My 40 Year Dash

My first job was delivering newspapers, which came with its own set of adventures – from neighborhood bullies to early morning routes. One particularly strange encounter on my delivery route led to a change of scenery and a challenge on another route tested my problem-solving skills. These early work experiences provided an early education in the unpredictable world of work.

A childhood trip to see Grandpa, and the discovery of cable TV, unlocked a world of baseball and a pivotal World Series. Back home in Ames, this newfound passion blossomed into adventures and dreams of athletic glory, even if those dreams were accompanied by some hilariously misguided prayers. This is a glimpse into the early innings of my sports-centered life.

My youth group trip to Myrtle Beach that summer was a wild ride. We had some hilarious adventures, tried some new things that didn't quite go as planned, and definitely made memories that still make me laugh. It was a time of connecting with people and experiencing things that were totally outside my usual Ames bubble. That trip, with all its ups and downs, definitely left its mark.

Freshman year brought the excitement of high school football, but an unexpected event off the field led to a sudden change of plans. While my time on the team was cut short, that same period brought a different kind of meaningful experience outside of athletics. 

The first year of high school involved the usual routines and first encounters. An unexpected connection led to meeting some older students, including a talented athlete. And a casual invitation opened the door to a new activity, a departure from previous plans. As the seasons changed, I found myself drawn in a new direction, towards a different kind of challenge.

My first high school track practices were intense, a real step up from anything I'd done before. The training was demanding, and the weather didn't always cooperate. We pushed through some truly brutal workouts. Despite the initial shock, I found myself improving and competing in meets. That first season was a challenge, but it also showed me a new side of my athletic abilities and where my focus might be heading.

High school cross country started before classes even began, with tough practices and weekend runs. The season was challenging, but I had some surprising races. That fall also brought my first job, juggling work, sports, and church, which made for a packed schedule and relying on rides from friends. It was a busy introduction to high school life.

Working at Hy-Vee provided a steady routine and a sense of belonging. I enjoyed my coworkers and felt supported by the managers. During track and cross country seasons, the store became a familiar and encouraging place. Then, the return of a talented teammate sparked a new level of motivation and competition in my running.

Summer after freshman year was busy with work and the excitement of getting my driver's license. Having more freedom and spending time with older friends became a big part of my life. While I continued with cross country, my priorities were starting to shift with all the new experiences.

Junior year track was defined by a demanding new coach and early morning runs. The season became focused on big competitions like Drake Relays, where my teammate and I both did well. The state meet was a tough but rewarding end to the year. It was a year of pushing limits and achieving some key successes.

State track meets were a big deal, a chance to see everyone compete. I enjoyed watching my teammates after my own races. One teammate had a stunning performance in the high jump, and another had a thrilling anchor leg in a relay, with an exciting end to the meet.

Track camp at ISU felt surreal, being so close to home yet living in a dorm. The heat was relentless, and the competition was immediate. A surprising rivalry emerged, pushing me in unexpected ways. Beyond the grueling runs, a brief, chance meeting with another athlete made the intense week worthwhile.

The cross country season roared to life, fueled by a summer of intense training. Each race felt like a battle for the top spot. Would victory remain just out of reach? A surprising invitation to another school's homecoming dance added an unexpected layer to the already intense season. The burning desire to finally break through and claim first place only intensified with each meet.