Shippensburg University Athletics

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

Blog #5: Post-Race
[sent 5:13 AM; posted 9:30 AM]

It is just past 3 a.m. and I have been trying to sleep, but sadly it is not coming. I am in so much pain. It's a deep aching pain that is incasing my entire body with an extra jab underneath my right rib cage. I know my blog was not updated last night as I had promised. I really wanted to write, but there was so much going on.

We were all given surveys to complete of our experience here, and the final question was "please rate your overall performance at this event" and I surprisingly checked off "above average". It was not a 5 out of 5, but I did put together 4,600 meters of the 5,00 meter race and I would not go back and change any step of the way until that final lap. I truly maximized my capabilities and though I watched in agony as the medal spot slipped away and my body was no longer responding to my plea to go faster, I executed my race strategy and could not have given more. This was my number one goal.

Now for the pity part. I could not breathe or walk properly after the race. My diaphragm was spasming and my legs were wobbly. After the coaches collected myself and my 5k teammate Kim, we made our way painstakingly back to the tent. The whole while I just focused in regaining my breathing, and trying to lower my heart rate.

It was not until we got back that the medical staff pointed out my slashed shin. They cleaned the wound as a lay sprawled on the table. I hoped that a cool down would help work the lactic acid from my system, and Kim offered to run with me. We started out around the 200 meter warm up track, and after suffering through two laps in over four minutes my diaphragm spasmed again and I was forced to stop. I was worthless, so we agreed it was time to head back. I felt better once we got on the bus, and was able to get some Gatorade in me.

The medical staff have been amazing. When I arrived back at the dorm, they set up their tables and I had four people standing over me. They worked on my ribs and stretched out my aching sides. The chiropractor adjusted my neck where the nerve that connects to the Inflicted area is, and then they sent me to the ice tub. First, I put on two extra layers, then they covered my wound with a plastic bandage before I experienced my first ever waist deep icing bath.

I ice several times per week, but this was much different. Usually the 50-degree water is just above my knee, and I only stay in for 10 minutes. This time, it was up to my belly button and I was told to stay put for 20 minutes! Then there was the packing to attend to, which was interrupted by a fireworks display from the international zone. A glorious shower followed, and then I finally laid down with one last look at the clock to see that I had less than five hours until I needed to be up for the 5:30 a.m. departure. But I couldn't sleep. My eyes were tired, and my body exhausted, but the aching pain was too great to ignore. It took me this long to roll over, and now I see how truly long this day is going to be.

I arrive back to PA at 8:23 p.m. tonight. I can't wait to be home. I am overwhelmed with all the support I received from my teammates, family, and friends. I was thinking about you all out there as I hung on during those final laps. It really makes a difference knowing that I am running for more than just my personal satisfaction...as I lay here in pain, I know that the real reason I put myself through this is because of all of you who believe In me, and helped me every step of the way to get to where I am today.

Though I am the one out there on the track and in the cameras, if there is anything I have learned from my four years as a human communications studies major, the media only provides one scope that does not show all those who helped me get there. My dad, who inspires me and guides me in every aspect of my life; my mom who will drop everything to be by my side at any time; Dillon, my boyfriend, who is my training partner, honest critic, and best friend; my team, who is always there to make me smile; my sisters and brother who know me as much more than just "Neely Spence, the runner"; my support team of trainers, doctors, a chiropractor, physical therapist, and sports psychologist who keep me pieced together; my professors, classmates, and the Ship administrators who worked with me so that I could miss all these classes; the USATF and USOC personnel that took care of me before and during my time here; and my fellow USA teammates who helped me feel not so alone in this foreign territory. These people are all part of the behind the scenes that enable me to put on the show. Thank you.

I have been writing and reflecting for nearly an hour, and the pain is miraculously dissipating. It is nice to process things, and I feel ready to begin the day with a positive attitude. I am looking forward to the upcoming regional meet (no altitude!) and the last few weeks of training that will carry me to the end of the cross country season.

Adios Mexico!


