Join us for all things running, travel,
interviews, new running maps, cool gear, current events and more. 
written by Natalie & Jerold Mitchell

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“You must expect great things from yourself before you can do them.”
– Michael Jordan


Natalie:
 I logged just over 67 miles this past week for California International (CIM) marathon training, had a minor hiccup in my back area that turned out to be fine (but I was definitely stressed about it). The kids are bouncing off the walls after school, as they are still holding on to summer. I sort of wish the day was longer than 24 hours. Wait, no I don't...
8 days until the first day of Autumn!

Jerold:  When researching hotels in big markets like LA and NYC, many independent properties feature high fashion images. I'm excited to show how people get and stay healthy to look that good.
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This week we had a chance to meet up and interview the amazing Allie Burdick. Allie is seriously one of the nicest, coolest people you will ever meet. Warm, genuine, and an incredible athlete, Mom of TWIN boys, wife, freelance writer, blogger, world traveler and so much more. This is the kind of person Allie is: I literally called her up this past spring to ask if I could crash last minute at her house during Boston Marathon weekend. She said yes (cause that's the kind of person she is) and she and her family were so wonderful to me. This is what I mean - runners are the BEST people and we always look out for each other. We are psyched to have a chat with Allie this week and you guys are going to love her. Get ready for a treat..

 

Natalie: Allie. Can you believe we met through social media, and now we are real friends? How cool is that... Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today!
I know you are a multi sport bad ass athlete, but let's talk all about your running first. 
 
Allie: I started running late in life, after I had graduated from Boston University and had lived in Los Angeles for three years post-graduation. I moved back home to Connecticut in 2000 and was living in my dad’s house after breaking up with a boyfriend. I was 25 years old working a job I hated in financial marketing, and I was pretty depressed.

I started running around my block with my dog before work in the morning, out of boredom. The block was about 3.5 miles and I became addicted to my morning routine almost immediately. I then met some running friends at the gym I was going to and started running with them. They were all training for marathons and, at the time, I thought “I could never do that!” then I ran my first one about two years later.


My first ever marathon was in Hartford, CT because it was local and convenient and two of my friends were also doing it. I did not adequately train, it was pouring rain the day of the race and I was wearing a cotton sports bra! Holy chafing! It took me just under 4 hours, about 3:57 if memory serves. It was brutal and, as soon as I crossed the finish line, I vowed to never run one again. But, of course, I went on to run 7 more!


After that first one I learned about qualifying for the infamous Boston Marathon, so of course I had to try since I went to school there and loved the city. When I began training for Boston was when I first hired a coach. The most important things he taught me were speed workouts and the importance of rest days!


I qualified for Boston on my very next marathon with 10 minutes to spare - 3:30! It was 2006 and I ran my qualifying race in October in Hartford and was able to run Boston just six months later, which obviously is unheard of now! That same year I ran the Vermont City Marathon on Memorial Day weekend because I did not yet know you were supposed to rest in between marathons and running three in eight months was not the best idea. I was rewarded with Bronchitis since the Boston marathon was in a Nor’easter and Vermont City was cold rain. Needless to say, I did not have good weather for most of my 26.2 races!


To come full circle, I ran my first marathon in Hartford, CT in 2006 when I was 31, in 3:57 and my fastest marathon in New Jersey in 2016 at age 40 in 3:28. Boston was pretty soul crushing (I finished in 3:47) and I also ran NYC to a disappointing 3:31 because I crashed hard at mile 18 while gunning for a 3:15 PR. NYC was my 8th and last marathon and I’m pretty sure I will not run another 26.2 but I never say never because there is always Ironman!

 


N: Remember when Jerold and I were at the NYC Marathon cheering you on to the finish liine?! You did not look like you crashed - you finished with such a beaming smile! I love your impressive marathon progression and then you made the full jump to triathlon. Tell us about that - when did you decide to make the transition?

 

A: My “transition” to triathlon was a crash course! In the summer of 2008 my husband and I decided to try and have a baby. We got the shock of our lives when, at my first ultrasound 8 weeks into my pregnancy, we found out we were having twins! It was insane. My training suffered almost right from the start and, since this was 2008 there were maybe two books on running while pregnant (both written by elite athletes!) and zero about running while pregnant with twins. Every medical book I read basically told me to lie down for 37 weeks and hope for the best.

I did NOT do that but I had to stop running about three months in because of nasty round ligament pain and being terrified I would do something to harm the babies.


