| |
World masters multi-event and sprint champion Marie Kay’s got more titles than the British Royal family and almost as many records as Amazon.com.
With over a hundred Australian and Oceania titles, and 31 and counting World titles, Marie’s a superstar.
Although almost everyone in Masters track sorta thinks of her as Mariekay, as if a single word, usually spoken with admiration if not awe. And with good reason.
With her chiseled abs and hard muscled body, this bronzed Australian cuts a striking figure on and off the track.
Photo courtesy of Tom Phillips If you’re running against her, she’s intimidating; if running with her, she’s friendly and supportive. Luckily, I was running with her. I first met her in 2005 at the Worlds in San Sebastian, Spain. She’d just set yet another World Record and had added more gold to her collection. I was asked to be part of the Aussie W40 4x400 relay team.
It’s an honor running for your country but I was scared; what was I, a 5k runner, doing on this team. Yet my teammates helped me realize relays are fun; we became friends and even pulled off the silver medal.
Marie’s probably got enough talent and natural ability to be good enough to win Australian Nationals and even do pretty well in other sports, too. She represented her state (NSW) in Hockey and Touch Football (1996-7). But just good enough is not good enough for a world champion.
Her dedication, tenacity and sheer hard work, her fierce competitiveness, desire to win and excel, pushes her to new records and world championships. She’s amassed more gold than most portfolios and does more events than the Rolling Stones.
Though you wouldn’t guess it by looking at her, and you wouldn’t believe it when you see her run, Marie’s just turned 50. No way would you think of her as a grandma but she is many times over, although she’s got more world records (8) than she’s got kids (3) and grandkids (4) combined.
Admired by many, Marie has friends around the world; she’s surrounded by a loyal core group who has her back. She’s warm, friendly, playful and a great ambassador for Australia, masters track and field, as well as the health and fitness industry. Here in the States she’s attended nationals and has made friends easily.
One night during the 2009 Sydney World Masters Games we met up with Marie at a party hosted by Janet Naylon and Stuart Paterson. They’d gotten married on the beach at San Sebastian during the 2005 WMA championships, where Larry and I first met.
 It was a real Aussie “shrimp on the barbie”, along with kangaroo, party.
Marie was with her husband, John, a world champion javelin thrower, and her American sprinting sister, Lisa Daley.
Sydney 2009 WMG Gold Medalists, John and Marie Kay. We talked at the party, at the WMG and followed up with emails for this interview as Marie prepares for another World Indoor Championship. Her life is fast and furious, just like her performances, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
The RunDown
Marie Kay, Age 50, Born January 18, 1960.
Married to John Kay, 3 children & 4 grandchildren.
Lives in Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
Personal Trainer/Gym Supervisor/Track Coach.
Running Club: UTS North's Athletic Club & Queensland Masters Club.
Events: Heptathlon, pentathlon, hurdles (short & long), 400m, 200m, 100m, long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, discus, relays.
Summary of Masters Track & Field Achievements
31 World Titles & 8 World Records
41 Oceania Titles & 18 Oceania Records
67 Australian Titles & 26 Australian Records
IAAF World Master of the Year – Runner Up: 2009, 2008, 2006
Australian Masters Female Athlete of the Year – 2008, 2006
Australian Masters Outstanding Individual Performance - 2007
Australian Masters Multi Athlete of the Year – 2005, 2003, 2001
Being First
WRT: When did you start running?
Marie Kay: I think I’ve always enjoyed running from an early age. My mum remembers that when I was little everything was a competition. I always had to be first in anything I did. I even remember running home after playing with my friends and racing the cars on the street.
I chose athletics because it was outside. Plus I didn't need anyone else to do it with me. However, at 15 I turned to gymnastics. I didn’t return to track until 1994 after 20 years away. My children started running and I decided to join in.
I’ll Be Back
WRT: How’d you get started in masters track and field?
Marie Kay: My first World Masters Games (WMG) was in Brisbane in 1994 and my first World Masters Association (WMA) was 1995 in Buffalo N.Y. I only managed to get a relay medal in Buffalo. I was disappointed and unprepared for that. I laugh now at the comment I made, “I’ll be back better prepared and stronger”. Yeah, I’m a little competitive.
A Special Bond
WRT: You’ve been coached by Noreen Parrish for a long time, how did that begin?
 Marie Kay: After Buffalo, I decided I needed a coach. Noreen and I just clicked from day one. She’s been my coach since 1997. She keeps me in the best shape and always at the right time.
I’m very fortunate as Noreen is not only a great coach but also my training partner. I can’t say enough about this extraordinary, wonderful person. She’s very knowledgeable in so many fields.
