Distance running isn’t built in the spotlight. For Southwestern College runner Lauryn Peterson, it begins in the quiet miles no one sees.
Before race crowds gather and starting guns fire, Peterson spends hours training, often alone, building the endurance and mental strength required to compete as a long-distance runner for the Southwestern College Moundbuilders. Staying consistent with her routine has shaped discipline through years of dedication to the sport.
Peterson has been running for most of her life. What began as a family activity eventually grew into a passion that carried her into collegiate athletics.
“I’ve been running for about 16 years,” Peterson said. “I started when I was in third grade. My parents used to do fun runs, like 5Ks and stuff together, so that kind of started my interest.” Since those early races, running has become an intrinsic part of Peterson’s life. Beyond the physical benefits, she says the sport has helped her develop mental toughness.
“It’s really helped me mentally stay strong,” Peterson said. “Distance running is hard, and when you’re out on a longer run, you can kind of clear your head.”
In the week leading up to a competition, Peterson follows a structured training routine. She balances recovery, speed work and a variety of training sessions to prepare for race day.
“Typically, the week before a big race is kind of a down week,” Peterson said. “Monday and
Wednesday are recovery runs, usually three to five miles. Tuesday is a speed workout like 800s,
1Ks, or a tempo run. Thursday is similar, Friday is pre-meet, and then race day.”
While the physical training is demanding, Peterson says mental preparation is just as important.
“I try to visualize how the race is going to go,” she said. “If it’s the 800 or a mile, I think about the people I need to get in front of and the pacing I need to run for my splits.” Among the events she competes in, Peterson has a favorite.
“In track, probably the 800 meters,” Peterson said. “It’s the one I’ve done the longest. It’s not short enough to be a sprint and not long enough to be a relaxed distance race. You kind of have to push hard the whole time.”
That challenge is part of what keeps Peterson motivated. Over the years, she has faced demanding races and moments where perseverance mattered more than speed.
One of the most memorable experiences of her running career came during her sophomore year when her cross-country team qualified for nationals. While there, she had the opportunity to compete in a half-marathon.
“That was probably the hardest race I’ve ever done,” Peterson said. “It was about 13 miles, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had racing. I would definitely do it again.”
At Southwestern, Peterson faces a unique challenge. As the only female distance runner on the team, she often trains and competes without a group of teammates beside her during practice. To overcome that challenge, Peterson focuses on preparation and visualization before each race.
“My coach helps me try to stay out of my head,” she said. “Taking warmups seriously and thinking about how I need to run the race definitely helps.”
Now in her senior year and final outdoor season at Southwestern, Peterson hopes to finish her collegiate career with a personal record in the 800 meters. Regardless of the time on the clock, her journey reflects years of dedication to a sport that demands perseverance long before the crowd ever sees the race.