Welcome! The last few weeks in a nutshell.

Well, here it is.  My opening blog post to the aptly titled "Moderately Talented Distance Runner"  (Lock Haven  teammates will be sure to appreciate this title).  I'm sure all 3 people who read this already know who I am,  but in case someone happens to stumble upon it I shall introduce myself.  My name is Nick Hilton, I am a runner-specifically a steeplechaser- formerly of Lock Haven University and Exeter Township Senior High School.  After working a 7 month stint at the West Reading store A Running Start I have moved to Flagstaff, AZ to pursue a career as a runner.  Now, someone might ask: "Why Nick, since you're admittedly 'Moderately Talented' have you decided to pursue a career in running?"  My answer is simple.  I believe that I have the right mix of determination, tenacity, toughness, and just enough talent to make it.  It is a dream that I have wanted to pursue since I first took up the sport, and it is a dream that I am absolutely determined to make happen.  Anyways, I digress, moving on.

The last few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind.  Only a week ago, as a part of the life back on track relay, I helped to break the 1000 mile relay world record, an event which helped raise over 20,000 dollars for the Kevin Dare Foundation (The foundation is still taking contributions, if interested visit www.lifebackontrack.com) . Finishing the relay was an incredible high, and probably the most remarkable experience of my life thus far.  And, only a few short days after, I was to depart with my good friend and comrade Ryan Blood (and my cat, Kiwi) for Flagstaff Arizona, where I am now, to pursue my dream.

The trip out here was long (almost 38 hours), but exciting.  Day one we drove from Harrisburg, PA all the way to Kansas City, a trip of over 1000 miles and 17 hours of driving.  Needless to say, Kiwi was not too happy about the driving, and she let me know for about the first 4 hours of the trip.  Neither was she happy about being gently placed in my backpack in order to sneak her into a hotel for the night.

After some rest, we trekked across the longest state in the world (false) Kansas and reached our overnight stop in Colorado Springs.   After a quick tour of the incredible Garden of the Gods we chowed down on some fish tacos made by former Adams State standout, and friend of Blood's, Matt Levassiur.  Kiwi had a run in with a one eyed cat named lucy, who wasn't too fond of Kiwi, who quickly shacked up behind a couch for the night, safe from the clutches of the one eyed cat.  After a good nights sleep (for me and blood at least) we hit the road once more through the majestic rockies and the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona.

After 9 hours of driving, we were able to spot the San Francisco Peaks in the distance and got real excited.  The first night in Flagstaff was a whirlwind of meeting people, eating food, and having a few adult beverages.  We are thankful to people like Alicia Shay and Ryan Mulcahy who have been fantastic to us on our arrival and with getting us set up and ready to roll.

Welp, that's about it for this one.  I promise that this will be the longest post, as I had to squeeze several weeks worth of excitement into one.

Nick Hilton: Moderately Talented Distance Runner.