There are certain moments in life so special that you know you’ll carry them with you forever.
For me, one of those moments came during the 2022 cross-country season.
I had a breakout year and became the first woman in Central Michigan history to win the MAC title.
In every way, it felt surreal.
Achieving something no one at my school had done before was incredible, but what made it even more meaningful was sharing it with my teammates, coaches, and friends.
I remember reflecting on everything it took to get there—the highs, the lows, the setbacks, and the moments of doubt.
Somehow, on that day, it all came together.
The joy and pride I felt in that moment is something I’ll never forget.
Pre-Race Rituals
To be a successful distance runner, I believe you have to be in the right state of mind.
Many people think it's best to be super pumped up before a race, but I'm the exact opposite.
When I'm too excited, I tend to get caught up in the moment and lose focus. Obviously, that's not how you want to approach a competition.
So instead, I try my best to stay calm and not put too much pressure on myself.
I might grab a coffee for a little boost, but other than that, I like to read my Bible and chat with friends.
If I start feeling nervous, I remind myself that I run every day—this is just another chance to do what I love.
I also try to reframe the pressure: every race is an opportunity to push my limits and see what I’m capable of.
This self-talk keeps me excited, focused, and ready to compete.
The Mindset
During a race, I'm 100% focused on running with excellence.
That mindset has taken years to develop, but it’s been essential to my success as a distance runner.
I give everything I have because I know I’d regret it if I didn’t. At the same time, I remind myself that I am more than my performance.
It’s a balance—caring enough to push myself to new limits while understanding that my results don’t define me as a person.
I step up to every starting line ready to give my best, but I’ve also learned that one race, good or bad, doesn’t change who I am.
That perspective has been one of the biggest lessons of my college experience.
Setbacks
Every athlete faces setbacks.
It's just part of the process.
For me, it’s been a series of smaller challenges. I tend to get sick easily, and when that happens, it throws off my entire training schedule.
Then there are the heartbreaking moments when you come so close to your goal but fall just short.
Last cross-country season, I missed qualifying for Nationals by seven seconds. In the steeplechase, I was just a couple of seconds away from making the Olympic trials.
Those moments were tough. The disappointment was real.
But instead of letting them define me, I’ve used them as motivation. Every missed opportunity is fuel for the next one.
I keep an open mindset and remind myself that there’s always another race, another shot.
The only option is to keep moving forward.
Community
In high school, I saw my teammates as competition.
But college changed that. You realize you’re not racing against your teammates—you’re racing with them.
I learned this during my freshman year when an upperclassman, Lauren Beckmann, took me under her wing. She showed me how much stronger you can be with teammates who support, encourage, and genuinely care about you.
Now, my teammate Natalie Newcombe and I train together every single day. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without her, and I’d like to think she’d say the same.
On race day, having her beside me brings a sense of calm and confidence. It makes the competition feel even more exciting.
There’s nothing better than pushing your limits with teammates by your side.
Looking Ahead
My five years at Central Michigan have been filled with incredible experiences.
This sport has given me so much—unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the chance to travel across the country.
One time, we even stopped at Dairy Queen in the middle of a run because they were giving out free ice cream cones for the first day of spring. We jogged back to practice, cones in hand, laughing the whole way. Moments like that are what make being a college athlete so special.
Now, as I near the end of my college journey, I find myself thinking about what’s next.
I’m earning my degree in elementary education, and one day, I’d love to step into the classroom as a teacher.
But before that, I want to keep racing. Running is still something I love, and I know I haven’t reached my full potential yet. I see myself improving, making progress, and pushing my limits—and that fuels me to keep going.
I’ve started exploring the professional running landscape, and the possibilities ahead excite me.
I’m beyond grateful for everything this sport and Central Michigan has given me, but I know my journey isn’t over.
I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
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📷 Emily Paupore and Central Michigan Athletics
