Natasha Hastings - Olympian Athlete

Q.I hear you're called the 400M Diva. Is the 400M your signature race and where you hope to be at the 2012 Games?
A.

My specialty is the 400, but I would like to be known as a versatile sprinter. I'd like to be competitive in the 200 as well as a great contributor for the relay.

Q.I'm cutting to the chase, what was it like being in ESPN's Body Issue?
A.

It was a great experience and something that I am grateful for. The staff was phenomenal. I think my pictures turned out great, and it opened a lot of opportunities for me.

Q.What was the most uncomfortable part of that shoot?
A.

Being in a room with new people naked, but they were very understanding and did their best to make me as comfortable as possible.

Q.The best part?
A.

The best part was just getting through it. I felt if I could do this I could do anything!

Q.There's no way you're ever insecure about your body! Or are you?
A.

I am, and I think it's totally normal. Everyone has their days where they just feel like nothing looks or fits right.

Q.So when do you love your body most?
A.

I love my body the most when I'm on the track. I get to showcase my talents.

Q.I'm curious to hear how you define sexy.
A.

To me sexy is all about how you feel about yourself. You could be the most beautiful person in the world, but if you don't believe it, it shows. Being sexy is embracing you, and celebrating that. Not letting anyone define you.

Q.The Olympic trials are coming up. Are you excited about potentially competing in the Olympics again?
A.

The most exciting part is actually that I would be able to take my mom back to her hometown. She was born in London, and hasn't been back since she was 13. So, it would be awesome to take her back and to get a chance to see where much of her life was spent as a child.

Q.What kind of diet do you follow during training?
A.

Right now I am trying to cut out processed foods so I pay pretty close attention to the things I eat. I eat lots of proteins, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. I like to snack on granola bars and fruits.

Q.How many times a week do you work out and what do you do?
A.

I train about 5 days a week. I lift weights and complete workouts on the track. I also do Pilates once a week.

Q.How are training workouts and leisure workouts different for you?
A.

Training sessions are pretty tough. On recovery days we're working to give the muscles a break and prepare for another hard day. The intensity is based on the day and phase of training that we are in.

Q.Can you share some health & fitness tips that you find to help you athletic performance?
A.
  1. Sleep! We get so caught up in our day to day, that we neglect sleep. Sleep is the most important thing in allowing the body to recover and prepare for the next day.
  2. Pamper yourself! A routine mani and pedi or massage goes a long way. Take a break and give your mind time to regroup and bounce back from all the hard work you've put in.
  3. Have fun! Nothing is worse than forcing yourself to do something you absolutely hate or don't enjoy. Find something that you find enjoyable and that you will look forward to doing opposed to dreading.
Q.You're not called the 400M Diva for nothing. Tell me about your fitness style.
A.

I wear Under Armour. They're my sponsor. I love the brand because their clothes are functional and stylish.

Q.If you could only work out in 1 thing, what would it be?
A.

My favorite right now is the Armour Bra. It's cute, provides great support, and a little padding for those of us challenged in that area.

Q.What do you absolutely need to have a great workout?
A.

Lip balm!

Q.If you could invent a new fitness product, it would be...?
A.

Some sort of stylish hairband that will help preserve our hairstyles and wick sweat away.

Q.Who would you say is one of your biggest fitness inspirations?
A.

I love the Williams sisters. They're fit, but still all woman! They're not afraid to show their curves and embrace their bodies!

Tags: 

JOIN MY NEWSLETTER!

It’s part muse, part news, and a whole lot of community. Let’s navigate this crazy wellness world together! Get all my healthy living, beauty, style and travel tips! Learn about my latest discoveries, from innovations in fitness to skincare technology & anti-aging. Not only will I share what products, services and experiences I’m loving for head to toe wellness, I’ll help you get access to them and guide you through decisions like only a best friend could. This is where you want to stay connected with me for events, deals, giveaways, retreats, and updates on projects I’m working on just for you! See that box below? That’s where the magic happens.