I've always loved to run. I knew from the moment I ran my first race that I would run throughout high school and college. However, I never thought I would be running at a small school in southwestern Oklahoma, but I love it here at SWOSU. I grew up in a town close to Springfield, Missouri and ended up at SWOSU because of the pharmacy school. Last year I had a successful season. I was All-Conference and All-Region, and this year my goal was to do the same. I knew that nationals would be in California, and that fact has definitely been a motivation. This summer I got up early every morning before work to run out in our pasture. It was probably the hardest things I have ever put myself through. There were so many days when getting up early to run was the last thing I wanted to do, but my perseverance has definitely paid off. This semester has been really difficult as far as schoolwork goes because I have a heavy class load including Organic Chemistry and Microbiology. But God has been faithful. He has given me the ability to study hard and wake up at 5:00 every morning for practice.
As I look toward nationals this weekend, I am just excited to have the opportunity. I have never flown before, so I know that it is going to be a totally new experience. It's something that I have wanted to do my entire life, and it is so amazing that I get the chance now. Running in the national meet is sure to be thrilling. These past couple of weeks, I have just been tapering off and enjoying running. I know that many people are burnt out by this time of the season, and I am trying to prevent that. As of right now, I'm still holding on to my passion for running, and I hope to step on the starting line this Saturday with a desire to perform the best I ever have. My main goal is just to achieve a personal record time. If I do that, this season will end perfectly. I am just so excited to be given the opportunity to represent SWOSU and Oklahoma at nationals Saturday. I'm sure I'll have lots of exciting stuff to talk about afterwards!
*Rachel Ingram is a two time All-Conference and a two time All-Regional runner for Southwestern Oklahoma State University. OKtrackXC.com wants to thank Rachel for her journal and wish her good luck this Saturday in Pomona, CA at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships.