From Runner’s World:

Lauren Collins, 22, holds the school records in the heptathlon and the high jump at the University of California, Irvine. Her peak training included intervals, hills, plyometrics, temp runs, core work, and weight lifting. “All of the hard work that’s invested can be frustrating and painful,” says the Newport Beach, California resident, “but finally seeing your times drop is pretty hard to beat.”

--photo courtesy of UCI Athletics