Amy Bowden, Neighbor

I grew up in Rockford, IL and ran cross-country and track for Auburn High School ('97).  In 2001, I married my teammate and best friend, Matt Bowden. I earned my Bachelor's in English Literature from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 2001. I also ran cross-country and track while at Augustana, in addition to performing in plays and singing with the Jenny Lind and Collegiate Chorale vocal ensembles.  I earned my Master's in English Education in 2002 from The University of Chicago.  I have been teaching English at Lockport Township High School since 2002.  My husband teaches Psychology and Economics at Lincoln Way Central, as well as coaching girls' cross-country and track. Our first daughter, Nadia Claire, was born in July of 2006, and our second daughter, Mira Therese, was born in May of 2009. I ran and raced through pregnancy with the support of my doctor, and even completed the Grand Rapids marathon while pregnant with Mira.  Through this blog I hope to share some of the struggles and rewards of balancing an athletic lifestyle with a fulfilling family life and a demanding professional life.