IndianaRunner

[Drake]

Here you can discuss Laura's training.

Feel free to ask questions, make comments, critique or just read!

Here you can find her latest blog entry:
http://indianarunner.com/LauraBessTrainingBlog.aspx

[Flo-Rida]

Laura, welcome aboard! My question is your interest in the site, and how it can get more girls involved. Over the years this site has been dominated by the guys. Is there a way you think that more girls could get involved with something like this? What would need to be done? There have been some standout athletes very strongly involved in years past, such as Renee Masterson and Waverly Neer... but never a consistent group of the 'middle of the pack' athletes as the guys have.

Secondly, how was your transition into Brownsburg with the high expectations of the IR fans and I'm sure your teammates had?

[runfromtheheart]

I think the reason not many girls get on here is because of the different mindsets between girl cross country runners and guy cross country runners. For "middle of the pack" girls, cross country isn't necessarily for training, but more the social aspect because maybe their friends are doing it too. I do NOT mean that all of the girls are like that, but its just something I've noticed over the years and I mean no disrespect by it. BUt recently, I've thought that there are a lot more girls who are getting involved with running discussions, but they are upper pack girls, or girls that probably take the sport more seriously. A lot of girls have heard of IndianaRunner, and read the posts, they just don't post or join in on discussions. It's just a hit or miss thing. I think that you would probably need to find some of those girls, and just get the word out. I got interested in the site mostly because of my dad and also because of some of my guy friends.

In regards to the Brownsburg transfer, it was very tough at first. My new coach had a different approach to running, so that was an adjustment. Also, the fact that I did get injured only a month into the season made it even harder. Overall on the team, the plague of injuries was certainly disheartening. It was very sad to watch as our rankings went down, but we are ready to make a comeback. We've even made it a joke on the team. When someone hypes another team or athlete, we'll say "hopefully they don't pull a Brownsburg."

[Flo-Rida]

Great mindset! I hope this year you are able to stay healthy and run to your fullest potential!

[iwearperushortshorts]

You ready to win the individual crown this year?

[runfromtheheart]

Haha. While I would love to be the recipient of the blue medal, I think it's still pretty early in the season to determine anything. There are a lot of girls who are just starting off, me included. Keep watching us!