Hearing your stories: Alexandra Flynn
'Running gave me something I didn’t know I needed: a way to rewrite the story I told myself about my body'
Morning, friends! ☀️ You may remember a few months ago — all the way back in February — when I asked you to share your stories about becoming a runner, where running has taken you, and where you dream of going with it.
Ever since, your responses have blown me away — I love hearing people’s life stories, and getting this window into yours has been so much fun. It’s made me feel closer to the community we’ve all built here together over these past few years, and it’s what makes doing this newsletter mean so much to me.
Today, we hear from Alexandra Flynn, a Canadian (and a longtime THM subscriber) who’s traveled around the world to run in amazing races — most of the marathon majors, in fact. What I really love about her story, though, is how she fits a (very!) active running life into a larger, very full life — how each complements the other.
I know you’ll enjoy her story as much as I did — and, if you feel inspired to share yours too, I’d love to hear it. All you need to is reply back by email or in the comments below, and we’ll go from there. — Terrell
So, let’s hear a little bit about you! Who are you, your age (if you’d like to share), where you’re from, what you do, etc.
I’m Alexandra, 50 years old, living in Vancouver, Canada. I’m a law professor at the University of British Columbia, where I work on the constitutional status of cities and housing law. I’m also a mom, a writer, a runner, a board game player, a friend, a partner, and an aunt. My life is full and often chaotic—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What does your running routine look like? How many times a week, and how far do you run?
It depends on what I’m training for. Over the past two years, I’ve been training for marathons, so I typically run four to five times a week. Weekday runs are shorter — between six and 10K — with a longer weekend run anywhere from 15 to 30K. Right now, I’m letting my body recover after running four marathons, so I’m down to two to three shorter runs per week.
Were you an athletic kid growing up? What are your early memories of what fitness and health were about?
Not at all — I actually failed [gym class in] kindergarten! I was the kid who dreaded gym class and any group sport. The cause was uncontrolled asthma, which improved when I left home for university.
In retrospect, I was very active throughout my life: I loved walking, biking, swimming, exploring, and I was a lifeguard. My single mom supported me with lessons, even though money was tight and she worked long hours. We weren’t an especially active family, but my mom always encouraged my curiosity and independence.
How did you first get into running? Was there something that inspired you — like a performance at the Olympics, for example, or a runner you discovered by watching them on social media or TV? Or was there someone in your own life who inspired you to think, ‘maybe I can do this?’
I got into running in my early thirties when we had our first son. It was something my husband and I could do to stay active without a need for a fixed schedule. We trained for our first half marathon with a running group and were so grateful for their kindness as we pushed him in his stroller. My husband didn’t love it as much as I did, but we still run 10Ks together — and every year with our sons, too!
How has your interest in running evolved since then? Do you run farther, or faster now?
Yes, definitely both farther and faster. At first, I could barely run three kilometers without stopping. I’ve since run six marathons and dozens of half-marathons. I’m not very fast, but I’m steady and stubborn.
Running gave me something I didn’t know I needed: a way to rewrite the story I told myself about my body. I used to think it was weak or unable. I now know that anything is possible — sometimes slow, sometimes tired — but I’m here, still moving. I’ve learned to enjoy pushing my limits in a way that feels expansive.
What do you balance your running with? Do you have a family to take care of? Kids, parents or other relatives or loved ones? If so, how do you balance all of it and still make time to run/care for yourself?
Our two sons are now (unimaginably) 17 and 20, with the youngest starting university next year. So carving out time for longer runs is much easier than it used to be.
With a full professional life and aging parents-in-law to support, I have to be purposeful with my time. Running is something I claim for myself. It’s where I breathe. It helps me stay healthy — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Running in my fifties feels different than it did in my thirties. I’m more patient, more grateful, but also more determined.
Is there anything you’re especially proud of that you can point to your running and say, ‘this helped me achieve ______’?
Running gave me the strength to do hard things. It’s taught me that I can do anything if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I ran the New York Marathon while working full-time, doing a PhD, and parenting young kids.
Running also helped me grieve after losing my mom in 2020, giving my sadness movement, rhythm, breath. Whenever I face a challenge, I think of the marathons I’ve run — that this hard moment will end, and I can get through it. Running has also deepened my compassion for others going through something difficult. I dedicate every run to someone in my life who has or is struggling.
What have you learned about yourself from your running journey? Is there anything that’s changed about you since you started?
I’ve learned how hard I am on myself and how to be kinder. I’ve spun out far too often over not being fast enough and can still get stuck in negative self-talk. I’m learning to meet that voice with curiosity and love. I say to myself, “You’ve got this. I love you,” during tough stretches.
I’ve also started listening more closely to my body rather than criticizing it — for example, I recently learned that my asthma isn’t as well controlled as I thought. It’s been a big journey — one of self-awareness, compassion, and learning to truly listen to myself.
Where would you like to go with your running? Is there anything special you’d like to achieve — like, say, running all six World Marathon Majors, or running an ultra?
I’d love to run all six World Marathon Majors. I’ve finished five — New York (2014), London, Berlin, and Chicago (2024), and Boston (2025). So Tokyo is next, hopefully in 2026! After that, who knows? I’m not drawn to ultras (yet), but I love challenging hikes and long runs. I’ll likely keep using running to explore the world.
What keeps you going? Especially if you’ve been running for a while — do you ever get bored with it? How do you find new things to motivate you, to keep you going?
It changes. Sometimes it’s a race. Other times, it’s setting a challenge — like running a 5K, 10K, and half each month. Always, it’s the need for solitude, fitness, and clarity.
And yes, I do get bored! When I do, I mix it up: a new route, a comedy podcast, unfamiliar music, or I leave my watch at home and just run by feel. I remind myself: you’ve got this. I love you.
Look back at yourself when you were a kid, maybe say 10 years old. Remember how you felt, what you thought, especially what you thought you were capable of back then. If you could talk to that kid now, what would you say?
You don’t have to be the fastest. You don’t have to be the best. You just have to show up. Running will teach you about yourself and keep you strong. One day, it will feel like a deep, full breath. The girl who hid during gym class? She’ll run marathons. She’ll do hard things, find her stride, and feel proud for becoming someone who never stopped trying.
"I actually failed kindergarten"--I will be laughing at that one for weeks...Great interview and spectacular achievements....
Awesome post keep moving sister