BINGELY STREAMING

SPRINT: THE WORLD'S

FASTEST HUMANS

Netflix Originals

Netflix

We enjoyed watching Sprint: The World's Fastest Humans which lets us follow elite Sprinters as they are on the road to the Olympics and making a statement with their talents. This docuseries follows some of your favorite Track and Field stars including: Sha'Carri Richardson (USA), Noah Lyles (USA), Shericka Jackson (Jamaica), Zharnel Hughes (England) Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica), and Elaine Thompson (Jamaica). It's a great series and one that will connect you to what's going on in the world of Track & Field for Sprint athletes to be ready for Paris 2024.

CHARLIE HUSTLE & THE MATTER OF PETE ROSE

HBO Original

HBO

When you talk about scandals that took place in the history of MLB, Pete Rose is one that comes to mind. In Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose, we look at his journey that spans over 60 years in this four part series. We get to know more about his rise to stardom in the league, his banishment from the game in 1989 due to betting, and his bid to be reinstated and placed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Throughout the series, we get to know about his career and being baseball's all-time hits leader. We also dig into why he is a polarizing figure in sports. We hear from him as well as interviews he held and commentary from luminaries in the league. It gives us more insight into who this man is beyond what we have known and what he has learned as he has navigated the past decades.

CHAMELEON: DOCTOR MIRACLE

Campside Media, Sony Music + The Binge

Spotify

Chameleon is an investigative podcast that takes us into interesting worlds each season whether it was Gallery of Lies, Wild Boys, Dr. Dante Master of Deception, High Rollers, and Hollywood Con Queen. This season, Doctor Miracle is focused on a wellness canter, Miracle Ranch which is in SoCal.

The center promotes itself as a luxury escape that will allow you to navigate life through clean alkaline living. Led by Dr. Robert O. Young, he has acquired a clientele of wealthy people who followed his "groundbreaking" methods of living well. By staying at his facility, he promised that everyone would live well; however, those who did got worse and didn't live an optimized life.

Through legal documents and candid interviews with former patients and employees, law enforcement officials, and affected family members, this series unravels the chilling true story of one man who convinced scores of people that cancer is not a cell but an “acidic, poiisonous liquid”, and how his popular “alkaline diet” turned deadly.

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY STREAMING in mag.

PACE YOURSELF WITH MEB KEFLEZIGHI

When it comes to long distance running, Meb Keflezighi is a global ambassador for the sport. His energy and enthusiasm he has is undeniable if you've had the chance to see him run, attend an industry running event or even a media day with him. He believes in putting in the work and preparing your mind, body and soul when you're hitting the course. He is well-known for winning an Olympic Silver medal for Team USA Track and Field for Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the NYC Marathon, a number of NCAA Championships and National Championships. We talk with this Olympian who has attended the Summer Games 4 times and has the MEB Foundation where he gives back to those who are interested in the sport. He also talks about how he has used his platform in a positive way to inspire others!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with running and what is it about long distance running that attracts you to it?

MEB KEFLEZIGHI: I was first introduced to running when I came to the US in 7th grade when I was in my PE class with Coach Dick Lord. He told me that if I ran hard, I would get an A or a B in the class, and if I was just messing around, I would get a D or a F. My parents always wanted me to get an A in the class no matter what I was taking – Math, Science, Art History or Physical Education Class. I didn’t want to disappoint them so I decided to run hard. It was the mile run. I ended up doing a 5:20 mile to my surprise and the coach’s surprise. He told me that I was going to go to the Olympics and bear in mind, that I didn’t speak English. He told me that I was going to get an A and then I started running. I asked my dad what the Olympics meant and I fell in love with it because it gave me confidence and it gave me friendship with people as well as camaraderie with others. Obviously, distance running is great for me because I get to see beautiful scenery and I am able to travel to different areas as opposed to just being around the track.

AM: For those readers that may not be aware of what long distance running means means, what are the foot races that you would find in this category?

MK: Well there’s the mile which is a long one, there’s a 3K which is about 2 miles which is what I did in high school. It’s debatable on the 800m which is a half mile in terms of whether it is mid-distance or long distance. Anywhere from the mile to the 3K to the 5K which is about 3.1 miles, the 10K which is 6.2 miles, a 15K is 9.3 miles, there is a half marathon which is 13.1 miles and of course 26.2 miles which is a full marathon and is very far. There are some other people that also do ultra marathons (editor’s note: this is any race that is longer than a marathon and these races tend to be 30 mile trail races to a 200 mile relay) which I have never done. I ran from 800m to a marathon in high school, college and professional.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to run professionally?