My twin boys were due to arrive in April 2009 and a few months prior a neighbor pointed out that they would be holding the first ever sprint triathlon (.50 mile swim, 13 mile ride, 3.1 mile run) in the lake I can see from my house. It would be held in July, just three months after the boys were due. I had never swam in open water, didn’t own a road bike and currently had not been running for months. Naturally, I signed up!


Immediately after having the boys (both healthy and home from the hospital with me in 3 days) I realized I was insane for signing up for this! Not only was I recovering from a c-section but I was taking care of two newborns around the clock.


Somehow I managed to slightly train for and actually do the race. I came in third in my age group and I was hooked! The following year, I won the race for the women and I have done it most years in the last 9 with the fondest of memories of that first one in 2009.

 
N: I remember that beautiful lake when I came to your house! You are so inspiring Allie. You came in third in your age group 3 months after having TWINS. You gotta tell us your secret, cause I know it took me months to get back into running post partum. So now that you are some years past that and your boys are a bit older and in school full time, how much do you run per week?

A: My weekly mileage depends on what I’m training for but I usually hover between 20-30 miles, running 3-4 days per week.

 

N: That sounds like a nice balance and managable mileage. What do you do for recovery?

A:  Swim and bike :-)
 

 

N: Of course. Of course you swim and bike... for recovery. You are going to make everyone reading this immediately get off the couch and move their body. Your welcome readers :) We need to talk about my favorite subject.. food. What is your favorite post recovery drink and meal? 

A: 
 I really love Osmo honey and spice mix for after a run but if I can’t have it I just drink as much water as possible and make sure to have some coffee after I eat. My favorite meal varies but I love anything with peanut butter and I’m a sucker for an egg, veggie and humus wrap from my favorite local cafe.
 
N: That sounds delish! When I come back to CT, you'll take me to this cafe, yes? :)
Okay, let's get into specifics of triathlon - what do you fuel with during the race?

A: For the Half Ironman (1.25 mile swim, 56 mile ride, 13.1 run) I did in June 2018 I fueled with three bottles of water mixed with Skratch Labs lemon lime electrolyte mix and two bars from Skratch Labs (cranberry, pistachio) and one Munk Pack protein cookie (chocolate peanut butter). Hydrating on the bike portion of the Half IM was probably the most important part of fueling so I didn’t bonk on the run. I ate half a bag of caffeinated sports beans throughout the run to the finish and felt great!
 
N: I always love hearing how other athletes fuel - it's so interesting and then I get new ideas of things to try. I like how you focus heavy on fuel while on the bike so you are ready for the run - really smart. You have to be strong to do well in the half Ironman... what do you do for strength training?

A:  I have to say that strength training is necessary but so boring to me! I do the ECFit workout app for triathletes once a week but I recently added a one-hour weekly yoga class that I truly enjoy. I firmly believe I need to strength train, especially now that I’m in the over 40 group, so I do what it takes to keep my body healthy and working to it’s highest potential.
 
N: I hear you. Yoga is such an important part of my routine as well, and I really believe it helps to keep injury away. The ECFit app sounds great and yes, strength training is key to success. How often are you racing these days? 

 
A: Less often then I would like to! It’s so hard having two young sons (the twins are 9) and a husband who is not into running, swimming or cycling. In the past several years I have done at least two running events a year (both usually half marathons but I also did an amazing 10k trail race this year!) and then two or three triathlons of varying distances.
At this point, I want to do as many meet up or destination races as possible. I love seeing old friends for a race weekend or being somewhere completely new and different and just being excited to be there!



 


N: 5-6 races a year is impressive! I can totally relate to this so much - I don't have time to race every weekend, but we do what we can to work around family life. The trail 10k race you did in Vermont last month looked like so much fun and you got to see a lot of blogging friends! We need to meet up for a race soon...speaking of races, what is your favorite race?


A: That’s a tough question. My current favorite is any time I get to race triathlon. My ultimate favorite race was a duathlon in 2014 when I won overall (for the women) and the prize was an actual sword! I keep it on the wall above my desk to remind me how strong I am. A close second is when I represented Team USA for the Duathlon World Championship Race in Spain in 2015.
 
N: Oh yeah, No big deal - just go to Spain to represent Team USA...! I love how you casually threw that in. Allie, that is simply amazing. Congratulations on that honor - I know you'll always remember it. I wonder if they would ever give out swords after a marathon? I need a sword over my desk...
Now that you've made the transition to triathlon, would you ever go back to the 26.2 distance?

