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Alexandria
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just Alex

I inspire others to run & enjoy the journey!

I am Alexandria, a Run Influencer, and Marketing & Sports Bra Expert. I inspire others to run & enjoy the journey.ย  When not running, you can find me watching anime, MMA, trying a new brunch spot, or traveling and connecting with nature.

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Sports Bra Tips For Runners

The most important gear you need for running is your shoes; however, itโ€™s also your sports bras for women. Many women struggle daily in finding the right sports bra. Often women who are looking to run or are running have concerns and questions.
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Garmin Fitness Tools To Keep You Healthy

I learned a valuable lesson as a marathoner and embraced the belief that โ€œWhat isnโ€™t measured cannot be changed or evaluated.โ€
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Travel Items for Runners โ€“ International Edition

I am headed to complete the 6 world majors and knock off my international races. As runners, we travel quite a bit. Traveling can be taxing, so it's important to plan to ensure you are rested and comfortable on long-haul flights.
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How I Lost 30 Pounds in 2 Months

I thought about having a webinar or going live to discuss how I lost weight but you know what, I just hit the video and recorded it for you.
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Your Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travelers to Berlin Marathon

Embarking on your inaugural journey from America to Berlin is an exciting prospect, filled with new experiences and cultural discoveries. To ensure your trip is as seamless and rewarding as possible, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights, practical tips, and cultural know-how for first-time American travelers in Berlin. I will cover Berlin Marathon tips in another blog but you can click here for more info.ย  1. Verify Passport and Visa Requirements: Before embarking on your journey, double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Germany. Fortunately, U.S. citizens typically enjoy visa-free travel to Germany for up to 90 days, but staying informed about entry requirements is key. 2. Currency and Money Matters: Before departure, consider exchanging a portion of your U.S. dollars for euros to have local currency on hand. Although credit cards are widely accepted, having cash can be advantageous for small purchases and public transportation. 3. Adapter for Electrical Outlets: Power up your devices hassle-free by packing a compatible power adapter. Germany’s Type C and Type F plugs differ from the U.S. standard, so a universal travel adapter will ensure your gadgets stay charged. Make sure you see my youtube video about international items I had. These took care of me.ย  4. Efficient Public Transportation: Navigate Berlin effortlessly by mastering its efficient public transportation system. The city boasts an extensive network of trains, trams, buses, and subways. The Berlin WelcomeCard, offering unlimited travel and attraction discounts, is a wise investment. I used the metro easily thanks to Google Maps. This shows you proper times and will translate into your native language.ย  5. Basic German Phrases: While English is commonly spoken in Berlin, showcasing a willingness to communicate in basic German phrases can enhance your experience. Familiarize yourself with greetings like “Hallo” (Hello) and “Danke” (Thank you), and consider learning phrases such as “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?) for seamless interactions. I used Google Trasnlate so much and it was very helpful.ย  6. Cultural Etiquette and Customs: Embrace Berlin’s cultural nuances by respecting local customs. Punctuality is valued, so strive to be on time for appointments. When dining out, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is customary. Engaging in sensitive discussions like World War II or the Berlin Wall requires empathy and respect. 7. Stay Connected: Ensure a smooth connection by acquiring an international data plan for your mobile device or purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. I didn’t and that’s okay. I used my international service with AT&T, which was $10 a day. It was easier for me to do. Either option, is great! Having reliable internet access will aid navigation, communication, and accessing helpful travel apps. 8. Prioritize Safety: Berlin is generally safe, but basic precautions are wise. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas, and secure your belongings. Opt for hotel safes for valuables and avoid conspicuous displays of expensive items. 9. Venture Beyond Tourist Sites: While iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate are must-sees, take advantage of the opportunity to explore Berlin’s diverse neighborhoods, street art, and local markets. The city’s hidden gems await your discovery. 10. Embrace Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in Berlin’s captivating cultural scene. Delight your taste buds with traditional German cuisine, immerse yourself in historical landmarks, and engage with local art galleries. Embrace the unique atmosphere of Berlin and create unforgettable memories. You can checkout my Berlin adventure on Instagram. Embarking on your first journey from America or from any country to Berlin holds a world of excitement and adventure. By adhering to these expert tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the city’s intricacies, respect its cultural nuances, and make the most of your Berlin experience. Prepare for a journey filled with discovery, enrichment, and unforgettable moments. Safe travels, and enjoy your Berlin adventure!

