Featured Athlete: Allison from Runs A Latte!!
| April 25, 2011 | Posted by Sweet Tooth Runner under Featured Athlete |
HEY friends!! It’s Monday, so it’s FEATURED ATHLETE time!! YEAH!! Just to repeat again, since I get comments/questions about this every week, I do NOT ask people to do it! These lovely people volunteered when I asked about it in this post. ANYWAY, today’s Featured Athlete is the beautiful Allison from Runs A Latte! She is an AMAZING runner and has the most gorgeous smile EVER!! Totally random tangent there, but seriously, every time I see her smile, it makes ME smile!! I’ll stop with the weird girl-crushing now and let Allison do the talking…
1. Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi everyone, I’m Allison, the blogger behind Runs A Latte.
In case you can’t guess, I absolutely love running. In fact, I’m prepping for my 3rd marathon on May 7th, and am hoping to make this one my best yet! I’m hugely addicted to working out in general because it makes me feel confident, strong and happy with who I am and who I’m striving to be. But there’s just something about running in particular that has made me into the person I’m today – ambitious, focused, appreciative and a teensy bit crazy.
I just want to say that I’m not a “natural” runner, if such a term even exists. I used to think it did. I’m not small and I don’t look like I fly effortlessly as I run, even when running fast. But I’ve pushed myself beyond my limits and trained to accomplish things I never dreamed possible. Nothing excites me more than realizing that I’m the only roadblock that ever stopped me from accomplishing these things earlier in life. I hope that I can inspire people out there reading my blog, who write comments like, “Wow, that’s fast, but I could never do it,” and say instead, “Why the hell not?”. Seriously, you can.
In short (totally a figure of speech here), if you read my blog you’ll read about my workouts, races, goals, successes, failures, yummy food, disgusting food, healthy food, unhealthy food, bridezilla craziness (Sept. 3rd is the day!) and sometimes just complete and utter nonsense. I hope that somewhere in my mess of words people can find something that speaks to them.
I hope to see some of you on the flip side.
2. Share with us a random fact about you!
The first race I ever ran was the Chicago Half Marathon, and I ran it with Lyme disease and a portable IV in my arm. Not my best time (2.5 hours), but definitely an accomplishment I am proud of. But the first race I ever signed up for was the Walt Disney World marathon. I dream big!
3. What would be the five items you would choose to have with you if stranded on a desert island?
Note: I’m working under the assumption that this mysterious island would totally have coconuts, bananas and other awesome fruit choices (obviously!).
#1. Laptop (I’ll keep you all updated for those 2 hours before the battery dies)
#2. Garmin Watch (got to log those miles!)
#3. My fiancé (can’t decide if that’s cruel?)
#4. Dark chocolate
#5. Milk and cereal (a combo deal, right?)
4. So you’re an athlete then? Are you a runner/swimmer/cyclist/gym fanatic?
I am a runner, but I also swim and enjoy intense weight lifting sessions. Bodypump is my newest obsession. I’m convinced that I’m the Hulk after only 3 weeks of class. I am happiest when I’m training for a race, which is fairly often. Training is a huge motivator for me to work out and keeps me focused and challenged.
5. WHY do you workout/run/cycle etc.?
Besides feeling happy and energized after an awesome sweat session (love my endorphins!), I happen to be a very competitive person, with myself and others. Running races keeps me healthy and motivated at the same time. I give my all for every race I run, no matter whether the race is a 5k, 10k or marathon. Running has boosted my self-confidence and allowed me to feel like I can truly do anything if I work hard enough.
6. Have you always been active?
Yep, I’ve always been an active kid. I wasn’t a very healthy kid, but I was definitely active. I was constantly shuffling between basketball, volleyball and tennis, and I loved them all! Unfortunately, I lived off of fast food. Running, however, was a huge no-no. I couldn’t have run even half a mile without stopping in high school.
7. How do you stay motivated? Do you have any motivational tips to share?
For me, the biggest way I stay motivated is by training for races and setting new goals for myself. Once I set these goals, I will do whatever it takes to accomplish them, which usually involves getting my butt to the gym on a regular basis.