A: Not really. My body just feels better when I’m doing more than one thing athletically. I GET to run all the time so I don’t really miss it and, I think the only way I’m running another 26.2 will be as part of Ironman, which in and of itself is terrifying!

N: Humm, I'm thinking of a way we can race together... maybe a tri relay and I can do the run portion? Jerold and I did some triathlon races before having kids and had a lot of fun doing them. I want to know - we all want to know - what do you love most about the triathlon?

A: The challenge! When I first started I was afraid of swimming in open water and now I do it all summer. I never dreamed I could be a competitive triathlete and it’s constantly facing fears and conquering things I never thought I could. The scariest thing now is I’m starting to love being on my bike more than running! I never thought I would type those words.

N: I can't believe I'm typing those words! Allie - for real? Biking more than running? Okay, I guess we can still be friends... :)
Tell us, what is on your race calendar for the rest of 2018?

A: I have one race left and it’s the most fun of the whole year - the Las Vegas Rock and Roll half marathon! It starts as the sun is setting, the strip is closed for the runners and you get to run through the most fabulous lights, amazing crowds and best spectators ever! Oh and afterward you can get a five star meal, fabulous drinks and an entire night of some of the most fun an adult can have.

This year will be my third in a row and I always bring my husband and a fun group to help me celebrate afterward. One of these years someone may actually run it with me!?

 
N: Ha! I can take a suble hint! I know, I really need to go back to Vegas for the half. I've done it one time and it was so much fun - Sue and I got to hang out, Jerold was with me - we had a ridiculous amount of fun. Maybe this year? Hand onto your hats people, we'll see. :) 
Can you give us some tips on how you stay injury free?

A: I honestly think the biggest thing that keeps me injury free is training for three different disciplines in triathlon. I have not had a significant injury in years but when I was only doing road races I would have nagging issues all.the.time.

Every body is different and I know plenty of runners who stay injury free and log 50+ miles a week but that’s just not me.


My best advice is find what works for you - whether that is changing up your routine, foam rolling, massage, strength training or a combo of all of that.


Another huge piece of the puzzle is your diet. If you fuel your body and care about what you put into it, you will be rewarded.

 
N: YES to all of this. Such great advice here. I have to have a massage often, foam roll every night, eat healthy, drink a ton and strength train. And sleeeep. I have another friend who switched from running to triathlon because she said mixing things up kept her injury free. 


I'd love to touch upon your current business. Tell us about what you do - talk to us about your blog and freelance writing career.


A: I started my blog several years ago as an outlet for my writing after I was forced to sell my personal training studio of the same name. (VITA Train for Life). My aunt was the sole caregiver for my twin boys since they day they were born and, three years later, she injured her back and was unable to continue taking care of them. After a lot of soul searching (and unsuccessful nanny searching!) I decided to sell my business and stay home with the boys. I don’t regret it and my blog and subsequent freelance career was born from it.

I began freelance writing about three years ago and just kept hammering editors of my favorite publications until they relented and let me write for them. Some of my most memorable published pieces were for the now defunct women’s wing of Runner’s World - Zelle and then a feature story I wrote about my father’s escape from Cuba for ESPNW and how that influenced me both as a person and as an athlete. I wrote regularly for Women’s Running for over two years and really enjoyed my time there. Now, I mostly only pitch articles I feel very strongly about writing but I also try to keep my foot in the door with publications like TrainingPeaks and USATriathlon.

 
N: You have a really impressive writing resume, Allie and a great career that you can balance with your family. I love it.
Let's dive into your traveling... how often do you travel?

A: I travel a ton and I absolutely love it! I have been all over the U.S. and the world both with and without my family and, although I have a tremendous fear of flying, I never let it stop me from going to new places.
 
N: My Uncle hates to fly and so my Aunt travels all over the place and he's like: "No thanks, I'm good." That is awesome that you can manage the fear of flying.
What is you go-to gear when you are running while traveling?

A: If I’m traveling for a race I make sure I bring everything I need on the plane with me! I pack a bag with ALL essential gear just in case. When I traveled to Spain for the Duathlon Championship race my luggage was lost! I ended up getting everything else prior to the race but if I hadn’t I would have had everything I needed.

My one piece of “equipment” that I basically never take off is my Garmin fenix. I’m wearing it in our family Christmas card photos so that should tell you something!


