My (not so complete) Comeback Story

It's a fact of life that people LOVE comeback stories. Last week, while the lady Beasts sat around Katie Mackey's TV watching the Bachelorette, (all in the name of "recovery" of course), I was reminded yet again of the powerful effect of a comeback story. During  his one-on-one time with Kaitlyn, everyone's favorite Ryan-Gosling look alike opened up about how he had been in a severe car accident that nearly ended his life. The hearts of women across America melted as they heard him tell his story of how he spent months in the hospital, unable to walk and horribly injured as doctors marveled over how he had survived. However, as he sat there fully recovered and looking like a GQ model, I couldn't help but wonder if I would find his story less captivating if he was still in the process of learning to walk or if his face was marred with scars. The point is people do love comeback stories, but they love comeback stories in which the comeback is complete. Less appealing are those narratives in which the comeback is still a work in progress. My current running story is very much the latter.

Quite frankly, the last year and half has been a disaster for me with regards to running. In March of 2014 I was diagnosed with a sacral stress fracture. Since then I have attempted numerous returns to running only to be sidelined once again by a new injury. I could go on and on about the different theories I've heard as to why I've been in this endless injury cycle- funky biomechanics, building up too quickly, weak glutes, past overtraining, dominant hip flexors, nutritional deficiencies, cardio fitness that exceeds my muscular-skeletal fitness, high pain-tolerance- but in reality, there is no one reason that fully explains my setbacks, a fact which has proven at times to be highly frustrating as I attempt to claw my way out of this injury cycle. After my latest injury occurred in February, I was devastated, emotionally exhausted and at a crossroads of whether I should continue this running journey. Clearly my body was not cooperating with what my mind wanted it to do so maybe it was time I just gave it up. Fully prepared to walk away from professional running, it was at this time that I experienced just how supportive and ridiculously awesome the running community is. I received an outpouring of encouragement from teammates, competitors, coaches, Brooks employees, running media and friends checking in on me, offering to cross train with me and most importantly telling me I was too young and had too much potential to be done. I couldn't help but feel that if this many people believed in me, I owed it to them and myself to give it another try. However, this time I was going to take the tortoise approach- slow and steady-in my buildup.

Throughout this process, I've tried to keep my struggles off the radar for the most part. It's hard to talk about your injuries while you're in the thick of things with no return to racing in sight. For this reason I've always admired Lauren Fleshman for being bold enough to share her frustrations as they are occurring... not just once she's had a solid performance and is back on top. I look at the sheer positivity of Christine Babcock even as she faces a long recovery from getting a screw put in her foot, and I'm reminded that this sport is about more than running fast times. I've realized it's ok to not have it all figured out and to be able to enjoy the process of the comeback even before I'm where I hope to be. The fact that I can go out to practice with my teammates, enjoy their company and put one foot in front of the other is a victory in itself. Watching amazing comeback performances, like Emily Infeld's 15:07 5k, gives me hope that I one day will be back setting PRs and testing my potential, but for now I find joy in the everyday process of building back up, no matter how painstakingly slow.

In reality, I have no fast race performance, no ridiculously impressive workout, or even a race on the calendar in which to point to as proof that I'm indeed "back." A cloud of uncertainty regarding my contract, my financial future, and my return to racing looms overhead. For all I know I could get injured again tomorrow. Yet despite all of this, I remain optimistic that this running journey God has sent me on is worth the struggle. At the end of the day, I'm chasing my dreams with some of the most quality people this world has to offer. And for that reason I will enjoy every step I run. After all who wants to live a life of utter predictability?

A Runner's Gotta Eat

During a visit to Garfield High School last week in anticipation of the Washington State Meet, one of the cross country runners asked us what our favorite part of running is. And I must say my teammate Angela Bizzarri absolutely nailed it with her answer. Her reply was that the best part of running is the accomplished feeling runners get when they've woken up early (which means 9:30 on our team) to do a hard workout that leaves one's body in a state of half-drunken stupor with screaming muscles. I know, I know... at first this may seem like a masochistic answer, but bear with me on this one as I clarify.

The completion of such a workout not only makes your feel like a certified rock star, but also gives you a license to be a bum the rest of the day all in the name of "recovery." No one can berate you for being lazy because a simple reply of "I ran 13 miles this morning" will shut up just about anyone. Well unless you're talking to Cam Levins, who will likely ask when you're going to do your other two runs for the day. But if there's one thing I've learned from years of overtraining is that recovery is just as important as putting in the hard work. Lucky for runners, nomming down on some good food is a huge part of said recovery. And since we're in the season of pumpkin, sweet potatoes and squash I figured I'd share one of my favorite fall meals for "recovery" but more importantly tummy happiness.

This is the Sweet and Spicy Squash Bowl from Pinch of Yum and it will change your life. It's not only Gluten-free, but also vegan. But feel free to change that by adding some chicken for all you Paleo fiends out there.

