Athlete Bio: Ali Hatfield – MilesWithStyle

Meet Ali the blogger behind Miles With Style. This speedy runner qualified for Boston on her first marathon attempt!!!

Name: Ali Hatfield

Age: 25

Twitter: @AHatfield08

Blog: www.Mileswithstyle.com

How long have you been running: 15 years

Favorite race distance and why: Every time I try a longer race distance, that becomes my favorite. At the moment, my favorite race distance is the marathon. I completed my first marathon in December 2011, and re-live the race over and over again in my head. It was the most amazing experience of my life, I cannot wait for the next one.

How many marathons have you run: 1

Where you started to where you are now:

5K: 19:40:16(High School Cross Country, 2002); 21:30 (St. Louis Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon Split, October 2011). I rarely run 5k’s, and when I do, it is not for time.

10k:  44:31(Lee’s Summit 10K, September 2011). Surprisingly, I have only ran 2 10k’s in my running career. This race was in early September 2011, and I was very proud toget 2nd place overall for women!

1/2 Marathon: 1:34:12 (Kansas City Half Marathon, October 2008)  1:36:37 (St. Louis Rock‘N Roll Half Marathon, October 2011)

Marathon: 3:32:16 (Dallas White Rock Marathon, December 2011)

How did you get into running: When I was younger, I was always into sports and being active. My only issue was that I was awful at any sport involving equipment. Running kind of became my sport by default, since I was no longer interested in basketball, and had quit my short lived gymnastics career. I also quickly realized that I was a pretty good runner, and I really enjoyed competing.

Through the years I have continued my dedication to the sport,and grown so much as a runner. I used to always focus on shorter races, but now only have my eye on half marathons and marathons.

What accomplishment are you most proud of: Running my first marathon and qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Favorite Quote: “Tough times never last, but tough people do!” – Robert H. Schuller. I repeat this in my head during track/tempo workouts.

Favorite Race: Dallas White Rock Marathon. This was my first (and so far only) marathon, and I loved everything about it. Other than the fact that it was pouring down rain and freezing cold, I cannot remember one bad thing about that day. The course was beautiful, The shirts were cute, the medals rocked and the other runners Iran next to were the nicest I have ever met! It was the perfect day.