In My Own Words With Cross Country's Lydia Bauer

Not everyone gets to achieve their dreams, and not everyone gets to live out their dreams in the perfect environment.

For Morehead State cross country runner Lydia Bauer, she's doing both. 

Bauer is a transfer, and when she was going through the recruiting process the second time around, she was intentional about finding a school that not only fit her academics and running, but also her lifestyle. 

"I honestly almost didn't respond to Morehead State's email because I didn't think they had my major," said Bauer. "But when I was on the school's website, I saw that the Appalachian Mountains were close by, and I'm a very outdoorsy person, so that was a big factor in my decision. I've always loved hiking."

Bauer is from DeForest, Wisconsin, which is just outside of Madison, and while she enjoyed her time at Northern Illinois, she felt a change of scenery was needed. 

"I knew I wasn't going to know exactly what I was walking into until I visited the school I chose. I didn't have time to take any visits before committing, so I felt rushed," said Bauer. "When I talked to Coach (Clay) Dixon, he seemed like a genuine guy. The training had similar characteristics to what I had been doing before, so I knew it wouldn't be too huge of a difference, which I thought would allow me to continue my success."

Bauer felt she was living in an environment that wasn't right for her, so she didn't want to enter one that would be negative again. 

She talked to a teammate about the program, and everything she heard was positive. 

"When I was making my decision and talking to Clay, I knew this was the right place for me," said Bauer. "Lucy (Singleton) was one of the girls on the team that I talked to, and she seemed very honest and told me about the team and what I'd be walking into. 

"I felt like she was genuine, and that made me feel more comfortable coming into this team. Especially being so far from home, it was a bit of a culture shock coming down to the south. It's completely different, and it made me feel a lot more comfortable walking into this environment."

When Bauer first mentioned Morehead State to her dad, he knew that's where she'd end up. 

"I feel like it's worked out really well, and I've been very happy here," said Bauer. 

Bauer has many people to thank for her success, including the community where she grew up. 

"Running track back home, there is a huge distance running community," said Bauer. "Whenever I go home, there are a lot of resources I'm able to use. It's a huge running community with a lot of people that just want to get better. 

"I'm very grateful to have grown up in that type of community."

When Bauer runs, there are certain feelings she has while competing, and it's a feeling that's unmatched. 

"You can sometimes tell when you're going to run a personal record because you just feel good," said Bauer. "You feel on top of the world, and there is extra spring in your step for whatever reason, and you know it's going to be a good day."

While running is an individual sport, Bauer knows she wouldn't be where she's at without her support system. 

"When you cross the finish line, and you run a new personal record, your teammates are there and equally excited, giving you hugs and celebrating with you," said Bauer. "Success is very much shared in this sport. There's no better feeling than that. 

"You just feel so accomplished, and I think that's why most people get into this sport. Yes, it's individual, and you strive to get your own goals, but the team environment and team aspect is what keeps everyone going."

It's not just her teammates that Bauer credits her success to. Her brother has been one of her biggest supporters. 

They'd run together, talk about workouts, and pushed each other to get better. 

"We just kind of shared the obsession of running together at the same time," said Bauer. "He was very much my person that I would go and talk to about everything. It was always a competition between the two of us. 

"We kept each other on it, but also cheered each other on through all our success. He's still one of my favorite people to talk to about running."

Bauer is one of six kids, so she's used to being busy and having a lot going on around her. 

Her parents have also been instrumental in her success, and she talks to them after every race she runs. 

"My parents were huge keys to my success," said Bauer. "They supported me and made sure to be at every race. They'd take off early from work if they needed to.

"That's been one of the harder parts about moving down to Kentucky and being so far away — not being able to see them after races. But they're always my first call after I'm done racing."

Bauer is someone who has a great support system and is appreciative of everyone who has helped her make it to where she is today. 

She's not just a runner, she's a daughter, sister, and friend. 

It's important for her to remember that, and she's grateful she found a program at Morehead State that focuses on the individual and not just the times you run.

"Find a program that is willing to see you for the person that you are and work on building you up," said Bauer. "You'll be successful, and you'll be able to see more growth than just running."