She’s also my boss at work and I’m very thankful she’s in my life. We’ve trained, traveled, competed and roomed together for many years. Noreen’s my best friend in the whole world.
Marie Kay and Noreen Parrish with
their medals from 2009 WMA, Finland. She keeps me grounded and she’s always there for me on and off the track. I believe it takes talent to be competitive on the world stage. But it also takes a great coach to keep you there...she’s awesome!
Like to comment on the Marie Kay? Post it here.
A Huge Workload
WRT: So what sort of training does Noreen have you doing?
Marie Kay: A usual week for me would be six days of training. When it’s closer to competition it goes out to 10 sessions due to extra events for the heptathlon. I don't run mileage as such, but do a long run once a week, around 5k. Gggrrrr! Noreen reminds me I need this for the 800 in the heptathlon.
I do one speed endurance day, which is based around my 400; and one speed day based around the 80 hurdles and 200 in the heptathlon. My strength work is two weight/core sessions in the gym, some hill and stair work and plyometrics. I do my weights with Noreen and the other events on my own. I only cross train in my time off session, which is usually 4-6 weeks after worlds.
WRT: How do keep training with such intensity, year after year?
Marie Kay: I just love running, training and competing. Also the camaraderie, travel and meeting new friends motivate me. I’ve always said the day I wake up and don't feel like training is the day I’ll give it all away.
WRT: You’ve amassed a swag of medals what do you do with them?
Marie Kay: I’m fortunate to have a few medals. We live in an apartment so I’m unable to have them on display. I try to put up the most recent ones.
Top of Page WRT: What’s the hardest thing for you about running?
Marie Kay: My critics! I really do take to heart that there are some critics out there...always pointing the finger or making snide remarks regarding my achievements.
WRT: Sounds like a typical case of “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.
Editor’s Note: In Australia “Tall Poppy Syndrome” is when successful people who excel in their profession are cut down or criticized just because their talents elevate them above their peers.
Marie Kay: It’s taken me a long time to accept that maybe these critics are jealous. And maybe if they put in some hard work, just as I do, they too could succeed!!
 A Great Team
WRT: There may be some critics but you’ve also got a lot of supporters.
Marie Kay: You’re right; I’m so lucky. My family, coach and friends are my ROCK!! Being a heptathlete is very time consuming and tiring.
Marie with husband John. My family is very understanding. John, my hubby, is my throws coach and with Noreen for the rest of my events it makes for a great team network.
Sprinting Sisters
WRT: When I saw you at the WMG in Sydney, Lisa Daley had traveled from New York to visit you for a holiday. How’d you become friends?
Marie Kay: I met Lisa at the 2005 WMA outdoors in San Sebastian and again at the WMA indoors in Linz. Since then we’ve become very close friends. I’m so fortunate to have so many overseas track friends but like Noreen, Lisa and I just hit it off. We’ve been roomies ever since.
We both run the same events and our goals and attitude to competition are the same. It’s why we get on so well. We know just by looking at each other when to give the other space.
 As we’re in different age groups my events are usually first. We have an honor wall where we hang up our medals.
I usually put up the first medal and say it’s your turn!
Lisa is a very talented athlete and I’m in awe of her.
Good friends Marie Kay and Lisa Daley. Rain, Hail or Shine
WRT: What’s a typical day for you?
Marie Kay: It starts at 5.30 am everyday. I have personal training (P/T) sessions on the beach three days a week, before I work out. The other days I start in the gym or on the track. Rain, hail or shine. Through the day I work in the sports center either additional P/T sessions or as gym supervisor. I coach a track squad of children three afternoons a week.
I usually finish work at 6 pm, go home, cook dinner, fold washing, pack my bags for the next day and go to bed about 10 pm. I don't work weekends; these are for my family and recreation. That's after training of course!
WRT: How do you get ready (mentally) for major competitions?
Marie Kay: I know 99% of the time I’m prepared for my meets and usually in great shape. I don't think too much about my competitors; I’m more focused on my own performances. I just make sure I do the best I can on the day.
Noreen always says to me if I relax and do my best the results will follow. I always strive to do that. So far I haven't had too many disappointments. I never use excuses but always intend to do better next time. I’m pretty driven.
Like to comment on the Marie Kay? Post it here.
Living By Example
WRT: You’ve won so many medals and awards, what’s your greatest achievement?
Marie Kay: Being a mum. There’s no better reward. I try to be a good role model to my kids, my squad that I coach and other women out there trying to achieve their own goals. Whether it’s my P/T ladies trying to lose weight or get fit or just the general public.
An Aussie Diet
WRT: With so many workouts, what keeps you fueled?