MK: It’s funny that you asked because for me, going to school at UCLA on a full athletic scholarship, I was there from ‘94 –‘ 99. It was in ’97 that I had a big breakthrough you can call it. I was doing cross country, indoor 5K, and 5K as well as 10K outdoors and I contemplated whether to go pro or not, but I understood the value of education and that my degree would mean a lot more in the long run and I didn’t want to get injured and get set back. So that was the first time that it crossed my mind. But according to others like my 7th grade PE teacher, my high school coach, my classmates and others – their standards were high. They wrote in my yearbook that they would see me in the Olympics and that I was going to make it. But I had no idea how far running was going to take me until 1997 when I won 4 NCAA titles in that year (editor’s note: Meb became the first individual NCAA men’s cross country champion in school history winning in a course record 28 minutes 54 seconds, he won the NCAA indoor track 5,000 meter title and he won for outdoor in the 5,000 meter as well as the 10,000 meter championships).

AM: You are the only athlete in history to win the NY Marathon, the Boston Marathon, 4 X Olympian who won the Silver medal along with all of your NCAA Championships and National Championships. How do you prep for your races physically, mentally and spiritually?

MK: My parents always told me that the key to success is preparation. Do your homework and if you do it, you will do a fine job and that’s whether it’s for school, running or even a professional job. My family was like, tie your shoes, go for a run and of course you have to be systematic to see what you need to be able to excel when you run. For me physically, it was about 100 – 135 miles a week and I do that 4 times a week. People will ask me, do you run every day and I’m like, well you do the math ha! I run multiple times a day. In the afternoon, I do my long run for one intense workout. I don’t try to double up on that. Sometimes I run 10-12 miles in the morning, on the hard days, I will run anywhere from 12-16 miles and then in the afternoon, I will go for a fast mile and an early leisure easy one just to have time on your feet. The other ones are pretty rigorous.

Mentally, I guess you have to believe in yourself and the progress and strengths that you make. You can see the progress weekly, monthly and yearly. This is important for you to be able to see those.

Spiritually, I feel like I have my God given talent and I understand what my purpose is for me. I want to capitalize on my abilities to the fullest and most maximal potential.

AM: I know in terms of your training, you have been quoted in saying that you have a 9 day training cycle as opposed to a training week. Can you tell me more about this and what do you do during that period of time?

MK: We all know that there are 7 days in a week, the 9 day cycle allows me to have that recovery days in between. As you are in high school in college and early professionals, you can get away with a 7 day cycle. You can recover faster. As I got older, I wasn’t recovering and I wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t be injured. So what I did was, you have Monday – Sunday and I cycle on through Monday and Tuesday. For example, if I do a long run on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday it will be easy for me, but maybe not for everybody else. I can run in the morning and train again in the afternoon. Again on Wednesday, it would be the same thing, 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. But then Thursday will be intervals because race days are faster. So Friday and Saturday would be the same thing that I did on Tuesday and Wednesday. It would be 10 miles or 12 miles in the morning and then the same in the afternoon. On Sunday, I would do my tempo run which is race days that can go anywhere from 6 miles to 16 – 18 miles on race day. You’ve got to warm up before hand and cool down. So it will be anywhere from 20-25 miles on that day. So instead of going back to a hard day on Monday for that workout, you need Monday and Tuesday to recover. So Wednesday would be that next hard session. By doing this, you get to know your body really well. You can start alternating whether you’re doing long runs, intervals or tempo. I can switch it up if the speed isn’t there and put two intervals together – like putting Sunday and Tuesday intervals together and Monday becomes the long run.

AM: From a nutrition standpoint, what do you eat to support your efforts when you’re looking at the next race?

MK: Nutrition is a very important part of training. You have to have a balance. The days that I do a hard workout, I have to have carb load like rice and pasta or potatoes. The days that I have an intense workout like a long run, tempo or intervals. I go with a lot more protein especially as I have gotten older as you try to eat protein to stay as lean as possible. Obviously, right after the workout, I have a drink with a product called UCAN, a UCAN shake. It’s the water and powder and you can have a banana, stretch out, do the ice baths, get a massage maybe and then 2 hours later, have a real meal where there’s eggs whether it’s an omelet or scrambled – whatever works for you. Then you have that afternoon run and then after if it’s a hard run, you have chicken or maybe fish or steak if I’m getting ready for a hard work out as you also want those carbohydrates.

