Alchemy Runs: It’s all about Balance
Join us for this ongoing series as we explore running tips, tricks, and hacks for your individual training program.
by Trish Kozlak
About six years ago, after hanging up my figure skates, I knew I needed something to keep me busy and in shape. I remember vividly sitting at the kitchen table scared out of my mind to click “submit” on the registration form for my first marathon. So many thoughts were running through my head – How will I ever run that far? How do I train? Do I need new shoes? Am I crazy?!
The next day my mom gave me Hal Higdon’s book, Marathon – The Ultimate Training Guide. I read it cover to cover and unwaveringly followed the 18 week training plan, which entailed logging 55+ miles some weeks. It worked – on June 19, 2010 I finished my first marathon with a time of 3:47. I was hooked and completely addicted to that runner’s high you hear people talk about.
My competitiveness came out strong after my first marathon when I realized qualifying for Boston was within reach. Mission accomplished – I qualified for the most coveted marathon one year later. Running was becoming part of my identity; people would refer to me as that “Runner Chick,” and I was (and still am) okay with that! I have now finished 16 marathons including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Louisville and Paris to name a few.
Long distance running is time consuming and can be very taxing on the body, which is why finding a balance is so important. Not only a balance in training, but also a balance in life. I often hear runners stressing about when they’re going to get their long run in, or thinking they’re so off track if they miss a run. The truth of matter is that there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to train.
This past October, after the Twin Cities Marathon, I joined Alchemy. It has been one of the best decisions of my life (no joke). This is where the need for balance comes full circle. I was so used to running – just putting on my sneakers and cruising out the door. I felt I needed to change things up and see if strength training could truly lend a hand.
Not only have I become stronger, both mentally and physically, I have also found a sense of community at Alchemy. It has become easier to get out of bed in the morning for a 6 AM workout now that I’m no longer just waking up to knock out a run by myself before the sun comes up. And equally as important, my evenings are free for much needed happy hours!
Running marathons has become my “excuse” to travel and meet up with my friends who live across the country. There’s no better way to see a city than by foot, and after crossing the finish line there’s absolute no zero guilt when it comes to indulging the rest of the trip. Just two weeks ago I ran the Nashville marathon with a couple friends from New York. I signed up for the marathon just 10 weeks out from race day. Excited and nervous at the same time, I was curious to see how the past five months of alchemy would translate to marathon training. From the day I signed up for the race till the marathon I logged every workout: 12 runs + 30 days of Alchemy.
S U C C E S S!!!!! Who knew that burpees, box jumps, and deadlifts could make you a marathoner?! Like I said, life is truly about balance. All aspects of life need balance. No need to over train. No need to stress about missing a run. Incorporating Alchemy into my life (or in this case, pretty much relying on it) has been transformative – I was able to run the Nashville marathon sub-4 hours, manage my often hectic corporate job, and maintain sanity by not losing my social life.
Trish is an Alchemist, blogger, and jet-setter. When she’s not crushing marathons, you can find her sipping coffee in the morning and champagne in the evening.
Instagram: @trishabelle
Blog: trishabelle.com