Marie Kay: I LOVE food and eat pretty much everything and anything. I love red meat and believe women need to each plenty of it. I always endeavor to have a great big steak the night before competition. On race morning, I make sure I have cereal, toast, eggs and coffee. My favorite treats are chocolate, wine and beer!!
GNLD, a vitamin company sponsors me and supplies all my supplements, which I take religiously. It’s a mix of vitamins and minerals (B, C, E, Cal-Mag, Zinc, Muli-Mineral), glucosamine, lipids, salmon oil and protein, carbohydrate and fiber shakes.
In Tune
 WRT: With so many events, your body is under lots of pressure, how do you look after yourself?
Marie Kay: Recovery is the biggest secret to my success. I have fortnightly massages until the last month before competition then I have them weekly.
I see a chiropractor regularly and stretch after every session. If I feel any niggles I attend to them straight away…nip them in the bud before they amount to anything serious.
I listen to my body and train accordingly.
Marie Kay, 2009 WMA, Finland
Photo courtesy of Tom Phillips WRT: What about ice baths?
Marie Kay: When I got hurt in Lahti, I was desperate to fix my injury. Lisa was taking ice baths each day, so I gave it a try. As much as I hate them I think they did help. I’m fortunate to live on the coast and across the road from the ocean. If I’m feeling flat and after my long runs, I get in the cold seawater to help recover.
Top of Page Behind the Lahti Golds
WRT: You had a great World Champs in Finland, what was your injury problem?
Marie Kay: It started in the heptathlon high jump. I jumped higher than I thought and didn't calculate the amount of jumps I needed at training. So I was a little under prepared to jump so many attempts.
Don't get me wrong, I was extremely happy with my 1.60m jump. But the extra jumps left my hip a little sore, although not enough to hinder my performances for the rest of the hep events.
Editor’s Note: Marie won the W45 heptathlon, winning all seven events. Her final tally of 6,185 points set a new World Record.
After the hep I had three days to recover. I did the usual stretching, icing and resting to get ready for the hurdles. Roger Parrish (Noreen’s husband) and I decided to visit the ski jump tower and museum. It had a virtual ski jump; we thought it’d be fun to have a go.
Not happy with my first attempt, it was so close to the day's record, I jumped again. Although I managed to get my name on the top of the list I landed awkwardly and strained my hip and glute. I hobbled out of the museum very gingerly.
WRT: You can’t help yourself, you’ve gotta win everything!
Marie Kay: I told you I was competitive! I needed some serious rehab to run the 400 hurdles in two days time.
Editor’s Note: Marie won gold in the 400 hurdles.
It was back to rehab before the long jump final. I intended to only do a few jumps, as the 400 final was 30 minutes after the long jump started. My second jump was reasonable but came with disaster. I really strained my glute. I pulled out of the event and hobbled down the track to the 400 start.
WRT: Your two jumps were enough to win the long jump gold. Did you think that’s it; I’ve got three gold it’s over? What were you feeling?
Marie Kay: I was confused, disappointed and angry. All my competitors where still in the call room. I was at the end of the track trying to decide what to do. I wanted to run the 400 for Noreen. After I’d won the hep, I knew she wanted me to win the 400, so I had to do it for her.
 I did a few run throughs round the bend. It was painful but not unbearable.
I kept telling myself…I can do this...I have to do this...never say never...don't give up... do it for Noreen…I owe her that much...
Plus, I had a few skeletons in the back of my head. I needed to silence a few critics.
Unable to crouch or use blocks, I started the race from a standing start. My aim was to get around the track the best I could and try and win.
Marie Kay winning '09 WMA W45 400m
Photo courtesy of Tom Phillips Running within myself I managed to come off the top bend in first place. I was trying to stay as relaxed as possible to get across the line. At the 80m mark I could feel the glute tightening and then at the 30m mark it just gave out. I was not going to lose this race so close from the line.
I dug deep and managed to get across the line...with a hop step and jump! I was so excited, in pain but I did what I wanted for Noreen!
Aiming High
WRT: With the WMA indoors this March (Kamloops, Canada) and Sacramento in 2011, what are you shooting for next?
Marie Kay: I want to try and win both the pentathlon (indoor) and heptathlon (outdoor) world titles and set records in every age category. So far I’ve managed to do that. It’s very challenging and the training is hard but I love the multi events.
Read your comments on Marie's story. Like to comment on the Marie Kay? Post it here.
Top of Page
Return from Marie Kay to Women's Stories
Return from Marie Kay to WomenRunningTogether
Post Your Comment
Do you have a comment on this story? Share it!
Your Comments
Click below to see other comments...
|
