The USATF Indoor is held at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island. Jeff Benjamin, Staten Island’s running mayor, checks in on a few of the indoor champions and checks on their fitness and focus.
Emily McKay 3rd fastest women in USA over 1500 meters (3:55.90). Emily has PBs of 1:57.87 for 800m, 3:55.90 for 1500m, 4:22.43 for the mile, 8:35.35 for 3000m and 14:45.81 for 5000m.
Emily is also the world indoor 1500m bronze medalist from Glasgow 2024. Jeff Benjamin reached out and asked her 4 questions. Emily is sponsored by New Balance and coached by Pete Julian of Union Athletic Club.
1) How is your training going?
Emily McKay. “Training is going great, I’m feeling the best I’ve ever been at this time of year and the healthiest and happiest I’ve ever been. So, having said that, I’m very excited to see what that means for the year ahead.”
2) I would think that after the indoor season, this is the outdoor season for records and personal bests; do you agree?
Emily McKay. “The goals this year are to do as many races as possible and achieve personal bests in each event.”
3) As a frequent visitor here now, how do you like the Ocean Breeze facility?
Emily McKay. “I always enjoy racing at Ocean Breeze, it’s definitely nostalgic because I ran there a little bit in college. I’ve had some pretty bad races there before, so it’s nice to be back there as a professional with new goals.”
4) With all the changes in the sport after you’ve been competing for over a decade – super shoes, nutrition, carbs – how do you still stay sharp and motivated?
Emily McKay. “I just focus on myself and being the best version of myself that I can be every day. That mindset keeps me grounded and keeps my love for the sport alive.”