My Oofos sandals are a favorite for post-race or post-workout on the go as well as my Nathan waist pack that allows me to bring water (as I’m often dehydrated when I travel) and fuel if needed and then my Koala Clip is a must for taking my gigantic iPhone 7Plus on every run!

 
N: Wait. Your luggage was lost on the way to Spain for the Duathlon Championship? That makes me shudder... it's every athlete's worst nightmare. I wear my Garmin for everything too - I dress up and wear my Garmin. The Fenix is way dressier than my 925, so I guess I should change that and be a little more stylish... 
Tell us - where is your favorite place to travel and why?

A:  One of my favorites is the closest - Ludlow, Vermont. We recently bought a slope side condo there and can ski Okemo from our back door. The kids absolutely love it and there are things to do year round. The feel in Vermont is unlike Connecticut in the best possible way. To be surrounded by the green mountains is humbling and my runs there are always brutal but I come home happy every time.

We love sharing it with friends and family and having everyone there, relaxed, exhausted and with a few glasses of wine and the best cheese you’ve ever had is nothing short of heaven.

 
N: Well, alrighty then... guess I'm booking a trip to Vermont soon! :) 
Seriously, I love it there - so green and beautiful. My first trip to Vermont was a couple years after college. I went for a run and told Jerold I wanted to move there. Yep.

If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

 
A: I have to chose just ONE destination? I think it would have to be in Italy on the Amalfi coast. When we were there the views were just stunning, there were hills but also straightaways, the people are super friendly and they have arguably the best post-run food in the world!

Oddly enough, a close second is Chicago. I felt like I had found my home and my people when I ran there. I have only been once so that is saying a lot.


Oh and Hawaii. Kona, Hawaii. #sorrynotsorry

 
N: You are speaking my language friend. When we went to the Amalfi coast, I never wanted to leave. There are so many beautiful places to run and explore!
Hawaii. Always. Chicago - I think I could live there. Wait, no - winter...

What is your favorite hotel?

A: My husband and I were married at the Casa Marina hotel in Key West, Florida in 2006 so I have to say that is by far my favorite!



N: Oooh, sounds dreamy! Jerold has been trying to get me to go to Key West since we met. Now I know where we are going to stay (and curate a run from Casa Marina of course!)
So, I like to ask everyone this - what are you reading right now?

A: The Sound of Glass by Karen White and Small Animals: Parenting in the Age of Fear by Kim Brooks. Both are excellent!

One of my favorite running related books is Elite Minds by Stan Beecham. I read it once and listened to it twice. It’s a long winter on the east coast and I’m on a bike trainer for hours!

 
N: I haven't read any of those and they all sound intriguing! 

Allie, thank you so very much for the chat, it was truly wonderful and you always inspire me. Hey everyone, you need to follow Allie and keep up on all of her adventures!
She's on Instagram HERE, Twitter HERE and her awesome, recently updated and beautiful blog is HERE
Thanks Allie!
 
 
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Here is what we are loving this week:  
When I'm running easy on the beach bike path (no cars) or on days I have a second run and have jump on the treadmill, I love wearing the Jaybird Sport wireless RUN ear buds. I sweat a lot and after testing them all summer long, they are legit. NEVER move out of my ear. Awesome sound and they come in a handy sleek case that constantly charges them when not in use. Highly recommend.


The Berlin Marathon is this Sunday! Check out how the fastest marathoner on the planet gets ready for it:





As a female runner, I love the sport and empowering other runners. This summer I started coaching and I absolutely love it. THIS article is right on point...

What we are working on Suite Run wise:

We have a new map to bring to you! This running route is in the Westwood section of Los Angeles starting from the Kimpton Palomar Hotel and I highly recommend it. 
The 3 or 5 mile run takes you through beautiful sections of the city and near UCLA. Map and full turn by turn directions will be on the website at Suiterun.com





We love bringing you great content every week. Have a recommendation for someone we should interview? Have a travel destination or great run you'd like to share? Hit us up and let us know - we love hearing from readers!
E-mail us at: Natalie@suiterun.com or Jerold@suiterun.com

You can still use this coupon code for the Ventura Marathon on October 21st! Come out and join me (Nat) at this awesome race in a beautiful beach town.
Use the code: GoNatalie2018 for 10% off your registration.

Want to follow us on social media? We are on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
@Suiterun

That is all for now friends - see you next week.

Happy Running!
Natalie and Jerold
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