So. It’s been a while.

First, I want to apologize for the length of this post. I don’t normally like to get so personal on my website, because, well, it’s my life and it’s personal… but I feel for some reason that I need to post all this. So if you don’t want to read, just delete from memory and move on to your next website.

I’d like to thank everyone for all the emails I’ve received, asking about how I’m doing, when I’m racing, what I’m up to, and just, in general, giving me continued support.

I know a lot of you have been wondering where I’ve been and if I’m even still alive (no kidding, I got a message on Facebook from some one that saw me race Eagleman last year asking me if I had died because he heard from someone that I was dead… I guess that when I responded back he got his answer).

So the short answer is, YES, I am still very much alive and kickin’ (as we say ‘round these parts). And well. Actually, I’ve never been better.

A lot has been going on in my life. And I think it’s finally time that I’m honest- with everyone. I’ve been honest with myself for quite some time, but that doesn’t mean that you can read my mind and just know what’s going on. Hints why I’ve gotten emails asking if I’m alive.

I’ve needed a break from a lot of things these past several months. Especially from training and racing. The sheer thought of racing repulsed me. And, living the dedicated professional athlete lifestyle for so many years now… I wasn’t really sure what to do with myself.

Things started to fall apart mid year last year, and I finally figured out after I was hit by a truck and forced to NOT train why exactly that was… I was burned out.

And it wasn’t like I was burned out just a little and needed a month or whatever off and take my off season break… I was burned out to the point I didn’t know if I would race again. Heck, I didn’t know if I would touch my bike again.

I feel like my burn out actually began my last season as a professional cyclist. A lot of things were going on with Joe being in Germany and my shoulder being separated. Sometimes I thought it was the injury that was causing me to second guess my career as an athlete, but I was actually “broken” at the Tri Peaks Cycling Challenge that year. I didn’t really want to ride, I didn’t want to race, all I wanted was… well, I didn’t know. I did know that Joe was really far away, I was not liking the bike, and that was messing with my whole reality because, well, I’ve always loved my bike ever since I learned how to clip in.

I transitioned to being a professional triathlete last year, which I thought would fix my lack of motivation because I wouldn’t be traveling near as much and that would keep me closer to Joe… fixing the anxiety I felt being away from him months at a time.

Well, the key difference, in looking back, to my “big tri training” at the beginning of the year compared to the “big bike training” I did at the beginning of my last season as a cyclist was that I really needed to meet up with people to go train. I needed someone to be there to make myself go out and do that 5 hour ride on the bike, I needed to have someone hold me accountable for those long workouts. Not really so much on the run and swim… but definitely on the bike.

Last year started off great. I jumped head first into the pro ranks with a provisional upgrade due to my results as a professional cyclist. I had a solid finish in my first 70.3 in California, went on to a win at Powerman Alabama, and then racked up second at Memphis in May. But then the nagging injuries flared up. Workouts didn’t feel great, which they hadn’t really in over a year. Sure I could push myself when I had to, but I hated it. It felt bad, just making it not very enjoyable. I never really told anyone this… even myself. I did what most athletes do… ignore the way I felt and just kept on going, HOPING that it would get better.

Well, it didn’t.

The injuries and imbalances I developed on my left side (however I managed to do that… who knows!) really got the better of me. To the point where I could barely get power to the bike much less propel myself through the run at long course tri worlds last year in France.

I took time off when I got home. Six weeks. That should make it better.

Well, it didn’t.

I still felt awkward on the bike and in the pool. But I trudged on.

During this time at home, surfing the internet for hours and checking my email until I was bored to death, I decided that I needed to get out of the house. I needed more to my life.

That is when I decided to start substitute teaching in Wake County. It was a great way for me to get out, make a little money, and stay flexible for training. I could also use my degree in education, which of course made my parents happy (after all, they paid for me to get through college).

I really enjoyed getting back in the classroom. I was kind of surprised… I don’t know why, but I was. Every day I would call my mom and tell her about my day. It was a great opportunity to figure out what area I really liked teaching. I subbed at elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

Then, the first day I was going to do a run after my time off, I was hit by the truck out in the middle of no where while riding my cross bike.

WHAT?

So that really helped my mental motivation state.

I again faced more forced time off, but this time I had the substitute teaching to fall back on to keep me occupied during all my unwanted “free” time. It was during this time that I really fell in love with teaching all over again, and I discovered a curriculum in Special Programs called Curriculum Assistance (CA) that helps all of the learning disabled and ADD/ADHD students. I never knew this program existed until I subbed at Athens Drive, but from the moment I subbed in that area, I knew that I’d LOVE to teach it full-time.

