When the going gets tough

Hello my faithful group of fitness enthusiasts.
It's time for a bit of a personal blog entry.  I was feeling a little blah-say yesterday and because of my current lack of work I have copious amounts of time to reflect on my life.  Today I will share some of these reflections with you.  I am currently in a transitional period in my life.  I have come to the end of my season of full  time work at Sigge's.  This is always an exciting but also very challenging time for me. For one thing it gives me an immense sense of freedom but on the other hand, I am confined by my lack of income.  As you all may know, I own and operate a mobile Thai Massage business here in Vancouver.  This is a time where I seriously vamp up my marketing and push hard to get my name out there and gain new clients.  Last year was my first year here in Vancouver doing this.  It was a very difficult and somewhat depressing summer.  After weeks on end of hand delivering flyers and posting ads and posters and dropping off cards, I would have not one call.  Since then I have made a lot of new friends and contacts and there are some very exciting things on the horizon for Mind Body Mobile Thai Massage.  I plan on bringing my massage to the beaches of this fine city this summer and capitalizing on the vast amount of clients looking to relax even more as they enjoy the beautiful beaches of Vancouver.  This may be an idea that solidifies next summer as it will take some capitol to purchase a tent and a wireless Visa terminal.  So far I have a small client base.  I am looking forward to building that to a level where it starts working for itself.  Once people realize how effective my Thai massage is they will spread the good word to their friends and then business will really take off.  I am also getting a new number from my school which will be fully recognized by insurance companies here in the province of BC.  This is exciting because it means that people won't have to pay for the full amount of their massages if they have a health plan through their work. I'm hoping that this summer gives me enough growth to sustain myself fully by next year.  I plan on working at least one more season at Sigge's as I really enjoy letting them take the reigns for a few months so I can have a steady income.  Not to mention they are very kind and great to work for as they let me work my racing and training schedule into my work schedule.  So there goes my rant about work.

The next thing that has been on my mind has been my running career. (If you can call it that)  I some times wonder why I wasn't given the gift of some other sport which would pay me millions of dollars per year.  I feel like I have to sell my soul just to get a new pair of running shoes!  I have been trying pretty darn hard to train and excel at this sport in hopes of getting some company to recognize me. My first sponsor Monavie was a great experience but as it now seems has turned out to be a bit of a flop.  They were overly kind and supportive in the beginning and helped me out with running equipment and sent me lots of their wonderful products every month.  I really benefited from drinking that juice and having them supply me with my racing kit made it much easier for me to perform to my fullest without having the burden of the costs involved in constantly wearing through my equipment.  As time went on, their level of support completely dropped out from under me and communications ceased.  I think they were hoping that I was going to become a Monavie sales rep.  I did try to sell their product and attended several of their functions.  The feedback I received was that their product was rather expensive for the average person.  I am now certain that they are no longer supporting me as it has been a few months since I've received any product and I had no reply for my request for equipment assistance.  I did get official confirmation from Icebreaker that I am officially a sponsored Icebreaker athlete.  They were kind enough to send me a running singlet and shorts with a pair of socks.  I have sent them an email asking what kind of help they are willing to provide as my sponsor but to no prevail.  What the hell is wrong with these big companies?? I worship Icebreaker and have spent a lot of my own money and time trying to make them look good.  You think the least they could do to show some appreciation is reply to my god damn emails!  I try to be respectful and professional all the time but why is it that us runners are constantly getting the cold shoulders from these million dollar companies?  Throw me a friggin bone here please.  I may be a little assuming, but I have seen how well some of my running colleges have been taken care of by their sponsors.  I am fully attempting to make running my full time job, but currently it's a full time job trying to get any help from these large companies.  It seems as though they are only interested in runners who are setting world records and running on an international level.  They give you a morsel of hope and you get excited and therein promote them to no end and then what? No reply, no reply! Is that any way to treat your athletes?  In my opinion, the local age groupers and runners who are consistently at the top of their field and winning local races are viewed highly in the community and therefore should be well taken care of.  There are masses of runners who do this recreationally and support the industry by buying up all of the running products these companies have to offer.  The few at the top deserve support if needed in order to excel. At my current income I am a starving athlete and it still is my passion and my only real focus in life. I work so that I can eat well, have a roof over my head and support myself with the products I need to run competitively.  Recently I have been let down by the running community.  I am not talking about the local runners, but the companies who pretend to be there for us.  I understand fully the dynamics of the politics involved between local running stores and shoe companies, but seriously, have these reps or executives ever put there ass on the line for the sake of the sport, the brand or self excellence?  If they could see past the dollar signs and realize their support would directly create sales then we would have a system that works to create world class athletes.  I'm pretty sure Asics and Icebreaker aren't wondering if they will be able to scrape together enough money to pay rent or where their next meal will come from so why not give back to the community that supports you?

