Last month we began our Olympic coverage (Kerri Walsh Jennings, Joe Jacobi) as the Road to Rio inches closer. This month we had the chance to hang out with Allyson Felix (track and field sprint athlete and Three-Time Olympic Gold Medal Sprinter) as she introduced a new initiative by her partner, Bounty at the YMCA for "The 2016 Quicker Picker-Upper Games".
ATHLEISURE MAG: When we talk with athletes about what their training process looks like - it's always eye opening! What is your routine like?
ALLYSON FELIX: I love Kerri, she's so great! Well, my workouts are pretty intense. In total, I work out for about 5 hours. About 2 -3 hours are spent on the track and I do about 2 - 3 hours in the gym.
AM: What are 3 workouts that you would suggest to get great legs like yours?
AF: When I'm in the gym, I'm all about plyometrics, which a lot of people forget about doing. I like to do Box Hops where you jump with both of your legs onto a box and then go into a squat.
A core workout is an awesome way to stay fit and Russian Twists are my go to exercises.
Finally, I'm all about the track. I think that you should always go out and sprint the straights and run the curves for a total body workout.
AM: How do you mentally prepare for the Olympics?
AF: It's about practicing and avoiding distractions so that you can mentally prepare. I am also a major believer in visualization as it's very helpful for me to run through the race in my mind as I look at the perfect race.
AM: What is the experience like being at the Olympics and is each appearance different?
AF: I'm nervous everytime, but it is a different experience for each one. The first one was very eye opening, I didn't know what to expect - everything was new. NOW going back a few times after that time, I am able to use the experience to be a bit calmer. You may still be a bit more nervous, but there is a comfort level there to be more effective.
AM: What's on your playlist when your training and about to hit the track?
AF: Anything upbeat - hip hop is my go to before races and even in training. I really love Beyonce's 'I'm a Diva,' which really helps me with that transformation. I am super laid back when I am off the track, but when you have to get the job done, it helps me get into that different kind of zone.
AM: What habits do you have that change in terms of training and eating when you are closer to the games?
AF: My stuff doesn't change too much actually. What I do in training and even getting closer, I try to keep my habits the same. When I'm eating, I eat a lot of fish, vegetables, and fruits. I don't like to have too many changes. How I am in training versus the races is the same so that I am consistent. I want to do the same thing when I am competing as for me.
AM: Afterwards I'm sure you definitely enjoy a splurge fest?
AF: Icecream is kind of my go to! I love a good steak and just love to eat
AM: What is your track style versus when you're out and about going to brunch?
AF: I like any detailed pieces and Nike has a lot of fun leggings and I love colorful and bright stuff - anything that is kind of unique. That's my go to. When I am out and about, I am very laid back and am a jeans and tee shirt girl. But when I dress up, I really like classic pieces - timeless pieces.
AM: When you're not training what do we find you doing in your down time?
AF: I'm an LA girl so I love going to the beach - I'm all about the beach cruiser and going into the water. I'm a homebody, since I travel so much - I like being with my family. When I have my off time, it's kind of great to do just nothing!
AM: How do you maintain balance?
AF: Balance is key and it's all about scheduling as you have so many responsibilities. I have a lot of help and an amazing support system with people that I work with as well as partnerships.
Bounty (in addition to being her partner, but also a sponsor of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games), has been great with everything that they are doing. Currently, their initiative on social media allows people to tweet a Quick Tip. I did mine as I have a Yorkie - she's so much fun but just a little messy. So I put a little Bounty paper towel underneath her water bowl to pick up any spills. I would tweet this to @Bounty with #QuickTip and for each of those tips they donate $1 to P&G Team USA Youth Sports Funds. It's something that I believe in and is just a great way that they have partnered with me.
Throughout the 2016 Olympics, Bounty will share the best tips on their social media channels. Select winners will receive prize packs.
I also make sure that I have some time for myself is key which is important for everything else.
Pictures courtesy of Bounty/PG + Nike
Read more from the May Issue