Even though my 2009 season did not meet my goals, I know it will serve as a very important role in my career. On the positive side, I set an indoor american record in the 5k 14:47, made the World Championship team in Berlin, transitioned into a new training group and coach, and I trained harder than I ever have before. I believe all of the work will not go in vain and these experiences will callous me.
Since Berlin, I have taken some much needed time off from training and I am in the process of getting healthy and mentally recharged! One of the greatest gifts during my down time has been working as a volunteer coach with the North Carolina Men's and Women's Cross Country team. It has been extremely refreshing to spend time focusing on the athletes and NOT myself.
The Carolina athletes are awesome! They have a great work ethic and are dedicated to getting the most out of themselves. I feel fortunate to be a part of the program again. Most of my favorite running memories are from the “good old days” when I ran with a tarheel on my cheek and the NC on my chest. There was nothing better than training and racing with my best friends at my side. I am pumped to spend time with the Carolina team and I hope I can help them achieve their goals.
To kick off the season, I joined the team on their xc retreat up to Zap Fitness in Blowing Rock, NC. We had a fabulous time exploring all the great trails and enjoyed the hospitality and company of all the Zap athletes and coaches. I am excited to watch this team transform over the year. Let’s get the racing started!!
This is my favorite time of the year, football and cross country! Best efforts to all the NCAA athletes.

DREAM BIG!
Go Heels,

Shalane

On August 15th, I will be representing the United States at the IAAF World Championships in the 10k. I have attached a link to the Versus Channel that will be televising the event. 

http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/81265/?UserDef=true&catID=76

Shalane Flanagan

Berlin Bound

This year has presented me with challenges that have left me both frustrated and motivated. It has been frustrating to know that I have pushed myself to work harder than I ever have before and yet I have not had it come together in my races. Finding a balance has been tricky and may be the key, in allowing my work to shine. Shifting the focus to the process and not the outcome has been my goal on a daily basis. 

I have made some changes this year that I do not regret. I believe the changes will make me a better person and athlete. The struggles I am facing are the defining moments, I am keeping faith. If everything in life came easy, the climb would not worth it.

This winter and spring I have been adapting to a new training program presented by my new coach. For a while, I thought most of my fatigue and heavy legs were completely associated with the new stimulus but come to find out the combo of a new training program and high altitude left my iron levels low. With the low iron, getting through a daily run was a chore and races were even harder. After the national championships, I told my coach I wish I could just go out in the woods and hide for a while and come back to the track once I felt strong and like myself again. But, we both agreed that hiding was not the solution. Since the US champs I have been home in North Carolina, training, resting, and regaining confidence. I miss the camaraderie and environment of my training group, so I think of them often and find myself pushing to dig deep and get the most out of each workout.

Mentally I am ready to go, and with each day I am feeling more pop in my stride. The fire and fight in my belly is strong as ever. I am relaxed and believe in my training. As long as my body is there for me, the remaining races this season should be fun! Berlin is right around the corner and there is nothing better than slipping on the USA jersey and running for something bigger than yourself.

I am ready to run fearless.

Dream Big!

Shalane