Lindsey (Olson) Anderson concedes that the idea of being among the nation's elite runners is mind-boggling.

It is an apt description of an athlete who was admittedly nothing remarkable at tiny Morgan High School. However, eventually Anderson evolved into a NCAA record setter and the favorite when she steps to the starting line Wednesday evening in the time trials of the 3,000-meter steeplechase during the four-day NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif.

"When people say, 'What do you think about [competing] in the Olympics?' sometimes it doesn't feel real. It really is like having a new vocabulary - my name and Olympic Trials in the same sentence. Stuff like that gives me a lot of confidence.

"It's fun being in this position. I have a lot more confidence. Yes, there are girls who have run fast times, but I am excited and as prepared as anyone."

On April 29, the Weber State senior set the NCAA record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, posting a time of 9 minutes, 39.95 seconds. Not only did it qualify Anderson for the Olympic Trials, the time also ranked as the third-best in the world this season. Last week, she also became the first Wildcat to win an NCAA Regional title.

Monday, Anderson was named the Women's Mountain District Co-Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track and Cross Country Coaches Association.

How confident is Anderson? Very, according to her distance coach, Paul Pilkington.

"During an interview, she was told one of the favorites had Lindsey's split times posted on her locker," Pilkington said. "Lindsey laughed and said, 'I haven't thought twice about her.' Obviously, she's thinking about Lindsey."

The steeplechase is a grueling race that consists of 7- laps around a 400-meter track, 28 hurdles AND seven water jumps.

"It's one of those events people either love or hate," she said. "I love it."

Anderson isn't afraid to take the lead and force the pace, wearing out opponents through sheer work rate. It was a hidden talent.

College recruiters didn't exactly beat a trail to Anderson's door. A multi-sport athlete, Anderson wasn't even sure that she would run track. Weber State was the only school to show a concentrated interest.

Women's track coach Jim Blaisdell "saw potential in me," she said. "A lot of [success] has to with coaching. I had a different outlook as well. I had to refocus. It was a gradual thing and I started getting more and more confidence."

Anderson had success her sophomore year, but ran slower as a junior. Entering her final season, Anderson renewed her commitment, and capped the indoor track season by winning All-American honors by finishing seventh in the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March.

During a meet at the beginning of the outdoor season, Anderson set her sights on breaking 10 minutes in the steeple. She ran a 9:46.

"Wow, I can really do this," thought Anderson, who broke the NCAA record a few weeks later.

Pilkington believes that with work, Anderson could become an Olympian.