My Hardest Day of Half Marathon Training: the side of running no one talks about

[@MNoelleA]

Its so helpful to see a professional runner huffing and puffing and dreading their runs. I can’t tell you how invaluable it is, especially when I feel like I can’t do it. To know even the pros go through this makes me feel like maybe I’ll be okay and maybe I’m way more capable than I realize I am.

[@allie_ostrander]

YES, literally everyone goes through this! We are all more capable than our minds let us believe :)

[@Évelyne-b5q]

It’s nice that you explain the hard mental part that we don’t see when we watch athletes perform. It seems like they are always in their best shape mentally and physically, but it’s not that simple. You are always so honest!

[@allie_ostrander]

It truly is not that simple 😂 I wish it were!

[@Philobiblion]

Allie, I watch all of you YTs and Instagrams. I'm 76 and ran 10 marathons decades ago.I ran a 3:08 in San Antonio in 1981. You express so well in a short take the (to coin a phrase) agony and ecstasy of how the person, the individual, confronts the challenge of high level training and either accepts it, or makes an excuse. As an old man who had lived all that you enact, your presentation is inspiring, but even more, I can say from experience, you have a way of communicating something about the elemental truth of running, and all its paradoxes. I like it.

[@thomasphilyaw8593]

This is why I love your channel Allie. You're never afraid to open up and tell your true feelings. Doing so, many many people who have the same feelings as you, but are afraid to open up are helped and encouraged by your experiences. Love you guys ❤❤❤

[@allie_ostrander]

Thank you 🫶 I really enjoy sharing! It honestly feels like having an online journal and helps me work past my limiting beliefs!

[@Girllovestorun]

As a runner I can completely relate and appreciate the message in this video. There is a quote I love... "If there is a difference between success & failure it is the moment you don't give up and the moment you do."

[@peterdobos1606]

I love that you put "AD" in the date. It just seems a very Allie thing to do.

[@mcw3118]

"so naturally I started crying" ... This is so relatable it hurts. Thanks for showing us your ride on the struggle bus. We've all got a seat on that bus some days. ❤

[@johnway2699]

You and Laura Muir are the top runners I follow and believe in. Georgie is getting up there, too, after his recent mile.

[@Averagebum21]

The run workout filmatography was one of the best, if not the best Íve seen so far. And “allowing ourselves to fail yet believing we can succeed” has been the most inspirational maxim for me.

[@allie_ostrander]

my friend Sarah Carter filmed this! I will let her know that you approve!

[@Averagebum21]

@allie_ostrander it was of a very steady hand, the angles were of a perfect variety, side, front and rear, up close and at a distance; showed everything we needed to watch of the run.🙂😊🙂

[@svcarter]

⁠@@Averagebum21 this is Sarah, the girl behind the camera! Thank you for the kind compliment! I had a great time out there filming. Getting to bike along and watch was inspiring, especially since I had the same workout the next day and was kinda terrified. Watching Allie crush it gave me some much needed confidence and inspiration. :)

[@Averagebum21]

@ Many thanks for the superb videography, Sarah! And I know you crushed the workout the following day too! You’re the cross country champ from Colorado State, right?

[@svcarter]

@@Averagebum21yep that’s me! I finished up at CSU in June

[@peterdobos1606]

Oh man I am loving the nerding involving the grade correcting for altitude so that you can hit your sea-level paces. Major props.

[@eric13hill]

From my perspective, I never thought that a runner as accomplished as you would feel that way about herself. You are incredible to me. If that matters at all.

[@Brian-NS]

Personally I love your sense of humor and I really admire your perseverance.

[@rediscoveringcassandra]

It is nice to hear a pro runner sometimes will have little breakdowns about running. It makes me feel like that it’s ok when that happens. It can happen to anyone ☺️

[@lbeg323]

Your whole KZbin page is SO GOOD for the world of women in sport. Yeah, even the elites and pros get the dreads and struggle. Sending so much love and good vibes for your training! (and cute shorts!)