Ugggghhhh if that rant hasn't tired you out it sure has me.  So when the going gets tough, the tough pull up their compression socks and dig deep to keep their heads above the raging waters of this stormy sea called life.  So back into the depths of this raging water I will plunge until someone notices my flailing arms and comes to my aid.  I'm not one to say "I can't" do this on my own, but I haven't been blessed with a sheltered life and haven't always made the best choices.  My choices now are to hold my head high and put in a whole hearted effort and present to the world that it can be done even if only by one man.  Perseverance will put me on top at some point and I will not stop trying until I am.  The frustrations of life can often get oneself down but I am glad to have outlets which enable me the strength needed to continue.  I was turned down for my request at getting travel assistance and accommodation at the TC 10k in Victoria. Therefore I will not be going. No fault but my own for leaving it fairly late. I was also turned down a complementary entry to this years BMO 8k race which I placed second in last year.  This was an upset to me because I had left plenty of time for that request.  Out of sheer rage I payed the outrageous price of $47.04 so that I can claim my victory and when I get up on stage to collect my puny trophy and my zero dollars prize money I will certainly ask for my money back.  I am pissed off that the largest marathon in Canada can not take the time or energy to accommodate a local elite.  I am certainly no superstar, but I try very hard and wear my heart on my sleeve asking only  for little in return.  As I read in the Canadian Running Magazine this month on how the Vancouver Marathon was started, it was never originally about making money but for the love of the sport.  I understand there are massive costs involved to organize and put on a race of this size, but between the three races their costs are more than covered.  If not why don't you just ask BMO to print some money and send over a couple wheelbarrows full? Lord knows I could sure use a couple bucks.  For the rest of you starving athletes out there, keep your head up, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  This sport has grown triumphantly over the years and I am certain that we will one day get a slice of the growing pie.  After all without us as one of the key ingredients, the pie would be nothing but a circus with no direction. Or is it already? We shall see.  Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  I will be back in a few days to report the BMO experience.  Until then I wish all who are running their spring marathons the best of luck and the elites at the TC 10k smokin' fast times.

Things I hate: Empty promises             
Things I love: The constant ability to improve.

On your mark, get set, GO 2011!!

Good day my fantastic fitness friends,
Sorry to leave you without any reading for the last month.  It's been a great season at Sigge's and I have certainly been busy running around the shop more than I have been out running on the streets of this beautiful city.  All in all it's great to be productive and have a steady pay cheque.  Now that things are winding down a little bit, I am able to concentrate on which races I will be doing this season and how I plan on incorporating them into my training schedule.  It's important to choose your races wisely when you are competing at a high level.  I figure I will race the Timex BC Road Running Series in hopes of making the BC team.  This will give me the opportunity to represent BC which would make me proud.  I just completed race one of the Lower Mainland Road Race Series (LMRRS) which was also race two of the Timex BC road race series.  Here's how it all went down:

