Runner’s World+ Member: Alicia Hurmence
Alicia is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
I have been running off and on since the age of about 20 and ran my first marathon in 2010. I have had a love/hate relationship with running until this year. This year after doing a training program on IFit with Tommy Rivs, he taught me to enjoy running, including the uncomfortable, difficulties, and pain. This year I have been able to really settle into runs without wanting them to be done or thinking about how much farther I have to go. I enjoy the time to just be with myself, losing myself in my thoughts, music, and podcasts.
I find I do best when I surround myself with like-minded people and joining RW+ allows me to do just that. Also, I was hoping to fuel and maintain my love for running by hearing from other runners and their successes. Being a member of RW+ keeps me motivated and continues to remind me why I run!!
I run because my dogs love it, and I care about their health and want them to be happy. I run to lose and/or maintain my weight, but more importantly I run for my sanity. I have anxiety and an addictive personality. I am now addicted to the feelings I get during a nice, easy run and the sense of accomplishment I get when I’m done. I crave the feelings I get when I sweat, increase my heart rate, and just go out to run. Music does a lot for my mental health as well, so to put music and running together has helped me greatly manage the extra stress 2020 has brought. I choose to listen to inspirational and motivational podcasts as well and have learned a lot about groups of people who have faced discrimination, racism, and persecution which has opened my heart and eyes and formed a desire to help.
I live in town but a couple of trails and routes by my house take me past wild daisies, small creeks, and a field that blooms yellow and purple early in the summer. This leads me to a trail that runs through the trees and along a small creek. I love water and the sound of it babbling over rocks. This time of year this same route is full of colors from the changing of the leaves. It is beautiful and peaceful!!
I can’t run without my Garmin. I have had it for four years but I don’t remember the model. It still works like new. I also need my Altra running shoes and music!!
I thrive on self-evaluation even though it sucks and is difficult at times. I don’t like to lead, but tell me what to do and I will get it done and done well!! I’m a rule follower and don’t know how to do things any other way. I’m crazy about dogs!! I PR’d my 5K time twice this year! Once in May in 34:46, and the second in October in 33:06.
To complete a half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes.
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