May 12, 2004
Mizzou sophomore Ashlely Patten arrived on campus after being a highly sought after three-time state champ out of Michigan . "Your freshman year can determine your career - it can separate people. I'll admit it was different because everyone is a state champ here." Patten remembers one of her lowest moments when she doubted her ability after a lackluster showing indoors. In her own individual evaluation, she reassured her that would never happen again.
Ashley, who is a bundle of laughter on the phone, is determined, but is a typical middle distance runner. Patten runs cross country, but rarely tops over 35 miles a week. In Columbia , the environment at Mizzou is friendly and team oriented. In her visit to Mizzou, Patten felt the "moral aspect" of the team was a top reason for her decision to opt for the Big 12 school, which is over ten hours from her home.
Patten posted an outdoor best of 2:05.43 in March. In addition, she was the indoor conference champ at 800, but took third outdoors in Norman , Oklahoma . She is definitely adjusting to the ups and downs of racing at the collegiate level. Coach Rick McGuire has a 1/3 rule. "1/3 of your races will be bad, 1/3 good, and 1/3 great," says Patten, who knows this by heart in only her second year. Although still young on big time experience, she's becoming confident in herself when facing off against her competition. She has leaders to learn from like Amanda Bales, who although is more of a 1500/3000 runner - dips down to run workouts with Patten. "She's such a great person, and competitive like me. We are on similar levels while training. And we have good workouts together because of our competitiveness," says Patten of Bales. They are now parting ways because Patten will be running with the likes of the other 800 and members of her 4x 400 relay team. When asked about her favorite workout, "Broken 800s," Patten responds. 200s are the bread and butter for 400/800 runners. The reason for her choice is simple. "I love feeling fast," says Ashley with a cute laugh.
Patten admits she is always continually learning on how to run at this new level. "You learn quick. I've gone out in 27 just to try to stay with the leaders. You have to make adjustments. It's like you're a freshman all over again. It's a whole different level here." The sophomore is in the business school at Mizzou. She has aspirations that range from coaching at the college level or starting her own gym.
The community at Mizzou has helped Patten grow in more ways then just running. "My whole team has opened my eyes. They have been a huge inspiration. I've learned to putting God's faith in my running," adds Patten. In addition, to learning more about how God plays a role in athletics, she's driven by the presence of top athletes and people around her. "We have so many amazing people and athletes to look up to. They are all great examples, and it's really inspiring to be around them," says Patten.
As far as her own 800 tactics, she's learning how to adjust during her races. "I'm still learning my style. I was a front runner in high school, but in college my most successful races have come from running in the back."
The post season is now almost in sight and Patten is eyeing a berth to Austin . She's made the progression from an inexperienced rookie to a runner who has no thoughts to abdicate from her top ten 800-meter performance this spring. The Mideast region is loaded with 800 talent. Six of the top seven runners currently in the country reside in the Mideast region. But, Patten, who sets high expectations for herself is geared up and ready to face her newest test.