Alida

My love story with runnig…

Let me start by saying this: I was not always a runner. In fact, I hated long-distance running.

I grew up an athlete. I played field hockey and then spent most of my life playing competitive tennis. Running was never something you chose to do, it was punishment. A conditioning drill. Something you survived.

When I stepped away from competitive tennis, I searched for other ways to stay active. I ran here and there, mixed in gym workouts, Pilates, yoga, and long walks. But running never really stuck.

Then, during my senior year of college—amidst a changing life and a version of myself trying to find her place in the world, I made a very classic, slightly unhinged decision: I signed up for a half marathon.

Why not? Just to try.

That’s when I got my first real taste of running. The runner’s high. The joy of moving through fresh air. The quiet pride of seeing what your body is capable of.

Still, I was busy. I was a college student. Stressed, overwhelmed, and not exactly in my healthiest era. I ran my half-marathon in 2 hours.

Not bad for a first one.

And then… I stopped running.

Running, and I took a break. For a while. Temporarily.

It wasn’t until a few months ago that I picked it up again, this time inspired by new friends and a desire to challenge myself. On a whim (it always seems to be), my friend Jorge and I signed up for the Stockholm Marathon.

Not a race in the U.S. No, Stockholm. Because life is short, the world is wide, and if you’re going to run a marathon, why not do it somewhere cool?

So I started running again. And this time, I fell in love with it.

Not just love: obsession. Lust. Respect.

Running gave me back my health, clarity, focus, self-confidence, and joy. I genuinely look forward to my runs now, which would have left younger Nina absolutely shocked. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching my pace improve. I feel a sense of competition with myself.

Yet running is also so calming. It is a break from the world and the busy, hectic aspects of life.

I have another half-marathon on March 1st. My goal is to go under 2 hours and hopefully under 1:45.

I’ll put on my cute running fit (laid out the day before, of course), trust myself, and remind myself what I’m capable of.

And honestly? That might be the best part of all.

To be updated on how I finish my races…

Wish me luck!!