Conversations with the Inspiring Ali Greaber

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Greaber.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ali. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and got my start with running in high school. Just decided to join the track team because my friends were doing it. Little did I know, that decision right there would spark my whole running/fitness lifestyle! I fell in love with the sport of running by the way it makes me feel, the people involved with the sport, and just the relaxing and stress-free environment it provides me. Slowly, 5Ks turned into 10Ks which turned into my first half marathon. It was after that first half marathon I knew this was my sport. I was continuing to make goals for myself, work towards them, and learn so much about myself in the process. At some point, I decided to accomplish one marathon, The Tucson Marathon. I told myself after that I can be proud of what I have done and do not need to run anymore. Well… I was wrong! That first marathon was tough, but I loved the challenge and pushed myself further than I ever thought would be possible. Not only did I finish, but I was only 10 minutes away from The Boston Marathon Qualifying time. I had to do another, no question about it! It was from there I began training for another, The San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon. I had set out a goal to qualify for Boston which I did!!! It was then one year later that I ran The Boston Marathon, one of the biggest races in history. Of course, it did not go well, so I set out to do another to qualify again. So, here I am today, still running, still living a very active lifestyle, and sitting in Boston one day away from the 2019 running of the Boston Marathon where I will complete my 5th and hopefully most memorable run to date! It has definitely been a rocky journey, I have grown a lot over the years both mentally and physically. One thing that has not changed and probably never will is my passion, drive, and love for the sport of running.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. I have had to go through some growing pains, get through countless injuries and I have had my share of race days. The main injury I have dealt with is tendinitis in my feet and knees which at times has put me out of commission for a month or two which really brings down my spirits. I have also struggled with motivation and drive occasionally. After one bad race, I think to myself why do I put my self through all these countless miles and conditioning only to end in failure. What I have learned time and time again though is to never give up and keep your head held high. We all have our bad days, we will struggle with drive and motivation to get over these humps but you CANNOT forget why you started. Good things do indeed take time, point A to point B is not gonna be a straight and narrow path. There will be twists and turns and difficult bumps in the road, but keep your eyes on the end goal and do not lose your passion and love for what you are doing

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Freckledsoles story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all ages. I do not believe in fad diets or quick fixes to weight loss as there is NONE. Through my everyday life and what I put on social media, I am trying to portray that anyone can get fit and healthy with a little hard work, dedication, and consistency. Most of all, I want to prove to people that living a healthy lifestyle can be done in a very positive, fun, and exciting way! I will be starting to provide health coaching to individuals looking to change their ways and get back to being the healthiest, happiest, and overall more confident person they have been hiding inside. I think what sets me apart from others is I will be with you every step of your journey not just in providing accountability but lifting you up in every part of your life.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I am still learning this myself, but I have realized the best way to network is to take up every opportunity you get. I have put myself out there a lot lately with doing random photo shoots, meet-ups with fitness folk, and events going on around town. You never know who you will meet, so just put yourself out there and give it a go!

Contact Info:

• Email: amgreaber@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freckledsoles/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freckledsoles/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi1I2fLzV0FTuRm92Z9LvPg

Image Credit:
Ben Thrasher: @_benthrasher, Vicente Camacho: @vicentecamacho_, Zuriel Jawed: @zuriel_jawed, Amber Espinosa: @amberespophoto

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.