Hearing Your Stories: Alexandra Schweigert
'In the early days, I felt like I always had to be pushing myself... over time, I’ve realized running doesn’t have to be a constant chase for improvement.'
Morning, friends! ☀️ You may remember when I reached out back in February (and earlier this month), asking you to share your stories about becoming a runner, where running has taken you, and where you dream of going with it.
The response has surpassed all my expectations, and the stories that have poured in have bowled me over, each and every one of them. It’s been so much fun, and so moving, to get to know each of you better and hear your stories — that’s the whole reason why I write the newsletter, as they’ve become by far the most fulfilling part of it.
Today we hear from Alexandra Schweigert, who took up running just a few years ago and already has accomplished a lot — and learned a lot. One of my favorite things she said, which you’ll read below, was learning not to get too caught up with speed and other performance-based metrics: now, she’s moved “from a performance-based mindset to one rooted in longevity, enjoyment, and self-care.”
I know you’ll enjoy her story as much as I did — and, if you feel inspired to share yours, please know I’d love to hear it. 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.
Hi there! I’m Alexandra (she/her), a 30-year-old living just outside Ann Arbor, Mich. I’m a dog mom, a sister, a partner, a friend, a runner, and a writer.
I grew up in a 2,000-person mountain town outside Denver, Colo. — the kind of place where you ran barefoot all summer, disappeared until the streetlights came on, and thought a “traffic jam” was a deer in the road.
I studied International Studies and Political Science for my B.A., then earned an M.A. in Global Community Engagement, which opened the door to a lot of travel. I set a goal to visit 30 countries by the age of 30, and hit it just three days after my birthday last December. (Thank you, Turkish Airlines stopover program.)
After that milestone, I wanted a new challenge for a new decade of life. I landed on the somewhat-common goal of running a half marathon in all 50 U.S. states. Since I’ve always been a writer (I’ve published a workbook and a few pieces in magazines like Bella Grace), I decided to chronicle this goal on a new Substack, From State to Finish.
By day, I work in alumni engagement for a university. By night and weekend, I love being outdoors, finding cute coffee shops, or hanging out with a good beer on the deck.
What does your running routine look like? How many times a week, and how far do you run?
Michigan seasons definitely shape my training. In the summer, I average 25 to 35 miles a week. Once the school year starts and work ramps up, I settle into more of a 15- to 20-mile groove.
I run three to five days a week: two recovery runs, two more focused training runs (speed work, intervals, fartlek), and one long run to build endurance. I also mix in two to three CrossFit sessions.
I love the strength benefits, but honestly, I stay for the people. CrossFitters, like runners, are a unique breed and I love the quick nature of it, and how frequently the workout changes.
Were you an athletic kid growing up? What are your early memories of what fitness and health were about?
I was athletic as a kid. I was a competitive gymnast through high school, spending about 15 hours a week in the gym. In college, I made the cheer team my freshman year. I loved it, but by sophomore year, I wanted the freedom to just be a student.
Endurance sports didn’t enter my life until after college, when I realized I needed to design my own workouts. Running filled the gap: I could stay active, move on my own schedule, and still feel like I was working toward something.
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?’
My mom was a college track star, so running was always in the background. I dabbled in it during college and my early post-grad years, but in 2020, when Covid hit, running took on new meaning.
I started reading running blogs and newsletters, and I got excited about how much I could accomplish when running was part of my routine. I noticed my thoughts felt clearer after runs and energy spiked.
After Covid, I made a big leap and packed up my life in Colorado to move to Michigan on a bit of a whim. I didn’t know many people yet, so I was spending a lot of time in my own head and looking for ways to fill my days. That’s when I began running more seriously.
That summer, I completed three Michigan half marathons (two official organized races and one just-for-fun run organized by a running company). Running quickly became more than just a workout — it was a way to build community, find stability, and anchor myself during a brand-new chapter of life.
How has your interest in running evolved since then? Do you run farther, or faster now?
