I never realized how true the Pre quote "to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" was until I finally accomplished my goal of making my individual bid for the NAIA national championship last friday at my conference meet. I have worked so hard for over ten years to get where I am today.. Here I sit, pondering the last six years and how much fun, heart ache and damn hard work has gone into this one triumphant feat. I realize how many people have shaped me into this runner/human being ive become. I feel so grateful for those people and for the work ethic that they have instilled in me. There are people who have had unwaivering faith, not only in my ability to run, but in my ability to take each personal/athletic set back in stride, only to become a better person as a whole. These people have convinced me that I do have a gift and that if I work my tail off, I can and will achieve my dreams. So, this appearence at the NAIA National Cross Chanpionship is really just a culmination of gods plan for my life and a lot of hard work on the part of every single person in around me. I owe this to them, I owe this to god and I owe this to the hardships ive faced. Without these things, I would not be sitting in this amazing place in my life. You know who you are, most of you are runnerspacers! Im just so grateful and so excited to be able to go home for this championship because I will get to thank you all in person!

Time to kick some booty!!!

After a long drawn out year of basically no running, I finally get to race.. Not only race, but race healthy! This has got to be the best feeling in the world, I almost forgot what it was like to work hard in workouts and my competetive spirit was almost gone... I couldnt be happier where I am in life, UGF was an incredible choice. I'll have my bachelors degree in hand in may and hopefully one, maybe even two National championship appearances under my belt... This is going to be a good season, I cant forget that baby steps are going to make it happen.. So my goal this weekend is to COMPETE and help my team succeed.. Walla Walla watch out, Im ready to race!

I raced at the Naia Fronteir Conference Championship in Lewiston Idaho. It is what I consider my first real college race in nearly two years. Yes, I raced injured... kinda realized again what its like to run for something bigger then myself. Ive been out for basically the whole season with SI Joint disfuction along with all the other injuries associated with my complicated issue. I cross trained as much as i could, went to a lot of Physical therapy, was on complete rest for a while and for the last two weeks, I ran thirty minute runs to get my running legs back. Going into the race, I had no expectations for myself.. I just wanted to finish and hopefully not last.

Race day came, I was so nervous. I didnt want to hurt myself worse, I didnt want to run like crap and most of all, I didnt want to mess with my head anymore then this injury already had. But, I did it... I raced. For my team. Got on that start line, and really raced. I ran smart and went out conservative, started moving up (which was a complete surprise to me)... As I was picking people off, I stated to regain a sense of ownership over my ability to compete. My coach said that I ran the whole race with this shoked look on my face... I guess thats the only word I can use to describe my feelings is shock.. udder shock. Its been so long since I put on a team uniform and ran for others. It felt so good to get out there and know that I had a whole team there racing with me. I ran for them, they deserved to get recognition for their hard work this season.

Well, the end result of my race was a suprising second place finish on my team and 18th over all in the conference. I ran about a minute off my PR and was uderly shocked. I realized that I am an athlete with potential, that I can run smart and that coaching really helped me as a runner...  I ran a time that I was trying to beat all through my experience at Lane, without training.... I am out of shape. Maybe not as out of shape as I thought, but no where near where I could be. Its really a great feeling to know that I helped my team, we placed 4th and I am so proud of all the girls who poured their guts out on that course.

Great job Argos! These girls are tough.Many of them PR'd or were seconds away; they ran stellar races with one goal in mind.. RUN FOR EACHOTHER. It was a good day. I am so proud to be an Argo.

Well, here I go again.... Runnin when I should probably be resting. It came to my knowledge today that, my team needs me.. They need me more then I expected. Conference is in three weeks and I have been out for about 6, trying to cross train and even take time completely off of running, we even got a Physical therapist involved, due to a back and glute injury. But monday, the coaching staff decided that my injury wasnt going to get worse, or better and that I am to start running....

