Runner’s World+ Member: Alisa Brozinsky
Alisa is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
I have always loved running and was a sprinter growing up, participating in track and field. It wasn’t until college that I started dabbling in longer distances and entering fun community races. However, life took a serious turn when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 1999. After undergoing surgery and chemo and the subsequent recovery, I ended up taking a very long break from running. It wasn’t until 2013 when I revisited running again. I haven’t looked back! Post cancer, running took on a whole new meaning. It was symbolic of my life moving forward, of regaining my health and of appreciating and being grateful for the strength of my body. I signed up for my first full marathon in 2014 and just kept going. Four more marathons and countless half marathons later, the joy of running with my run club (SFRRC), and with my friends and family has only made it more meaningful. Running has taught me patience, it has given me resilience, and it has rewarded me with joy and connection.
The running community is one of the best things about the sport! I find runners to be encouraging, motivating and inspiring. I joined RW+ so I could have access to great resources on running, to read inspirational stories, and to connect to the wonderful running community.
I run because it makes me feel strong, confident and joyful. I do not take my health for granted and logging those miles, listening to the rhythmic sound of my footsteps, my breathing, taking in the sights and sounds around me—it makes me feel alive!
I currently live in San Francisco and there are so many beautiful places to run. One of my favorites being over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. However, I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, so the route that I have the most personal connection to would be the Stanley Park Seawall. Running on that seawall, surrounded by the ocean and views of the majestic mountains and skyline of downtown Vancouver is almost meditative for me. It was here in 2013 that I got back to running after my post cancer hiatus...it was here that re-sparked that joy.
I do love my Brooks Ravenna shoes, but I have to admit that I am obsessed with my Garmin 645. I love tracking my runs and being able to revisit them and see my progress.
I am definitely a foodie. One of my fave hashtags is #runtoeat
I would love to run the Tokyo Marathon but more than that, my running goal would be to be able to run for as long as my body will allow me to.
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