. I remember when
I first graduated,
and I was looking for an apartment
and trying to show people like, oh, I'm
professional athlete, like, here's how works. I remember
this this 1 leasing agent. She was, like,
you on track. And I was, yeah, She's
like, how are you gonna pay rent The
Olympics are only every once every 4 years.
And I was like, no. It's not quite
how it works. I'm not I'm not getting
1 check every 4 years. And, yeah, we
just certainly have to... Have to get more
into the mainstream so that people can understand
the sport. So you've been sponsored by new
balance for a while? And how is that
going? And and what is that looking like,
I love it. I love the New balance
family so much. Part of the reason, a
large part of the reason why assignment them
in the first place is because I didn't
wanna be just a number. I didn't want
to be just another athlete and looked at
as...
Oh, well, like, whatever. Just going through the
check marks of things, but They have been
so supportive when I have made teams. Mh
and the 1 time I didn't make a
team. They were still just a supportive of
nothing changed.
And so I can really appreciate from them
for that. Like, I
appreciate how
supported they all are when we
sign someone new or on by onboard someone,
like, everyone knows and it's a celebration of
that person and it's so much excitement.
I was so grateful that, you know, I've
met the person who signs my checks. A
lot of times you go don't get to
have that experience, but I know him face
to face. Like, we've met. He's met my
parents. My siblings, and it's just such a
such a
great experience from a shoe brand because I
know a lot of people don't have that
experience. And so
I'm, I'm always proud to represent them.
I wanna take a quick break to think
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show.
Just a couple more questions.
Who is the first person you talked to
after you won? Who is the first person
you called on the phone? Oh,
First person I talked to
was
Ryan Coach watts because they were right at
the finish line, and so I gave them
both big hugs and
they were the first 2 people I saw.
And the first person I called, I
facetime my
high school coach, but he's been my coach
since I started running at 7 years old.
Oh. So from 7 to 18, I had
the same coach, and I facetime him and
him and his wife in the living room,
and they were screaming and cheering, and that
was just a really special moment. He's like,
we're coming to paris. Like, we already booked
the flights. And so
that was really special because he's
quite literally
the reason Even started running track or and
even stayed with it. And so it was
just a really special moment. For us to
have and get to see their faces. So...
And what I coach Wat say to you?
He that's your crying.
Yeah. I think, you know, a lot of
people have been asking me
a little bit offensive if I'm honest, but,
like, Oh, like, where did that come from?
Like, what happened? Like, what change? And I'm
like, if you are my coach, your my
training partners.
You even come to a practice of mind.
Like, if you
have been around and seen
the last few years,
this is not shocking. Mh. This is not...
I've ran 49 before. I was always able
to do it again. So nothing, like,
where did it come from? It's always been
who I am. Like, I've been a 49...
Hopefully 48 second runner. Like, this isn't anything
brand new. I know it's seen shocking from
the outside just because you're, like, oh, you've
been running, like 50 point and blah blah
blah, but it's like,
Ko Watson, how much to say? Because he's
like, yeah. Like,
I I knew all... He always says, he's
like, I know I have the best dog
in the race. He's like, I'm just waiting
for you to get on board with that
as well. And so there wasn't a whole
lot to say.
In the conversation because this is what he's
always seen for me regardless, and he's just
glad that now. Now we're on the same
page.
And what about your family? What did they
say?
My mom lost her voice.
She... I heard was screaming and crying in
the stands and They were both just so
happy for me. You know, granted the win
is great. The P is great, but they're,
like, just to watch you go out there
and run with so much confidence. Like, This
is all we've ever wanted for you. Like,
this is just so exciting that. Like I
said, everyone knew it before me.
Everyone knew what I was capable of. They're
like, we're just so glad to 5 and
least see you step into, like, who you've
always been.
And so everyone was just really really excited.
And really happy for me. And really proud
of me. We're what did that take for
you to step into who you've always been?
Like, what what what was waiting on that
for that confidence?
That's such a good question.
I don't know if it's just...
If it was just some a matter of,
like,
yeah. I'm tired. I'm tired of not being
I said for the last couple years. I
was like, Don't know. I'm waiting to get
back to me. I'm waiting to feel, like
me again.
And
I finally just feel like me. I don't
know if there was something specific that
shifted or something that really changed, but
just
meta
realization of being, like,
how long am I going to
sit back and not not be who got
created me to be? Like, how long am
I gonna... I don't know how much longer
I have in this sport? And so do
I want to leave my career
being, like, Man. What if or, like, what
what could I have accomplished if I just
gotten out of my own way. And so
maybe it comes with maturity and being older
and knowing that, like,
I I will be retiring
probably before the next Olympics, I don't know.
