Christian Allen, a two-time NCAA Division 1 cross country All-American and recent graduate transfer to Brigham Young following a successful career at Weber State, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss the transition to a new program and pursuing a Masters degree in exercise science, along with he and wife Summer, also a two-time cross country All-American at Weber State, expecting their second child in the next month to join 2-year-old son Miles. Allen reflects on the emotions of leaving Weber State and expresses gratitude to coach Corbin Talley and his teammates for the memorable and meaningful experiences since arriving in Ogden in 2018 following his graduation from Copper Hills High. He speaks about his relationships with BYU veterans Casey Clinger and Brandon Garnica and many other Cougar athletes, and how he has trained in the offseason in previous years with many of them, with his in-laws managing a running store near the university. Allen shares how he also considered concluding his collegiate career at Florida State after a 16th-place finish in November at the Division 1 final at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, but explains the logistical challenges with a young family and Summer's job along with his parents and in-laws wanting to remain connected with their grandchildren. He also examines the humidity in Tallahassee being a factor after dealing with similar challenges while serving his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Japan. Allen also talks about the previous interaction he has had with BYU head coach Ed Eyestone and his own family's connection to Cougars athletics, and how much respect he has for the legacy and tradition of the cross country and track and field programs in Provo. He analyzes the potential for BYU to return to the NCAA Division 1 podium this fall and possibly challenge for a team title after placing seventh in November. Allen also shares his motivation to earn All-America honors on the challenging course in Stillwater, Okla., after being inspired watching Summer place seventh at the Division 1 final at the same venue in March 2021. He speaks about his passion for mountain and trail running, along with his recent victory in the Cirque Series event at Snowbird, as well as his preparation for the Aug. 20 competition at Alta, and how he feels the training will benefit him on the hilly Stillwater course in November.