So far, ive done two easy runs and a fartlik.. one was painless, but the other two hurt in funny ways. In my fartlik, the easy hurt way worse then the hard and on my easy runs, I was fine until I ran a hill, after the hill.... I started to tighten up again. Its just a tight feeling right now, not a stabbing pain. So, I guess thats an improvment. The trainer gives me stem and ultrasound and heat before I run and then ice massage after. Im doing everything I can.... I just have to suck it up at this point.

This isnt my first experience with a wierd injury. Sophemore year at Lane CC, I had to run at conference also, "just for points" with an injury that put me out for two months following that endevour. So, I guess Im preparing myself for about three weeks of pain here until I run my first colege XC race in about two years. I think I can do it, I know I can race.. I swore I would never do this to myself again, but I have to and I can. Coach and I talked today and yep, here I go again!

Its just pain, I can deal with pain... Hopefull they are right about this one.. Hopefully I dont come out the other side a cripple. Im trusting them here.. Its just pain.. I can deal with pain. Time to get positive, trust my coaches and prepare for a race. Oh man I love to race!!!!

Kevin wrote a blog a couple weeks ago expressing his joy caused by the fact that he is finally healthy! I am so excited for you kev, but that monkey jumped on me.... again.

Its an amazing thing injury. It has a way of just sending a person into a disheartened coma. Well, about a month ago... I stared feeling a pain in my butt, not uncommon for me or many other runners. Its always been there, sometimes it flares up, I thought nothing of it and kept running. About a week into my genious plan, I started to feel a numb sensation in my right leg (conveinently during a mile repeat workout) and got a bit worried. I thought to myself, well... If I cant feel it, then Im not gonna worry about it. Boy was I wrong! The numbness spread down my leg into my calf and my lower back began to spasm more with every run. I had all of these thoughts running through my head, "what was my family going to say if I cant run", "Is my coach going to be dissapointed in me", "I came all the way over to this freaking place and now I cant run!", "Am I a weenie, should I just try?", "what would Ross tell me to do?".. with all these thoughts , I knew I couldnt just drug myself, I had over drugged myself before and wasnt about to get back into that pattern, so I decided not to drug myself and run through the pain for another workout... WRONG CHOICE! My next step was the Chiropractor, he adjusted my SI and I had some temporary releif, so my coach had my 'tempo' the race, BAD IDEA! I finished it, but hit the deck as soon as I crossed the line, hid behind a bush and cried. Yep, I cried. At that point, I knew I had to take some time off, cross train and give myself a chance to muster up a season out of this.

So, for three weeks, I did that. I cross trained my butt off! Did a bunch of new stablizing exercises, 20 min of abs and back each day, lifted and made some progress. Those three painless weeks were great and for the first time, I felt like I was getting fit cross training. I'd never worked so hard alone. So, I started back slow, ran a couple easy runs and felt good. Planned on on continueing that pattern. Then, coach decided to put me in a "modified workout", 2000m time trial and 1x1 mile, 1x 800m. I was supposed to try for two x one mile after the trial. But after my first mile repeat, I was in AGONY again. My back was spasming and pain was shooting up my back and down the back of my leg.. But, I sucked it up... there was no coach around to see me cry, so I composed my blubbering self.. Got on the line, thinking they saw me running, if they thought I shouldnt do it, they'll say something.. After the first five steps, I was down. Coach yelled back to sit this one out.. So I did that, with tears streaming down my face, not due to the pain, but I just knew I was in for a long journey back to full strength. My next intervul was supposed to be a mile, but I only ran 800 meters. 8oo meters of HELL! After that intervul, I couldnt even cool down back to school. I was so disheartened, so sad, so pissed off.

That was last wednesday... I saw the trainer and he is worried about my Gate, my pelvis is rotated a little more on my right side,and I have virtually no flexibility in my Piriformous and glutes... the doctor has ordered xrays and thinks I may have a herniated disk. I saw the Physical Therapist yesterday, he said that my SI joint is out and did some energy work on it and my glutes. I feel really sore today and have orders to cross train only! My mind keeps racing back to one comment made by coach.."We need you for conference".  I know that I need to be careful, but I only have one more cross season after this, one. This was my chance to shine and this dick of a monkey has jumped on me and wont let up! I'd be up for any advice you runnerspacers have...