It was a crisp and clear morning on January 30th 2011 and it was looking like perfect running conditions for a flat and fast Steveston Icebreaker 8k put on by Kajaks.  I was excited for this one as I had set an unofficial personal record at our club race the week before and was sure I would be able to top that among such a speedy field.  There are always some big guns out at the provincial Timex races and great times follow if you can hang with the big dogs without blowing up.  It was great to see everyone again.  I love saying hello to all the different runners before and after the race, it makes it feel like a big running party.  It did seem like everyone was ready to battle this morning as I prepared for the race and readied myself for my warm up.  I laced up my Asics Pirranna's (the lightest racing flats in the world, first time racing them) and stripped down to my Monavie shorts and 200 Oasis Crewe  from Icebreaker.  I noticed Steve Osiduik approaching the start line and congratulated him on his talent then introduced my self.  Jerry Ziak was also up front today as well as David Jackson.   Not to mention the swarm of blue VFAC  jerseys surrounding me.  I could feel the the excitement building.    The sun felt amazing on my face as the gun went off and I ran towards its warm embrace. The first hundred meters were quick as I expected while everyone filed into position.  There was a young speedster who took the whole shot and was quickly swallowed up by  the lead pack.  I was surprised to see how close I was staying to what seemed to be an enormous lead pack.  At least 10 of us were together for the first 2km. I was right on the heels of Osiduik and Drew was hot on mine.  Shortly thereafter, I could see the lead few pulling away and I knew I would have to let up a bit to avoid spending too much too early.  As we approached the 3k mark Drew took the lead over me.  I settled into his draft and we pushed on into a slight headwind alongside the water.  I could see the runners ahead pulling away slightly and felt as though I had what it took to keep my rope taunt on them.  I pushed past Nicholson and focused on Geoff Reid from the Harriers.  As I approached the half way point, I could see the leaders turning back now for the final 4000 meters.  It was a battle between Ziak and Jackson and sure to be a good one.  Can't wait until I'm fast enough to battle with them!  I took a deep breath and relaxed as I rounded the turning point then surged out of the corner with a blast of power.  The wind was now at my back as was the sun.  I had flat asphalt and a mild tail wind to guide me home, it was time to boogie!   I kicked it into the next gear and clawed at the foot prints still hot from Reid.  Deep breaths and long powerful strides as I focused in on form and technique all the while concentrating on closing the gap.  I was closing in on my target, getting ever closer to the finish and running out of steam.  It was the 6th km and I was feeling the burn.  I was doing everything I could to stay strong.  Very tough km but once completed I knew the finish was only one last push away.  I had lost sight of Osiduik through the 5.5 and 6th km because there were several corners and turns in the route. As I rounded the final corner I could see Reid, and Osiduik was just finishing.  I was unable to catch Reid and his push to the finish was very strong, but I managed to keep the gap between him and I the same.  We all collapsed over ourselves at the finish as we gasped for air.  Hand shakes all around for the top ten.  Water and congrats to Nicholson who followed me in and kept me on my toes.  Shortly after it was time for the warm down jog.  It was a great race.  Unfortunately I didn't set the PB I was hoping to and ended up 8th overall and 3rd in my age group with a time of 26:09.  At least it's a certified personal best result.  There were some delicious and healthy bars called Maki Bars at the awards ceremony.  My friend and extremely talented runner Tristin Simpson had recommended them to me so I had to try them. To my delight they were fantastic. The woman who makes them, Maki gave me a bag of them to take home.  I was certainly happy about it because I went straight to work and they kept me from passing out from hunger.  You think I would learn how to nourish myself after so many post race work experiences.  All in all a fantastic day at the races!

Here's some photos from the event.

Things I hate: Writers Block
Things I love: The sun shining on my face

Am I a minimalist?

Hello Runners!

I have a topic today which I'm sure is bound to ruffle a few feathers. I am not claiming to be a self proclaimed know it all on the topic of shoes or how they effect different body types and running styles. But one thing I do know as a runner, is you have to make your choices very carefully. I'm totally obsessed with shoes of all kinds, but especially runners. As a child I can remember my Mother commenting on Dad's shoe collection. "How many pairs of running shoes do you need? You just bought a pair last week!" She'd say. I remember thinking the same thing. Now I totally get it. He bought a pair of distance trainers last week but this week was in need of some light weight track shoes! I am a runner that believes that for every type of running you need a different type of shoe. Manufacturers put in a lot of time and money to make sure that their products are giving the athletes every possible advantage by using them. So for the distance runner trying to go farther they put some more cushioning underfoot to make that easier. For the 100m sprinter trying to shave that 100th of a second off, they make the shoe lighter and more responsive. They've also pretty much thought of everything else in between.

