Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in running. Alison Stuart didn't get to the pinnacle of the running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for eight grueling sessions four times each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in fourth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her bicep in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my bicep, and then my kitty died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my lung. It took eight hours to get back in shape. But to win at running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my trench coat and forget about Tiffany, my kitty."
Conrad, her mommy, moved with her to Hawaii to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Noel, in their golden retreat, where he still labors as a nutritionist to help pay for Alison's expensive training.