I love You Eugene...Here I sit in my cozy blue broken recliner, so close to "Historic Hayward Field" that if there is an event going on... I can hear every word the announcer says, every roar of the crowd and from my roof... I can see the lights beaming down on the lucky souls who get to race there. Its what Im used to, Hayward to me is a dream land, a place where Ive ran some of the best work outs of my life, some in the ice, heat and early early mornings, its where I ran my 800 meter PR and where Ive seen pure Magic happen for others. Eugene is the place to be for olympic hopefulls and its my home.... literally.

Some people travel here as dream chasers, ready to blow up on the track. This is where you want to be if you are any good, but for me..... Ive grown up here, watched dreams come true and then again watched some go back home in defeat. Im leaving this track town to chase dreams of my own, running ones... Its not something you hear often, but its true. I hear it all the time from people "Montana, you are Leaving Eugene to run in Montana?? Whats there?"... My answer is "A chance.." An acctual chance to do something for myself, all by myself. I have done all I can here, its time to spread my wings and stop riding on the wings of those who would without a doubt carry me for a while longer and do something with myself. Its time to grow up, get my degree, run fast and share my passion that has been developed in the running mecka of America...

I owe so many of my successes to the people who have fallen into my grasps these past four years. I sat last night, surrounded by them at Track Town Pizza... I sat there listening to stories of Hood to coast (go Team XO!), nerdy runnerspace computer convos and advice on how to deal with a terrifying room mate situation (kevo, im not going to pee anywhere). These people have almost raised me, they are a huge part of my support system and the people I look up to most.

My athletes are another group of incredible individuals whom I owe a bit of thanks to, they taught me more then I could have ever hoped, even those ones who I had to work a little harder with... They have all, in their own special way touched my heart and taught me unique little lessons.

Im definately going to miss slopy runs of rexius trail in late october when the rain has turned what used to be a pretty sweet place to run into an ankle deep swamp, snowy runs on ridgline (yes Trav, I didnt think it was a good idea at the time, but it was memorable), long anger filled 12 milers with Toma, running and Lauging until my tummy hurts with Nikki, and wonderful workouts at Hayward Field along with everything else.

Eugene is a place where anyone can find their nitch, its a home for everyone and a place where I would encourage anyone to live, visit and run.... Its made me who I am and given me the strenth to go find another home away from home, but honestly eugene is and will always be the place where I define myself.

I love you Eugene...

And I'll be back for Christmas! Woo Hoo!

Wow, these last six days have been an amazing whirlwind.. I just got back from a recruiting trip to Great Falls Montana. Im pretty overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions because my life seems to be playing out just how I had hoped it would!

I am just about to sign a Letter of Intent with the University of Great Falls in Montana. They are really treating me well man, I never expected them to offer me the kind of help that I have recieved financially. I am so grateful. Also, I found out that I have two years of eligibility left and because of my coaching experience with Lane, the coach has a probable Graduate coaching job for me when I finish my bachelors degree. This means I will be a real coach when Im done, certified by the USATF, and other organizations!!!

I am just so grateful to all the people here in Eugene who have believed in me. I had so many wonderful opportunites here that have shaped the person, athlete and coach that I am now. Its just amazing how some things pop up so unexpectedly, who'd have thought two months ago that I'd be acctually going and doing something for ME!?! Not me, thats for sure. I cant wait to see where this life is going to take me next!

Montana here I come!

Thanks Ross for getting me started off right, I owe a lot of this to you... I wouldnt be in this position without the opportunities you gave me...

Okay so here I go! Im running for real again, Coach gave me workouts! Woo Hoo, runnin on a team this fall! I couldnt be happier!

