This week has felt like a month, and this past month — the so-called shortest one — felt like a year. But it’s officially March, which signals spring! And I’ve got a little pep in my step today, so I wanted to pop in to look back at the past 28 days. Because even though, for whatever reason, February’s days and weeks felt never-ending at times, I’m here feeling equal parts motivated and exhausted. But mostly motivated. And excited.
So in the spirit of yay, here are 11 reasons February was a great month.
I DON’T CARE IF YOU THINK THIS IS UNSANITARY. It makes me feel LOVED.1. I went to Minneapolis for the Super Saturday Night show with Brian!
This was a great way to kick off the month. As you may have seen, Brian and his company have been working quite a bit with a few familiar faces: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. Jennifer was performing in Minneapolis the day before the Super Bowl, so Brian and his crew were out there shooting a ton of behind-the-scenes stuff — and I got to be part of the team for the day!
The crew! Looking so fresh at 2 AM.I was there as a producer, so I basically spent the day with one of our camera guys (hi Nathan! miss u!) shooting rehearsals and the show itself, and, my favorite part, interviewing her dancers and choreographers. And I finally got to meet Brian’s BFF Alex, who has most definitely spent more time in the past six months with my husband than I have. It was a super fun trip and I loved being around dancers for a solid 22 hours. (And no, we didn’t stay for the Super Bowl. JLo > football.)
That’s me, basically getting a private show. Thanks, Jennifer!2. I ran a 6:26 mile at Orangetheory!
I love where I’m at with running right now. I run 1–3 times a week outside (follow me on Strava!), and go to Orangetheory on the other days. I love feeling really relaxed about fitness right now, and it seems to be working well for me.
Six months ago, I was so sick I couldn’t even walk Ellie around the block. Then, in January, I ran three races in three days in Bermuda, including a half marathon! And then, a month after that, I busted out a 6:26 mile at Orangetheory. That’s only three seconds slower than my fastest mile ever. It felt so good and so victorious.
Post-victory mile!The setbacks are hard. I hate Crohn’s disease for constantly making me feel like I’m starting from scratch. For making me have to give up my goals. For pushing me to the sidelines over and over. But the comebacks… my god, the comebacks are so satisfying.
3. I found a new favorite work spot!
Now that I’m feeling better and can stand being away from home (and my bathroom) for hours at a time, it’s nice to find new places to work. I definitely haven’t done that enough over the past few years of being freelance. But I found this super cute coffee shop right next door to Orangetheory, and I started going early in the morning (before it gets crowded) and getting some work done before I go to my OTF class. I love my home office, but I also really love this little spot right on the Hudson.
I think I’m gonna like it here!4. I saw some really magical sunrises.
I love mornings. I love the possibility of a new day, a fresh start, a clean slate. This month, I spent many mornings meditating in bed (I started using Headspace, then switched over to Calm) for 10–15 minutes, then going for a morning walk along the water. I love seeing the sun rise over the New York City skyline, and I listen to my “Morning Acoustic” playlist and feel all groovy and centered before I plop down in front of my computer for a while.
Yeah clearly I CAN paint with all the colors of the wind, THANKS FOR ASKING.5. I welcomed my very first first sponsor to the Ali on the Run Show!
I always knew that when I started working with sponsors on my podcast, they would be ones I chose, ones I wanted to work with, and ones I felt really passionate about. Strava was always at the top of my list, so I was thrilled we seamlessly made this partnership happen. The Ali on the Run Show turned one in February, and I am happy to be turning this venture into a viable part of my career.
YEAH I DO.I have so many big plans for the Ali on the Run Show, and I’ll get to share most of them with you so soon. The live show is coming. Fun, functional Ali on the Run Show merch is coming, which you know if you saw my amazing sketches on Insta Stories. And I’m launching a new weekly series in addition to the Thursday episodes. These episodes will be shorter, and are more about life stuff than running stuff. Stand by! It’s all happening! (And if you didn’t get into the New York City Marathon during yesterday’s lottery drawing, click here for your chance to win an entry from Strava! Tell them Ali on the Run sent ya!)
6. I got brunch with Elaine!
I know I mentioned this already, but this was such a highlight. Elaine has been reading this blog forever, and to get to surprise her at brunch was so much fun. I love people.
ELAINE! BFF! (Also is she a babe or what?!)7. Brian and I celebrated our 7-year meetiversary!
We got dinner at Lilia, which is probably my favorite restaurant of all-time, and is definitely my current favorite restaurant. (I’ve been twice, so I’m an expert.) It’s in Brooklyn, and the focaccia is so good, and I would like to bathe in the mafaldini. You should go there.
Brian, I’ve known you for 7 years now and I still REALLY like you!8. I had the best Valentine’s Day!
I love Valentine’s Day. I love love. It makes me so happy. And Valentine’s Day was perfect from start to finish. My day started at Orangetheory, where we did a three-person workout, and my team won! (I don’t remember what the “competition” was, but I know we won it.)
My team!Then, Brian planned a wonderful evening for the two of us, which started with dinner at The Modern (OMG so good) and finished at a comedy club (I love laughing!). It was the most perfect day of 2018, so far, probably.