[@kayyylaaa___]

i have loved getting to watch your journey as a runner, but i have to give you so much props for the editing and storytelling in this video! its so fun to watch you grow as a youtuber, both in sub count (100k, we'll see you soon!!!) and in the quality of the content. badass! thanks for sharing the ups and the downs and the stuff in between!

[@allie_ostrander]

Awwwww thank you!! I honestly love compliments about my editing because creative/artistic stuff was never what I considered my strong suit. I am having so much fun learning though!

[@kecrn4132]

Agreed completely!!

[@hannahandwadeaaron]

You’re a master storyteller. Thank you for sharing your life with us 🤍

[@Ray.J]

Some really good reactions to this video, so I thought I'd mix it up, instead of plowing over already-trodden ground. People who don't have pets miss out on one of life's greatest blessings. When you are low, and questioning your value, just find Georgie and let him salve your wounds. He couldn't care less about your finishing times and can't be bothered by whether you are hitting your interval goals. What he does, is love you, unconditionally. Just see how he attacks you at breakfast, licking your face. and no, it wasn't to get a taste of the morning menu. It is just pure adoration and appreciation. Never take it for granted, but accept it, return it and wallow in it. It feels great. For the both of you!

[@kevinqbui]

Thanks for posting this. I started running this year and have progressed pretty quickly....it is nerve wracking. I thought I was being crazy for having so much doubt and anxiety every time I had to go do intervals. My heart rate spikes to something like 115-130 bpm before all the hard runs. This video saved my sanity because it reminded me that this is all part of the process. Prior to watching this, I was basically just bashing my head against the wall cause I felt like I started letting myself down and kept spiraling down. The crippling string of failures in training followed by the insane successes followed by the failures again. weeeeeee

[@Mike-cs9jr]

Great episode Allie! You got it done which is the important thing. You can always look back at these videos to get some confidence that you can achieve what you set out to achieve. Love the dynamics, you, Spencer, your family, and Georgie have together. It almost feels like I know you . Anyway, enjoy the last few weeks of training until the half. I'll be doing the 10K this year but maybe I'll be able to see and at least say hello to you two after the race.

[@sydney6549]

Allie you are an incredible runner and story teller!

[@HStacey2011]

I love the extra vloggy bits you included! ❤ you’re amazing, keep up the hard work. 🎉🎉🎉

[@beans11.11]

Thank you for this video. I have just started to reincorporate speedwork after 5-6 years without it, and your vulnerability helps me feel so seen. You're crushing it!!

[@trailrunner919]

Good video showing normal emotions we go through as runners Allie! I like to think of it as we have our health and GET to do these hard workouts as opposed to we HAVE to do them...keep up the good work!!!

[@ChadSchuller]

Allie, thank you for this video! I really needed to be reminded that we all have these sorts of feelings sometimes, and that's okay. It's all about how we respond that is important.

[@nothing-q4u]

It was very considerate of you to explain clearly that Spencer was not really getting dropped.

[@hyperzzzzz1]

As always Allie your honesty, like yourself, is a winner.

[@HughHo]

Thanks for opening up yourself to your community. It's hard for anyone to be vulnerable and real to others, and you have the added pressure (both good and bad) of having an audience. Real Allie and Supportive Spencer are what we're here for! Great to see you crush that workout.

[@danielaortiz9178]

What a well edited video - your storytelling is so inspiring Allie

[@madelineflesher1607]

This video made such a difference for me today. As I enter into my new training season, I want to believe in myself more than anything. Thank you Allie! You really inspire us all.

[@allie_ostrander]

You got this!

