I'm Seattle bound this weekend for the biggest race of my fall season, the USATF National Cross Country Club Championships, where the best club teams in the nation will battle it out over 6 kilometers of grassy hills. This race is the culmination of months of training, hundreds of miles, 6 pairs of running shoes, and countless hours spent doing all the "little things" that help you transition from a good to great runner.

I plan on heading here this weekend: Seattle Starbucks (the first one ever!)
It's like the Mother Ship is calling me home! :)

As the race approaches and I've looked at the start list, I've found myself growing anxious when I see big names among the entries. Saturday's field will be a talented one, with some of the best post-collegiate women in the country. Between a strong pool of individuals and a large field of talented teams, this race is in a way akin to the NCAA Championships for collegians. Leading up to NCAA's, the USF women's team was a bit intimidated by their first time at "the big dance." As a coach, I tried to provide counsel and guidance to the ladies. Now, I'm working on taking my own advice and repeating to myself the words of wisdom I dished out, which include:

You belong here - you've earned it! The USF Lady Dons punched their ticket to NCAA's through determination and hard work. Similarly, after a strong fall campaign, I've earned my place on the starting line (I just need to believe that!).

You're in the best shape of your life - have faith in your training. Between 15 mile long runs, 80 mile weeks, and 3 weeks at altitude, I'm fitter than I've ever been, and healthy to boot. That's an accomplishment in itself, and something to derive confidence from.

Sure way to get in great shape? Spend 3 weeks running on scenic trails at 6800 feet!

GET EXCITED to test your fitness among the top women in the country. The challenge of competition is thrilling, not scary or intimidating. Competing against the best is a great opportunity. Yes, many have stellar credentials, but come race day, all that goes out the window and past performances hold no traction - what matters is who competes the best on that given day.

Toeing the line at USA XC Championships with some of the top runners in the nation

Don't be nervous, GET EXCITED! Talking with my brother and jumping for joy after running a 5k road PR at the SV Turkey Trot

Dream big - don't just be content with making it this far. Set ambitious goals and go after them!

*****

On that note, here are some dream quotes to get all those racing this weekend fired up. Good luck everyone!

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go..." - T.S. Eliot.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

And lastly, my personal mantra for the weekend:

"Dream more than ~~others~~ you think is practical."

And as always, run joyfully! <3

I know I'm a week late with the Thanksgiving blog, but it's been a busy past few weeks... between the USF women's XC team qualifying for NCAA's (hence a 3 day trip to Terre Haute, Indiana), racing a 5K Turkey Trot in San Jose, and spending Thanksgiving with my family, I haven't had a spare moment to sit down and blog. But better late than never, right?

I’ve got a lot to be thankful for... so in the spirit of the holiday, I'm sharing with you some of the things I'm most grateful for this season, both in running and in life. Here goes!

This fall, I'm thankful for...

My loving family and boyfriend

Good health

A flexible job that allows me to train at an elite level

A roof over my head in a beautiful city!

Training partners

Being in the Bay Area, I’m surrounded by elite distance runners who are chasing dreams just like me. On any given day, I get to run with an All-American, an Olympic Trials qualifier, or sometimes even an Olympian! I'm continually inspired and motivated by those around me.

And this fall I gained a training partner in the form of UC Davis steeplechase school record holder Caitlin Fitzgerald – my new roommate! It’s been incredibly beneficial to have a fellow runner just across the hall, who makes sure you get out of bed to run every morning and holds you accountable in doing your second run, even when it’s dark and rainy out. Not only is Fitz a great training buddy, she even bakes apple crisp post-run! Delish! :-)

Yay for awesome training partners in the City by the Bay!

Consistency in training

I've been blessed to have been injury free for the past 6 months, allowing me to string together week after week of solid training and high mileage. This consistency in training has not only paid dividends this fall, but has laid a strong foundation for the upcoming track season and Olympic year. I’m excited for what’s ahead!

The opportunity to give back to the sport

With the USF women at NCAA's in Indiana

As a volunteer assistant coach at the University of San Francisco (USF), I've had the chance to give back to the sport that’s provided me with so much. In helping out with the USF women a few mornings a week, I hope that I can pass on some words of wisdom to the next generation of runners, and maybe even inspire some of them to give post-collegiate running a shot.

Also, being on the sidelines as a coach instead of on the track as an athlete has lent a fresh perspective to my own training and racing. Coaching has served to further my own development as an athlete and I'm excited to continue being a part of the USF program.

A kind, caring coach

Since moving to San Francisco and embarking on a post-collegiate running career, my dad, Bill Gregg, has been my coach. I've had my fair share of coaches over the years... and now I'm really grateful to have a coach who is not only kind and caring, but who challenges me to both work hard and to find the joy in running. Our collaborative coaching relationship is just what I need at this point in my career, and it's working - the fitness and PRs prove it. So thanks, Coach Dad, for helping me thrive!

A 5K Road PR

On Thanksgiving Day I ran in the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Elite 5K in San Jose. Despite a slightly stressful 36 hours leading up to the race, I ended up having a really good race, running a road PR of 16:35 and finishing in

place overall. I came through the first mile right with the main pack in 5:13 and held strong through 2 miles (10:35) as the pack started to dwindle. With a strong last 100 meters (complete with the pain-train face!) I passed Alvina Begay to finish snag 8

A very fun way to start off a family-filled Thanksgiving!

New Sponsors!

I'm really excited to announce two new sponsors supporting me as I chase my Olympic Trials aspirations:

Apercen Partners

and

Avi Goodman Photography

Apercen Partners is a tax consulting firm serving clients in Silicon Valley. A new partner of New Balance Silicon Valley, Apercen is providing financial support to elite runners through their new Olympic Development Program. Meanwhile, Avi Goodman Photography is the latest venture of my talented med student/photographer boyfriend – he’s helping capture my best running moments on camera. I’m super grateful for the support from these two new sponsors - THANK YOU! Check out my

Words of wisdom for championship season

Counting blessings and giving thanks