The Daily Iowan: What is your pre-meet routine?
Abby Ryon: I like to wake up and get a little shake out [run] in. Just a little jog to shake out all those nerves. Then, I have breakfast. I like to have cereal. On the way to the meet, I like to meditate a little bit. I close my eyes, take a few breaths in, and feel my body to prepare myself for what I’m about to do.
DI: Has this stayed consistent through all of your years of running?
Ryon: It has definitely changed. I used to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but it sat a little too heavy, so I switched to cereal.
DI: I have to ask. What is your go-to cereal?
Ryon: My go-to cereal on race day is Cheerios. I have to keep it really plain. My favorite cereal, though, toggles between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Frosted Flakes. Those are my top two, but if you ask me in a month, it might change.
DI: What do you do right after you cross the finish line?
Ryon: I find the water, find the shade, and take a seat. One of my favorite things that is also part of our cool down is [the team] says one thing we are proud of ourselves for doing during the race and something we are proud of another person for doing.
DI: What has been your proudest race moment?
Ryon: A big moment for me was when I finished my first [10,000-meter race]. That race is kind of a monster. I really pushed hard through those tough moments, and I came out on the other side.
DI: Looking back on experiences like that one, what’s something you wish you could tell your younger self?
Ryon: In high school, I had a very limited mindset. But if I could go back, I would tell myself that I can do anything.
DI: Who all helped you realize that?
Ryon: Coach Randy Hasenbank is definitely one of them. He has the mentality that anyone can be a superstar, but it just might take some time. One of my mentors in the biology department has been there with me since freshman year as well. And then my dad — he’s been a big part of my entire life. My parents see the best in me and the best in everybody.
DI: Are you close to your family?
Ryon: We are super close. Going into college, I thought I would call my mom like once on the weekend, but I still call either my mom or dad once a day.
DI: What do you wish you could tell the people who got you to where you are today?
Ryon: I would give them a big thank you. I would not be the person I am today without those people and so many more. It’s the same with my teammates. Everybody wants to succeed themselves, but they also want to see others succeed. It’s a really special thing to be a part of.
