Alyssa Ventress

REDEFINING STRENGTH THROUGH 26.2

Which accomplishment(s) do you feel best represents your dedication, growth, or mindset?

In this phase of life, running and completing my first half marathon in February of this year as well as the LA Marathon in March, are the accomplishments that represent my dedication, growth, and mindset.

A Path Built Through Running and Purpose

Was this a path you always dreamed about, or one you discovered along the way?

This was something I wanted to do starting this past summer. After a difficult 2025, I wanted to add some more structure and guidance to my life. I was also enamored by the joy and sense of accomplishment at the finish line and I knew this was something I wanted to experience myself. I hadn’t felt those feelings since being on a college dance team and competing at nationals or performing at games. I thought that a marathon would be a great way for me to ground my life while working towards a big goal.

Patience, Training, and the Marathon Process

Looking back, what part of this journey took longer or required more patience than you expected?

Honestly, the last month of training was the slowest and most mentally taxing because I was fresh off my first half marathon and ready for another race. My body still had a ways to go but I was anxious to get to that start line and take the next step. I put into practice a lot of the mental toughness I learned from college dance team and reminded myself of the importance of putting in the work especially when you’re so close to the finish line. This portion of my training was mainly spent on gym treadmills putting in miles before work or my day began. It was unglamorous and tedious, but so valuable to my physical and mental preparation.

What did progress look like for you when things weren’t yet working?

Progress was slow, early mornings when I would wake up before the sun and clock more miles. It was figuring out my easy pace was a lot slower than what I was originally training at. It was pulling back when I endured my first minor injury and had to shift my mindset from max effort to listening to my body. Progress was the consistent, quiet discipline that made me mentally and physically stronger.

The Strength You Don’t See: Patience, Discipline, and Endurance

What was the hardest internal battle you had to navigate on this journey?

The hardest part for me was patience. Marathons are the idiom of slowing down and being patient and marathon training is even slower than the race itself. My easy-pace, four or five mile runs were hands-down the hardest runs for me mentally. I just wanted to quickly get through them at my faster, more comfortable pace. I wanted to be done. But endurance is built in the slow mileage, so I was forced to practice a lot of patience and it definitely was worth it. Now, I try to apply that mindset to my daily life when things feel slow or mundane. The work will be worth it.

Managing Pressure and Listening to Your Body

What kind of pressure did you feel (external or self-imposed) and how did you learn to manage it?

I put a lot of pressure on myself on a regular basis so going into this training block, I knew I had to be kind to myself and listen to my body above all else. So, that’s what I did: I was kind to myself and listened to my body. That was how I was able to overcome my self-doubt, fear, internal pressure, and overall negativity. If my body was overly tired one day, I would be sure to get to bed extra early so I was refreshed the next. If I was in pain, I would make recovery my priority. That’s helped me pull back on my own rigidity and dispel any self-induced pressure.

Commitment When Motivation Isn’t There

What did staying committed look like on the days motivation wasn’t there?

I kept imagining the girl that set this initial goal. I didn’t want to let her down. She was the one that was putting in the work each day, so when I struggled with motivation, I reminded myself of my past self who was brave enough to attempt this goal. I wanted to get her to the finish line, just as much as my current self.

Mental Skills Behind Marathon Training

What mental skills from sport or performance showed up most in this chapter of your life?

Confidence
Emotional regulation
Self-talk
Resilience
Identity flexibility

Shifting Relationship with Failure

How has your relationship with failure changed over time?

Failure has always been difficult for me, being a more rigid person, and it’s something I continue to work on. However, this training block helped me accept the ups and downs of intense physical training and helped me rationalize my “failures”. I think that failing can propel us forward in a way that simply succeeding cannot. For example, I made some mistakes on my marathon and finished with a time I wasn’t super happy with, but after examining what I could have done better and properly celebrating this huge accomplishment, I was reinvigorated with the drive to do another marathon and push even more. I’m not sure if I would have felt the same way if I didn’t experience those challenges.

Identity, Growth, and Redefining Success

Did you ever have to redefine what success meant to you?

Yes. Success in the past meant being at the top. But I was humbled throughout this process and I’m grateful for that. I knew I wasn’t going to be the fastest out there, but I was so worried about what others would think about my pace or time. That got me nowhere. I needed to do this for me and me only. That meant finishing this marathon, no matter what. Times and pace aside, I wanted to set out to do this and actually complete it free of injury and full of joy. And I did!

How has who you are changed because of this journey- not just what you do?

This journey reignited my spirit and appreciation for the small moments in life. I always understood I could do anything I set my mind to, but crossing that finish line helped me to actually believe. I did this race for me, but I experienced so much love from the people in my life through this process, that it reminded me to love myself too. I am so grateful for the people that supported me on this journey because I could not have achieved it without them. Each day I wake up with more gratitude and a willingness to practice self-love.

Reflection & Advice: Trusting the Process

What would you tell your younger self during the hardest part of this journey?

You’re stronger than you think you are. I was inspired to tackle this feat after having a tough 2025. I lost myself in so many ways and I wanted to give myself something to work towards that would help me refocus and find myself again. A year ago, I never could have imagined that I’d want to run a marathon, let alone finish one! I felt too weak in mind and body, but all of that self-doubt is what brought me to this crossroads of either succumbing to the negativity or overcoming it. That’s when I started to remind myself of how strong I have to be and it wasn’t long until I started to actually believe it.

For someone who feels behind or unsure right now, what would you want them to hear?

You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be! I struggle with imposter syndrome or feeling behind all the time, but this process taught me the beauty in the journey. I love setting new goals and achieving them feels great, but the process of getting there is my true joy. I learned to enjoy every sunrise, every new mile increase, every minor achievement. None of that would’ve happened if I didn’t relish in being exactly where I needed to be for every baby step.