Here are some of my handy-dandy motivational workout tips:
#1: Workout first thing in the morning whenever possible. I promise you’ll feel so much better during the day and you end up with all this wonderful time at night that belongs to you. Of course, I understand that this schedule isn’t for everyone, but I’d suggest at least giving it a try if you feel like you skip workouts because you run out of time in the evening.
#2: Don’t think about it, just do it. If you stop and contemplate working out, chances are you’ll talk yourself out of it. Make your body go through the actions no matter how much you feel like bumming around. You’ll always be glad you did! Endorphins rock!
#3: Prepare everything you need to workout in advance. This is so crucial for me. I always lay out all my workout clothes and work clothes in my gym bag before going to bed. It’s hard to say no to the gym when your bag is packed, looking longingly at you each morning.
8. Tell me yet another random fact about yourself?
I love trying to quote funny movies, but am awful at it! My fiancé is amazing at memorizing movie lines and doing voices, and it always makes me laugh. Then he’ll prompt me to try one of my favorite lines, which just happens to be from Zoolander: “You think that you’re too cool for school, but I have a newsflash for you Walter Cronkite…you aren’t.” It will literally take me like 10 tries say the simplest lines, but at least it gives us a good laugh at my expense!
Thank you so much for answering my Q’s Allison!! That last pic of you and your hubby-to-be is the CUTEST photo EVER!!
Hoped you guys enjoyed ‘meeting’ Allison as much as I did!! I still can’t get over the fact that she ran a half marathon Lyme disease and a portable IV in her arm. I’ve had an IV before, and honestly the thought of running 13.1 miles with it never crossed my mind! 
Seriously though, INSPIRATIONAL stuff!! Now go say hi to Allison and leave her some love, k?
What ‘active’ things do you do? Run/swim/cycle/workout DVDs/weights/classes? Tell me pleeease!
If you’ve raced before, what was your first race? A Cancer Research Run 10k. The crowd support there was AMAZING- it really makes a huge difference!!
Random Q: What are you looking forward to this week? Having a four day weekend! Oooh yeah I love Royal Weddings 
Have an amazing week lovelies!!
P.S. Don’t forget to email your Friday Fave to me (sweet_tooth_runner@hotmail.co.uk) if you want to be featured this Friday! See here for details. Seriously excited about this Friday’s post!! 
Love the Featured Athelete posts!
Great blog name Allison!
Little Bookworm recently posted..Chocolate Sunday
Thanks! I can’t tell you how long I agonized over finding the right name for me! Your blog name is also super cute!
YES i def agree with trying to workout first thing- its so crucial for a great day! its nice to get to kno you better!! WOW you have done so manyr aces- that is awesome! my first race was a 5k-woo!
I’m kinda a race-a-holic. If I didn’t have a real job that I have to get sleep for, I’d wake up early every weekend and race as much as I could! Hey, 5ks can be tough because you have to get moving fast – none of that warming up for a mile or two stuff.
Great post! I can’t believe you ran a half marathon with and IV and Lyme disease!!!! Amazing! I;ll be sure to check out your blog Allison
Thank you so much, Emma!
Working out first thing makes a huge difference! I wish I could do it everyday, but it’s not an option during the school year. It makes a huge difference in my mood the rest of the day!!
I can’t believe Allison ran a half marathon with Lyme disease and an IV! If that’s not inspirational, i don’t know what is. She is living proof that anyone can run.
Allison is so awesome! I love her blog!
Sophia @ Raven Waves recently posted..My Hair Smells Like Lamb!
Wow Allison is truly amazing. I love her blog too. You choose the greatest blogs to feature obviously.
Hollie @lolzthatswim(andrun) recently posted..Renouncing my “Foodiness”
Hehe I don’t CHOOSE these amazing people, they volunteered!! Like I would be able to choose- everyone is SO GREAT!!
Well I volunteer if you ever need anyone!
Hollie @lolzthatswim(andrun) recently posted..Renouncing my “Foodiness”
Do you want to?! I’d LOVE you too, but no pressuresies!! Um, next date is Mon 20th June, so you wanna then emaaaail me so I can send you da questions and stuff
I love reading these features. Its always cool to read other fitness stories
Kat recently posted..New member of the family
i love that you made yourself fast and weren’t “born” that way! I am not a fast person at all but your really motivational….like maybe i actually can run a 6:45 mile….someday:)
Mariah, you totally can! Let me know when you do it – seriously!
