About Me

If you're new here and want to find out more about me, check out the about me tag! 

Thanks for stopping by Hit the Ground Running! My name is Ali and I'm a late-blooming runner. (You can read about how that all started here.) I began running in 2009, and began this blog in 2012 to keep myself motivated. These days, my blog is primarily a place for me to think through running-related things and post race recaps.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio before moving to Florida, which is where I started running in 2009 in an attempt to find a healthy outlet for anxiety, stress, and depression. It's the only New Year's resolution I've ever kept. I grew up with asthma and thought I could never be a runner, but over a decade later, here I am!

In 2010 I discovered racing and it changed my relationship with running. To date I've run 5ks and marathons and everything in between.
Orcas Island
In 2017 I was diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome and underwent bilateral fasciotomies on my lower legs. I am therefore in the second half of my running story, and am a different runner than I was prior to that experience. You can read more about that entire process on my CECS page.

My husband and I moved to Seattle, WA in August 2020 — yes, in the middle of the pandemic. We love the outdoors here and the running community here is just unbeatable. Since moving to Seattle, I've also finally discovered a love for cross-training and spinning thanks to the Peloton community.

I am an ambassador for:
Zooma Women's Race Series
Skirt Sports
Momentum Jewelry
Nox Gear

My discount codes can be found on my Instagram page.

Mt. Rainier
Besides running, I enjoy writing, reading, traveling (although I don't do much of it), and generally trying to force myself out of my comfort zone.

When I was 11, I was diagnosed with Celiac. I eat an entirely gluten free diet, and I have for over 20 years. I also eat a mostly plant-based diet at home in a small effort to help the environment.
Vancouver

I strive to keep this blog positive and upbeat, but I also pride myself on keeping it real. Expect a little bit of everything here, from updates on my training to life in general. I hope you find something you like and stick around!

ABK

28 comments:

  1. Congratulations on meeting so many of your goals and I have no doubt you will meet the many awesome ones you still have left! Wonderful blog and I can't wait to read more! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I hope you see something you like and stick around :o)

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ali! I love your blog! I just started running 2 weeks before I turned 43! I have never run before as I have ITB band issues and back problems. Thanks to First Day to 5k and yoga, I am running pain free. I actually ran 2 miles yesterday and am elated. I signed up for my first 5k in Sept. I am slow, but I am running for me, not to race. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristen! I'm so glad you are finding my blog worth the read. Hearing that has made my day :o) Keep running; you're doing it for all the right reasons!

      Delete
  4. I love your about me page - nails all the points and sounds like a great blog, can't wait to keep reading more on your journey!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Renee! I hope you continue to find it interesting and stick around :o)

      Delete
  5. Cool blog!

    You were lucky regarding your celiac diagnosis. When I was a kid the doctors thought it went away and I wasn't re-diagnosed until about 10 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really was lucky! Because my sister was diagnosed at 18 months old (in the 80s), by the time I got my diagnosis my family knew the ins and outs of the disease pretty well. I had a very easy transition. I can't believe doctors had to re-diagnose you!

      Delete
  6. very inspiring to read how you started out. I am a new runner so I still get excited for 1 mile runs, but I'm hoping to enjoy it enough to keep at it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely keep at it! Running really does become a part of your life in a way you never see coming, and it is so rewarding. I'm glad you took some inspiration from my story!

      Delete
  7. Hi Ali! I've been reading your blog for a few weeks, but didn't initially catch on that we live so close to each other! (I'm in Tampa, and my boyfriends family is in St Pete so we're there quite frequently!) If you ever want to meet up for a run, we seem to be pretty close in pace!
    At any rate, thanks for sharing your adventures - can't wait to read more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love having another FL reader! You'll definitely feel me on the weather-talk haha. Thanks for visiting! Hope you see you sticking around :o)

      Delete
  8. Cool site, Ali. Congrats on all your impressive running accomplishments. I had NO idea!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cool blog, Ali. Congrats on all your impressive running accomplishments. I had no idea!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice to meet you! I'm not the fastest runner either. When I see other people's pace (OPP-lol) I'm thinking wow! But I have to run my own race! How do you like the compression socks? I've been thinking of getting a pair since I get sore calves!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to my blog! I really love my compression socks. I wear them on all my long runs and races!

      Delete
  11. Love Archie playing Jenga! And I like your new blog "look" :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many Archie pictures I post on instagram that don't make it on the blog...I had to share this one because it was just too cute!

      Delete
  12. Hi Ali! Thanks for stopping by my blog, I love meeting new people and finding new blogs to follow. Looking forward to reading and getting to know you more!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Ali! I just found you via Meg's post about how you're kicking butt at a marathon today. I can't wait to start following you... I always love to "meet" fellow English teachers, especially those who run! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cassie, thanks for stopping by!! I love how many runners are teachers, too. It seems like we all know it's the perfect stress reliever!

      Delete
  14. A fellow celiac AND teacher <3

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just found your blog via Hanna's Fall Marathon Blog Roll! Looking forward to following along :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, Nona! Are you training for a marathon this fall, too?

      Delete