There are two extremes of this spectrum that I would like to discuss. First being the minimalist shoe, Vibram's Five Finger,Vivo, Terra Plana, Nike Free and Aqua socks are all examples of commonly used minimalist shoes. The idea behind these shoes of course is to duplicate the natural position and articulation of the naked foot. There are also a breed of runners out there doing it in bare feet alone. If you ask me, the barefoot thing has its pro's: better feel, it's natural, more efficient, it was the way we were born etc etc etc, But how many times do you have to cut, stub, grind your feet before you've got a callus big enough to

endure this sport? Not to mention glass and hypodermic needles. Therefor for wimps like me, (if I were to take it this far) shoe manufacturers invented the minimalist shoes as mentioned above. I've heard lots of great feedback about these types of shoes, but have yet to try a pair. I am not a skeptic, but I have gone so far in the last two and a half years as to not go crazy on my skis, skateboard and mountain bike as so not to injure myself. Why would I risk the chance of blowing my calf or Achilles for a revolutionary shoe/technique craze? The main argument is efficiency. The first time in which I heard anything of barefoot running was from the Kenyans. I read an article about how they trained on grass in bare feet and how much more efficient their running technique was because of it. When you remove the barriers of padding in shoes that regularly protect our feet from the ground, you are forced onto the balls of your feet. This causes your Achilles and calf muscle to work harder to absorb the shock. The

amount of time taken for someone to roll from their heel to their toe is fractionally greater than if they were striking with their mid to forefoot. Although more efficient, an increased workload will

inherently increase the potential of an injury if the workload is increased too rapidly. An example of this is here: A year and a half ago I purchased some track spikes unknowingly from a shop because they were getting rid of them dirt cheap. I ended up in a full on sprinting spike that was a full size too big. I was so excited I brought them right to the track. I ripped around a few times and could reall

y notice a

huge difference in the way the shoes were begging me to run. It felt at the time very awkward as if I were running on my toes. The next day My calves and Achilles were so tight I couldn't run for two days. This goes to show that things like this take time to ease into. Since then I have progressively focused on refining my technique and slowly easing myself into lighter and flatter shoes. I started out using a lightweight trainer for my shorter speed workouts. This was just enough for me to practice running more on the balls of my feet and to slowly build my Achilles and calf so they could grow into this new action. I also practiced cadence work on the track and treadmill to experiment where my body felt most comfortable at different stride lengths and speeds. I currently am racing half marathons in the second lightest racing flat on the market and looking at upgrading to the lightest which will have to be ordered in from Japan. I enjoy the feeling I get when I run in these shoes. I feel

a connection and response from the road when I'm laced into my racing flats. Its almost better than my new spikes for the track.

Up to this summer I enjoyed wearing a cushioned distance shoe from Adidas. The Supernova Glide. I enjoyed this shoe because I was able to go the distance and still have a

decent performance out of them. I have been doing a lot of shorter distance speed training this year which has really refined my technique and made it more efficient. This has also made this distance shoe feel awkward underfoot and quite sloppy. I feel myself going from my light shoes and running on my forefoot, to my padded shoes and being forced into my old running style of heel striking. This does not feel good at all and makes for an uncomfortable distance run. I have recently tried on a lot of different types of shoes at two local running stores and have come to the decision of choosing a light weight trainer for my long runs. My new Distance trainer will be the Asics DS Sky Speed. It felt perfect when I tried it on, which is usually a good sign. I always enjoy shopping

at Forerunners because of their knowledgeable staff and their unparalleled selection but they also let you run the shoes up the sidewalk and back. It helps me decide easier when I know what the shoe will do on a run. 100m is a great way to get into your stride and really feel the shoe out before making your purchase. Be sure to mimic the technique you will use in your runs. (ex. if it's an interval shoe, try some strides, if its your distance shoe, pretend you're running your long run when trying them on)

I am briefly going to touch on the other extreme of this shoe spectrum. My head is just spinning after researching so many different sources about this topic. It seems to be getting quite a lot of press recently and I guess that is why it sparked my interest. I've discussed the different types of Minimalist shoes and their benefits and potential hazards. Now I'll quickly discuss structured and cushioned shoes. These shoes have been designed by shoe companies with the customers comfort in mind. Over the years shoe companies have experimented with all kinds of different materials and layouts for making their shoes more comfortable. They have used; foams of different densities, hexagonal patterns, shox, gels, Waves, padding and rubbers to displace our weight and make for a low impact experience. This is all fine and dandy and we appreciate the care that they've taken, but has all this come at a cost?? Recent studies have shown that severely padded shoes may actually hinder the body's natural ability to absorb shock and increase the risk of injuries to the knees and lower back. In any case, this whole topic could be disputed until I am blue in the face! Pro's of cushioned shoes; they are comfortable, help soften the longer distances are good for heavier runners and beginners. Cons; They force a heel strike or an un-natural foot strike, are heavier, less efficient.