Wow girl, good luck on marathon #3! Zoolander is one of my favorite movies, and I definitely struggle to say lines correctly from it.
I’m excited for the royal wedding too, but I’m kinda jealous of your 4 day weekend!
Lauren recently posted..Show off your Smiles
Ha! So glad to know I’m not the only person lacking such basic skills!
I was a competitive swimmer from 5-17.. needless to say my life revolved around the pool. Then I traded in the expensive racing suits for running shoes & haven’t looked back since. Although i’ll never be the runner as I was a swimmer (not to boast but I was GOOD–we’re talking national qualifier here) I enjoy it just the same. It’s not always about being the best
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Thanks again, Emma, for all the bloggy love! I’m seriously in awe about all the amazing comments that people are leaving! Me? Inspirational? Sounds so strange to read about myself, but it’s also some of the kindest words I’ve ever heard (read)! I seriously have tears in my eyes! I love this community so much, and I love your blog! Keep making me smile, girl!
Aww seriously you are SO SWEET!! YOU ARE INSPIRATIONAL Allison and I hope this had made you realise that!!
Hi Alison!!! I loved reading your guest post. Great tips-I love to workout on the morning too, just to get it out of the way.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted..This is England…
ahhh! Allison, I loved your guest post!! First off, I tots agree with Emma that you and your soon-to-be hubby are SOOO freakin’ cute!!
Secondly, you’re such an inspirational gal and I loved the tips you gave! I honestly couldn’t agree more, especially with working out in the morning and just making yourself get up and go…it’s ALWAYS SOoooo worth the feeling afterwards! I’m headed to your blog now, and absolutely can’t wait to keep reading more from you!!
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I can’t believe you ran with lyme disease! Awesome determination! My boyfriend had it last year and he was really sick. You are a trooper!
I always make fun of him because it’s like the world is ending when he has a little cold. I’ll have to tell him about you
Sheena@inbetweenruns.com recently posted..When I grow up- I want to be Steve Prefontaine
Ha! That’s funny because after a year and a half of complaining about my symptoms, my fiance was elated when I was finally recovered! I may have overdone it just a bit!
[...] the featured athlete on the beautiful, lovely and always entertaining Emma’s blog! Please head over and check it out! You’ll love Emma’s blog, [...]
oh my goodness, I can’t believe she ran with an IV either! I hope that she’s feeling fully recovered from Lyme disease as I know how the symptoms can last for some time.
I’m looking forward to running my half marathon this weekend, I just hope that it’s not going to rain as the weather forecast predicts!
I actually love to cross-train and haven’t gotten to do quite as much as I’ve been increasing my mileage for my half marathon. Therefore, I’m actually considering switching to training for a 10K instead of another half for my next race so I have the time and energy to do all of the cross training I enjoy.
I’m finally recovered, thanks Jenny! Those pesky symptoms lingered for about a year and a half! Note to self: where a shirt with sleeves and a hat when hiking in Massachusetts!
Yessss another 4-day weekend! SO excited!
P.s. Totally random, but being a fellow Brit-girl I thought you might appreciate- Tesco now stocks almond butter & cashew butter! And they are 3 for 2 at the moment!
WHA?! Oh girl thank you SO MUCH for telling me!! I know where I’m going tomorrow, and I hope my Tesco stocks it!!
I have my fingers crossed for you!
Funniest moment at the check-out…
Check-out man: “Oh wow, what is this? Almond… BUTTER? ALMOND? Butter? … No really, what is it?”
Me: “Really?” *rolls eyes*
Haha!! How could anyone NOT have heard of almond butter?! I went to my Tescos today, and sadly they didn’t have any! I’m sure they will soon though, and I bought some from a health store instead, so it’s all good
Thanks for the tip-off though, and I’ll keep checking! 
Yay, Allison! I’m glad you chose to bring Mike on the deserted island with you. I guess you kind of HAVE to
Kathryn recently posted..Number 49- Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut
Working out/running is my key too! When I used to wait until after work, it would totally hang over me – and I was always hungry/tired/stressed and never felt like I got the workout I needed! Great guest post!
LauraJayne recently posted..I’ll be Seeing TRADER JOE’S this Weekend!
So cool! Love her!
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