[@kophotography895]

Allie You are a Fierce Woman, I am on week 5 of Marathon Training Myself, I was dreading my workouts tonight total of 13 miles with 3k Pace Interval Repeats section in the middle of Steady Pace Long Run. I was 10 seconds slower than plan, I had a chat with myself and moved on, you did your own version of that today. Well Done you are an inspiration to so many people you do not know. Keep It Up and Whip Spencer LOL

[@meghanpund]

Thank you for being so open about the mental aspect of getting good at something. You’re a serious runner and I respect you, and to hear this from you means a lot.

[@nachorubiolubian]

Same!!! As a Spanish swimmer I always struggle with the same. I struggle to believe in myself at meets although I've trained well and I'm trying to change that, but it is not easy. Everything you said, is so real, and it is incredible that someone like you talk about that ❤

[@katemcshaneurban9776]

loving Spencer in the Oiselle hoodie...can they make one for Georgie please??? I think it would be a small upgrade to his current sweater 😁

[@allie_ostrander]

omg if they could make a Georgie hoodie that would be AMAZING!

[@jodiesamanthabull]

you got this Allie💪🏾 no doubt. I will be using the ‘try, believe, fail/succeed’ method. TY! Also, you and spencer’s comedic interlude from the running content was golden, such a great dynamic between you two!

[@allie_ostrander]

So glad you enjoyed the serious running and not-so-serious quesadilla making segments of this video!

[@ellenvoyage594]

Wow Allie said “whether you’re an artist…” and I was like Oh hey! That’s me! And it’s so true if I gave up every time things felt hard I wouldn’t be where I am now.

[@carlosmoran1278]

Keep going !! You motivate me with each video! I am also training for my first half marathon. Goal of 1:45 8 min/mile target pace. I’m starting to get more comfortable with 8-8:30 miles. And just 20 days into training! Can’t wait for next months progress

[@jadeg522]

Such a fab intro - also some really great advice dotted around in this one so just HAD to comment to say thanks for that!!

[@YourOwnFunProductions]

i've been getting into pole dancing classes during the past couple of years, and i totally relate to this feeling. it's funny because even as i'm learning all these dangerous skills, what really gets to me is less the fear of getting hurt or falling, and more the fear of trying something new and failing. just yesterday i was having such a bad mental block, and the solution ended up being to push through and believe that i could do what my teacher said i could do. having supportive people around you is such a game-changer. so proud of you allie, amazing job

[@jessicapigg]

I needed this message right now

[@meghanjones4483]

This is such an honest and helpful video ❤ it’s clear you try to build others up as you build yourself up and it’s so refreshing and inspirational!

[@captaingritty8964]

you`re going to crush it Allie!

[@sydneyjacobson9833]

This is one of your best videos yet! ❤

[@Mosquitodude2003]

Love the message that we are all going to have hard days regardless of what we do. I'm glad you made it through the workout and created this video. I know my daughter is going to enjoy watching it with me to hear that message too.

[@sammygibbons8960]

This workout is awesome for you because you just proved to yourself that you can get out of that negativity loop! Actually a super helpful video for all of us too

[@brookslarry730]

God, I love this woman. Such a healthy perspective. Go Allie!

[@lars277]

Listen to the part of your brain that says, 'you are great and a deserving runner'. You will see a nice bright day soon.

[@ksenijavranjevac2572]

Allie, you are such an inspiration! You are funny, tough and smart!

[@daniellerose1114]

I relate to this so much so I really appreciate you sharing this

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

This video hits home. As a far from elite I am essentially running for fun but still there are alot of emotions sometimes. I was having a great block of training and then BAM! Hit with a virus, I still have high hopes for Mesa (the full) but now there are so many doubts. Good luck in the half!

[@CyraNoavek]

Thank you for posting this. It is a relief knowing that you also sometimes feel this pre scheduled workout intimidation. Also, please note that you felt cheesy after lovingly making the delicious looking salty quesadilla.

[@jackson-radshaw]

Great video Allie!

