After five years of training directed toward one goal, former Bulldog distance runner Tina Muir achieved her dream.
Muir, who is from St. Albans, United Kingdom, had always dreamed of trying out for the Olympics.
But instead, her hard work garnered an invitation from her country to compete in the 10,000 meter event at the 2012 Aviva British Olympic Trails held June 23 at Birmingham Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Great Britain. The event was open to competitors from other countries in an effort to strengthen the field.
“I always hoped that would be something I would try out for, but to be invited to do it was something that was really special to me and it showed me how far I’ve come,” Muir said.
The field was open to competitors from countries such as Ethiopia and Poland in an effort to strengthen the field.
Muir finished fifth overall in the field. Worknesh Kidane of Ethiopia finished in first place with a time of 31:28.19. She finished less than a minute off of the top British time posted by Caryl Jones, 32:52.53.
Her timed personal best of 33:47.03 in the event allowed her to earn third out of over 750 of Britain’s best long distance runners.
“I definitely finished way higher up than I ever thought I would. Coming in third place is definitely a huge achievement,” Muir said. “Standing up on that podium finishing third at the U.K. trial was something that I could never have dreamed of.”
Prior to the trials, Muir concluded her senior year as an 11-time All-American. She took second-place in the 5,000 meter event at the 2012 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships May 26 and finished fourth in the 10,000 meter event at the same championships.
“My running hasn’t helped me with just my personal goals, it has also helped me begin my career,” Muir said.
After graduation, Muir has moved to Philadelphia to pursue an MBA at LaSalle University and will act as a graduate assistant coach for the university. She still continues to train by running a minimum of two hours a day.
“Yeah, it takes up a lot of time, but when you achieve those goals, when you reach your dreams, it makes every minute worthwhile,” Muir said.
Muir has a new goal in mind: Her first marathon.