First day of school!  How did it go?  How about your first race as a Keydet?

Instead of your typical first day of school, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) welcomes their newest students with what we call “Matriculation Day.” All of the incoming freshmen are divided into different “companies” and are introduced to their “cadre,” the upperclassmen responsible for teaching VMI's system...From that day on, we are considered “rats” in the “ratline." The ratline lasts for about six months.

Rats do not get any privileges, such as cell phones, music, or movies. Rats are required to cut their hair. My hair was so short that, instead of growing out, it grew up! Some of the first girls that ever attended VMI had to get the same cut as the males, so I really should not complain. Plus, hair grows back!  Our first race of the cross country season was held right here in Lexington. We ran against a couple of nearby schools in relay format. It was exciting to represent the school while wearing the VMI uniform for the first time.

Is freshman year really as grueling as it is made out to be?
 
You can make your freshmen year here at VMI as hard as you want it to be. The rules and standards are certainly upheld. Your effort, however, really determines the difficulty of your “ratline” and Cadetship. Every student must go through the ratline, regardless of the year in which they entered VMI's program.
 
What made you decide to go to Virginia Military Institute? Before seriously considering schools, did you ever see yourself going to a school such as this?
 
As I was making a list of schools, my father suggested I take a look at VMI. This really made me laugh! I wanted to go out of state; head south. Even so, I decided to keep my options open, eventually sending a resume to Coach Spangler. I received his response that same evening. Before long, I had agreed to an official visit. Simply by touring the campus, I was shocked to learn of the lifestyle VMI students follow. It was just so different from that of my own! On the car ride home, I began to consider prayerfully what it was I should do. Well, here I am, and I would not want to be anywhere else!
 
How does your training now differ from your pre-college days? What are some other things that have changed? This may include sleep, diet and nutrition.
 
My mileage has certainly gone up, but not in an overly aggressive manner. Gradually, over the summer, to be precise. Getting enough sleep is difficult sometimes. Breakfast is served at 7 o'clock in the morning, every morning. I try to schedule a nap here and there to get in an extra hour or two. The food is not phenomenal, but there are plenty of reasonable choices. 
 
How has college improved your running?  Has it hindered your running in any way?  MileStat would love for you to mention certain aspects such as rules, restrictions, nutritional options, facilities. 
 
The same trust that we athletes give to our coach, Coach Spangler entrusts to us. Everyone strives towards a common goal. This includes making the right decisions: eating, sleeping, studying, and training-wise as these all have a direct effect on our performance. Coach Spangler asks us to focus on the little things as well as the overall picture. My running times have certainly improved. I feel much stronger physically, and I am excited for what is to come.
 
How has your season been so far?
 
I am red-shirting this season. A few weeks ago, I landed poorly after a steeplechase water jump. Unfortunately, I bruised my heel to the point where I am unable to train. Red-shirting seemed the most reasonable option as the outdoor season is quite short. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to the start of cross country!  

The steeplechase. That's a new event, right?  I have never competed in a steeplechase.  What do I need to know?
 
Like I said...water jumps.  I have yet to master this aspect of the steeplechase. Those guys can really put up a fight! I ran the 2k steeple at the MileStat Gala my junior year. The outdoor track season had come to an end; unfortunately, in a way with which I was not so pleased. I wanted to finish on a strong note and saw the steeplechase as a perfect opportunity to do this. I had no idea what I was doing! I was just excited to switch things up, try something new, and have a little fun while doing it. Have a few hurdles thrown into the race, you know? My father actually called Brandon Miles (MileStat.com webmaster) to learn more about this event and gather a few ideas for how to best get over those hurdles.  I absolutely loved competing in this event! I always had another barrier to look forward to, another bump in the road.
 
Any post-collegiate plans?
 
As for education, I'm currently planning on majoring in biology and would love to go the route of sports medicine/physical therapy.

In terms of running, I hope to do a few triathlons. I have always wanted to do one with my father. My swimming will have to improve, though! I would also like to give the marathon a shot. An off-road marathon, that is. (Laughing) None of that asphalt nonsense! My shoes get dirty the moment I put them on. Besides, mud gives them personality.
 
Anything else you'd like to see included in your article? Funny stories, favorite quotes, tips, et cetera.
 
Just a quick tip for those looking at colleges: Give each and every school a fair chance before crossing it off the list. Don't be so quick to discount a college or university that may very well be the one for you! Back when I was beginning my college search, I would have never believed it if someone told me that I would end up at VMI. And, not in the slightest do I regret coming here! Take your time. Weigh your options. Make sure to take a second visit before you commit. You will feel it when you find the right place for you. Good luck to everyone in the remainder of their seasons!

Credit - Elisabeth Greenwood, MileStat.com intern - Reprinted with permission