[@nicolasleiva6636]

Love your content, even though I'm not a pro runner by any stretch hearing you talk about some of your struggles make your videos so inspirational and also very relatable to the average runner. Looking forward to watching you succeed this 2025

[@lynnes11]

Competitive, but amateur, athlete here and you hit the nail on the head. Am I good enough? Should I keep trying? Am I even capable of doing it? Do I even want to be doing this (often felt as a defense mechanism when fearful or scared). I think every one that is trying to get better at something (musicians, dancers, artists, but especially competitive athletes) have these thoughts--what separates everyone is how they respond to those thoughts. Keep going Allie, keep showing up ;-)

[@TheTrainedFerret]

I used to be a high level gymnast and since then have had 2 spinal fusions. I hate running, but I am not allowed to do impact exercise like that anyway per my dr. However, I watch your videos while I use my elliptical for inspiration! They really help! If Allie can run so many miles a week, I can elliptical for 30 minutes!! 😂

[@nothingtofind9099]

Yes, main character energy and changing that timeline to the better version where your future self thanks you! Pep talk vids are some of my faves!!!

[@imfexy2]

Come on Allie!!! You got this!!!

[@rickbowker]

Hi Allie I ran my fastest half marathon at 50 years old, 1hour 17 mins , this was after 17 years of running and 10 years cycle racing before it! Nothing is impossible if you believe it!

[@danielm690]

Ali your a massive inspiration to so many people especially me. Thank you for showing all the side of your running it is so refreshing to see. Thank you

[@Xianthe_Zan-thee]

You go girl!!!❤

[@sethmiller7925]

A really good video. I know a new distance can be scary but if it is helpful you should remind yourself that you've covered the distance many times before racing on trails, and you'll have many fewer hills to deal with in Mesa :)

[@mackiechang]

it's crazy how much better you look after the workout and the stress is gone, compared to before the workout

[@locke3141]

Honestly the hardest mental part for me isn’t the goals or the pushing past the pain, it’s the getting started at all. Half the time for me, the getting out there is harder than the actual run.

[@allie_ostrander]

Getting out the door is really hard sometimes, especially if the weather is bad or it’s a solo run.

[@camdawg202]

Thank you for this video. It has inspired me make a cassadia as well

[@marcusgrainger3329]

Oh wow, I'm training for a half too and just did the "amateur version" of your workout (13 miles with 3x2k at pace). Daunting. Some days I really have to channel my inner motivational speaker to get through it. I've told myself it's ok to "fail" in training, but not for lack of trying. And most of the time, it actually turns out fine.

[@r_unner_G]

Ticking them off and getting them done as best as we can gives us that extra confidence before race day, and with no what ifs and what nots ✅

[@kathrynchamberlin3405]

You are so lucky to have a training partner right there! That work out would have been much more difficult on your own. Great form and pacing!! Woo Hoo.

[@wskingsley1]

"I'm already cheesed out listening to what I'm saying" LOL Also, NGL, I had to 'look up' Menty B - didn't feel as bad about having to look up when i found it referred to as Teen slang. Props to Spencer for always having your back and I love that honest chat before the third rep about whether you wanted him to run the requested pace or push with your effort based feel. Good stuff!

[@ashleysanders1472]

I live this. My mental capabilities limit my physical capabilities! I went on a group run Saturday and smashed it out the park. Moderate level I what I quit at. I really want to start pushing. Coasting last year at my half I got 2 hrs 30 minutes. This year I have a goal of 2 hrs 17 minutes. Yesterday someone told me they believe I could easily train to 8 something mile time due to my size and I was shook.

[@bluenetmarketing]

The strongest and most destructive punch in karate is when you aim your hand slightly past and through the surface of the object you are looking to destroy. The same is true in running. We train and run for just past the finish line of our next race. That's where our focus and force is directed. By the way, you looked a little dehydrated at the end of the workout this time (dry mouth).

