How Olympic Trials Marathoner Carrie Mack Uses Yoga
In 2018 Carrie Mack nailed an 11 minute PR at Chicago AND missed the Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier by just 11 seconds. But she wasn’t and isn’t anywhere close to done. She doubled down on her focus and her recovery using Athletes for Yoga AND training under the one and only Lauren Fleshman with team Little Wing.
On October 6, 2019 Carrie lined up at the Twin City Marathon, took 8 minutes off her new PR, and snagged the “A” standard to run the Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta this month — “A” standard means she ran a sub 2:37 (2:36:36).
She’s gotten back to her Trials training after breaking her toe in a freak weight room accident last fall. And no matter what happens in Atlanta, she has an incredible career ahead. Meet Carrie and find out how she uses yoga to show up at her best.
Where did you qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon?
Twin Cities Marathon, October 6, 2019, Minneapolis, MN | 2:36:36
What was the journey to that qualifier? Tell us everything!
I refocused on training for the marathon at the beginning of 2018. A long build up with some shorter distance stuff put me at the 2018 Chicago Marathon full of confidence and nerves. I had an 11 minute PR that left me 11 seconds short of the OTQ. Talk about bittersweet. I learned so much during that race!
After joining Little Wing Athletics, an all women's elite training group sponsored by Oiselle in Bend Oregon, I stayed hungry and humble through 2019 while building my fitness and adding tools to my tool box. I settled on the Twin Cities Marathon last fall after having a really great 1/2 marathon in July in the midst of a heavy training week. I really went into that race feeling ready to crush it. I felt proud of my build up and so grateful for all the support I had received to get to that start line happy and healthy.
The race was an absolute blast. I ran every step with a smile on my face. I was in a really great flow state and it just felt so effortless.
For the last 4–6 weeks of that training block and especially during my taper, I really put a big emphasis on extra recovery and rest. A4Y videos are so easy to access regardless of schedule, travel, etc.
I found that shifting my expectation about how much time I needed to have for yoga and embracing that even just 5 minutes for a quick Reset was beneficial and meant I was much more likely to use A4Y regularly. I like to spend time the day before a race going through my favorite A4Y routines. Carving out time to feel prepared and refreshed adds to my sense of calm and confidence before I get to a start line.
How did you use Athletes for Yoga in the training build up for this race?
I set the goal of making time for extra stretching and recovery like A4Y a minimum of 3 times a week during my build up to the TC marathon. I typically had one recovery focused day each week and would do a longer A4Y video (some of my faves are High Milage Reset, Comprehensive Hip + Hamstring Reset, or Quick Post-Run Reset) I also really like the 26.2 Training Workout Day Warm Up and would use this on workout days. Giving my specific tightnesses and weaknesses, I rely heavily on the hip reset and hamstring videos — the 5 minute videos are great for this.
Most used Athletes for Yoga Video(s) in your training ramp up for qualifier?
Most used Athletes for Yoga Video(s) in your training ramp up for Olympic Trials?
How has using Athletes for Yoga changed how you feel?
Using A4Y has given me a greater sense of embodiment. I am more in tune with what my body's recovery needs are. It has also given my confidence in knowing I am prepared both mentally and physically.
What are Your Olympic Trials Marathon race day goals?
Be present and supportive of my Oiselle teammates. Finish with a full heart and healthy toe. Make the most of the day I'm given.
How will you use yoga on race day / weekend?
I'll definitely spend some time the 2 days prior to the race for extra recovery. I'll do some quick Resets pre- and post-travel. I'll try and carve out time the day before for a longer stretch/recovery video to honor my commitment to recovery and rest leading into the race.
Race day mantra?
Fortune favors the brave. Courage over comfort. Keep the heart open. I can do this.
What word comes to you when you think of yourself at the start of the Olympic Trials?
Resilient
Follow Carrie Mack on IG. And watch the Olympic Marathon Trials on NBC!