Brianna Simmons Shares Her Experiences As A Freshman Training At High Altitude


While it can be viewed as a preparatory camp for our season,
Mammoth remains a training camp for our lives.
-Brianna Simmons


A typical day as a freshman, a novice really, in a collegiate program is undoubtedly interesting. Be it Monday sprints, Tuesday thresholds or even Saturday endurance runs, the wake of a new day always brings new challenges.

As part of our daily routine, we mentally prepare for anything that the workout, or even life, may bring. While practices remain difficult, there are ALWAYS joyous moments which we all cherish as no one is ever excluded from a joke, conversation or comment. On a daily basis, one realizes the frequently great, but sometimes subtle, acts of leadership from both coaches during our team meetings and our teammates—I continually appreciate the examples placed before me as both guidance and motivation.

While in Mammoth we all had the opportunity to bond and train together—we helped each other wake up at seemingly ridiculously early hours of the morning for a summer, we pushed each other throughout the hardest intervals and we fantasized about the greatest meals we could cook and eat together and so much more.

There was always an abundance of relief and excitement to return home because it meant large meals, conversation and long naps. Second runs were our chances to (finally) settle into our comfortable paces, discuss how painful practice was and dream what it will be like to be like the leaders who continually guide us. The best part of the night is when we can all joke and talk about anything together. I am glad to say that I am able to go to sleep comfortably, knowing that tomorrow maybe intimidating and difficult but I always have help to get through any obstacle.

In essence, this program has taught me how to succeed—what it requires, what not to do and even what it feels like when one does reach that level. On a more basic level, this program daily requires me to question why I run?—a question not always so easily answered. Fortunately, there are always supportive, amiable, and honestly outstanding teammates who reliably assist me. They are, without question, a significant reason why I run. Plainly, a novice’s habitual process revolves around the idea of being a better self for the holistic aspect of positive team performance.

While it can be viewed as a preparatory camp for our season, Mammoth remains a training camp for our lives. Ultimately exemplified, and what I learned was, while balance and consistency are important, wisdom and success are found in those who apply the advice from those that have the experience.