Teenage Olympic marathon hopeful Alana Hadley
At the age of 16, Alana qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:41:55 finish at the 2013 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. This makes her the second youngest female to ever qualify for the marathon trials and the youngest since 1984.
Alana has been featured in Runner’s Worldand the New York Times, and has been working with Flotrak to share her story through a short video documentary that will debut on September 24.
Name: Alana Hadley
What is your day job: Student
How long have you been running: 11 years
How did you get into running: I started running with my dad
What’s your favorite race distance: Marathon
What’s your favorite local running route: neighborhood loops near my house in South Charlotte, McAlpine Park, McMullen Creek Greenway
What style of running shoes do you wear: Mizuno usually, Asics occasionally
What’s your must-have running gear: Garmin watch and ponytail holder
What’s your favorite music to run to: I don’t listen to music when I run but I love all types of music, especially country.
Are you a morning, lunch break or evening runner: I run twice a day, early morning and late afternoon.
What’s one food you couldn’t live without: just one?! Chocolate!!!
What’s your favorite place to hang out/refuel after a run: in my bed!
What’s your favorite way to cross train: I do a drill circuit twice per week that I think is really fun
What’s your most embarrassing running moment: I have one but I am not putting it out there on the internet!
What’s your proudest running achievement: Qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with a 2:41:55 at the 2013 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
What’s your best running advice: Love what you do. Do what you are passionate about. Remember why you started running in the first place.
Want to keep up with Alana as she chases her Olympic dreams? Check out her blog or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Good luck Alana! We’re cheering for you!
Photo: Jeff Siner / Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published September 1, 2014 at 3:53 AM with the headline "Teenage Olympic marathon hopeful Alana Hadley."