ATHLETE FEATURE

Skylyn Webb Breaks 2:00 – And Breaks Through

As runners, we're all chasing goals. 

Sometimes it’s a personal best. Sometimes a medal. Or maybe it’s just to have fun. Goals are great motivators that push us to be our best selves. They get us out the door on the hard days and help us find another gear in the final stretch of a race.

But goals can also carry weight. The means of achievement can turn into pressure, comparison, or self-doubt. It’s easy to start thinking, “Maybe I’m not capable.” Or, “Maybe I should give up.” 

Skylyn Webb — professional runner for Saucony and new member of Team Meridia — knows this duality of chasing goals all too well. After running 2:02.47 in the 800m as a collegiate athlete at the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, sub-2 became the next clear focus. What she didn’t expect was that it would take seven more years to get there.

Sky's relentless pursuit of the 2 minute barrier eventually became about much more than a time. In her words,

Breakthrough Moment

Lining up on June 8th at the 800m Series #1 meet in Newark, NJ, the plan was simple: Stay engaged in the race, and with 300m left, go to battle. Sky followed the plan perfectly, tucking in behind Ajee Wilson and staying calm until 300m to go. “I felt like I could really press the gas,” she says. “All the training I’ve done was there for me when I needed it. With 200m to go I thought, Now is the time, and I just poured everything I had into that final stretch".

She crossed the line with joy and relief written all over her face. The time on the clock? 1:59.31. 

To the outside world, breaking 2 minutes was a physical accomplishment - a matter of building up the perfect blend of speed and endurance over two laps. But for Sky, the breakthrough was more mental than anything. It was about finding the balance between being focused and relaxed, learning to channel the nerves, and letting go of the outcome.

The Path Isn’t Linear

In describing what this accomplishment means, Sky reflects on the mental battles that shaped her path. “I’ve contemplated quitting so many times,” she admits. “But something inside me just had to do this.”

She always knew she had the physical abilities, but achieving the performance meant confronting her self-doubt. “I had to go to the dark places inside of me and shine a light on them,” she says. “Knowing how possible it was, but also how hard it would be, was the perfect recipe for passion.”

Sky credits her support system as the aligning factor that made everything possible — her coach Juli Benson, her physical therapist Gina, strength coach Carrie, her family and partner, and now, Team Meridia.

What’s Next

After chasing the same goal for so long, the next step can feel unclear. But for Sky, the feeling is liberating. She's excited to race the rest of her season free from limits or expectations. 

Sky's story isn't just about breaking 2:00, it's about breaking through the doubts that hold us back and embracing growth in the pursuit of our goals. We are so proud to have her on Team Meridia and cannot wait to support her as she chases what's next.

SKY’S TRAINING TIP

Mantras and Sweet Treats

Come up with a mantra that holds meaning for you, something to repeat to yourself when things feel hard. Also - get a tasty treat after workouts 😋

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK

Sky’s Go-To Base Training Workout

Training for the mile? Perhaps the Meridia Mile? Try out this workout from Sky - it’s a staple for her when she’s starting up in a base phase of training!

Workout: In-and-Out 200s

Run a 200 @ mile to 3k pace, jog 200m for recovery. Repeat as many times as is right for you!

This workout is great for getting faster efforts on the track back into your legs, especially when you are just building back into full mileage and workouts.