Allison Maxson Olympic Trials Qualifier
Allison Maxson discovered her love of running at a young age and ran competitively throughout high school and college. Running has provided her with personal joy, a sense of community, and great opportunities throughout her life. She earned a scholarship to run Division I Cross Country and Track at the University of Portland, where she also earned a degree in Biology. After finishing her undergraduate career, she earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Puget Sound, got married, and moved from Washington to California. She then put her focus back into running goals with the support of Oiselle, Sacramento Running Association, and her coach, Stephanie Bruce. She ran the heck out of the 2014 Chicago Marathon, where she qualified for the Olympic Trials with a time of 2:39:16. In 2015, she also PR’d in the Half Marathon with a time of 1:15:00 and in the 10k with a time of 34:07.
We caught up with Maxson to learn more about her and her training.
What does a typical day of training look like for you?
A typical training day begins with an early morning run. Immediately after running, I drive to the gym to aqua jog and get ready for work. After work, I do a second, shorter run followed by strides and core.
What key workout makes you feel race-ready?
In a marathon training cycle, long workouts make me feel tough and ready. One of my favorites is 3 x 3 miles. In the final 3 mile segment, I really have to embrace the fatigue, focus, and dig deep, just like in a race. Another key workout is a long run with a fast finish, such as 20 miles with the last 4 miles at goal marathon pace effort. It gives me confidence to know that I can run fast on tired legs.
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
It always starts with a big cup of strong coffee. Beyond that, I like any easy to digest carb source such as toast or a mini bagel.
Describe a perfect recovery day. What do you love outside of running?
A perfect recovery day would be full of play. I love to hike and explore with my husband. Some of my best memories have been made the day after a destination race: strolling around a new city, shopping, going to parks, and trying out new coffee shops and restaurants with my husband.
What is your favorite race memory?
It is so hard to choose just one! Five years ago, my husband and I decided to both run a Christmas themed 10k. I saw him behind me at the turn around point where we cheered for each other in passing. When I crossed the finish line, I was shocked to see him already in the finisher shoot. Before I could figure out how he beat me, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. That memory is hard to beat!
You are sponsored by Oiselle. What do you love about them?
Being sponsored by Oiselle is a dream come true! The women behind Oiselle really care about women, and they really care about our sport. I love that Oiselle celebrates each woman’s unique story. I have always known that Oiselle wants me to be my best self, and that’s a freeing and empowering feeling.
Life Mantra: Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men.” I try to live by this mantra, pouring my heart into all of my endeavors. I want to the best version of myself, exactly who God created me to be.
Interview conducted by Lauren Jimison for Freeplay magazine.
