April 25th, 2010

posted by shalane on April 25, 2010, 9:10pm
 Over the years, I have run for many different reasons.  But, if I had to boil down my motivation to one simple reason….. I love to see the joy it brings my family. There is nothing better than finishing a race and seeing the excitement and joy in my family's face. I am addicted to this and this "moment" is the only reason I will have a hard time moving on from the sport.  

My 2010 track season begins this weekend at the Payton Jordan Invite in Palo Alto, CA and I am pumped! I am getting butterflies just thinking about it. I am so eager to race because I believe the Stanford track is magical. I don't know what it is, but the two times I have raced there, I have performed on a level I didn't know I was capable of. The races felt effortless, smooth and strong. I hope the magic continues and I can pull together another solid performance.

My family will be in Palo Alto to cheer and support me through a 5k. Knowing that they will be there has given me the extra fuel and inspiration in my training. I plan to make each track race count this spring and summer, because it will be a short season. The Prefontaine Classic in July, will be my last track race before I take a quick break and start the lengthy apprenticeship of marathon training. I have dreamed about running a marathon since I was a little girl, and I couldn't be more excited and nervous about taking the ultimate distance runner's test! 

4 comments to "April 25th, 2010"

Bridget says:
April 26, 2010

I can't wait to cheer you on this weekend and then again in July! I know that many of us in the running community are beyond excited to see you set your sights on the marathon distance this fall. I hope you keep us posted as you tackle marathon training.


kristen says:
April 30, 2010

good luck this weekend!! you're my inspiration!


Michael says:
April 30, 2010

Much like "Pre" inspires many runners, you have and your positive attitude and approach to the sport, have me inspired! Thanks for being a such a great role model to both the young and old. Good luck in Palo Alto this weekend, can't wait to see you run a marathon someday!


Rebecca says:
May 2, 2010

Shalane, athletes like you are the reason why I am a huge distance running fan, and proud to be a member of the running community. After the things you've achieved, I wouldn't think any the less of you if you walked around literally wearing your Olympic medal (as I feel you have earned the right to have a big head), yet you are so humble! One of my favorite quotes is, "truly great people make those around them feel great," and I think you embody that. You are so gracious and hardworking, clearly there is no sense of entitlement from you. And your accomplishments make us as athletes, particularly women athletes, re-evaluate what is possible. Thank you!


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Please enter the letters as they are shown in the image above.
Letters are not case-sensitive.