6/19- 30 minutes (4 miles ish) with Nikki at Rexius. Felt sick from all the driving and energy drinks. Im so pumped though!!!

6/20- 37 minutes.. Ran with nikki- She rode a bike. It was an interesting run foshizzle.. We almost got ran over by a motorcyclist who was being chased by the cops.. yep, he decided that running over innocent pedestrians was a good idea... Bastard. Well, it was eventful as usual! Good run though.. I was kinda tired.

So, here we are, about three days before the final phase of  Lane Community College's track season. I am so honored to be a part of this years track and field team. Coaching these athletes has been such a blessing.

We took down two number one titles last weekend down in Coos Bay Oregon at our Southern Region Championship Meet.. It was awesome to see all of them put everything on the line to win as a TEAM! The womens side won with NO individual champions , there is something to be said for this teams deapth and determination.. It was definately a good day.

I just wanted to say to all of the athletes that I am so proud of all the work they have done and am super excited to see it pay off this week in spokanne!!!

So, if any of you read this... Sleep well, drink plenty of water and rest up because you are gonna rock it!!!

This year has possibly been one of the hardest, most incredible situations Ive ever been in.. Life has thrown me some of the most unexpected curve balls, but for the first time in my life, none... I mean none have stopped me dead in my tracks. Yeah, they threw me for a bit of an emotional whirl wind, but my training didnt really suffer. For once, I put the utmost faith in my coach and ran the workouts that HE wanted me too, without questioning him. I think that may just be the key to this whole runing thing.

In January, I was putting in some amazing miles, getting the best base of my life in...

Feburary was where I was really begining to look like an athlete, getting some fartlik runs in and holding my own. Then, in the end of feburary I started to feel a bit tired.. and then came extreme exahstion..I thought, "its over, Im running like crap"! Got my ferritin checked and it was at 14. So, easy runs for the next month... I decided that, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I would take this as a learning experience, be an example for my athletes and understand that this would someday make me a better athlete and coach. So, I did just what trav said... I ran easy...real easy.

March came a long and I was still runnin Easy runs. Mid month, I finally got back to where I could run an hour.. My confidence was building!!! THen BAM, family drama (Should have expected that one). I had to evacuate in a day.. Normally that would have stunted my trainng tramendoulsy. But, for the first time in my life, I kept going, using running as my serenity rather then my stress. I did take some much needed advice from an  buddy of mine (Ross), he said "dont let this affect the way you roll kid".. So, with that said... I put the personal stuff behind me and just focused on the stuff I had control over.

This positive attitude, I beleive helped me to cruise into April where I can still remember that first day Trav said-" so Tiff, did you bring your spikes?", I smiled from ear to ear and ran for my spike bag, That power 400 was the best feeling ever! I was now living with my best buddy Nikki, which was a blessing in discuise.. I realized that my horrible family situation helped me to get back where I needed to be. Nikki is someone who always puts me in my place and someone I can count on the NEVER over react to a situation.. She's a solid rock man, but I think I may be softening her up... SUCKER! As for running, I ran some awesome track workouts, thanks to my base, patience and a coach that wouldnt let me push it to far. I also grew up a bit this month. The last part of the month was pretty stressful, with a minor quad pull and and coaching drama, but I was able to elax a bit, find a happy medium and trudge through the muck and come out the other side feeling energized and excited... I was itching to race though!!!!

Finally, we reach May!!! Yesterday, I ran the 1500 at Pacific University (my first race since early october) and it went well. I ran my best opening time ever. It was nice because for the first time, I didnt psych myself out, I went into the race feeling like it was going to be a bit of a test effort, just to see where I was. My goal was to just be competetive because, I really had no idea what kind of shape I was in and well, I ended up running alone the whole race, so my time really wasnt anything spectacular, but it really showed me that I was ready for more. May is shaping up to be a pretty nice change of pace for me... Maybe there are some PR's in store!