I was asked by our department chair if I’d be interested in teaching full time because one of the 9th grade CA teachers was retiring. I jumped at the chance. My parents were shocked. Joe was shocked. But ultimately, they were supportive of me, as they always are, unconditionally.

Not only was my family supportive, but my coach, Sonni Dyer, was also extremely supportive. He could tell that I needed some sort of balance in my life, and that the many years of one-sided training and racing lifestyle had just completely flipped me upside down. He wasn’t only supportive, he pushed me to go forward with my desire to teach… and he didn’t push my workouts.

I’ve done a lot of reflection the past 6 months. It’s taken a lot to find myself. But I’ve done that. And I’m amazed at the change I’ve seen in myself.

I’m now happily teaching full time at Athens Drive High School in special programs. This year I am teaching 9th grade CA, but next year I will be the Behavior Support Teacher and work with all the emotionally disabled and behavior challenged students. I am SO excited about it, although I know most people think I’m crazy.

I’ve went from not wanting to touch my bike for months on end to I can’t keep my hands off my bike for more than a day. I wake up every morning before school to run (and our school starts at 7:25am, so you do the math to figure out what time I actually wake up). I count the hours until I can get out to do my second workout of the day… whether it be a swim, bike, run, or a lift… or a combination.

I know part of finding peace with myself was transitioning from the road to the mountain bike this winter. It kinda makes sense that I’d find peace and tranquility in the heart of the woods… and every time I ride my mountain bike there’s something deeper I discover about myself. I suppose it’s a lot like running, being alone and on a trail in the middle of the woods has always been my calling… just like on the road bike I like to be climbing and surrounded by mountains. There is a pattern here that I’ve discovered… it takes the mountains and the purity of nature to help me find myself when I need it most. That is why it was so hard for me the past 6 months when I couldn’t find joy in those precious and sacred moments.

This season, because of my love of the mountain bike, I will be racing Xterra’s and several endurance mountain bike events. It’s yet another challenge and transition that I look forward to. And I know that I can master.

Looking back, I see the events of the past couple years and realize that all of those things added up have brought me to where I am right now. Would I change anything? No. I’ve become a stronger person mentally and physically. I’m more balanced, and in a way it’s helped me to see “who’s in, and who’s out” in supporting me unconditionally. I love teaching. I love training and racing. Now I can do both… and kick ass at both.

All of that said, I would like to thank all of my sponsors who continue to stand by me, especially Sonni and Studio 7 Multisport.

Soon I will be posting a more complete schedule for the season. And I’ll be updating regularly again.

Sorry for such a long post, but hopefully that didn’t bore you too much and you now have a better understanding what I’ve been going through the past half year.

The past month has went by really fast. It seems like just yesterday it was Halloween. Now Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas will be here before I know it. Time sure does fly once the Holidays hit.

I’ve been spending my time doing light training. Still very much in the off season, I’m just now starting to get in to a consistent structured week. Generally every week I have become more consistent, which is good. I’m building in the right direction at least!

It’s also good to be back in the gym with my strength coach, John Cowell. John is such a great influence on me- he is a true positive role model for all of his athletes. I love working out at his gym, Concious Fitness, because it’s quiet and I can get in a quality workout without fighting the crowds at a bigger YMCA or membership gym. It’s also just cool to be there, and be around John. You just get this attitude that you’re going to have the best workout of your life, and it really helps you focus and gives you this feeling of a higher purpose. Needless to say, everytime I leave the gym I always feel more confident and stronger- both mentally and physically.

I did do one mountain century with my friend, Amy Slater, in early November. It was so cold!! I don’t know why I decided a mountain century at the beginning of winter would be a great idea, but I did it. Especially with the little bit of biking that I had been doing, that was a TOUGH ride. The climbs weren’t bad. They were all highway grade, except for one. It had to be one of the longest rides of my life. I am just thankful that Amy kept me company and encouraged me to keep going. I was so happy that I finished! And, of course, we had a fun time talking the entire drive to and from Raleigh, so that was nice too.

The rest of my days (on a bike) have been spent on the trails here in the Triangle. Yeap, mountain bike trails… it’s been so much fun. I’ve been out to the trails with some friends who are good mountain bikers and they’re helping me with my technical skills. I’m enjoying it a lot, and that’s really important this time of year.

I’ll update again soon. Until then, happy training! Enjoy yourself and try not to get too crazy with the Holiday Rush!

ps. You have to try a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks if you haven’t had one yet this year. They are SO good. It’s my new favorite treat after a workout.