But
kinda of being, like, I don't I don't
wanna leave any stone un unearned.
I want to make sure I go out
on my own terms and
leaving the sport,
the best...
Leaving the sport with my best not still
on the table. I wanted... I wanted to
have used everything.
Do you pray before your races? I do.
Every single time. I think the last
before semi finals,
I had said, like,
I had to smile on my face which
just so rare for me.
I smiled and I was like, you know,
god, like show me how good it can
get. Like, show me how good Can get
and blow my mind.
Then he did, and I was like, oh,
like,
okay. So when I go into finals,
I was so just grateful. I told myself
I was like, you know what? If nothing
else gets done for me, if I don't
make this team,
if yesterday was as good as it's gonna
get, I'm okay with that. And I just
went into the race with so much peace
because it was like,
I have already accomplished something that I haven't
been able to accomplish in the last 6
years. And so at this point, everything else
is icing on the cake, like,
I get to run so freely and peacefully
because
it was already enough. And so I up
blow my mind, and so it got blown
twice back to back. So it was just...
Yeah. It was it was just such a
special a special thing.
Okay. I have to ask you what more
question about the race and then I'm gonna
have you set us off with your paris
thoughts.
Like, were you thinking at all?
You know what I mean? Like, in these
distance races, like, there's time to be in
your head, but like, you have 49 seconds.
Like, Right. Was anything going through your mind
in this race. I think the only time
I had a conscious thought was
the last, like, 01:20 or so where, like,
I really start moving.
And
it was just...
Okay. Go. I was kinda just, like,
arms. Again, I couldn't exactly tell my position
because of the I was in, but I
was like,
I think I'm I think I'm, in front
or like I think I'm here. Like, I
think I'm I'm close... I'm close enough within
striking distance to either win this thing. Or
or get second. I was, I think. I
think I'm gonna win. And so it was
just like arms, arms, arms.
And go. The last the last 01:20 or
so.
Go. I love that. I I cannot get
my boys under mean, they understand how the
lanes are, like, you're up, you start further.
They get that your... The track is shorter
on the inside and stuff, but, like,
they... It still looks so. Yeah. Spread out
that they're like, but but she's... That's not
fair. I'm like, no. No. I promise you
it's equal distance.
They cannot wrap their heads around it. I
don't blame them. It doesn't always feel like
it. It feels like they're really far ahead.
So that's why you want those middle lanes
feel better.
Yeah. Yeah. Just a little more security and
you're able to see everything better. So...
Okay. Well, send us off with your feelings
leading into Paris and how you're
mentally
mentally and physically preparing. Are you getting a
little rest right now?
Little bit of rest, but not too much
Had it to monaco
to run in the diamond league. So just
1 race before I head to Paris. K.
And
I'm excited. I keep telling people when I'm
excited for the shopping because I love
I love shopping. I am a fashion girl.
So I'm really excited to do that out
there,
and
I'm excited to have a full olympic experience
this time. You know, I went to Tokyo,
but it was, like, Covid and so
didn't have
the traditional experience since I'm excited to get
you see
what the Olympics are really, really like because
now we'll have a full stadium, we'll get
to interact more and
I know they're going 10 times harder for
this 1 because of the experience we had
in 20 21. So I'm just excited for
all that.
And what will your prayer be before this
race?
Oh, I don't know. I'm gonna have to
sit down and and
and think of that wide in journal and
and meditate and and see. See what comes
to the surface.
I'm gonna think about it when you're on
the line. I'm gonna think I wanna what
that prayer ended up being. Maybe we could
talk it after the race.
Yeah.
Alright, Kendall. Well, thank you so much for
your time and
congratulations and best of luck. Thank you. Thanks
for having me.
Thanks so much. Everybody for joining us today
on this post Olympic trials
interview. So excited to send Kendall off to
Paris with lots of support and love, can't
wait to see what she does. You can
find Kendall on Instagram. She's kindle underscore kendall,
I hope you'll find me as well. I'm
Lindsay Hi 626. I'd love to connect with
you over there. Learn more about this show
and all the shows in our network
at sandy boy productions dot com,
and don't forget you can check out my
training plans at lindsay hi dot com for
the half marathon or the marathon.
Alright friends. Thanks for being here, and we
will see you next week and I'll have
another.