My name is Olivia Mickle. I am 23 years old, starting my
career as a professional distance runner. I recently graduated from Brown
University with a BS in Biochemical Engineering and spent this past year at the
University of Texas, working toward a Masters degree. My love of running
has led me to put my education and science career on hold as I pursue my dream
to be an Olympian. Although the
practical course of action—and one my parents would likely appreciate!--would
be to take a position in immunology or pharmaceutical research, I need to
follow my passion. I need to run.
Unlike most, I didn’t start running seriously until I was
out of my teens. I’d spent many years
racing up and down the field as a competitive soccer player; however, it wasn’t
until senior year of high school that I was bitten by the running bug. Initially, it was a “nibble.” I enjoyed running and it was good conditioning
for soccer. However, I quickly found
myself enamored of the sport and made the decision to fully commit, leaving my
soccer days behind.
Having twice competed at the NCAA finals in the 10k, I
believe my future ultimately lies in the marathon. To continue to build strength and to progress
as an elite distance runner, I will be moving to Portland, Oregon to join the
Bowerman Track Club, under the direction of Chris Cook and Jonathan
Marcus.
As a relative newcomer to running, I have yet to post
times that place me among the sport’s elite; nonetheless, I firmly believe I
have the potential to be among the nation’s best runners. I welcome any support or guidance as I embark
on this journey. For now, I encourage
you to follow my foodie adventures, running escapades, and growth in the
professional running world via twitter (omicklepickle) and this newly developed
blog! :)
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Going for it!
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