chasingGLORY
2008 U.S. Olympic Trials-Women's 20km Race Walk
Margaret Ditchburn
A long time Southern California resident, Margaret Ditchburn
has had much success in her long career. She competed on
the United States National Race Walk Team in 2004 at the
World Cup, was seventh in the 2004 Olympic Trials, and has
competed in many national championship events.
Why don’t you start off by telling me how you made the decision to try to
qualify for the Olympic 20Km Race Walk Trials.
After having a baby in January, I really wanted to get back in shape. Susan
Armenta was running a marathon in San Diego and I helped with water
and to cheer her on. I realized how much I missed racing. I started
working out by race walking and after speaking with Susan in the
summer I knew she was going for the Olympic Trials. Susan has always
been a friend, training partner or coach to me so I thought it would be fun
to train. In 2004 Susan was living in San Diego and we worked out every
day together and pushed each other and we had a great season. We had
both been on the 2004 World Cup Team and traveled together and had
such a great time. In 2005 Susan moved to San Jose so things would be
different having her as a training partner, more like an e-partner. I also
wanted to see if I could juggle all the different areas of my life.
It seems like you are suited for the 20kms, as training for the event
requires lots of miles.
I think that miles that I have done years ago are still helping me out in
race walking. I don’t do nearly the mileage that I used to do. I know that I
don’t have the speed that I would need for shorter distances at the
moment. I think a lot has to do with being mentally suited for a race and I’
m usually really consistent throughout the race.
How did you catch the race walking bug?
I had a crush on a guy in high school that was a race walker. I thought if I
took up the sport I would get to spend more time with him and we would
live happily ever after. It didn’t end up like that.
How does it feel to be able to call yourself an Olympic Trials Finalist?
I am so happy that I will be able to compete at the Olympic Trials. I’m
really proud of myself and it is a great accomplishment of mine. It is a
privilege to be able to compete there.
How does your family feel about your race walk achievements and time
commitment to make the Olympic Team?
My parents are really supportive and excited. They will be flying out from
New York to watch me race in Eugene .
Do you plan on walking any races between now and the Trials?
Since I only have the “B” standard I may have to put in another race to be
able to compete. If they close the competition to just the “A” standard
finishers and up to 15 walkers then I’m out. I think I’m 16th at the
moment. I’m hoping I don’t have to race again because I broke my toe
this week so I’ve done other physical activities for training but tried to
avoid walking because the push off is really painful. It is really quite funny
since I was just walking really fast to the kitchen and didn’t navigate the
wall very well. The more obstacles that come in your way, the sweeter it
will be to have a great race at Olympic Trials.
How about naming five or so keys to success for you personally as a race
walker?
Having a race plan, and a plan B and a plan C and even a plan D. I think
Curt Clausen was the best at having a plan and not mentally losing it
during a race.
Having fun while you are racewalking.
Mentally being in the moment and not absent.
Have the support and friendship of other racewalkers.
Discuss your overall season. How would you evaluate your
performances?
I really didn’t race much this season. I started with the St. Patrick’s Day
race in Huntington Beach . I didn’t race very fast at all but it was a good
mental race for me. I didn’t find myself having any negative thoughts
throughout the race. I kept it really positive in my head.
I really enjoyed my performance in Eugene for World Cup Trials. I walked
a really consistent race and started out at the back and was able to pick
people off throughout the race. I also say I enjoyed the race because my
friend John Nunn was my personal aid and he kept me laughing the
entire race and that helped me stay relaxed. John Nunn was key for me
doing well at that race and getting my “B” standard.
What do you think are the keys to your personal success?
Staying balanced in all areas of my life. I have a career that I didn’t put on
hold but I don’t work late at night or weekends, and I spend time with my
family and friends. I spend January and February in Vietnam and
Cambodia so I was able to travel and train a little bit. I don’t have all my
eggs in one basket so if one area of my life isn’t going that well I can have
success in other areas. I think if I gave up everything for racewalking and I
got injured then I would be devastated.
Was there anything that you learned from this season that you think you'll
try to work on specifically before the Trials?
