About Me

Who am I and what is the purpose of this blog?

My name is Alissa and I started this blog in the spring of 2008 as I began training for my 3rd marathon. I was running with the Leukemia and Lymphoma societies’ Team in Training at the time and I thought the blog might be a good way to keep my supporters up to date with my training and fundraising. In the beginning I wasn’t sure who would read it or if it would be worth my time to keep it updated. It wasn’t long before the blog took on a life of its own and I didn’t really care who was reading I was just enjoying the chance to express myself. I don’t know many people who share my love for running and this blog gives me an outlet for my enthusiasm and creativity.

I am a creative person at heart and a graphic designer by profession. I am employed by a web design agency in Phoenix, Arizona. I love my work, but since I work under the direction of an art director, I don’t get much of a chance flex my creative muscle without someone telling me what to do and how to do it.  I love that this blog can be an outlet for my creativity that doesn’t compete with my career.

I’m married to my best friend, Joe. We’ve been married for about 4 years and we don’t have children or pets, and to be honest I really don’t want either at the moment. Running is my one hobby. I stare at the same computer screen for 40-50 hours a week and often times my work is monotonous.  Running, racing, training, strategizing, these are the things that keep my mind occupied and looking ahead when I want to escape the daily grind.

I’m an average middle of the packer, who has never been formally coached in running. I played volleyball and softball in high school and never even thought about running track or cross country. My race times are not fast by most people’s standards. I run for PR’s, not awards and recognition.

Balance is important to me. It’s not something that I achieve easily, or naturally. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist and I’ve found that things can get out of balance really fast if I don’t keep myself in check.

I have titled this blog A Runners Balancing Act because my desire is to run with purpose not obsession. I invite you to follow along with me as I chronicle the ups and downs of racing, training, and life; and of course the occasional off topic rant or rave.

Feel free to email me if you have questions or comments about the blog at alissan(at)yahoo.com

Happy Running!