AM: We had the pleasure of being able to meet you in 2016 right before the Summer Games in Rio. We were at Chelsea Piers for the KT Tape Media Day which we were able to meet you and the other athletes as well that are ambassadors of the brand. Why is your partnership with KT Tape so important and how is it synergistic with what you do?

MK: It’s been a great partnership with KT Tape because they understand the demands of what an athlete – not only professional athlete but every day runners or those in sports and what it does to their body. KT Tape understands that they need to be there for the aches and pains and to try to make it as easy as possible for those that are dedicated to their activity. Obviously, their motto is “to finish strong,” in not only races but also in training. I feel very proud to work with them.

AM: We’ve been a fan of their products and have a number of them that we have on hand when we’re on our photoshoots, hitting the tradeshows, being at NYFW, musical festivals etc. The fact that they have a number of recovery options from gels, the Wave+ items that are focused on blisters etc. definitely assists our team in what we do! What are your go to products that you enjoy using?

MK: I usually when I’m training have the KT Tape generic for the tendons and muscles to stabilize them. But I also have the KT Tape Flex for my knees and the KT Tape IT Band. Obviously, the KT Tape Chafe Safe is important as runners, we chafe and that’s important. I have also used the recovery patch as sometimes we have our calves or your glutes and lower back so that you can bring attention to that muscle and it can help you recover and to get you through the workout!

AM: I’m sure that just like us, you enjoyed seeing athletes being able to do what they do best on such a global stage especially due to the postponement of the Summer Games due to COVID, what did participating in the Olympics mean to you as you have done it a number of times?

MK: Well the Olympics are special and the pinnacle of any sport – it’s a big dream whether you’re a runner or any sport! When you make it there, you’re fortunate to be able to be there and it’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to wear that USA jersey on your chest and to represent that red, white and blue. That Jersey – it only becomes real when you put that on. You have dreams and ambitions, but when you’re on that flight to the Olympics or you’re at the Opening Ceremonies and participating with that Jersey on, it’s magnificent! You’re the chosen one and for Track and Field, there are only 3 people in the whole US and you have to earn your spot in order to make it.

Especially for me, I mean, my first experience was the Summer Games in Sydney to go to the Olympics prior to 9/11. It wasn’t my best performance obviously, because I had to stay in the village and I got the flu that was going around. But I was so delighted to be able to represent the US, go to the Opening Ceremony which was on Thursday and I did the 10K and it was done by Mon. But I had a whole 2 weeks to enjoy other sports as long as you have your USA badge and credential. I was able to go on the ferry, the train and the buses and you just flashed your card and could do what you wanted to do and it was great.

I was very fortunate to win an Olympic medal in Athens at the Summer Games in 2004. I was so proud to be able to bring home a medal – I was able to deliver that.

Obviously, for the Summer Games in 2012 in London, it was a challenging situation, I came in 4th but to be in the moment and to keep pushing hard - that's also important to not give up and not to drop out! You have to keep going no matter what! Thinking back, I was 21st half way and I ended up finishing 4th. And also to be able to go to Rio for the Summer Games in 2016 and to be able to understand what I did for my daughters by them seeing me make the team.

AM: Wow that’s definitely quite a history that you have had at the games! Do you have a favorite race or course that you like to run?

MK: Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to do 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and full marathons. In terms of my favorite marathon race, it’s the NYC Marathon and obviously I have raced 9 or 11 times there and the crowd really got into it! My most meaningful history is the Boston Marathon that I won in 2014 (editors note: Meb was the first American to win this race since 1983 and this race was a year after the Boston Marathon bombing) and of course equally challenging! Sometimes some of them are hillier at the end. Some of them it’s like on the Verrazano bridge at the beginning you just know you have to take it easy and then to strategize when to make those moves when it counts.

AM: When you’re running, how do you stay motivated and present just like what you were talking about to get to the finish line? We can imagine that there are a lot of mental things going on beyond just running through the course.

MK: It’s a mind game. I always talk about preparation and in training, it’s 90% physical and 10% mental. But once the gun goes off, it switches to 90% mental and 10% physical. You’re physically healthy and ready to go, you have to make good decisions according to your training and what you can and can’t do. Don’t make sudden moves, but you also have to know where you are at certain points of the course to keep driving strong and to never give up. Are you willing to hurt a little bit because you know it’s going to hurt at one point or another – but you’re going to hold on to that person that’s in front of you until you get to that next mile. You know that they’re not going to be able to keep it up the whole way and they’re just trying to break you – so you can’t get broken down.

