In the world of track and field, the biggest regular season meet (topped only by championship meets including, of course, World Championship or Olympic races) is a Diamond League meet. A handful of international races are deemed part of the “Diamond League” before the outdoor season starts and they are the most sought-after races to get in to compete. The best athletes in the world come together in cities like Monaco, Doha, and New York City and often draw a large crowd of spectators, media, and agents. Diamond League meets have all the caliber of international championships.

I had the opportunity to race my first major steeplechase of the season in the second Diamond League meet this year – in Shanghai, China. I was the only American among a field of Kenyans, Eastern Europeans, and a handful of other talented women from around the world to steeple on Saturday evening. And the Diamond League experience was incredible.

Obviously, 2012 has been the “year Stephanie turns pro and is a nervous wreck before every race.” In this case, I was completely nervous and anxious – having to line up alongside girls who run faster than the American record! And to do so in my first real steeple race of the year! Yikes! I was also a little wary because in my international racing experience in 2011, I always found myself impacted by jetlag in my first race abroad – and I didn’t want to feel tired or less powerful in this one opportunity I had.

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