I don’t know that I run farther or faster, but I definitely run more consistently. I’m proudly part of the “10-minute mile club,” and in the early days, I felt like I always had to be pushing myself — faster paces, longer distances, bigger goals. Over time, I’ve realized running doesn’t have to be a constant chase for improvement.
These days, my focus is more on fueling my love for the sport and appreciating the lessons it teaches me. I’ve learned so much about the importance of warming up, cooling down, slowing down on easy days, and dialing in my nutrition and hydration to avoid injury and feel my best. My relationship with running has shifted from a performance-based mindset to one rooted in longevity, enjoyment, and self-care.
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?
Sometimes I balance running better than others. While I’d love to be a parent someday, I’m very aware of the privilege of time I have right now. I care for my dog, have a committed relationship, maintain a full social life, and enjoy hobbies outside of running — but I’ve been fortunate to build in plenty of time for my training.
That said, I’ve also learned that making time to run is never just about logging miles. When I’m running regularly, I show up better in every other part of my life. I’m more creative and productive at work, more attentive in my relationships, and more present in my day-to-day life.
Running has become one of the cornerstones of my well-being, and I’ve seen firsthand how taking time for it pays back in energy, patience, and focus.
Is there anything you’re especially proud of that you can point to your running and say, ‘this helped me achieve ______’?
I think one of the biggest things running has given me is proof that I can stick with something even when it’s not easy or exciting every day. Training for races has taught me to show up for myself over and over again, even on the days when my legs feel heavy or the weather is terrible. I’ve been able to apply that same persistence to my work and personal life.
What have you learned about yourself from your running journey? Is there anything that’s changed about you since you started?
Running has taught me that consistency beats perfection every time. I used to think progress only came from pushing harder and going faster, but over time I’ve learned that showing up — even on the days I don’t feel like it — matters more.
It’s also made me more patient with myself. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins, like finishing a tough run or nailing my hydration, instead of only focusing on big milestones. Since I started, I’ve become more resilient, more disciplined, and a lot more comfortable with the idea that growth happens slowly, but it sticks.
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?
My entire Substack is about running a half marathon in every U.S. state, so that’s the big dream I’m chasing right now: 50 runs, 50 states. It’s part running goal, part travel adventure, and part personal growth journey.
Beyond that, I’d love to try a Ragnar Relay one day. There’s something about the idea of running through the night, relying on a team, and sharing in that gritty, sleep-deprived camaraderie that sounds both ridiculous and amazing.
I’m also open to seeing where running takes me as my life changes... maybe that’s longer distances someday, maybe it’s pacing others, or maybe it’s simply continuing to run for joy and health for decades to come.
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?
I think the easiest way to keep running fresh is to build variety into your training plan through different types of runs, distances, routes, running partners, even playlists. It keeps things interesting and challenges you in new ways.
Earlier I mentioned cross-training, and that’s been key for me too. On days when I’m just not feeling a run, I can still bike, row, or do strength work and know I’m contributing to my running goals.
When it comes to finding new motivation, there are endless possibilities. We live in such a tech-friendly world that makes it easy to connect with runners everywhere. I use Pinterest, running apps like Nike Run Club and Strava, and even TikTok or Instagram for fresh ideas. Surprisingly, some of my favorite workouts and routes have come from random posts by other runners online — it’s like getting inspired by a global running community.
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?
I was a wild, free-spirited kid, and while I’ve kept some of that energy, adulthood has a way of dulling the magic. If I could talk to my 10-year-old self, I’d tell her to hang onto it for as long as possible.
Keep running barefoot down the block. Keep whispering secrets under the moonlight. Don’t take life too seriously. And whenever an opportunity comes your way, no matter how intimidating, say yes. That sense of wonder and boldness will take you far.
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Thanks to much Terrell for letting me be part of this alongside all the cool people of "The Half Marathoner". I am appreciative of the thoughtful questions and the opportunity.
I love these stories. Thanks for sharing. Keep your joy and keep running! xoxo