AM: When you’re prepping for a race on race day, do you have certain things that you have to do before you go to the starting line?

MK: Weeks before the race are very important. You have to do the extra stretching, you have to prep your diet because this is all very important. You can’t eat the way that you used to eat. You have to hydrate and it’s very important. It’s interesting because you might feel a little shaky and eager to go because you’ve been doing 130 miles a week and now you’re going to 40-50 miles and so the energy is there. You just want to be able to go and you have to control the emotions. You just have to know that you have the confidence and that you will do well.

AM: Thinking back in a previous life, we ran the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge for years and it’s a 3K race that takes place in Central Park. In weeks leading up to this event, our team would do small runs and try to prep to take this event on. We were not runners at all, but we always felt so good after completing the race. What is your advice to new runners that are looking to join a race or to simply get into running for fun?

MK: I mean first time runners have to put the dedication and effort into running. If they can do that on a daily basis or whenever you run, you’re going to be ok! You’ve got to pay attention to small things – a small and steady pace will get it done. Don’t panic and try to do the best that you can. Just go at your pace. You don’t know how many years the other competitor running next to you has so just be within yourself and don't try to do what they're doing what they’re doing. Make sure you have the camaraderie and to understand why you came especially if it’s a 5K or anything longer. Pace yourself.

AM: You’re appearing at the Philadelphia Marathon later this year. Why are you coming back to this race and what are you excited about to see all of these great runners there?

MK: It’s great to go back to the Philadelphia Marathon! I think the city is great and obviously, one of my favorite movies is Rocky with the Philly steps and Rocky which I think is pretty cool ha! They’re not a big time marathon, but they are doing a great job with what that week they will have an 8K, a half marathon and then a full marathon.

AM: In many ways, you’re seen as an ambassador or a role model for long distance running and you’re so encouraging to other athletes whether it’s those who race or elsewhere whether they’re professional or enthusiasts. Why is it so important for you to be so positive in supporting athletes?

MK: For me, I came here as an immigrant and I struggled with the language. My dad would sit with myself and my siblings at 4:30am in the morning and we would learn English through the dictionary, one word at a time. I understand that runners work hard and for me to be an ambassador, I know how hard it is. For people to wake up at 5am in the morning to do their run because they have full time jobs and other commitments, I do understand what others are going through as I did when I was a younger kid. To be part of this sport and if we encourage each other, we will support all of us!

AM: You’re also known as a motivational speaker and a NY Best Selling Author, when did you realize that you wanted to add this into your platform as well?

MK: My life has been an interesting one and God gave me the opportunity to discover running in the 7th grade as I said before. But when I was taking English as a second language in 7th, 8th and 9th grade, I saw that I could help others by writing a book and that’s when the seed was planted. Gail and Steven Van Camp, they were my mentors and they helped me when I was in high school and that’s when Run to Win became a philosophy of mine it’s not about winning 1st place but it’s about not giving up on yourself. I felt honored to be able to share my story and to inspire others so that they could be encouraged. Not only for those who are running, but something that’s broader across their lifestyle.

AM: Can you tell us about the MEB Foundation?

MK: The MEB Foundation helps in education and fitness and the sport has given me so much that I want to give back. It’s an honor to give back whether it’s me being able to give shoes to schools or through scholarships for their efforts. I think sports is great for your self-confidence, time management, dedication and commitment to be strong in everything that you do. I love being able to give back in that way!

AM: The MEB Foundation is going to be running at this year’s Boston Marathon and NY Marathon. How can someone participate in these races and are they able to still be involved in this year’s marathon or will they have to wait for next year?

MK: For the MEB Foundation, you can go to my website MarathonMeb.com to find out more details. This year, the Boston Marathon is full and for the NY Marathon, we’re still looking for runners. It’s one way to do fundraising and it’s always great to have people who represent the MEB Foundation and are able to fundraise. That has been the only way to fundraise and we have done amazing work. So head to our site and you can get in touch with me or others who work with me and you can get in touch with us for next year’s Boston Marathon, this year’s NY Marathon and future races.

AM: Are there other projects that you’re working on that you would like to share with us?

MK: I’m spending a lot of time with my daughters as much as I can as they’re into soccer. I continue to do speaking engagements on interests of mine. In 2000 when I came back from Sydney, I coached at a community college which was great to give back and I also knew I wanted to focus on my athletic ability, but I was also proud to be part of that. Down the road, I will probably give back as much as I can. Not only to the elite but regular runners as well.

