World Record-holder, backwards mile on track (7:24), unofficial world record-holder, stroller mile on track (5:10) and double stroller 5K (18:51) on road; Academic All-American, NCAA Div. II Outdoor Track & Field qualifier, 10,000m, member of National Champion team (Grand Valley State University); High school record-holder in 1,600m, 3,200m, 5,000m and 3,200 meter relay, All-State in Cross Country and Track

I am married to my biggest supporter and fan, Dylan Pierce. He is a former collegiate baseball pitcher at Kalamazoo College, and we met in college. I went to Western Michigan University and our campuses were right next to one another. Without his support and belief in me, I would not be here! Together we both own several businesses. Our biggest pride and joy is being parents to Flynn Felix Pierce (4) and Remy Rhys Pierce (2). They keep us very busy and we cherish the honor we are so fortunate to have, being parents! My father passed away in 2021, from pancreatic cancer, and he was a huge part of my running journey. I ran a marathon in his honor a week after his passing, 7 weeks pregnant with my second son (2:45:10). He always reminded me not to “sacrifice the gift.” Though neither of my parents were not runners, they attended many of my events and I am grateful for the support they shared with me. My brother, Seth Arseneau, represented the USA at the Athens Paralympics in 2004, in the handcycling event. We hope to share a race in Boston sometime, while he rides and I run. He has always been a hard worker, humble and an inspiration for me. Though not in my immediate family, I’d like to thank my incredible community of Wilmington, NC for their support. I am so honored to represent my childhood hometown, my running team Without Limits, and the youth I get to coach Without Limits Trailblazers. Keep reaching for your dreams, there will be setbacks, but things worth having often take time.

Being a mother is my personal #1 accomplishment. I can’t imagine my life without my two boys and they are my reason for staying fit, chasing after goals, and supporting them in the best ways I am able to. I am thankful they enjoy being a part of my running journey. One thing I want them to learn from all of this is that with a belief in themselves and supporting those around them, will help them in whatever path they choose. I resigned from teaching to raise my two boys at home, but still "teach" as a running coach. My running #1 accomplishment is my choice never to give up. It took me so long to find a balance, what worked, and the decision to show up even with seasons of disappointments and injuries.

I have always been known as "the runner girl" since I started running. Funny enough, my punishment for misbehaving growing up was being "grounded" from running! In middle and high school, I would wait in the hall until the minute bell warning would ring to race to class. I loved running to class and the challenge of making it there before the tardy bell. I know you might be wondering, was I ever tardy to class? I can proudly say, no! hahaha! Also, I was pregnant for the 2020 Trials, and 10 seconds from that qualifying time when it was 2:45. When the Trials time was lowered, I was truly shocked and to be honest, a little heartbroken. But, with the faith my coach had in me (Tom Clifford, Without Limits), and the support I mentioned before from so many, I flew to Houston for the marathon (2023) and missed the time by 42 seconds. I chose to race again six weeks later in my hometown and ran with Hugh Crews, a local runner, and qualified by 42 seconds!

"To sacrifice anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

Every day I run adds to the bank of memories I've been fortunate to make. The best memories are the runs shared with others and seeing the success of those I know personally, or know of. I cherish the miles shared pushing my boys in the stroller, seeing those I coach with huge smiles on their faces, and the way we can relate to one another as runners. We're all a little nutty in our own way. I love that!