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

Blog #4: Morning of the Race

I slept well last night, and am surprised to say that when I awoke a sense of relief hit me: it is finally race day. I have really enjoyed the experience. Without a doubt, it has been very good for me to know about the life in the athlete’s village, and just the overall things that come with traveling and being in a foreign country. But, after all the excitement wore off the first day, I have been looking forward to my routine, familiarity, predictable situations, and being surrounded by those I care about.

I have been able to communicate through Facebook, and they provide some phones for us, so that has been really helpful in preventing me from feeling too disconnected and alone. Every time I got online, there were always a ton of facebook updates, messages, comments, emails, and I cannot begin to tell you how much this helps. The support you have given me throughout this adventure has been beyond compare, and every little effort gave me much joy.

Through these methods of communication, I remember why I am here: to represent the USA. I know just a small percent of all the citizens who fall into this category, but the faces of those who I do know are at the forefront, and that is all of you.

Time to go trade my last pin, (take a look at my collection!) and then just relaxing and packing until we depart for the track. I will write tonight with reflections.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Blog #3: Preparing for the Race

Upon arriving in Guadalajara, I met up with other athletes and our group organizers. We went through customs, and were greeted by a crowd of over 100 people cheering us on as we wrestled with our luggage to the bus that would take us to the athlete village. By the time we got everyone loaded, waited for the police escort, and drove to the village, it was after 10:30pm until I got to my room.

I was given another bag full of USA gear, but decided to wait until the morning so that I would fully appreciate it. I was exhausted, and all my roommates (other USA distance runners) were asleep already. I slept a solid nine hours, and awoke to a sun-filled room.

I had just dumped all my stuff at the door when I came in, so I spent 30 minutes organizing and then looked at all my new stuff! I got a whole new podium outfit, three T-shirts, a tank top, socks, a polo, a hat, a ton of pins, flip flops, sneakers, and a brand new pair of Oakley sunglasses! I was so excited.

I put on some new gear, and went for a 35-minute easy run. I ran around the village and then followed a sidewalk for three miles that did a loop around the soccer stadium.

After the run, it was time to explore. The first stop was the dining hall, and it was less than ideal. Everything was in Spanish, and I realized it was going to be trial and error because there were few things I even recognized. I tried a red fruit that looked like cantaloupe (I think it was papaya) and a round yellow fruit the size of a golf ball (still don’t know what it was) and decided to stick with yogurt and granola. It feels like I am back in kindergarten and have to rely on pictures because the words do not make any sense. It is exhausting.

As I continued my exploring expedition, I wandered into the international zone. This is where the athletes can interact. There is live entertainment, shops, a bank, a cultural center, a beauty parlor, and some “American” eateries (Starbucks, Dominos, and Burger King).

I was checking my email, since this is one of the few places that I can get a wireless connection and it is sporadic at best, and a Venezuelan athlete came up to me. I could not understand anything he said, but he was persistent. I found out that the reason why I had been given all those pins was that athletes trade them and get a collection from various countries. I traded with him and then he touched my cheek and said, “Beautiful” in perfect English and then walked away. That was the only English word he said during our five minutes of interaction. So not only is this not-understanding-Spanish thing exhausting and confusing it is also awkward!

I went to the track and watched the women’s 10k and the men’s 5k. I was able to get a view of the track facility, and see the warm-up area. I took a picture of the track at 5:30 p.m., so I know how it will look when I race on Thursday. It will certainly be warm, but about half the track will be shaded which is positive.  When we got back (it is a 30-minute bus ride each way) I got dinner, which was not so satisfying, and went to my massage appointment. I had a glorious 30-minute massage, and then I tried out the compression boots for the first time. They are pressurized to push out metabolic waste from the muscles, flush the lymphatic system, and get the blood circulating. They say it is the best way to eliminate muscular fatigue from travel. But it looks a little funny! (see picture below).

I had a chiropractor appointment that followed, and then I went to bed. This morning, a group of three athletes and our distance coach, Francie (a five-time Olympian), went to the practice track to do a little workout. I felt good, but I can tell that we are at altitude because it was dry and recovery took a little longer in between my intervals. I just did 8x200 on a 200 jog. I did sets of two, in 35, 34, 33, and 32. It was a quick one, and then I got in a 10-minute ab routine and a good stretch. It took all morning because it was 40 minutes each way, and we had to wait a little for the bus.

