It’s been 5 years since I’ve raced. When I moved back to my hometown two years ago, I had this idea in my head to do @grandmasmarathon Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon to celebrate. I had never even spectated the event, so it was a brand new experience. And a special one too being the first big race event to happen since the pandemic. I ran a 2:18:29, which I was ok with. There’s lots of room for improvement. I felt really great to the 10k mark. Then I had to really gut it out the rest of the way. The original plan was to run the race with my sister, but she ended up with hip flexor tendinitis, so my training partner, Alissa, stepped in and ran with me. I must have thanked her a dozen times for her support in sticking by my side start to finish. Hopefully my sister and I will get to do the race in the future together! I still miss my triathlons, but for now will stick to the road races as just don’t have the time to dedicate to three sports quite yet. If you’ve ever thought about traveling to a race, highly recommend this one. Well organized, flat course and so beautiful to run along Lake Superior! Reflecting back, this was my first event as a mom and it felt good to do something for myself. Now I get to spend the summer running for fun with friends and maybe start daydreaming about what’s next. Feel free to share some ideas!!! 
How do you view food and your workouts? This has been a big “a-ha” moment for my clients this summer so far when they shift their mindset to eating to train harder, longer and stronger… vs training so that they can eat more. This may sound cheesy, but it’s a powerful change. You start to see food as something that can help you reach that PR. Ready to change that mindset and learn the tried-and-true methods to getting the most out of your training? Send me a DM saying “tell me more!” 
It’s been almost 7 years since I added this Ironman Wisconsin sticker to my tri bike. My sticker is still there as I transitioned into the season of motherhood and little kids. Someday I’d love to do another 140.6 race and update that sticker. Maybe when my kids are older and don’t want to spend every second of their day with me (I hear that will happen). For now, I’ll stick with some running races at my 10 min conversation pace. What’s on your “some day” list??? 📸credit: @tarynchristinephoto 
I’m running @grandmasmarathon half marathon next weekend (I won’t be very fast, but I’ll be out there!) Here’s 5 fueling tips for a half marathon: 1) pre-race you’ll want to have a carb-rich diet in the couple days leading up to the race to top off those glycogen stores. Easy-to-digest carbs are key. 2) pre-game with carbs and give plenty of time for it to clear your stomach for start time. 3) For highly trained runners who race in <75 min, likely don’t need to refuel during race. For >75 min, modest carb intake can allow you to finish those last couple miles strong. For >120 min, taking in 60-75 g of carbs at the hour mark will help prevent bonking. Just make sure that you’ve trialed your nutrition within your training to prevent potential GI issues. 4) Plan to drink every 15-20 min. Familiarize yourself with the hydration stations, where they are and what they’ll be offering. If extra hot and humid that day, stay ahead of hydration and electrolytes. (See previous post on hydration). 5) take advantage of the post-race food! Choose both protein and carbs (and fluids) to help your body start recovering. What’s your fav distance to race? 📸credit: @tarynchristinephoto 
Giveaway CLOSED. In honor of #pridemonth I’m gifting these @goodr sunglasses to one lucky winner! (I’m obsessed with goodr sunglasses as they’re super comfy and stay on my face while running!) Here’s how to enter: 1. follow @alexlarsonnutrition 2. like this post 3. tag a friend in separate comments. Each tag is an entry. 🌈🌈🌈 deadline to enter is 12noon CST on Friday, June 11, 2021. 🌈🌈🌈 Winner will be announced that day. Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants must be 13+ years of age, release responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use. Free shipping in the continental U.S. This giveaway is not sponsored by @goodr. When I purchased these shades, a portion of the proceeds went to @lalgbtcenter. #goodrsunglasses #goodr #runnersofinstagram #triathletesofinsta #lbgtqrunners #inclusiverunning #trailrunning #ultrarunning #marathontraining @bikegoodr @rungoodr @beastgoodr #trimom #triathlonlife #ironmantraining #marathontraining #runhappyteam #runhappy #runnersworld #garmin #runnersofinsta #runnerscommunity #runninglove #womenwhorun #halfmarathoner #inspiringwomenrunners #runningmotivation #ihavearunnersbody #whyirun #igrunners #fitness #swimbikerun