I started running when I was 15 years old, being forced by an older sister to join the high school track team. That 100 meter dash turned into 800 meters, then a mile, which turned into a 5k. After high school, I found myself running Ragnar's and triathlons and Spartans. Running became one of my favorite things to do. After a severe spinal injury in 2018, my running days came to an end - an end I thought would be permanent. I was told by doctors that I would never run again and that I would need physical therapy for the rest of my life. I believed I would never run again, and this thought swirled my mind for the next 3 years. However, that same forceful, older sister who nearly "made" me run on the track team kept encouraging me to run, time and time again. With her background in physical therapy, human anatomy, and massage therapy, she helped me strengthen my body and she believed I could run again. Long story short, coach Melody got me off my walking cane, into my feet, and to a starting line. It started with a 5k, then a 12k, then a half. Together, we worked up to a full marathon, which I completed in June of 2023. Melody coached me and encouraged me, and created a training plan that helped my weak, Injured body become resilient and strong and capable of what I believed to be impossible. I am forever grateful for my coach; my sister, who helped me each and every day to become a stronger, better version of myself.