To my Husband Who Inspires Me, Happy Anniversary

Nineteen years ago, my future husband and I stood on the finish line of the Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge and said our wedding vows. By the time we got married, Alan and I had already been through many adventures together, not to mention running the “World’s Toughest 6k” on our way to our wedding! That’s why, when I was asked who inspires me, the answer was easy. Always, my best friend, my coach, my running partner, my husband of 19 years, Alan Woodruff.

This post is sponsored by adidas.

To My Husband Who Inspires Me

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At the time I met Alan, I’d been running a few years and had raced a few times, mostly 5ks and 10ks. In fact, I met him on the finish line of that Tram Road Challenge three years before I married him there. So you can see that, from the very beginning, we were destined to run together, both literally and figuratively.

As a Coach

Alan, on the other hand, had about 30 marathons under his belt already, including several sub-3:00 marathons. A week after we met he was headed to Boston for the 100th anniversary of the marathon, his second time running the race.

I’m pretty sure that after we met Alan decided that I would be the perfect running client. And this was before he was even coaching! So I guess you could say that I was his very first client. And that has been an exciting adventure.

In our first race together, Alan said that he would pace me to a PR in the 10k. And he did! I ran 44:05, a PR at the time.

Before I met him, I knew that I wanted to eventually run a marathon. Once we started dating, that dream quickly became a training program, since Alan was heading to Hawaii in December for his fifth Honolulu Marathon. As a huge fundraiser for the Leukemia Society, he raised so much money they allowed him to add on a friend (me!). So it was decided, I was going to run a marathon. And yes, I did run my first marathon before I had run a half marathon.

In the intervening years, we ran marathons from San Francisco to Paris, France, and back to Honolulu. I have become a running coach myself, as well as a personal trainer, but I still count on my first coach to help me reach my goals and get to the finish line successfully. Thirty-seven marathons later, my PR days long past, I’m still running strong thanks to my best running friend.

As a Human Being

Not only has Alan inspired me as a runner, but he also helps me be a better human being too. I call him the Dog Rescuer because animals seem to sense that he will be the one to help them. When he’s riding his bike, or if we’re out and about, Alan is always the one who sees the dogs that need help. We have rescued so many dogs off the streets that I’ve lost count. Some we’ve returned to their owners, some have found new “furever homes,” and some, well, let’s just say we have a lot of dogs in our household!

He also works with rescue organizations to help save dogs in shelters that are just hours away from being euthanized. That is exhausting and heartbreaking work, but he can’t stop himself. His love for animals keeps him going. He’s become a bit of a legend on our local Next Door site. He is the one everyone knows will go out and help search for a lost dog or cat, will help find a foster home for a pet in need, or who will also make sure that an animal is in a safe situation.

Alan also cares for a colony of feral cats. You’ll hear me say “we” when I talk about it, but it is really Alan who cares for, feeds, and participates in the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program for feral cats. It’s time-consuming and expensive. The neutering is usually covered under a grant, but the food and other medical care can add up.  There are currently about 30 cats in our home colony.

As an Athlete

In addition to coaching, Alan also is the race director for a couple local races, including the La Quinta Turkey Trot, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary! In addition to putting on his own races, Alan is also the race announcer for many events in Southern California. He’s considered one of the best and I love running races he’s announcing because he always brings me home in style, managing to even mention a couple races I won about 20 years ago!

Finally, as an athlete himself, Alan is pretty inspiring. In his mid-40s when he started competing, he ran several sub-three-hour marathons, then took up triathlon in his 50s. He ran his first Ironman when he was 59 years old, and at 70 he’s still pushing himself hard, swimming, biking, or running most days of the week.

We’ve been running together for 22 years now. I think I have the best running partner ever. Not only does he motivate me and inspire me, he also has fun and puts up with my “running selfie” ways! How many husbands will do multiple “takes” and jumps for a selfie photoshoot? Mine will!

What We’re Wearing

 

 

 

 

 

 

All my adidas running apparel is made with Climalite, which wicks away sweat to keep me drier on the run.  I love the Cross Tank Top so much I plan to stock up on other colors! It fits beautifully and is super comfortable.

 

Happy Anniversary, AlanWoodruff! It’s been a fun ride (run?) and I’m looking forward to the next 19 years.

So tell me, who inspires you?

 

 

And Now It’s Time for the Running Coaches’ Corner!

Linkup with the #RunningCoachesCorner with @running_onhappy, @loramarie03, @MarcPelerin, and me! Bring your best #runningrelated posts, find new blogs to follow, and share your love of #running!Click To Tweet

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Weekly Linkups

My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie  and Dixya
Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia, Erika, and Patty
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant-Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Lora Marie, Marc, and Me!
Friday 5 2.0 with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda
Weekly Wrap with Wendy and Holly