Neely Spence is changing courses in her running career; this time it is with her coach.
Spence, a standout star on the Shippensburg University track-and-field team and medalist at the Pan-Am games, will move to Michigan to work under Keith and Kevin Hanson of the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project in Rochester Hills.
The signing was held Thursday.
Spence, who had to take both winter and spring track seasons off because of her professional signing will be working with a different coach for the first time in her career.
Spence has been a driven individual since her days at SU.
She explained that both her parents were long-distance runners so she has a drive to excel in a longer race. She finished seventh at the U.S. championships and the Top 3 can move on. She wants to shave 20 seconds off her time.
Spence’s best moment running at SU was being part of the distance medley relay.
The first time she raced, she set a Division II national record. The second year, she and her relay team lost a race by a step.
That loss has pushed Spence and has made her one of the best. Her training schedule consists of running 70 miles a week and a weight lifting regimen.
She prepares for the 5K, which is also her best, but also wants to run the 10K as well.
When it comes to aspiring athletes, Spence told The Slate staff during an interview earlier this semester, “In terms of athletes as a whole, it is important to remember the little things…the little things are what makes the big things happen.”
Spence will hope to make the Olympics soon in her career.
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