Well, now that you have been completely caught up on every breath I have taken since I arrived, I will conclude for now with this: I am truly enjoying the experience, and really appreciate all the support from home. Thank you for being involved in this effort, and win, lose, or draw, on Thursday, I will be happy to say I had a fulfilled and enriched experience during my second international competition. Go Team USA!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Blog #2: From Houston Airport

I am often asked, “What do you think about when you run?” This morning, I awoke at 5:50 AM to run before my flight. It was a crisp morning; the crescent of the moon was still high in the black sky; and the five-lane highway outside the hotel was rather remote. All I could think about was how grateful I was. I have the extreme fortune of the ability to do everything I wanted: compete with my team at the PSAC Championships, and go to Guadalajara and represent my country.

Yesterday, knowing that my teammates were behind me, pushing themselves, striving for the common goal of making history by coming away the only team with four consecutive PSAC titles, carried me through the race effortlessly.  Less than a minute after I finished, I was back on the course cheering on my teammates. The tears and smiles, the hugs and handshakes afterwards that were shared with the team and fans were the dawning of a realization; this is the last PSAC cross-country meet of my life!

After running all over the course to cheer on the guys, I did a few minutes of running on my own, away from the crowds, to give myself time to reflect. I see my teammates training everyday; preparing for these races with all their heart. I know that Katrina Spratford and Sarah Strayer take a nap everyday before practice to aid in recovery. I know that Bernard England spends more time stretching, foam rolling, and icing then he does running everyday. I’ve seen Stephen Schelander go from an unmotivated high school kid, to a NCAA All-American contender by his complete faith in Coach Steve Spence’s progressive training plan and dedication to the team. I saw Jamie McCullum persevere through her battle with Lyme Disease when her running suffered greatly for years. We came away from this meet with our goals accomplished, and I am proud of each and every one of my teammates because I know that it was not by chance, it was because of our group’s dedication day after day at practice and in our lifestyle.

At the award ceremony, a fellow runner and friend from high school, Kacey Gibson, approached me.  She now runs for Edinboro, and finished 10th in the race yesterday. She presented me with a card, signed by herself, her coaches, and teammates wishing me the best in Mexico. They thanked me for representing the country, the PSAC, and DII athletics as a whole. I was honored, and humbled.  Having the opportunity to not miss anything is truly special, because had I needed to choose between the two, it would have been very difficult for two reasons. First, I am very loyal to my team, the PSAC, and DII because of all the experiences we have had together over the past four years. Second, it soon is time to move on to the next step of competition and the Pan Am games give me a taste of the new experiences that are yet to come.  I am very excited about this next step…professional running...but I am relishing these final weeks of collegiate cross country, grateful that I have the opportunity to have it all.

So, in answer to the question, “What do you think about when you run?”, as I ran through the darkness of a quiet Sunday morning, my 30 minutes passed quickly as a sent a little prayer of gratitude upwards for all these experiences.
-If you asked what I was thinking as I tried to sleep in the tiny plane that was my first flight where the chairs did not recline, and then when I tried again on the second flight, and the chair was broken and also did not recline, it may be less positive. But, I will hope that the third and final flight is more suitable ? Mexico, here I come!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Blog #1: Preparing for PSACs

Less than one week to go until the race, and if I had to use one word to describe how I feel it would certainly be excited! This morning, when I woke up, The first thing I did was check my email (on my new IPhone 4s!) to see the Day 7 newsletter for the USA Pan Am team update, and saw that we are in the lead with a 98 medal count!

As Nelson Mandela said, "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same." As I finished my packing and pulled out of Shippensburg with my team on the first step of the excitement, the PSAC Championships, I am excited about the trip (after the PSAC meet, my dad and I are staying over in Harrisburg Saturday night before I depart Sunday morning and hit Mexico), the opportunity, how the USA team is doing, the race, and how I too can let my light shine and glorify my family, country, and God. I am excited to be in the race and have the chance to contribute towards that medal count!