Name: Lauren Leaman
Age: 21
Hometown: Parkersburg, WV
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Lauren's running career:
My career started in elementary school 14 years ago and has continued ever since. I am currently a collegiate athlete at West Virginia Wesleyan College as a member on the Women's Track and Field team, where I compete in the heptathlon. Though I have never competed in a half marathon, I plan to once I finish my collegiate track career. My ultimate goal is to compete in the New York City Half.
Lauren's motivation:
My personal goals are what motivate me to run. I have a goal to make it to the NCAA National Track and Field meet before I graduate and it has really pushed me to work hard and become better everyday, mentally and physically.
Advice from Lauren:
Set achievable, personal goals, make a plan, stick to the plan, and find a training partner. I have found that if I make myself work for something it is a lot easier to stay motivated. Once you create a goal, make a plan to achieve that goal and never steer away from the plan until you've reached the goal. One thing I have found most useful is to train with others. It pushes me to work harder than I probably would if I were alone. But it's really all about what you do and how hard you work when no one is looking.