Iowa City, IA (U-WIRE) -- When Iowa cross-country runner Nikki Chapple finished first on the team in her freshman appearance at the Big Ten championships two years ago, the pain was there.

And as she led the Hawkeyes with intense grace in five-consecutive meets in 2004, in one instance breaking her own 6,000-meter school record, the fatigue was there.

But it wasn't that "I'm sure going to be sore tomorrow" feeling that she and every other normal person would get after putting her body through mile after mile of mayhem.

Something, though no spectator who felt the breeze as she flashed past them on those days would have believed it, was slowing her down.

After flying through enough pills, screenings, and checkups to make the UI Hospital and Clinics seem more like her own personal dorm room, the native of Melbourne, Australia, still doesn't know what is stopping her from being better than good.

The 24-year-old's doctor, Susan Brigham, has found that allergy tests for fructose, sucrose, and lactose have been inconclusive. She next will investigate whether what is still being classified as an allergy is related to environmental factors.

"It never feels easy anymore," said the star senior of her once effortless runs. "And it has gotten worse every year."

Chapple has periodically battled a lack of energy throughout her time in college, but, on Tuesday, it reached its peak. For the first time in his three-year tenure at Iowa, coach Layne Anderson watched as his most talented weapon succumbed to the pain and stopped in the middle of practice.

"Her body feels like it's gone through a workout before she's even started," he said. "I'm frustrated for her, because she deserves success."

Anderson came into the season with high expectations for Chapple. Though he is puzzled, and Chapple is a bit discouraged, the two will not rule out a big conclusion to an already stellar career.

"She's not only one of the top women in the conference but also one of the best in the nation," said the supportive skipper. "She's accustomed to a certain standard. Something she can't control is slowing her down."

If that high-standard runner can get just a little assistance from her health, races could be less painful and a lot more fun. "My original goals were to place high at the Big Tens and run under 16 minutes in the 5K," said the art major. Fortunately for her, a little help is on the way.

In order to temporarily remedy the situation, Chapple has been prescribed a steroid, prednisone. This won't be the first time she has taken the drug - in past trials it has helped. She will stay on the medication for only six weeks.

Prednisone is similar to hydrocortisone - both are a natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is given to many patients to treat hundreds of different conditions.

As Chapple sat against a tree while practice wrapped up Tuesday - the exasperation in her eyes was concealed by her trademark red-rimmed sunglasses - it was clear that she had finally had enough.

She needed some time to herself, away from the sport that has ruled so much of her life.

"I've been running since I was 7," said the eldest of four children. "I'm tired of it."

At points, her words and body language seem to signal an early retirement, but there are moments when that light that once beamed flickers once again.

"I will always give everything I have. That's all you can do," she said.

It's hidden, just like the pain was from all the crowds that have been awed by her talent.

(C) 2004 The Daily Iowan via U-WIRE