Speed work for sure. That is my weakness. Also I need to get off the
treadmill at the gym. It is so easy to go to the gym and have Kaden in Kids
Club for $3 while I workout, but it doesn’t help if I have to go and change
his diaper in the middle of my workout. Also the treadmill doesn’t help
your form any. You tend to let the machine do the work while you move
your legs under you and you lose on your push-off and tend to slap your
foot down when you land.
In terms of the Olympic Trials, is it challenging or even a bit daunting to
mentally prepare yourself to compete against some of the best athletes
in America ?
I think it is challenging. I’m really there to challenge myself. I’m not trying
to win Olympic Trials, I’m there to walk a good race and be a good role
model for my son. I’m there to show people I know that yes you can have
a career, and be a mom, and be an athlete all at the same time.
Who are your race walk heroes, and what about those athletes impress
you the most?
My heroes have changed over the years starting with Debbie Lawrence
and Marianne Daniels who are well known fast women to Laura
Carnegie and Kelly Wong. Laura has to wake up at 4AM to do her workout
before getting the kids to school at 7:30. She may not make the trials but
she has put everything into her walking the past few years and lost weight
and overcome obstacles to get where she is. She is also just a wonderful
person if you ever get to meet her. Kelly Wong is great because she is
just full of energy and you can just feel her buzzing when she is near you.
Every time she races she learns something and does it better the next
time around. Her husband is the most supportive guy cheering her and
her competitors on. I also enjoy comeback heroes like Ray Sharp that are
away from the sport for 14 years and then compete at World Cup years
later.
Do you have any specific goals for the Olympic Trials?
Have the fastest race of the season.
In terms of strategy, do you try to look for particular woman to stick near,
or do you walk more of your own race?
I’m usually the person at the start line telling other people the time that I’
m shooting for and see if anyone wants to walk with me. I would rather
walk with someone and race the last 5K than be walking alone the entire
race.
What is it about the Olympic Trials that you are most looking forward to?
The finish line, what else?
What are some of the key lessons you have learned the past two years?
Childbirth is like racing a 20K. Just think of every contraction as a
kilometer and breathe deep and slow. Most of it is mental and you can do
it without drugs.
Do you see yourself continuing to race walk until 2012 and to try for the
Olympics again?
I see myself racewalking but not as competitively. I love the sport and
training is like my daily meditation. I figure out and run scenarios in my
mind and am able to solve my life or work problems when I workout.
has had much success in her long career. She competed on
the United States National Race Walk Team in 2004 at the
World Cup, was seventh in the 2004 Olympic Trials, and has
competed in many national championship events.
Why don’t you start off by telling me how you made the decision to try to
qualify for the Olympic 20Km Race Walk Trials.
After having a baby in January, I really wanted to get back in shape. Susan
Armenta was running a marathon in San Diego and I helped with water
and to cheer her on. I realized how much I missed racing. I started
working out by race walking and after speaking with Susan in the
summer I knew she was going for the Olympic Trials. Susan has always
been a friend, training partner or coach to me so I thought it would be fun
to train. In 2004 Susan was living in San Diego and we worked out every
day together and pushed each other and we had a great season. We had
both been on the 2004 World Cup Team and traveled together and had
such a great time. In 2005 Susan moved to San Jose so things would be
different having her as a training partner, more like an e-partner. I also
wanted to see if I could juggle all the different areas of my life.
It seems like you are suited for the 20kms, as training for the event
requires lots of miles.
I think that miles that I have done years ago are still helping me out in
race walking. I don’t do nearly the mileage that I used to do. I know that I
don’t have the speed that I would need for shorter distances at the
moment. I think a lot has to do with being mentally suited for a race and I’
m usually really consistent throughout the race.
How did you catch the race walking bug?
I had a crush on a guy in high school that was a race walker. I thought if I
took up the sport I would get to spend more time with him and we would
live happily ever after. It didn’t end up like that.
How does it feel to be able to call yourself an Olympic Trials Finalist?
I am so happy that I will be able to compete at the Olympic Trials. I’m
really proud of myself and it is a great accomplishment of mine. It is a
privilege to be able to compete there.
How does your family feel about your race walk achievements and time
commitment to make the Olympic Team?
My parents are really supportive and excited. They will be flying out from
New York to watch me race in Eugene .
Do you plan on walking any races between now and the Trials?