Here's what you'll need to make 4 bowls:

                  - 1 cup quinoa

                  - 2 cups spinach or kale

                  - 1 bunch fresh cilantro

                  - 2 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash

                  - 2 teaspoons olive oil

                  - 1 tablespoon curry powder

                  - 1/2 tablespoon packed brown sugar

                  - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

                  - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

                  - 1/4 cup toasted nuts

                  - 4 tablespoons hummus

Lucky for runners' tired legs, there are only 3 short steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to directions, adding 2 teaspoons curry and brown sugar to the pot before cooking.
2. Coat squash with olive oil, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon curry, and salt to taste. Roast in a 400 degree oven or in skillet until golden brown and fork-tender.
3. Add squash, cilantro and spinach to the cooked quinoa and toss to combine. Top each bowl with nuts and hummus.

And Wa-la! Enjoy the deliciousness that is the combination of spicy and sweet! You'll also be getting all kinds of nutrients that will put your sore muscles on the way to recovering and keep you running happy.

My First Summer as a Pro

Despite how much I try to deny it…I know it’s true. Not even Seattle’s Indian Summer or the fact that people were still running mile PRs last weekend can fuel my denial any longer. It’s time to accept it. The greatest season of the year is officially coming to an end. Adios sports bra tan lines. Sayonara high-waisted jean shorts. So long to Lana Del Rey’s Summertime sadness on radio repeat.

Perhaps my aversion to letting go of summer has something to do with the uniform response of experienced Seattlites doing what they consider to be their civic duty of warning me that “Seattle isn’t always like this.” (sunny, beautiful, and 80 degrees). But I think my resistance to letting the summer chapter close stems equally from the fact that I’ve had so many epic experiences this summer. What were said epic experiences, you ask? Well I figure now is as an appropriate time as any to reflect on my first summer as a professional athlete- namely my first European racing experiences.

So what comes to mind when you think EuroTrip- techno music? Partying in packed clubs until well after it’s light? Taken and Liam Neeson? Deep V’s and fohawks? Although I did see a lot of that last one, the other stereotypical Euro experiences aren’t very descriptive of my month in Europe. However, if you want to hear about some awesome track meets that make even the best meets in the US look unspectacular then you’ve come to the right place.

On July 7^th, fellow Brooks teammate, Katie Mackey and I took off from Seattle and arrived at London Heathrow 18 hours later, looking like hot messes. Upon arriving, we headed to Teddington- a suburb about 15 mile outside of London which was our home base while we were in Europe. The Teddington Lodge acted as our home away from home for the month with the Beasts pretty much taking over the entire building. Representing the ladies were Brie Felnagle, Phoebe Wright, Katie and myself. The fellas included Matt Scherer, Mark Wiczeroick, Cas Loxsom, and Riley Masters. We also experienced guest appearances in the Lodge from Ben True, Chelsea Reilly, Jackie Areson, and Chanelle Price.

I can confidently say that Teddington is a runner’s haven. All within a 5 minute jog is

BUSHY PARK- the 2^nd largest royal park in all of England and trails for days. And in case you need some extra stimulation to get you through your run, there’s a giant castle and a couple hundred antlered-deer that are the lucky descendants of the deer that King Henry VIII used to hunt in the park.

SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY: Equipped with a track which on any given day you could see things like Nick Symmonds and Leo Manzano knocking off intervals together, St Mary’s often drew a crowd of onlookers appreciative of all the foreigners invading their track.

THE SWEATSHOP: No I don’t mean a factory where children without shoes work for 12 hours a day for $1. This is the name of the UK’s version of Fleet Feet. Mo Farah apparently worked here while he attended St. Marys. I’m proud to say Brooks shoes were well represented.

About 10 days after arriving in Europe, the Beasts departed to Dublin, Ireland for the Morton Games where I was to race the mile. This would be my first race since the Olympic Trials over a year earlier. At this point I had been training for approximately a month and a half as a result of my 4 month hiatus from exercise due to overtraining syndrome/ adrenal fatigue. I could count the number of workouts I had done on one hand. Needless to say I was expecting a lot of pain. The pain definitely came, but more surprisingly so did a time I had not expected- 4:35. Now don’t get me wrong- 4:35 is nothing special when you compare it to the 4:20 equivalents that Jenny Simpson could clip off on any given day. But for how horrible my last collegiate season- or lack thereof- had been, this felt a lot like a victory. Even more fun than the race, was the post-meet banquet. Hosted at the trackside clubhouse equipped with a full bar, the amount of Guinness that American distance runners from all different training groups consumed that night was impressive. Obviously it was a great time.

The next week found us heading to Karlstad, Sweden for the Karlstad Grand Prix. Possibly one of the most beautiful towns I’ve ever encountered, Karlstad is situated around a river paralleled by bike paths. The people are all absolutely gorgeous and friendly. Although my ongoing battle with recovering from Overtraining Syndrome reared its ugly head during our visit and was reflected in my less than ideal race result, I still was able to appreciate the beauty Sweden has to offer. Perhaps the best part of the meet was the hammer throw competition that was held the night prior to the meet in which the throwers attempted to lob the hammer across the river while being cheered on by what seemed like the entire town of Karlstad.