The truth of the whole matter is this and may it also be the conclusion of this blog entry, no matter what kind of running technique you currently have you must be completely conscious of the changes that need to take place when you are slimming down your shoe padding and changing your technique. There are different strengthening exercises which must be done before changing techniques to ensure an injury free transition. These changes must be done gradually. Listen to your body and research proper running techniques. I would be happy to consult with anyone one on one about proper running techniques and injury prevention for runners. If you are making the switch to minimalist shoes or even barefoot running consider the risks and benefits, and whether or not you even need explore this new trend before fully submersing yourself into the new culture. (or ancient culture considering where we all started off) As for myself, I am happy with the new speed found in my new forefoot running technique. I look forward to further refining it and balancing out the muscles in my legs for an injury free fall. I have noticed the my inner quads have become weaker than my outer ones due to an added bike workload. I must return to the gym to balance them out as to prevent any knee issues during my increased marathon training. Stay tuned for My Race report from the Squamish Days 10k. I haven't got time today as I'm racing 1500m at Swangard tonight, But will have it out by noon tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

Happy training!

Things I hate: Doubting myself

Things I love: Believing in myself

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon Race Report

Before The day of this race even arrived I was plagued with what I thought were allergies. After two days of sneezing, It turned to coughing. Four mornings before the race I woke up with yellow flem in my lungs and feeling right crusty. On this same morning, I noticed a pain in my LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) just under my knee to the inside front of my right leg. I could feel a sharp pain there while climbing the stairs and lifting my leg quickly to a 90 degree position. "Oh, no!" I thought. It's one thing to be sick, it's another to be injured. You can run through a sickness, but try running through an injury and you're bound to wind up on the injured list. The reason I have come to for my body's rapid deterioration is that I was not taking proper care of my body while enduring such rigorous training. I enjoy the partying and being out on the beach with my friends. This more often than not involves a few wobbly pops and hours soaking in the sun. Add in a weakened immune system from lack of fruits and vegetables and rigorous training and you've got yourself a guaranteed recipe for disaster!

I have spent the last few days eating green smoothies and super foods to boost my immune system and replenish all of the essential vitamins and minerals that my body demands so much of. Also have been taking drops of oregano oil down my throat to combat this virus. It's important for every serious athlete to consider the demands they put on their body every day and to accommodate that by providing one's self with the proper ratio of carbs, fatty oils and protein. As well as maintaining the proper level of hydration and electrolytes. Hydration is key, but if you are sweating a lot in your training, you should consider adding some electrolytes to your drinks to keep your sodium and blood sugar levels safe. Especially if the weather is warm. To make sure I did not waist the months of training I have put into this event, I have also dedicated myself to extreme relaxation and time off my legs. I reluctantly (but thankfully) played a Saturday evening game of pitch and putt to loosen myself out before the big day.

Race morning has arrived and I wake up feeling calm and ready. The weather is cool and overcast with no sign of rain for the race. It's an early start so I must get my smoothie in me before 6am which is not easy for me. However, I enjoyed my liquid breakfast and was able to keep it and my oil of oregano down pre-race. I have finally got a hold on my pre-race anxiety!!! What a speed bump that was. I have learned so much about the mental part of my racing this season and am so excited to be out on course again. There is a mild traffic cluster but I found a spot in good time to get my bag checked. It is so exciting warming up with the likes of some of Canada's best runners. My knee feels fine through my warm up and the traffic enabled me to miss the pre-race down pour.

Today I will race a solid race! I know this as I stand next to my competitors and teammates and shake each others hands and get ready for the starting gun. I find Mark Sherman on the line and know I will have a solid start if I stick with him. Off we go!! After the first loop we cross the start line again and my splits are all perfect going past 4k. At this point I am extremely happy. All of the fears I have been having over the last few days about my health and leg are gone and I know now for sure that I will be able to finish the race. (And at this speed, in record time) We head down the hill for the second time toward SW Marine and Mark has pulled slightly away. My splits are still on and I feel comfortable at this pace, so I let our string snap. I know that Drew and one more fellow were behind me working together to close the gap on me through this windy false flat section through campus past to wreck beach. I can hear their footsteps behind me and increase my pace slightly. As they close the gap on me, I am right in Marks draft now as he runs through the wetness and kicks up water all over me. The man chasing us has now left my draft and is pushing through for the pass. I feel like I can go with him and I do, fearing that Drew is following too. As we pull away, I realise it is just the two of us and I know that if i can just hang on to this guy, my relaxed draft through campus will be my reward and I will be able to fend off Drew and Mark. His pace is about a second or two faster than mine per km and I can feel myself starting to fatigue for the first time in the race. We are now cruising through the tall cedars around 8km still on par for my splits when I decide to listen to my body and let him go. I appreciate the 2.5km draft and now prepare myself for the difficult but smooth descent.

