I made one of the biggest decisions of my track and field career the other week. I finally made the push to be a full-time athlete.

I pride myself in working hard on and off the track. I have had the privilege of working for some great companies that have worked with my training schedule to allow me to improve in my sport, while maintaining a foot in the doorway to my career after I retire. I didn’t go to college just for athletics; I went to get an education, and to receive an opportunity that my parents were never able to afford. I worked hard in college and received a bachelor’s degree that I ACTUALLY use.

No sociology degree for me, but don’t scoff when you hear I got my degree in art. I use the skills I learned at the University of Oregon every day. I have been doing website and graphic design ever since I left college and because of it I have been able to pay my bills each month.

I worked at the Athletic Department for the University of Oregon when I left college. I was coming off my second ACL, MCL, meniscus tear in two years, working 60+ hours a week, and training on my lunch breaks. The hard work and dedication that I learned in sports showed off the field, but I got an opportunity to work with a company that had less hours, which meant more training time for me!

I started working for TrackTown USA in February of 2011. They were the host site for the 2011 USA Championships, 2012 Olympic trials, and soon to be host of the 2014 World Junior Championships and 2016 Olympic Trials. It was an awesome opportunity to grow as the new company grew.

After the 4-6 hour training day was over I was able to head to work and put in 3 to 4 more hours in the office. When I got home I sometimes do self-treatment on my injuries, study throwing film, or work on freelance projects until my bedtime at 11pm. It is hardly the life I think most people assume an athlete leads, but I have always been envious of the athletes that are able to have two a day training sessions with lunch in between sessions, who are able to go home before 5pm, rest, and still pay rent each month.

After over two years of working with them, I have felt the need to put my training on an even higher pedestal. I worked hard, saved every dime I made, with the ultimate decision in the back of my mind to one day put everything I have into my sport and see where God takes me. That time was just a few weeks ago.

I know there are big things on the horizon for me. I have already noticed big improvements in my training, my health, and my happiness. I know no matter what I choose to do in life I will be successful, because of the work ethic and talent that God has given me. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me this year, and I know I have so much support from fans, friends, and family members. I could not be more blessed!

 

Glory to God, Stay Healthy, Throw Far. #TrainBIG #Moscow2013