Waldron is targeting a place at the European Under-23 Championships

Herefordshire athlete Sarah Waldron says her decision to live and train in the United States is paying dividends.

The middle-distance runner took up the offer of a sports scholarship at the University of New Mexico.

"There is great support out here and I can train with other girls rather than on my own in north Herefordshire," she told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"There are great weather conditions at altitude and this is also a really big help so I am feeling really positive."

After graduating from Birmingham University the Puddleston-based athlete has taken time out to focus on her athletics career.

Waldron admits 2009 was frustrating for her as a succession of injuries meant she was never able to show her best form and it was one of the key factors in deciding to take up the offer of a place at the University of New Mexico.

"Obviously I was really worried before I came out as to just how the training would be but things have progressed well," she added.

I'm hoping to impress the selectors back in the UK for the European Championships - they look at the results from the nationals over here Sarah Waldron

"I was nervous about being away from my coach and cross country running out here is certainly very different to the UK.

"I've improved a lot already and I'm hoping that I can get some really good performances in now."

Waldron admits that the emphasis placed on track and field in terms of the media coverage is a whole new experience for her but is hoping to use this as an added incentive to help her meet her short-term goals in terms of international recognition.

"I recently ran a Conference race and was second with our team and there is a lot of hype when things like that happen," she said.

"We have got the regionals coming up this weekend and then the nationals immediately after that.

"I'm hoping to impress the selectors back in the UK for the European Championships - they look at the results from the nationals over here.

"But if I am not able to qualify through that then I will come back to the UK to run in the trial race."

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