Issue 15

Interview with Sage Hurta-Klecker

Some things to know about Sage — she’s an American middle-distance runner competing for the On Athletics Club in Boulder, CO. Before OAC, she competed for the University of Colorado, where she achieved numerous accolades (that’s an understatement) in events ranging from the 800m to the cross country course. Sage has displayed exceptional speed, endurance, and racing strategy and is a force to be reckoned with at any distance! She’s currently ranked 14th in the world in the 800m and is set to have an outstanding 2024 season.

Before we get to Sage’s interview, do us a favor and answer this poll, please! ⤵️

The Interview

Hey Sage! Welcome to The Hammer. How are you doing today?

I’m doing well. Another day of winter training done and dusted.

You're coming off a pretty big year of racing in 2023. Did you have some time to relax/reset before the upcoming Olympic year?

We had about 3 or 4 weeks to ourselves between the end of the season and the start of fall practice. I spent the time off visiting Joe’s family and some friends in Minnesota. I only took a week totally off, but enjoyed plenty of super-easy, watch-free running.

Let's dive into your 2023 season. What were some of your goals going into that season — did you feel like you hit those goals or fell short?

Without sounding too negative, I don’t feel like I hit my goals this past year. I really wanted to make the US team for Budapest, but missed out by placing 4th at the US Championships. I had some performances that I’m proud of, but I think we as runners are always striving to be the best version of ourselves. That just wasn’t me in 2023.

Are you someone who thinks in short-term goals (< a year) or long-term goals (>2 years)? Do you think there is an advantage to either?

Short-term goals all the way. I only want to focus on what is actionable in the near future. Thinking years down the road stresses me out because there is so much unknown between now and then.

What were some challenges for you this year?

I hurt my knee in April right at the beginning of the outdoor season. It was a mystery injury until September when I got an MRI, which showed that I’d fractured my distal femur. While the bone had healed, I really messed up my body compensating for the injury. I’ve been working hard for the last two months to fully heal.

Outside of my injury, I struggled to enjoy my journey in the sport at times this year. The critical voices in my head tended to drown out the encouraging ones. I’ve started working with a sports psychologist to help me reframe some things, and practice being nicer to myself.

You've been on the OAC for a couple of years now. How has that been for you? As an 800m/1500m athlete in a big-time strength group, I'm sure there are a lot of tough sessions you have to hop in on.

I’m the rare professional distance runner who has gone down in competition distance since college, but I’ve always done well off of strength-based training (like at the University of Colorado). The biggest learning curve since joining the OAC has been to be okay with doing the big strength sessions on my own. At some level, I have a totally different skill set than all the women on my team who have mega chops 5k and up. At another level, I have started reframing the situation as, “It’s not that I can’t [run/workout] with everyone else, it’s that it doesn’t make sense for me in my training.” Sure, I can run a hard workout with the other women, but will it take a larger toll on my body, hindering my next workout or increasing my injury risk?

I’m sure our audience would love for you to dive into some of your training specifics. What's your typical mileage/week look like? Are you a big believer in cross training or are you a "mileage hog"? Haha

Right now I’m running 70 miles per week, plus/minus 5 miles. That’s pretty standard for me in fall and winter training. Come the track season, I probably average closer to 60 miles per week. For an 800 runner, I’m definitely a mileage hog. I avoid cross-training but have been using the boost treadmill a lot this fall.

There was a period in college when I was kind of chronically injured. I liked to cross-train by aqua jogging, biking, or going on the elliptical. My expectations were pretty moderate (since being injured already sucks): cross-training sessions 45-90 minutes in length, and 1 day off per week.

What would a good 2024 look like for you? Are you PUMPED?!

Just like every other elite track athlete, a great 2024 would look like a trip to Paris in July courtesy of the USOPC. However, that’s not at the forefront of my mind. Being a professional runner can be such a roller coaster, and I’m excited to keep stacking great days one after the other. A good 2024 would look like me racing feeling my best - physically and mentally - while having some fun along the way.

Let's do a few rapid-fire questions to cap this interview off!

Would you rather win the Millrose Games Wannamaker Mile or see the Buffalo Bills win the Super Bowl?

Not to sound unserious about running, but I’d take a Buffalo Bills Super Bowl victory. Sounds like a fun trade-off. I’ll win other races.

Who's a better cook... you or Joe?

Me. 

Favorite track you've been to?

I love Stadion Slaski in Poland. I’ve raced well and had fun both times that I’ve been there. Plus the blue surface and wide turns are satisfying.

If you could do any other sport as good as you do your current one, what one would you do?

Soccer.

Favorite treat after a hard session?

All the treats after a hard session. The most important is probably ice cream. I’m a fanatic.

Follow Sage on Strava and on Instagram to keep up with her in 2024!

Start the new year off right with a training plan from Hammer & Axe

Need a training plan for an upcoming race in 2024? We’ve most likely got an exact match on our website! Make sure to check them out by clicking the button below. Each plan you click on contains a plan description and a preview of the first week of training.