[@ReactiveDogDiaries]

2:55 NOT THE FORESHADOWING 😂😂 SLAY QUEEN

[@chloebenn5708]

Kudos on the 6.30wake up, I agree the early mornings are tough if they don't come naturally.💪 loving the use of "Menty B" (And I want that granola recipe)

[@kevinmshea58]

That granola mix is 🔥. Great job getting through a tough HM workout.

[@matthewforster2661]

Woohoo Mesa! You will love the course and the temps are perfect for running PRs. I run it every year with my dad. If it makes you feel better, I'm injured and already had to drop from the marathon so you are already doing better than 1 person! 😆

[@allie_ostrander]

Someone being injured never makes me feel better haha, but I appreciate the encouragement!

[@matthewforster2661]

No prob! 😆 And thank you for an encouraging video. I'll take all I can to get back up to speed for the Boston Marathon. Ps. You and your husband's banter is fun to watch!

[@randylazer2894]

First....for anybody who says you aren't funny, good Lord they need help!!! OMG, I refer them to your face plant in the Alaskan snow mound, of Georgie having no enthusiasm of eating, and whatever you said in the last video that cracked me up! You are not only a fun, but a really funny person. More enjoyable than a bag of Doritos! The half will go really well. I think you built a base, particularly with your mountain running and long runs at mile high elevation. During the half, you likely will bring a gel pack or two and have some hydration on the course. For me, and everybody is different, before a half I would have a whole Cliff Bar, and bring gel, but thank goodness you run way, way faster than me. I know you and your coach have things worked out to a T. Allie O....you will have an awesome race, you are really strong, and you have built the base and have speed. I don't know if you have any goal time? I am just guessing that with the course being downhill overall and 4000 feet of less elevation, maybe 5:30-5:40, or maybe you are planning to be faster? Whatever you might be thinking of, I know you are strong, I know you are very, very smart, and you have a great coach, and your strategy will be optimal, and you will have a great, great race!

[@abbiestephens6327]

This video is so helpful and made me laugh thank you for making this video!

[@justsomeboyprobablydressed9579]

Trying to psych myself up to go out and run in 5-degree temps. This video helps. Thanks!

[@allie_ostrander]

Ah literally same! I'm about to go run in 2 degrees....we got this!

[@cagedguitarist1208]

I was once scared of a workout during the cross country season because it was a 3x1 mile workout and it got FAST but by the end of the year my average pace was faster than the fastest mile on that workout. Workouts are scary but when you cook on them they build you up mentally and physically

[@gregorybrain7399]

I have been running for over 55 years. I've run over 50 1/2 marathons. At 42 years of age I ran 1hr 18min 32secin Toronto. All my good marathons I ran each kilometre about 3 seconds faster then goal pace. If you do the workouts confidence comes naturally. 2 years ago I was challenged to run a 1/2 marathon in under 2hrs at 70 years of age. I knew(confidence) it could be done, it was just a matter of time. Weather would be my main competitor. The day of the race the weather was perfect. Cool in the morning, no winds(this course is known to be a wind tunnel). I ran 1hr 59min 22sec. Run strong, run your own race and keep your head up. It is helpful to work with someone who has the same goal as you.

[@markmorgan8907]

Watching this made me happy .thx . So glad i run . Spence matching your stride was awesome, just flowing along. Is he pacing you for the half. ?

[@davidand36]

I love the way you and Spencer are doing these videos together more now. You are a great team. The Athlete Special was often a bit too bro-ish for me, and your videos always seemed to be leaving a big part of your life offscreen.

[@allie_ostrander]

I'm glad you enjoy them! I honestly get a little nervous about leaving too much in because I think people will be bored, but if everyone enjoys the vlog-style content I will keep doing it!

