NYC Marathon Team Spot Check-In: Alisa Mead

1. Tell us a little bit about how you came to be involved with NBR. What was your first run? How long have you been involved?  
NBR was a group I always saw at the NYRR races and alway noticed because I was in awe of the whole crew – everyone seemed super tight knit and and those black singlets make everyone look cool. I lived in Brooklyn Heights at the time so joining wasn't super convenient or really on my radar. I also ran alone for the most part and wasn't really into running with people at that time. When I moved to Williamsburg, I went on my first run, which was a Narwhals run (Kevin, who I had somewhat recently started dating, told me he was meeting people for a run... I didn't really know what to expect). It was a pretty big fail – It was pretty cold that morning and everyone was REALLY fast and I was just getting back into running and I must have lasted about a mile. I showed up for a bridge run another time, and was like, "this ain't so bad... this running with people stuff". I have been involved about two years, and started run leading last November. 

2. How is marathon training going? Are there any specific workouts that are really moving things along for you? Tell the world a good NBR long run story. 
Marathon Training this year is going really good! I ran NY in 2014 to varying success and failure. I was injured a lot, I ran like I was trying to punch through the asphalt to the other side of the world. I was exhausted after every long run and needed days to recover from a long run. BUT I finished! 

This time around, I notice now my body is VERY different. Like, new bod who's this? I just need a nap and a beer and I am good to go after a long run, I am not injured. I think the biggest difference is I don't throw my feet down, its a lot more conscious to not run like I am mad at the ground. I also am a lot more form aware and take days of rest when I need to. The biggest help I think has been consistent cross training – I go to barre class weekly and it has really helped with core strength and muscle activation. This training cycle has also been a two-for-one (one cycle for two marathons!). My marathon training started early in the year to prepare myself for the Berlin Marathon which was just a couple weeks ago! So, I did a normalish cycle up to Berlin, am now ramping up a little, and will taper back down again a couple weeks before NY. I also hope to sneak in some more speed work. 

For Long runs, this was also my first time doing long runs with a group! It has been a blast! Summer Streets with the Caboose Crew... need I say more? We have literally been through every kind of weather pattern together, eaten all the snacks, run through every sprinkler. We did get stuck in a really bad storm and a small flash flood and had to huddle against the side of a dry-cleaner BUT we had the best time.  I can't wait to see Caboose Crew Take Care of Business in Chi town and NY!

3. Which NBR runs are you attending regularly to train? Are there any NBR members who inspire you to train hard (er)? 
I am always at Wednesday Night (beginner run I am a leader of, and sometimes I will 'double dip and do the 7:30 as well). This summer I have been consistent with Narwhals. I try to attend Monday Easy and another wildcard during the week as well but sometimes I do not make it home in time! As for Inspiration, I would have to say Liz and Seth! Liz has been so inspiring to watch – she is so dedicated, committed, and consistently challenges herself. Seth is inspiring as well: no matter how gross, awful, no good it is outside or whatever he has going on, he is there and does not let it affect him!

4. What does it mean to be chosen by your peers for a coveted NBR marathon team spot?  
This is a pretty amazing thing! I was honestly surprised and a little emotional when I found out. I really cherish being a part of this community and the relationships I have made from it. I wanted to run NY again and this was the little push I needed. Thanks, guys!

5. What do you plan on eating post-marathon? What about the night before? 
Post Marathon, I am not sure I will go with whatever I am craving, but I have a feeling it will be hot dogs and beer! While the beer might be in the shower, I don't think the hot-dog will translate well. The night before, I hope to visit my favorite Italian restaurant Il Posto Accanto in the East Village and having their "crack-atelli" (cavatelli dish that makes you believe in miracles) and whatever salad they have sourced that day from the farmers market. 

6. What inspires and motivates you to run this year's NYC marathon? 
Running NY in 2014 was one of the most impact experiences of my life. At the time, I was the only person around me that didn't believe in my ability to accomplish the race. I didn't even believe I completed it until I was home and showered! I want to run the race this time with the confidence knowing that I can and I will finish it. Running through your neighborhood, and your city is an experience like no other, and I am so excited to do it again. 

7. In your head, what celebrity do you think you most resemble when you're running?
Pass? I haven't gotten any celeb look alikes lately, but will revive them all now for the sake of this question: Selma Blair, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ruby Rose. I don't know if I look like any of them running but once at Starbucks (when I had a pixie cut) someone did think I was Ginnifer Goodwin. I told them my name and they didn't believe me and gave me one of those kind of winks. They wrote Ginnifer on the cup (clearly, Alisa was just a name I give to people to throw them off).