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Benefits of Tomatillos & Salsa Recipe

I am slightly obsessed with tomatillos. Yes. Tomatillos, those small “green” tomatoes you often overlook because they look weird. The past few weeks, I have been using them in everything from salsa to salads just to switch things up. After a bit of research, I learned tomatillos are also great for overall health and can lead to healthy hair. Benefits of Tomatillos for Healthy Hair & Body These small tomatoes are filled with minerals such as magnesium, copper, andย potassium. They also contain a substantialย amount of vitamin C and K and fiber. ย According to Organic Facts, “Tomatillos contain unique antioxidant phytochemicals called withanolides, which have been directly linked to anti-cancer and antibacterial functions.” Tomatillos are great for eye health, weight-loss and even boost the health of yourย immune system, which is all ideal for healthy hair from the inside out. Lazy & Easy Tomatillos Salsa 2 handfuls of tomatillos 5 grape tomatoes or 1 small red tomato 1/3 stalk of cilantro 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of black pepper Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until desired consistency. Once you made this salsa, add it to this quick and easy vegetarian rice bowl. I am obsessed with making simple “bowl” meals. Check out one of my favorite ones that only need a few ingredients. Quick Vegetarian Rice Bowl Rice & Quinoa: Cook equal parts of quinoa and rice in rice cooker with equal parts of water Mushrooms: Sautรฉ mushrooms in aย pan with coconut oil on med-high heat. Once tender add 2-3 tablespoon of coconut amino and lower heat to simmer for 2-4 mins. Avocado: Cut and remove seed of avocado. Add to bowl. Add juice of one small lime on top of anย avocado and slightly smash together. Add everything together in a bowl and enjoy!

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alexandria is a black marathoner who is shown here in all black and adidas outfit running the tokyo marathon

Your First Marathon: A Beginner’s Guide to Training for a 6-7 Hour Finish

Embarking on the journey of running your first marathon is a thrilling endeavor, especially as a beginner. While completing a marathon in 6-7 hours might seem formidable, you can conquer this challenge with the proper training, dedication, and preparation. I finished all the Abbott World Major marathons in 6-7 hours, and I know it’s a challenging journey, but if I can do it, you can too! In this post, I share thirteen essential tips to help you prepare effectively for your marathon, ensuring a rewarding and memorable experience. Running a marathon is a challenging goal, especially for a beginner. Completing a 6-7 hour marathon requires proper training, commitment, and preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your marathon: 1. Build a base: Start with a solid foundation of running fitness. Gradually increase your running distance and duration over several months before starting specific marathon training. 2. Get a training plan: Look for a beginner marathon training plan that suits your fitness level and goals. Several reputable websites offer free training plans, or you can consider working with a running coach. I highly recommend a great running coach and or find a local running training group. 3. Consistency is key: Stick to your training plan and be consistent with your workouts. This will help you build endurance and avoid injury. You won’t achieve the plan 100% of the time but try to stick with it including the stretching, warmups and core workouts. 4. Gradual mileage increase: Increase your weekly mileage gradually to prevent overuse injuries. Aim for a weekly mileage increase of about 10% or less. 5. Long runs: Schedule long runs every week to build endurance. Gradually increase the distance of your long runs until you can comfortably run close to the marathon distance in training. 6. Pace yourself: Focus on running at a comfortable and sustainable pace during your long runs. It’s better to start slow and finish strong than to burn out early. 7. Cross-training and strength training: Incorporate cross-training activities like cycling or swimming to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury. Strength training exercises can help improve your running form and prevent muscle imbalances. 8. Rest and recovery: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery between workouts. Listen to your body and take rest days when needed. Recovery is crucial for injury prevention and performance improvement. 9. Nutrition and hydration: Pay attention to your nutrition and hydration before, during, and after your long runs. Eat a balanced diet, fuel properly during your runs, and stay hydrated to maintain energy levels. 10. Mental preparation: Running a marathon is as mental as physical. Stay positive, set realistic goals, and visualize yourself crossing the finish line. Develop mental strategies to stay focused and motivated during the race. 11. Practice race-day conditions: Try to replicate race-day conditions as closely as possible in your training. Wear the same gear, practice your nutrition and hydration strategies, and run on similar terrain. 12. Race-day strategy: Have a race-day plan in mind. Start conservatively, break the race into smaller segments, and gradually increase your effort if you feel strong. 13. Enjoy the experience: Remember that your first marathon is a significant achievement. Enjoy the process, appreciate the journey, and have fun on race day. Remember, marathon training requires time and dedication. Be patient with yourself, listen to your body, and adjust your training as needed. Good luck with your marathon preparation!

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Travel Items for Runners – International Edition

I am headed to complete the 6 world majors marathons: Boston, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and London. Being a marathoner, I use races as an excuse to travel the world but also, it’s rather safe for me to do so. If you are like me, as runners, we travel quite a bit. Traveling can be taxing, so it’s important to plan to ensure you are rested and comfortable on long-haul flights. No matter how much youโ€™ve traveled, I can say it’s both thrilling and scary when to travel overseas for the first time, especially for a marathon or race. Going somewhere completely new, different, and foreign is endlessly exciting but can also be scary. Couple this, traveling by air and not preparing in advance can lead you to all kinds of headaches once you have arrived. That’s why it’s important to plan and prepare for flights and gather items to help alleviate the stress. So here are my travel items for traveling internationally for world majors like Berlin, London, Tokyo, and more. Must-Have Travel Items for Runners – International Edition [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8ZWQhziMLw[/embedyt] You can also check out most of the recommended items on my Amazon Store Front.ย 