My cadence increases with the grade and I try to refrain from pounding the pavement. I am relaxed but extremely focused on my running form down this massive hill. Too much speed can wear me out for the long false flats to come. The next few kilometers are comfortable with a couple of strong hill efforts and at least two very difficult recoveries. As I reach Cornwall and descend into Kits Beach, I feel the lack of substance in my racing flats as my calf muscles ache. Once again I focus on my breathing and form and keep my pace as I prepare for the punch in the soul before the finish. It's as if the creator of this course wanted to test every one's mental and physical valour by throwing Burrard street bridge at us in the last couple of kms. I have been waiting for this moment since last year, and have since run countless times over that monster and it was still as nasty and ugly as ever on race day. I swing my arms and push hard up this seemingly endless bridge as it feels like someone is pouring sand into my gears. I see and hear familiar faces atop the bridge which enables me the power to push over the top. My legs burn and my body aches, but I know not to relax as the up turns to down. I return my cadence to normal and lean into the downhill towards downtown. The end is so near and I embrace it. By the end of the bridge I have recovered and I am feeling really good and strong now. I increase my tempo and stride strongly along pacific. Coming into English Bay, the cheers grow louder and more frequent. I have done it!! I put a smile on my face an speak my positive affirmation in my mind. "I love Running!". Passing through the 21K mark and I can hear Stephen King announce my name as I put all of my heart and soul into the last 100m. Goddamn it feels good to be done!!!!

I gasp cough and collapse amongst my fellow runners and teammates. What a feeling of complete elation and accomplishment. My chest burns and some helpful volunteers deliver us Gatorade. I am extremely happy to find out that I was across the line 1 minute faster than my fastest and ended up in 3rd place in my age group. I can't beleive that out of 14 people, there was only one person from M25-29 (Tristan Simpson 5th OA beating Scott Simpson) who was faster than me. Wow! This is a Major Canadian Running Series Event. I know I have reached an Elite Status, but I have always until now, felt like and impostor. I know I have the potential to be faster and to be as fast as a lot of these guys, but I will have to first, be patient and second, work very hard. At least I feel as though I have earned my right to stand next to the race leaders on that start line. What a feeling it is! I feel like I'm on top of the world, but in reality I'm just near it. Haha! Oh well, Keep on keepin' on I guess. So long as I keep getting faster, I will keep trying extra hard. So I guess I don't plan on slowing down! ( look out Gramps)

Speaking of gramps, One of our teammates Kevin O'Connor won the Masters in a time of 1:10:17 good enough for 10th overall and currently holds the Canadian masters record for half marathon!! Outstanding! Am ever lucky to have this guy to train with.

For the last two years, I have been working on becoming a great runner. It has been my dream to become pro and be sponsored by a shoe company. This dream is now becoming a reality. There are a few things one must do before they can be considered for a sponsorship. First, You have to race, Second, you have to be fast. And third, you have to maintain a posative involvement with the running community. This year I volunteered to be Vice President of VFAC and have also worked tirelessly to make a name for myself in the Vancouver running community. I enjoy volunteering at different races and creating a buzz and good vibe amongst all whom I meet at these events. Lately I have been checking out different companies and their athletes to see who has the best product and who treats their athletes the best. After much trial and tribulation, I have come to the board with two companies. The first choice (and this is not to jinx my chances, but just to send out good energy) would be Asics. (second Mizuno) The rep for this area seems to be very nice and said they might have room for me next year through forerunners on fourth. I am excited and look forward to reaching that level and representing my brand to the best of my ability. I hope to become a role model for other runners just like so many around me have for me and further ensure the enjoyment of this sport.

Things I Hate - Being weak and vulnerable.

Things I love - Going in the right direction with my life.