September 10, 2018

Runcoach Success Story: Ali

Written by Neely Gracey
Rate this item
(1 vote)
    Ali's story represents so many of us. Learning from mistakes, growing as runners and people as we create our goals and then journey towards them along the never straight path to success. Ali has learned what his body needs to complete over 165 races: Consistency in training, a healthy diet, enough rest, and access to experienced coaches who can guide him along the way. 

    Major milestone: Screen_Shot_2018-09-10_at_9.14.31_PM

    Completed 165 races.

    What is the secret to your success?
    The secret to my success is being able to get in my training as much as possible for every marathon. Also, eating a healthy diet and continuously exercising keeps me fit.

    What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
    The biggest obstacle to reaching my goals was getting dehydrated during the 2017 LA Marathon. This was overcome by changing my diet and exercise routine.

    What is the most rewarding part of training?
    The most rewarding part of my training is being able to take rests. Also, getting medals after races is rewarding.

    What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
    Keep as close to running your assigned miles as possible.

    Anything else you would like to share?
    Runcoach is an excellent training program. It gives runners a sense of life outside of just training. It is a way runners can keep better track of their training schedule. It has many experienced runners who work for the program.

  • What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
  • The Runcoach website has been built very carefully. The live chat's have been a way to keep my training at a efficient level. The website has many features that are helpful.
Last modified on September 10, 2018
Neely Gracey

Neely Gracey

Neely was born into this sport, literally. Her dad (Steve Spence, 1992 Olympic marathoner and 1991 World Champs Bronze Medalist) was running the Boston Marathon on the day she was born. She grew up in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and in 8th grade set some big goals for herself.

While running for Shippensburg University, Neely broke Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) records, won 17 PSAC titles, and was named the conference athlete of the year for every season while at Shippensburg from 2008 to 2011. She is an eight-time NCAA DII Champion and still holds two NCAA records.

In 2016, Neely debuted at the Boston Marathon and was the first American finisher in 2:35. Later that year, she took it a step further with a 2:34 and 8th place finish at the NYC marathon. In 2017, Neely clocked victories at Rock ‘n Roll’s Arizona, New Orleans, and Chicago Half Marathons and was Runner-Up at the USA half marathon and 25k Championship races. She is excited for what the next year will bring as she pauses from her running career to start a family. She ultimately hopes to build towards the 2020 Olympic year.

Today, Neely lives in Boulder, CO with her husband Dillon and their Vizsla, Strider. They are happily entrenched in the running community. Between training, and competing, she enjoys coaching and helping other runners chase their goals!

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Latest from Neely Gracey

back to top