Hiruni Wijayaratne is the kind of elite runner that amateur runners can related to in so many ways. She has battled against several difficulties throughout her career and continues to come back for more. Those challenges include years worth of injuries, running in the face of unrealized expectations, balancing her training with a demanding full-time job, and more. Last year Hiruni was blindsided when the Olympic Standard for the women's marathon was lowered to 2:29:30. A feeling people who who have spent years trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon can relate to. In 2016 she missed representing Sri Lanka at the Olympics by mere seconds. After that disappointment she lowered her marathon time to the mid-2:30's and thought she was well on her way to the Games. Unfortunately, Hiruni was mistaken. Now she is battling to either get under 2:29:30 or get top-10 at a Gold Race (whenever they start up again) to qualify to head to Japan in 2021. Heady stuff for the 10 time Sri Lankan record holder, University of Kentucky alum, and current Colorado resident. You can learn more about Hiruni at https://www.instagram.com/hiruni_w/.  Sponsors: Previnex is a supplement brand that I trust, use, and have greatly benefited from. They source the highest quality ingredients in the most clinically effective and beneficial forms. Previnex manufactures to the highest standards possible, testing every ingredient, every step of production and every finished product. Visit www.previnex.com and use coupon code Runner15 to save 15% on your first order. Follow Matt: Instagram - @rambling_runner Twitter - @rambling_runner Get exclusive podcasts, video coaching sessions, and much more by joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/ramblingrunner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices