Ten days ago I was unpacking my 3 suitcases full of clothes, shoes, and necessities. I had just arrived to my aunt's house to embark on my three monthlong journey in Colorado Springs as an intern for Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc. The 15 hour journey northwest was enough to put me to be for the rest of the day, but not so extreme to keep me from exploring what the city has to offer the very next day!

Over the last 10 days have been with adjustment for me: adjusting to a new state and home, adjusting to a new job, adjusting to new oxygen levels, and adjusting to injury. Despite the dry skin, lips, and air; I have loved every single cataclysmic moment!

I have already been blessed with the opportunity to be part of a numerous amount of activities in the short amount of time that I have been here! I truly cannot wait to get into the internship deeper, as I continue to meet people, build relationships, and get to take part in the awesome Triple Crown of Running 3 race series! Mostly, I am excited to see everything come together as each race day approaches!

A little background on me:

I grew up in Branson, MO - "country music capital" and tourist trap located in southwest Missouri. I am a senior public relations and international marketing student at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. There, I compete for the university's track and cross country teams in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.

I have a strong passion for running and a deep desire to be the absolute best that I can be, and never settle for any less than. I am definitely a strength runner; the longer I race, the faster I go (comparatively). Tempos and tempo intervals are my favorite workouts...you can consider me an aerobic beast! Unfortunately, the last 15 months have been a continous string of injuries (from a ruptured hamstring tendon to a stress fracture in my metatarsles). I am currently coming off an injury right now actually, but get to begin back to running tomorrow!

Also, I do not go anywhere without my watch. It is pretty much a part of me. I cannot wait to begin training for half and full marathons upon graduation - I think that will be my niche. I love to write, and create. Beginning in the fall, I will be a student writer for University Communications at MSU, and MOST recently I have joined the Pace Per Mile Endurance Radio team as a State Reporter for Missouri!