Since I only have the “B” standard I may have to put in another race to be
able to compete. If they close the competition to just the “A” standard
finishers and up to 15 walkers then I’m out. I think I’m 16th at the
moment. I’m hoping I don’t have to race again because I broke my toe
this week so I’ve done other physical activities for training but tried to
avoid walking because the push off is really painful. It is really quite funny
since I was just walking really fast to the kitchen and didn’t navigate the
wall very well. The more obstacles that come in your way, the sweeter it
will be to have a great race at Olympic Trials.
How about naming five or so keys to success for you personally as a race
walker?
Having a race plan, and a plan B and a plan C and even a plan D. I think
Curt Clausen was the best at having a plan and not mentally losing it
during a race.
Having fun while you are racewalking.
Mentally being in the moment and not absent.
Have the support and friendship of other racewalkers.
Discuss your overall season. How would you evaluate your
performances?
I really didn’t race much this season. I started with the St. Patrick’s Day
race in Huntington Beach . I didn’t race very fast at all but it was a good
mental race for me. I didn’t find myself having any negative thoughts
throughout the race. I kept it really positive in my head.
I really enjoyed my performance in Eugene for World Cup Trials. I walked
a really consistent race and started out at the back and was able to pick
people off throughout the race. I also say I enjoyed the race because my
friend John Nunn was my personal aid and he kept me laughing the
entire race and that helped me stay relaxed. John Nunn was key for me
doing well at that race and getting my “B” standard.
What do you think are the keys to your personal success?
Staying balanced in all areas of my life. I have a career that I didn’t put on
hold but I don’t work late at night or weekends, and I spend time with my
family and friends. I spend January and February in Vietnam and
Cambodia so I was able to travel and train a little bit. I don’t have all my
eggs in one basket so if one area of my life isn’t going that well I can have
success in other areas. I think if I gave up everything for racewalking and I
got injured then I would be devastated.
Was there anything that you learned from this season that you think you'll
try to work on specifically before the Trials?
Speed work for sure. That is my weakness. Also I need to get off the
treadmill at the gym. It is so easy to go to the gym and have Kaden in Kids
Club for $3 while I workout, but it doesn’t help if I have to go and change
his diaper in the middle of my workout. Also the treadmill doesn’t help
your form any. You tend to let the machine do the work while you move
your legs under you and you lose on your push-off and tend to slap your
foot down when you land.
In terms of the Olympic Trials, is it challenging or even a bit daunting to
mentally prepare yourself to compete against some of the best athletes
in America ?
I think it is challenging. I’m really there to challenge myself. I’m not trying
to win Olympic Trials, I’m there to walk a good race and be a good role
model for my son. I’m there to show people I know that yes you can have
a career, and be a mom, and be an athlete all at the same time.
Who are your race walk heroes, and what about those athletes impress
you the most?
My heroes have changed over the years starting with Debbie Lawrence
and Marianne Daniels who are well known fast women to Laura
Carnegie and Kelly Wong. Laura has to wake up at 4AM to do her workout
before getting the kids to school at 7:30. She may not make the trials but
she has put everything into her walking the past few years and lost weight
and overcome obstacles to get where she is. She is also just a wonderful
person if you ever get to meet her. Kelly Wong is great because she is
just full of energy and you can just feel her buzzing when she is near you.
Every time she races she learns something and does it better the next
time around. Her husband is the most supportive guy cheering her and
her competitors on. I also enjoy comeback heroes like Ray Sharp that are
away from the sport for 14 years and then compete at World Cup years
later.
Do you have any specific goals for the Olympic Trials?
Have the fastest race of the season.
In terms of strategy, do you try to look for particular woman to stick near,
or do you walk more of your own race?
I’m usually the person at the start line telling other people the time that I’
m shooting for and see if anyone wants to walk with me. I would rather
walk with someone and race the last 5K than be walking alone the entire
race.
What is it about the Olympic Trials that you are most looking forward to?
The finish line, what else?
What are some of the key lessons you have learned the past two years?
Childbirth is like racing a 20K. Just think of every contraction as a
kilometer and breathe deep and slow. Most of it is mental and you can do
it without drugs.
Do you see yourself continuing to race walk until 2012 and to try for the
Olympics again?
I see myself racewalking but not as competitively. I love the sport and
training is like my daily meditation. I figure out and run scenarios in my
mind and am able to solve my life or work problems when I workout.
