I Began running when I was 12. I fought being a distance runner from the gun!  After 4 years of cross country under Jerry Marshall, and 4 years of track under Bob Dagenhardt both at Marlington High School, I wanted to be a miler!  After 4 years of the mile and steeplechase under Coach Scott Jones at the University of Akron, I began running Under Matt Woods.  Matt is a great exercise Physiologist, and he told me my worst fear...I would never be a miler.  With a lot of struggle Matt convinced me to run a 10k, and a 1/2 marathon.  I found my nitch in the 1/2, and began training for my first marathon (again with a lot of struggle).  I ran too fast, and too hard and ended up hurt 2 weeks prior to the event.  I thought things through, and realized I would be moving soon, and needed to find the coach I would be under for many years.  I began training under my loving boyfriend (now fiance), Josh Ordway in Novemeber 2007.  I ran my first marathon in feb 2008.  Running 2:43:43 on the hilly Austin course in perfect conditions, I qualified to my first Olympic Trials.  I only had 8 weeks to get ready to run that race, and ended up injured a week out. I was able to run the race in 2:53:38.  Far from what I had hoped.  But one step at a time!  I am currently training for the Twin Cities Marathon, and hope to have a good fall ahead!