Tasha Stanley entered this past weekend's USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships in the women's 800m dash. The Eleanor Roosevelt senior placed sixth in the third heat during the prelims, finishing in 2:11.34. PennTrackXC.com's Don Rich took some time after Stanley finished racing to talk with her. See what the talented leader had to say.
Don Rich (DR): On your race.
Tasha Stanley (TS): It was a great experience. I'm really not that satisfied with my results. I should have run about a 2:09, but I think that 2:11 is good for my first time running against professionals. Women who have been running this event for years.
DR: The pressure of looking over and seeing Nicole Teter, etc.
TS: It didn't bother me. They're human beings, just like I am. Just a little older than me, and a little more experienced. It was nice meeting them, but I was just focused on my race.
It was an indoor PR. I know from my training that I could have gone 2:09. I think I attacked the race really well, but the third lap I didn't do as well as I should have.
DR: How was it without the baton?
TS: Wow...it was different without the baton, not having teammates rooting for you and expecting you to come in. I did this for myself, and it was kinda different. But it's something that I could get used to. They were calling me all day and wishing me luck.