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
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!
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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
Awww what an amazing post to dedicate to your running and life partner of 22 years! That’s a long time! Happy anniversary! <3 <3
Thank you! It’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone!
you 2 are the cutest couple! I love to read about your story of how you met and how you have inspired each other. Thanks for sharing
Thanks! It’s been a fun 19 years!
Awww, I just love this! Happy Anniversary!!!
Thank you!
You are very lucky to have someone to share your love of running.
My hubby & I have been together for 22 years and married 20 in Jan. We met through tennis and shared the love of that sport for a while. But in tennis, you can’t play together unless you are at the same level and my hubby let’s face it is a natural athlete and is much much better.
So I discovered running which is my true passion. He does not run….Darn!!
I know that I’m lucky to have a husband who loves to run with me. We work to make the time now that he does triathlons. We save our two days a week for “us time.” That’s running, of course!
What a sweet post! It’s amazing how many running adventures you have been on as husband and wife 🙂
We have been very fortunate to be able to travel and run in many different places.
Happy Anniversary! It looks like you and your hubby are a match made in (running) heaven. Hope you have many more happy years together. Sounds like you bring out the best in each other! 🙂
We try!
Aww, what a sweet post! That’s sooo cool that you guys share running. His love for animals is also so sweet. I bet you guys have so many stories from your time together and I’m sure you’ll have plenty more! Happy Anniversary!
Thank you! We do have a lot in common (in spite of being very different people!).
Awwwwww 😉 What an awesome tribute to your sweetheart. Congrats and Happy Anniversary 😉
You two are the cutest! I love how running is such a big part of your life together from the very beginning. It was meant to be!
Happy Anniversary!
So cool that you found a partner in life as well as running!
Wow, what beautiful photos and so original. I love the one with you in white and a garter! You are very lucky to have a life partner you are still so in love with.