A 10k, 15k, two half-marathons and a FULL marathon later… we think it’s safe to say that Alissa caught the running bug!
“In a nutshell: I needed something to do.
I moved to Pensacola in August 2015. At the time I had a stressful 50-60 hr. a week job working remotely with extensive travel. The hours of my husband’s new job were the exact opposite of mine so I found myself sitting in a new house, in a new city, alone, and most importantly, without a productive way to relieve work stress. I was talking to my sister on the phone and she said I am at my best when I am active and have a goal. Very true. I went online, found Running Wild and saw there was a Double Bridge training group. I had to figure out what “Double Bridge” meant! And running?!?! I don’t like running! Ugh. Once I researched a little more about the race I was inspired and immediately contacted the coaches. I could barely run without thinking I was going to die; the prerequisite to join the group was be able to run 3-4 miles. I knew I was capable if I set my mind to it. Long story short, I joined the group, experienced a warm welcome at the store, huffed and puffed my first 4 mile run, starting making new friends and the rest is history. ”
“RW has helped me reach goals I never knew I had! During the Double Bridge training I experienced many firsts and credit a lot of it to my DB running buddy, Jennifer, and Coach Lynne. I ran the Runway 5K in under 30 minutes (a PR and almost threw up!), signed up for a 10K (a crazy idea at the time!), ran the DB race and a Blackwater trail run. Thoughts of more creeped into my head, ‘Well, if I am conditioned enough for the DB 15K, a 1/2 marathon is only a few more miles. Could I? Should I? Certainly not! I don’t like running…. OR DO I?!?!’
My husband made me reluctantly admit I like running after I wanted to add miles on to one of my runs for fun. We were in the store at the time and the staff confirmed what I was beginning to know was true. It still feels weird to admit I like running! I went on to complete two 1/2 marathons and the next wave of more entered my mind, ‘Well, if I am conditioned enough for a half, a full marathon seems doable. When am I going to be this conditioned again? Could I? Should I? Certainly not. I’m not a runner…. OR AM I?!?!’
I found myself at the store a few times a week (or more) for runs, to get gear or if I had questions. Everyone was supportive and told me what I needed to do to get ready for the marathon training group. The RW online Facebook communities are equally as supportive. I signed up for the marathon training group, we moved closer to the store and again, the rest is history. I never knew I wanted or could run a marathon OR be crazy enough to train in the Florida summer heat and humidity. The 5hr pace group/Fierce Fivers, Phat Girlz, pacers, RW coaches and staff are some of the most generous people I have ever met. RW is a store, but even more, a tribe of people who encourage and uplift each other to accomplish great things.”
“I have trained with RW twice. Both times I have come away with a sense of accomplishment I never knew was possible and great friends. When you run with people for 2-5 hours every weekend, add in some weekday runs and crossing the finish line together, you have yourself a bond that will last a lifetime.
Likewise, the staff and coaches are incredibly helpful. For example, we needed to get 21 miles in one Saturday. I was going split the miles up because I was going out of town for a race. Alex explained to me WHY running consecutive miles was important for training. It made sense, so I ended up waking up BEFORE the 1/2 marathon race to run 8 miles. Who does that?!?!”
“Crossing the marathon finish line was my favorite running accomplishment to date!
1) I was told at one point in my life that I would most likely never run again (another story for another time).
2) I spent over 3 decades telling myself I hated running and just ran 26.2 miles because I wanted to.
3) I had sprained my ankle playing tennis* half way through marathon training and it did not go well. It took a village of supporters, yards of KT tape and extra work to cross the line.
4) 16 weeks of sacrifice, dedication, sweat and tears were OVER! Done and done!
5) Celebrating with people who also achieved a goal that day, family, friends and the community.
I finally have a great finish line photo because I was so happy to cross the line! I had to run slower than our 5 hour pace group (yes, slower if you can imagine!) so my injury wouldn’t give me trouble, but the Fierce Fivers were with me in spirit and waiting for me at the finish line. It was a solo race, but it felt like a team effort. My time was 5:22:01. From a 5K to a marathon in one year, I’ll take it! And I apologize to every person I gave a stinky-sweaty hug to after the race.
*DO NOT play other sports that require you to move side to side when you have not played them in 5 years and an hour AFTER running in a straight line for 13.1 miles.”
1.Gear- Phat Girlz tank, Oiselle “Knickers”/Capri, Injinji toe socks, a few rotating pairs of Saucony Zealot ISO shoes and a Moving Comfort sports bra.
2.BODY GLIDE!!!- No rub-no chafe!
3.Nutrition– Huma gel (chia seed base), Clif Energy Blocks, Tailwind, Endurolytes
4.Accessories-Amphipod race belt (holds everything), Amphipod lights (safety first!), Amphipod water bottle, GPS watch
5.Trigger Point Kit– It travels well. Don’t leave home without it!
*****For me it isn’t about looking cute, it is about NOT chafing! Find what works for you even if they clash.
“It is time to give back. RW has offered me so much and I hope to be able to provide some of what has been given to me. I will be a “My first 5K” Bayou Hills run coach starting December 28, 2016. I am also planning on guiding and pacing Joey, RW’s November Athlete of the month, for the 2017 Double Bridge run. As soon as my ankle is 100%, who knows what it ahead. For now, I cannot be more excited to help other runners achieve their goals. ”
