By Sarah Ehlen
“Oh, are you a runner?”
When I hear this question—whether it be from co-workers, acquaintances, or fellow Alchemists—I have to pause for a second before giving my answer.
Historically, I would have answered with a resounding “no.”
I grew up hating running. I avoided it at all costs, sneaking out of gym class to ditch running laps. I would have anxiety dreams in middle school the night before running “The Mile” for the Presidential Fitness Test, knowing I would be the last student to round the fourth lap of the track.
It wasn’t until college that I started a new relationship with running. I went to school in Chicago, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t have dance team practice dominating my free time. I, of course, wanted to see if the infamous Chicago Lakefront Trail was worth the hype, so starting the first semester of my freshman year, I set out on foot (at a very slow jog pace) to see my new home.
Fast forward about… a decade, 2 full marathons, 8 half marathons, and a handful of 5K’s later, and I suppose it’s safe to say that, yes, I am, in fact, a runner.
One thing you learn when training for a marathon is that your training schedule slowly but surely takes over your life. It often calls for four runs per week, two days of cross training, and one day of rest.
The good news is cross training days can be as simple as rolling into an Alchemy class. Alchemy workouts happen to be the perfect mix of strength and mobility for marathon cross training! There is not a CHANCE I would be motivated to do my squats, lunges, push-ups, etc. without going to class. In the past, peppering my running with two Cardio or Strength classes per week has made me a stronger and more durable runner, both physically and mentally.
And though this solid cross training regiment is important, Alchemy has brought something even more beneficial to my running… running friends! It turns out running with a buddy is much more fun than running alone. There’s a pretty good crew of Alchemists out there hittin’ the pavement.
Now you can join us for ARun!
ARun is a 30-day program combining what you love about Alchemy with outdoor running drills to spice up your routine this summer. This program is for all fitness levels, whether you’re a year-round running fiend, training for a race, or a casual summer jogger! Each session is limited to 20 members who will train together 2x a week for 30 days. Learn more by clicking here and register today!
Sarah is a Coach at Alchemy Northeast! Outside of the studio, she is a middle school math and science teacher at a charter school in St. Paul. She loves working with kids, reading, watching trash reality TV, and most of all, her dog, Huckleberry.