AM: When you’re not training and inspiring others, what are you doing to take time for yourself?

MK: For me, being dedicated to my athletics as much as I can, but also spending time with my family and friends. Sometimes, I just go biking, riding, kayaking in the water. But I also like to read biographies in the park, so I go there. It’s a great way to get out of the house and have some solitude.

AM: You have had such an impact on so many people inside and outside of the sport. What do you want your legacy to be?

MK: Thank you for asking me that question! I just hope that people have a positive experience when they interact with me. I love that people want to meet me and have waited in lines and even though the conversations may only be 20 secs or a minute, they have waited for half an hour or an hour and I want them to feel positive when they meet or see me. I’m fortunate to be able to connect with them!

AM: We love talking with trailblazers that have inspired others and we want to know who are 3 people that have inspired you to be where you are today?

MK: First and foremost, my parents. They gave up everything that they had and their opportunities not only for me, but for all their kids. They came here, we had to learn the language and we have been positive contributors to society. I feel very blessed that they did that and that they put their life on hold to give us opportunities to step up to the plate and be better ourselves.

In the sport world, I am always inspired by Jackie Robinson breaking barriers in baseball. The Van Camps introduced me to his story and I feel blessed that I read his book and when I was in high school, obviously Jessie Owens (editor’s note: In 2014 at the end of the season USA Track & Field selected Meb’s Boston Marathon victory as the Inspirational Performance of the Year. Later at the same ceremony, he was selected as the winner of the 2014 Jesse Owens Award, the highest accolade given out by the US National governing body for track and field, cross country running, road running and racewalking) was the same thing. What he did was amazing!

But also Jim Ryun (editor’s note: Olympic track and field athlete who at his peak was noted as the world’s top middle-distance runner. He won a Silver Medal in the 1500m at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City and was the first high school athlete to run a mile in under 4 minutes. He is the last American to hold the world record in the middle run) the high school phenom and making the Olympics when he was in high school as I have read up on him and watched the documentary. It was awesome.

On an international level Haile Gebrselassie (editor’s note: Haile is a retired long-distance track and road running athlete. He won 2 Olympic gold medals over 10,000 metres and four World Championship titles in the event. He won the Berlin Marathon four times consecutively and also had three straight wins at the Dubai Marathon. In addition, he won four world titles indoors and was the 2001 World Half Marathon Champion. He is known for 2 Olympic Gold Medals, 8 World Championship victories and he set 27 world records and remains the world record holder of the 10-mile run) from Ethiopia has inspired me a lot to do great things in terms of being a competitor. Size doesn’t matter, just keep working hard. Even in challenging situations in UCLA, I always thought if Haile could do it, you just need to put in the work wherever you are. It’s not where you go but what you do there in the time that you have!

IG @RunMeb

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | KT TAPE

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Pace Yourself with Meb Keflezighi in mag

RAISE THE BAR WITH ALYSHA NEWMAN

Across a number of sports, competitions are beginning to start again. We talked with Team Canada Olympic Track & Field Pole Vaulter, Alysha Newman on her sport, prepping for next year's Summer Games and Zenni Optical X ESPN's The World's Greatest USA Track & Field sanctioned event this month.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What brought you to being in Track & Field as an overall sport and specifically, the pole vault?

ALYSHA NEWMAN: Track was my second love and gymnastics was my first. I felt that gymnastics would take me to the Olympics. But when I turned 10 or 11 years old, I had a huge growth spurt and went from 5’4” to 5’8” in a couple of years! It just got hard and I fractured my L5 vertebrae and my body couldn’t keep up with it. I was forced into retirement at the age of 13. I mean, as a 13 year old, training 32 hours a week, in a gymnastics gym, going to school half days – I was having so much fun and it never felt like a job to me.

I took a year off from all athletics to heal myself, but my mom knew that I still wanted to be an athlete. She wanted to put me in diving and in swimming and in more track and field. I ended up dropping the water sports and focused on track and field. In elementary school in Canada, you do Pentathlons, so I did a number of different events. I ended up loving hurdles - the start, the finish and the training. But going from 32 hours to 8 hours a week, I was going crazy at home and wanted to be at the track more.

