Start Line Stories With Author Alison Mariella Désir

For this week’s Start Line Story, we had the opportunity to catch up with Alison Mariella Désir, author of Running While Black, founder of Harlem Run in New York City, Pacific Northwest resident (via NYC), partner to fellow runner Amir and mother to three year-old Kouri.

Alison’s book was released in October of 2022 and between juggling a busy fall book tour, launching Out & Back — a local Seattle TV series and accompanying podcast — and taking care of a toddler during cold and flu season, establishing a regular running routine has been a new kind of challenge. With the date of her first half marathon in four years circled on the calendar — April 30 in Eugene, Oregon — she's found a little extra motivation to train.

Here’s a quick glimpse of where Alison is right now in her running journey and what’s getting her to the start line:

Where is home right now? 

Seattle, WA (by way of Harlem/Bronx, New York) 

Why did you choose to sign up for Eugene in 2023? 

I haven't had the desire to sign up for races since giving birth 3.5 years ago. I kept thinking that I was ready or excited to train but would start training and find myself exhausted and unmotivated. Something clicked for me in recent months and I'm really looking forward to seeing what this new body can do. I also appreciate the intentional outreach of the Eugene Marathon — inviting me to share my book and story with their audience. I’m looking forward to a meaningful weekend. 

What is currently motivating you to get to the start line on April 30, 2023? 

The newness of it — in many ways, it feels like my first half marathon because it will be the longest I've run since getting pregnant.  

What type of training plan are you following and do you have a specific goal for the race? 

My goal for the race is to feel good in my body. For the month of January, I'm building base and will start following a training plan courtesy of Strava in February.  

How many marathons and half marathons have you completed? 

I've never been one to keep track. Running for me is less about the external accolades than it is about what it does for me mentally and physically and how it connects me to community.  

Why run and why choose to race marathons and/or half marathons? 

I run for my mental health, for social justice, for community. Running races is an opportunity for me to see what I'm capable of — mind and body — and celebrate myself. The pomp and circumstance of a race and the preparation for it can, at times, give the experience of running additional meaning. I'm especially looking forward to seeing my husband and son along the course and at the finish line.

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Follow Alison’s road to Eugene via Instagram and get the chance to meet her in person at the Health & Wellness Expo, where she will be signing books and participating in a panel and group run/walk (more details to come!). And, as always, make sure to give her a hello, a “let’s go!” if you see her in the start corral on April 30.