I’m Emily Pierce, a Division I distance runner, nursing student, and the creator of THE BUILD.

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My story with sport started long before college running. As a child, I underwent two brain surgeries, wore a scoliosis back brace for 5 years, and had to teach myself how to walk again. Years later, I found running, and somehow the girl who once had to relearn how to walk began racing her heart out and setting goals that once felt impossible.

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But becoming a stronger runner didn't always mean I felt like one. For much of my athletic career, I struggled with anxiety and self-doubt that began to impact my performance. 

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With the support of my coaches and the pages of a light green "Stay Golden" composition notebook, I slowly began to find my confidence. That notebook went everywhere with me. I filled it with weekly mileage, workouts, race recaps, prayers, goals, tears, hip numbers, random drawings, and reminders I needed to hear. 

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That little green notebook became the inspiration for THE BUILD.

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I created the journal I wish I had years ago. It's a place for distance runners to document more than miles. A place for the pressure, the prayers, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the quiet moments of becoming.

I've been counted out before. I've doubted myself before. And I'm still chasing goals that scare me.

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