My manager at the London Legion club, said I should do 2 events which would give me 16 hours on the track. He felt that since I was a gymnast, pole vault would be a good idea. Within 6 months, I started competing. The very first competition that I did, I jumped 3.15m and it was the league record. From that day on, I fell in love with the sport, forgot about gymnastics and found my new passion. first competition that I did, I jumped 3.15m and it was the league record. From that day on, I fell in love with the sport, forgot about gymnastics and found my new passion.

AM: How does the sport of pole vault work in terms of the rules and how you know you have won?

AN: Every bar you get 3 attempts at each bar. Every athlete can pick at what height they want to go in. The meet usually schedules the height of the increments and after that, it’s whoever is jumping the longest. Once everyone is done, you can then pick heights that you are going for for a personal best or a national record. You can pick once everyone is done. You win by being the last man standing.

AM: How do you train for something like this? What workouts are you doing that optimize you to flow through this sport?

AN: You never want to do too much of one thing. With pole vault, it is fully head to toe – which means 90% mental, 10% physical. We’re definitely doing a lot of running, sprint workouts, plyometrics etc. Then we have the technical side which is 2-3 times a week and you are trying to get better, faster and stronger. One thing about pole vault is that it is a development. You’re not going to go in jumping on the highest pole and the stiffest pole right away! You've got to slowly get better, year after year. That’s why they say that it is important that you put in those 10,000 hours of pole vault training. This way, you’re body can get the experience and you learn mostly from your failures. If you talk to any pole vaulter, they will tell you that we end in failure every single time. That is what is so mental about it. You go to the track feeling like you can jump to the sky and because of “x” factors, it might not happen that day. It’s not because you were off your game that you couldn’t win, it could have been that your poles didn’t show up or anything. It’s one of those things that’s very mental. If you can be mentally tough in this event, you will do pole vault for a very long time.

AM: With the Summer Games in Tokyo being postponed to next summer, how are you focusing in terms of making sure that you are on track for your fitness goals and what you want to achieve to compete next year?

AN: Initially, I was really hurt. I mean every athlete waits 4 years to show the best of the best and be around the best of the best. I think what was really positive was that I had to switch it as fast as I could and to not take it as a negative. Usually, you don’t have time to work on anything you know? You put those 10,000 hours in, you go pro, and then you go to meet after meet. I competed 40 times last year and I only had 4 weeks off. You don’t have as much time to work on or change things which then may effect something else.

We have worked on my speed, listening and feeling the pole out. Doing those repetitions over and over makes me feel even better than I did 6 months ago. That’s at I'm bringing to the meet in Greenville, South Carolina.

AM: That meet is on July 15th, Zenni Optical and ESPN are presenting The World’s Greatest Live which is the first USA sanctioned Track & Field event this year with attendees that will be socially distanced, You can watch it on ESPN’s YouTube channel. Can you tell us more about the event hosted by Team USA Pole Vault Medalist, Sandi Morris who is hosting it on her custom built runway?

AN: It’s going to be a really awesome event. Zenni is providing all the athletes with eyewear. When all the girls are together with that positive adrenaline, that is when we're at our best for these meets.

Sandi has always been the leader in Women’s Pole Vaulting and has been someone that keeps pushing the bar very high. She’s a firecracker, she’s always on and always putting out high heights to keep us motivated.

AM: What’s your routine prior to a meet?

AN: I eat really healthy leading up to the meet. It’s something that I always do. The day before, I’m on the phone calling my coaches for an hour or two just to have a game plan. I will always have a glass of wine with my agent the night before I compete. I’m at my best when I’m having the most fun, relaxed and have a good sleep. In the morning, I call one of my coaches before I go out to let them know about the height increments and what we are going to do. I put my makeup and lipstick on which is like my war paint – when that goes on, there’s no looking back.

IG @AlyshaNewman

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Oscar Muñoz Badilla

Read the July Issue of Athleisure Mag #55 and see Raise the Bar with Alysha Newman in mag.

Hear Team Canada Pole Vaulter, Alysha Newman on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

S1. E1. | The Road to Tokyo 2020 with Natasha Hastings (400M Diva) - US Track and Field

We all have our favorite sports and Track and Field is definitely one of ours! We’re excited to kick off our inaugural episode of The Road to Tokyo 2020 with Natasha Hastings, otherwise known as the 400M Diva! She has participated in a number of World Championships and meets, and she has represented her country with gold medals at the Olympics in Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, and she is now making her plans for Tokyo 2020. We find out about her drive and career on and off the track, as well as finding out more about her beauty line and her upcoming marriage to retired NFL athlete William Gay.