My Passionate Love Obsession

Here we go again.. This time on a road far less traveled for me. The past 8 weeks have absolutely without a doubt flown by. As I prepare myself for my first real test I reflect on the weeks behind me: the relentless weeks of AlterG training, the weeks that followed learning to trust my body and what it wanted; these are all very important keys components to what will become of Saturday morning. I’ve had some ups and some downs but ultimately I’ve stayed uber excited and confident in what I am doing.

I took a look at where I was last year at this time. I was rolling out of contol, undefeated, ranked #1 in the world and I was arguably in the best shape I would be in for the rest of the season. That’s not where I am now but I am however arguably in the best shape of my life. It’s such an interesting feeling knowing these facts. Last year was amazing, I would not have changed one thing about it. I had to train and race the way I did because I was working with the collegiate system and ultimately peaking for what I thought would be my last race of the season(USA Championships). I ended up running one more steeple at Pre with another huge PR then went off to travel the world(Or BelgiumJ).

I’m sitting here on this plane with so much excitement. I have yet another great opportunity to take advantage of, another testament to whom I am as an athlete. If you know me at all, you know I’m bursting at the seams to get out there and compete again. I’ve been waiting for almost 10 months to get back to that passionate intimate relationship I have developed with the steeplechase over the past 6 years. Although I left the Prefontaine Classic with yet another Steeplechase PR, I was far from in love with the event at that time. I did everything in my power to forget the steeplechase for the rest of the summer. Once again relating back to my “collegiate” season that burnt me out from it a little bit. It is the best event on the track, I must say.

My teammate(Erin Bedell) and I were reflecting today on how we both opened up last year in 10:03 at Stanford. We discussed how “easy” it felt! Bedeezy has already opened up and ran a couple of steeplechases this season. I think we are both ready to have that “easy” 10:03 weekend.

Anyways, enough about my passionate love obsession with the steeplechase. There is more to this magical Drake Relays weekend. I will take pleasure in representing not only Brooks, Team USA Arizona and Charisma Sports but also Team Houlihan. Baby sissy Shelby will start out our weekend in the 3,000 meters Thursday night. She will go on to defend an 800 meter title and I believe 4x400 title as well. Don’t forget about the 1500 meters(currently ranked #1 in the nation), she’s dabbling there as well. The weekend will finish out in Nebraska for my baby neice Maya’s dedication! Word has it that she’s taken on the Aunt Shayla burp challenge! Quick little business trip mixed with some fun after then back to Flag to continue to improve on fitness.