This was, oh, 8 glasses into the wine pairing…9. Ellie enjoyed lots of great adventures!
My favorite thing is when Brian is in town and we get to take Ellie on weekend adventures together. In February, we spent one afternoon at Asbury Park (a dog-friendly beach!), and last weekend I took Ellie for a long walk along the Saddle River Parkway. (That might not be what it’s called, IDK.) And last night, we wrapped up February at a big dog park about an hour away, where Ellie ran so hard that she is officially out of commission today. She’s so sore and so tired, and it’s the cutest.
The happiest beach baby! Do you think we look alike?10. I ran with friends in my favorite places and some new-to-me places!
I ran twice with my friend Ashley — once along the West Side Highway, and another time at Branch Brook Park in Newark — and once with my friend Grace in Central Park. I love running and I love running with friends. Magic all around.
Self-timer jump shot FAIL. We tried so hard, so many times, and did not succeed even once.11. I did not feel a single Crohn’s symptom the entire month.
HALLE-FREAKING-LUJAH.
I’m feeling good about life right now. I’m excited about my dreams for the Ali on the Run Show, and feel emotionally stronger than I have in a while. I’m equally proud of my mental progress this month as I am with that 6:26 mile. Victories and celebrations all around.
THE TICKLE MONSTER ATTACKED ELLIE!!!Here’s to March!
I LOVE IT WHEN WE SHARE, SO TELL ME: WHAT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU OR THAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN FEBRUARY?!
17 Responses
I like that your posts have such an upbeat, energetic tone…it’s inspiring! Congrats to you and Brian on the meetiversary! Sounds like you’ve had a very nice February!
I got in to NYCM through the lottery after years of applying! I hate road marathons (!) but I want to do this once, because I hear it’s amazing. I am Australian so now have to plan a holiday to the US, poor me.
This may sound odd, but the best thing that happened in February for me was watching you triumph again (and in a way that I could tell was unique to recent growth and amazing). I have systemic scleroderma, so I may not have many physical victory days ahead for me, but I root so deeply for you and always have. Keep on keeping on, and thanks for sharing yourself with us!!!
February flew by so fast, but it sounds like you had a really fantastic month! I love that. Those sunrise pictures are crazy, btw! 🙂
I ran a marathon PR in February 🙂 it clearly was an awesome month all around! So glad to hear you’re feeling so great!
I’ve so missed your ‘Thankful Things Thursdays’ and this is so lovely to hear that you’re feeling so lovely about recent February! Happy March, hope it keeps up the smiles!!
I was healthier in February than I have been since November and my running is getting consistent again. Oh good health is lovely. Congrats on getting Strava as a sponsor. I am so glad you are enjoying life, feeling good, and continuing to podcast and blog!
I interviewed for and got offered places on two different post grad teacher training courses…and I accepted one! I’m going back to uni in September to train to teach kindergarten!! Squeee….also eeeekkkk
YAY!!!! This is so great! Congratulations!!!
I spent an amazing day shopping and having lunch with the ladies in my family – amazing food and company.
Lucky you – The Modern is amazing! Was lucky enough to dine there last November with Hubby & his cousins when we were visiting NYC – A definite highlight.
Just one query – any reason the Strava Competition isn’t open to people outside of the US – you have readers and podcast listeners all around the world but we can’t enter the competition which is a shame.
Happy March!
-=
I’m not sure why — I’m not in charge of the contest, since it’s all on Strava’s end. I wish it were open to everyone! I’m sorry! (Going to shoot them an email and ask, though!)
Thanks for the reply ! I completely understand. It is a pretty amazing competition prize – and a pretty amazing marathon – so I will just have to try my luck with the lottery again for 2019. 🙂
I got to spend a weekend in Vermont to attend my boyfriends sisters wedding and we also went skiing and snow shoeing. It was a perfect little getaway. Glad you are feeling so good.
My b8ggest accomplishment of February was finally getting my Bachelor of Scince of Nursing BEN. I have been an RN for 20nyears any finally took the extra step to advance my degree. Masters degree here I come!!!
You had an amazing month. I am so happy for you. You persevered through hard times growing stronger through the journey. You are inspiring.
Thank you
HOORAY!!! Your things all sound great! After a super cranky valentines week, I went on a really great first date friday, and quickly had a second date on Sunday, and don’t worry, friday is date 3! Its funny how sometimes you really have to hit the low for a long time until you can start to climb back up. (and maybe not funny, and instead super annoying).
Yay! I am a’lso a Valentines Day lover (even though people really love to shit on that particular holiday) but it’s so fun to celebrate all the love around us! I had TWO best things that happened in Feb! I finally launched my website that I’ve had in my brain for like 5 years but was too nervous to actually put out there. But I did it! Also one of my harder runs is starting to feel more manageable which is fun progress!
Really? February has come and gone already? Very grateful for a better February 2018 than February 2017, but it was a slog at times.
Best thing: probably that I finally learned how to make a Bitmoji to snapchat funny things with my kids.
For March: planning to capture some of your excellent vibes 😀