[@jotaylor1684]

I just wanted to reach out to you through the screen of my tablet and give you a huge huge (sisterly...maybe auntie at my age😅) hug ❤❤❤. But you dried your tears and just got on with it. I am scared at some of my workouts like you, but unlike you I am a 70 yr old ex-runner now a jogger who just wants to roll back the years😅 Unlike you, nobody is watching me. But like you, the most critical person is myself. But you are my heroine and a heroine to so many people - can you hear us all cheering you on? Go girl go❤❤❤❤

[@parkerwillett2238]

Allie, what do we, the coffee people, need to do to get you a gooseneck kettle for them pour overs?!?!?!

[@allie_ostrander]

What are the pros of a gooseneck? I don’t have any problems with my current kettle 😂

[@irisgutowski984]

It's so much more satisfying! You need this!

[@parkerwillett2238]

@@allie_ostrander it really is so satisfying to pour with a gooseneck kettle! They give more control over the flow and location of the pour allowing for a more even extraction of the coffee. If you’re happy with what you’ve got, that is what coffee is about, enjoying it! (And the caffeine! The caffeine is good too!!!!) 😝

[@RonanRuns]

The mental side is easily the hardest thing to master in running

[@adriaantermors8122]

As a recreational runner, I don't feel stressed about workouts, but that's not to say the mental side of running is less important. Personally, I struggle more on race day. If I go out too fast, I might collapse mentally even more than physically, and if I don't go out fast, I finish my run feeling like I should have been trying harder (still, I prefer a negative split with something left on the table to blowing up halfway through). Best of luck in the run-up to Mesa!

[@robinem3107]

I am a 54 year old fatty running. I ran my first half marathon last may. It was ungodly awful. Said I’d never do it again, so I ran my second one in November, crying what made me think I could do this? And took 14 minutes off my previous time. I have another one planned in April. So dumb. I hate anything longer than 6.3 miles. ..

[@jimoconnor8597]

Older runner (61.5) and this hits! Running 65mpw in 5 days, hitting the gym, doing all the stability and band work for what?!?!? 6x5', 2' EZ in a 12 miler is on tap today. Now I'm ready to get it! Sub 3 this fall!!!!

[@kellywitty9553]

People really do underestimate the details of the quesadilla. Fun video and way to regroup and conquer that workout.

[@allie_ostrander]

The amount of love used during the cooking process is a game changer 😂

[@mikestevenson1334]

You crushed those mile repeats, Allie! =D

[@JM-sq3ic]

in you we believe Allie!

[@Cqrt3r]

Thanks for clarifying that the date was AD

[@gcklo]

I have the same concerns before every hard workout too 😅

[@NachoDog3]

That coffee looked AMAZING!

[@PaddyQuiggin]

6:30am wakeup is early *laughs in parent* Noting this, the message is spot on and failure in a goal doesn't make you a failure of a person.

[@ChrisTietjen_00]

A 4pm quesadilla...Spencer's got it figured out. Georgey is 100% confident that he's a dog, never a moment of doubt...what role model!

[@Averagebum21]

Too much vegetable oils in that tortilla 😄😊. Raw eggs and raw meat…Spencer must be an Aajonus fan. Having said that, some packaged foodstuff may contain hydrogenated oil (vegetable shortening) that seems to be bad for us.

[@allie_ostrander]

The 4PM quesadilla is a key element of FITNESS

[@ingeborgomahony5744]

I'm so happy to see you doing well, even when your belief momentarily wants to give up on you. BTW: you are absolutely hysterical, and that's not just us saying so. Despite me not being a fan of protein powder, your granola looks delicious. 😆

[@Magslovesrunning]

I’m also the person who gets so nervous before a race like this one time I was like almost crying before the race bc I was so nervous and then I raced, won and broke the course record 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@KennyCosway]

Listen to coach and run the prescribed paces.😊

[@Cambiumchuck]

For the record. I’m a somewhat -old man. You are hilarious. Need I not remind you of when you said Spencer was “dropping the kids off at the pool” …

[@wildeone1636]

Strong AF 💪💪

[@user-hc9bl8vu9c]

I keep the 4 eggo waffles trick in my little pocket for later.