Upon returning to the UK, the Beasts were fortunate enough to attend the London Diamond League Meet to cheer on our teammates Katie Mackey (1500), Matt Scherer (800 pacer) and Brie Felnalge (3k). This was beyond doubt the greatest track meet and possibly the greatest sporting event to which I have ever been. It started with going to the swanky meet hotel only to watch first hand as David Oliver got giddy at the sight of Mo Farah. Regardless of your feelings about Mo, I think this should give hope to nerdy distance runners across the world. You know you've made it when David Oliver thinks you’re the man. 

After leaving this haven for the who’s-who of track and field, we proceeded to force our way onto a train jam packed with thousands of other sports fans also heading to the Olympic Stadium to watch the meet. It’s hard for us in the US to comprehend a city the size of London shutting down for a track meet- but that’s exactly what happened. It wasn't until I entered the stadium and saw the other 70,000 people completely filling the giant stadium that I fully grasped the magnitude of the event. As the meet progressed it became apparent that many of the spectators were not your quintessential “track nerds” but were general sports fans in search of a great entertainment experience.  With the help of fireworks, bumping music, beer, and kiss cams, the meet certainly didn't leave them disappointed. I couldn't help but think that this is what track and field is missing in the US. Obviously easier said than done, but I now understand what people like Nick Symmonds and David Torrence are talking about when they speak of making US track and field more spectator friendly.

To conclude our European adventure, we made a quick stop in Gent, Belgium which resulted in my first professional win in the 3000 meters. But possibly even more memorable than the race was discovering that Stella is cheaper than water and finding the most delicious waffles you can imagine.

So although the summer is officially over, not all hope is lost. Even as the weather gets progressively colder and rainier here in Seattle, I secretly can’t wait to jump into base training that sees me running more than 40 miles per week- all with the best teammates I could imagine. Not to mention, with the recent arrival of Phoebe Wright from Tennessee, I think it’s safe to say that I may be living in the fastest female house in the US. With Phoebe, Erica Moore, and Brie Felnagle, our house is sure to be full of good times. Watch out 2014- the Brooks Beasts are coming for you!

Life as a Pro...

So it's official. I'm now "one of those people" who blogs. Yep one of the 77 million people worldwide with a blog who thinks they're life is so riveting that people want to spend time reading about it. So with 77 million blogs to choose from, why should you choose to read mine?

Well you may fall into category #1, meaning you're one of my hundreds of siblings. Ok...I only have 6 but when I tell people I'm the youngest of 7 kids they generally look at me like I said 100 and assume I'm part of some cult religion and grew up on a combine in Texas. 

I realize my sister (the nun) doesn't do much to back up my story that I in fact did not grow up in a cult.

Or you may fall into category #2. One of the few, but the generally awesome, people in the US who actually care about track and field. And no I don't mean the Usain Bolt type of track and field... I'm talking about the type of running that requires a lap counter...the unglamorous, spit dripping down your chin, face grimacing world of distance running.

This is the world I recently entered into on a full time basis. After graduating from Cal/ UC Berkeley (yes...they are the same place) at the end of May, I joined the Brooks Beasts Track Club in Seattle. After a frustrating 5th year in which mono and overtraining syndrome kept me from competing and forced me to take 4 months totally off of exercise, I was pretty psyched to find that I still had several opportunities to run professionally. After exploring my options, I decided on Brooks for several reasons. 

1) The Team: The group was legit. In a sport that requires lots of focus and discipline to be successful, it was refreshing to see  how the members of the group were well-balanced. It wasn't running 24/7. They also knew how to throw down on the dance floor and were as excited as I was for the new Arrested Development season.

2) The Coach: From our very first meeting I liked Danny. The more we talked, it became apparent that Danny's understanding of the science of running was more extensive than just about anyone I'd ever talked to. O and it didn't hurt that in his younger (and stupider) years he had ignored all his body's warning signs and  run himself into a state of chronic exhaustion much like the one I have been dealing with the entirety of 2013.

3) The Shoe Company: Simply put, Brooks is rad! I had no idea just how awesome it was until I was told the company's history. Long story short, Brooks really started thriving in 2001 when their current CEO took over and changed its focus to running only. Fun fact: The CEO now reports directly to Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, worth $427 billion, owns Brooks. But what's really unique about Brooks is their humorous, fun and personal approach to running. I could really sense the run happy vibe just from being in their office. And the quality of their shoes speak for themselves- Brooks has the highest market share in specialty running stores. I couldn't imagine a company more dedicated to running and am pumped to be representing Brooks

4) Seattle:  Progressive, outdoorsy, trails for days, beautiful views and Specialty's cookies...it's one of the few places that could make me forget my first love the Bay Area....well maybe just a little bit.

So if you want to get the inside scoop on the life of a professional distance runner doing my best to combine hard work, science-based training and the talent God has given me to reach my athletic potential  while pulling some shenanigans and traveling the globe with my Brooks Beasts teammates, then check back here.

Look for a post about my European racing adventures in the next few days.