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Fall 2021 Boston Marathon

So if you are reading this, you already know what an honor it is to attend the Boston Marathon. Itโ€™s the Olympics for any marathoner and often a dream race. Being a person who has gone a few times and even ran part of the course, no one so far has ever experienced it in the Fall, virtual and fewer attendees than before. There are a lot of changes that have been made since I have arrived. Besides it being a larger airport, itโ€™s a lot of changes that have been made from where you can eat to just picking up a car share ride area. I hardly saw the usual sea of Boston and race jackets as I usually saw. I got excited to see a few on my flight from DC, but we didnโ€™t high-five each other or anything before. The mood was different. The SEAPORT! I stayed at the seaport area, which was once where they had the expo. I like the seaport area, but it was much less busy clearly than I remembered. With no expo at the convention center and most people not staying there, it was just a regular weekend, and many were in for other things going on in the weekend, such as the Red Sox and Celtics games. This allowed me to at least find a place to grab some food, but like with anything, I recommend always making reservations because the seaport is the new up-and-coming district now. For Saturday, a significant change is my favorite 5k. I am not a fan of 5ks, but once I ran the Boston 5k, it was the Boston of 5ks. Folks are racing and all; itโ€™s also my slowest 5k because I took all my race pictures, and you get on the actual course its self. This year, there was no 5k, which felt weird. But in the change, there was a lot of progress as BAA helped support the local chapters of black men run and black girls run, Boston in their first shakeout run on Saturday morning. This run was more like a historical tour with stops and information on various historical moments in Boston that have impacted African Americans. For example, many affluent African-Americans in the early 1900s were only affluent due to working around the tin. On the surface, this sounds great, but it was only because the owners and companies would hire blacks. After all, they were cheaper labor than any other race. These low-paying wages for blacks were considered high for them during this time, thus changing the lives of many families. Shopping on Boyselon and Runners Things From the expo to the runnersโ€™ lounge, I think the most significant change weโ€™re seeing is the reduction of people there. I was able to make it through the expo and most lines without a wait on Saturday morning. I went to Tracksmith, Lululemon, and even the Nike store to enjoy recovery items, commemorative items, and lots of shopping because why not. We were able to meet up with many other folks in the area and grab a bite to eat to watch college football. The weather was perfect and excellent, and everyone was chilled. This didnโ€™t feel like race weekend as most people were just there on a regular weekend, and the lines werenโ€™t as crazy as usual. This was positive because Iโ€™m not too fond of lines and got the experience a lot that I missed before. However, I was sad because I thought about the amount of money lost during the typical Boston Marathon weekend for many local businesses. That evening, I ate with the Garmin group of ambassadors and team at Joeโ€™s, which is very popular and by the start line. We had a great time, and I was able to help the Garmin team during their first time at Boston with where to go and what to do. This felt more like a business meeting, one of the most significant aspects of going to Boston. There are many brands there, so this week is an excellent weekend for networking and showcasing to both domestic and international people. Itโ€™s easy to catch coffee or schedule meetings to discuss business plans, which I did with Garmin for 2022. Sunday Shakeout Sundays are filled with everyoneโ€™s shakeout runs. Let me be honest. There were a million more shakeout runs, and all of them started close to the Fan Fest area, close to the finish line. From iFit hosting aerobic and yoga classes outdoors to the Boston pioneers and even Garmin hosting shakeout runs, Sundays are filled with tons of them. Frankly, I was tired of shakeout runs, so I did my usual and took pictures with everyone and met many people in real life. We also went to attend prayer over athlete services but could not do so as they were turning people away for the first service. In the past, there was always room at the first service, so that I would go to that. This is the first time I have seen them turn away people before they start service too. They did an impromptu and prayed over us outside. I loved this. We were able to say safe and still have a prayer. Prayer is needed no matter if you are running the following day or in your life. Black Boston Marathoners Event The event was a crazy one. We have grown this event from just a handful of people to a waitlist of over 60 people. We had a news crew and a room full of first-time 6-star finishers and sub-3 athletes. The shirts were a hit as since we werenโ€™t able to deliver them to the Boston team locally to wear that weekend, we could give more to each person who attended. Adriene, who founded this meetup, will be announced as part of the new induces to the board of the BAA, which is a significant milestone. She continued to thank Brooks…

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Sports Bra Tips For Runners

The most important gear you need for running is your shoes. If you are a woman, add a sports bra for you. If you struggle with finding a sports bra for running, I am here to help share a few tips.

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Need Help Finding A
Sports Bra?

Looking to get started with running or walking but canโ€™t find sports bras to support you? Donโ€™t know where to look or get sized? There are so many choices in sports bras that it can be hard to know where to start. I made a series of articles and videos that can help you find your perfect sports bra. Get started today!

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Top Five Sports Bras for Large Breast

I am your Sports Bra Expert, Alexandria Williams and I am here to help you with upper body support!ย  With a collection of tips,ย  practical information, and styles, see what sports bras I am recommending this year!