Photo contributed by MacKenzie Hill MacKenzie Hill trains in Columbia. MacKenzie Hill started her running career late, but she is planning on finishing fast.

The elite 400- meter hurdler, who is living in Columbia and training with coach and former Bahamian sprinter Sylvanues Hepburn in anticipation for the upcoming professional track season, started what she calls "her passion" late in life.

"Many runners begin when they are four or five years old, but I started in high school, which is much later than most," Hill said. "I just started running and loved it."

She started out with 400- and 800- meter races, but then switched to hurdles "because it just came more naturally to me."

"I love the challenge of the hurdles, having an obstacle to get over," she said. "It's something to think about, rather than just running."

Hill competed as a member, and ultimately captain, of the UCLA track team, graduating in 2007. Injuries derailed her in 2008 when she suffered from a fractured patella caused by the constant pounding that came along with running and weight training. She moved to Columbia in 2008 in order to work with Hepburn, and now that she's healed, is ready to hit the professional circuit.

With a group of elite athletes around her, Hill's preparation includes three to four days of five- hour workouts at Owens Field with Hepburn, weight training, stretching, Pilates and chiropractic adjustments to combat the stress she puts on her body.

Hill has been working with local chiropractor Shelley Jones to keep herself healthy and in alignment.

"We get thrown out of alignment at least once a week, and I'm especially subject to this, since I'm a hurdler," she said. "Dr. Shelley keeps me working efficiently by keeping me healthy."

Hill said she noticed the benefits of having a dedicated chiropractor soon after she arrived in Columbia.

"I had been seeing a chiropractor in California, but hadn't been in awhile," Hill said. "Dr. Shelley helped me to get back into alignment."

The 23- year- old said she reserves one day a week to receive adjustments and take care of technical issues related to perfecting her craft.

"I had been putting too much stress on my body all those years," she said. "I realize that I've got to rest as well as work hard."

Hill is looking for a major sponsor for the upcoming professional season as she travels the globe on the professional circuit.

"I will be wearing Asics gear for the upcoming season, but I'm also looking to go to the next level, which would be finding a major sponsor," she said. "If I do well (in competition), then I'll be able to move up to that level."

Hill said she wants to keep running as long as she is competitive, and she only has to look to herself to make that happen.

"It's all on me," she said. "If I train hard, and put in the work, I can succeed. I want to run as long as I am able."