Ali Lopez: From half-marathon to ultra success

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In Episode 10 of the Running Tales podcast, in collaboration with Run Tri Bike, Craig Lewis chats with the inspiring Ali Lopez, whose incredible running journey began at 48 and has since taken her from half marathons to ultra running! 

Ali shares her experiences of starting later in life, transitioning to trails, and how running has transformed her both physically and mentally.

Her story begins with her first half-marathon, followed by an emotional journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She discusses the highs and lows of that experience, including the struggle to break the four hour marathon mark, and how crossing the finishing line at Boston felt like being a rock star! 

But that’s just the beginning - Ali’s passion for the sport led her to the trails, where she discovered a love for ultra running, and a new kind of endurance challenge.

Throughout the episode, she delves into the unique aspects of ultra running, including the laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community. She shares how her first ultra, a six hour timed race where she completed 32 miles, opened her eyes to the supportive, fun side of the sport. 

Ali also recounts her emotional experience training for the Vermont 100, only for the race to be cancelled due to severe flooding. Despite the setbacks, Ali remains grateful for the journey, demonstrating the mindset every endurance athlete strives for: love the process, not just the race.

One of the most powerful parts of the interview centres on Ali’s resilience in overcoming a detached retina, a life-changing injury caused by an exercise band accident. She underwent multiple surgeries to restore her vision, facing challenges with depth perception and night running. Yet, Ali never gave up. Her first race back, an emotional 5K, stands as a testament to her strength and perseverance.

Ali also talks openly about using running as a tool for mental health, helping her overcome body image struggles and eating disorders. The episode emphasises the power of mindset and community in running, as Ali reflects on how her training has helped her navigate life’s challenges.

Looking ahead, she shares her plans for the future, including tackling the Yeti 100 after a recent cancellation due to Hurricane Helene. She’s also eyeing a potential 200-mile ultra, proving that age is just a number when it comes to endurance running.

This episode is packed with inspiration, motivation, and heartfelt moments that will leave you ready to hit the trails.