I’ve been tagged to list 5 things that you may not know about me by Alicia Parr. Okay, this is quite a task. I feel like I’m a really boring person, so I’m sorry it’s taken me a while to come up with these.

1. I was born in Sylva, NC while my dad was still in college at Western Carolina University. I actually went to class with him a few times as a baby. So I went to college before I went to kindergarten!
2. I love to make things. I’m creative, and I enjoy painting, sewing, quilting, knitting… you name it. I like to just teach myself how to do things, so I have a small collection of art supplies in my house so I can make things when I want. I’ve painted several canvases that we have in our house. Mostly pictures of the North Carolina mountains… because that is my favorite place on Earth.
3. So that’s my third thing- the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains are my absolute most favorite place on the planet. I would live there, die there. After all the places I’ve traveled, there still is no comparison.
4. I never want to live in a big house. I hate the idea of a huge house. The idea of “the bigger the better” just isn’t my personality. Rather, I’d prefer a smaller, more intimate house with lots of detail in the architechture. I’m a big fan of the “Not So Big House.”
5. I listen to Hip Hop/Rap music. This annoys Joe to no end… but I can’t help it.

Now I have to “Tag” five other people to do this crazy exercise. I tag: Courtney Brown, Greg Little, Clara Beard, Holly Borowski, and Jerry Cody.

This was really hard for me to do, so I’m glad I’m done!

I caught the flu and was sick as a dog for 2 weeks straight right after I started training again from the truck accident. Nothing like putting a complete halt to training…

and thus ended my 2007 triathlon season.

I didn’t have enough time to get build back into running form to be able to complete the half marathon needed for a 70.3 after getting sick, so I called up the people at Ironman and told them to cancel my registration for Clearwater. Disappointing.

However, I’m moving forward and enjoying the off season now. I’m taking the time to build back into training slowly and safely (to prevent any injury) and I’m really enjoying my workouts. I still have a friend who is training for Clearwater, and some of my other friends are starting back up now so I have some people to join in with on workouts.

More exciting news is lately I have begun baking again. I’ve always enjoyed cooking a lot, but since I found out I am gluten intolerant I haven’t baked anything in over a year. Anytime I’ve wanted a gluten free treat I have went to Whole Foods and spent pretty much all my savings to buy a cookie, muffin, sandwich bread, or pizza crust.

I decided this week to stop feeling so helpless baking with wheat substitutes and just give it a try. If things didn’t turn out perfect, who cares?? I’ll either eat it or throw it out if it’s terrible! So, I of course have to buy all these different flours and cooking stuffs at Whole Foods, but it wasn’t near as expensive and now I can make mountains of muffins and cookies and breads… which makes me very happy. I’ll have to post some pictures on here of the things I’ve made. They’re as pretty as they are yummy!

So thank goodness I am back to doing my long rides on the weekends so I can indulge in these baked goodies without too much guilt!

Training is going well, I’m enjoying myself. And I’ve picked up a hobby again (baking) that I loved and have missed for some time. It’s a great start to the off season… which means it’s a great start for my new year in 2008.

I was inducted into the East Burke High School Hall of Fame last weekend. What a pleasant surprise to be recognized for my running accomplishments in High School! Especially after my accident and my training put to a halt temporarily, this was a very nice way to remembered as an athlete.

It was very humbling and intimidating when they read off my accolades to the crowd. Here is a list of some of them:

Top 25 All Time fastest times in 4A High School 1600m and 3200m

1999 State 4A Track 1600m Champion
1999 State 4A Track 3200m Champion - photo

4A Regional Track 1600m Champion
4A Regional Track 3200m Champion

Queen City Relays 3200m Champion

1999 Herbster Classic 1 mile Champion
1999 Herbster Classic 3200m Champion

1999 North Western 4A Conference Track 1600m Champion
Alisha Little, East Burke, 5:07.92 Conference record

1999 North Western 4A Conference Track 3200m Champion
Alisha Little, East Burke, 11:10.46 Conference record

1999 Indoor Track State Champion 1600m and 3200m

N.C. All-Time Top 100 Performers at McAlpine Park
1998 State 4-A Champion
Alisha led 28 girls under 20:00 with a time of 18:13.6, fastest time all classifications

North Western 4A Regional Cross Country Campion- photo
Northwestern 4A Conference Cross Country Champion, setting a new Conference Record of 17:49
1998 Wendy’s Invitational Champion
1998 Freedom Invitational Champion

Holds records at East Burke in the:
1600 meters 5:04.9
3200 meters 10:57.1
Cross Country 17:49

Undefeated in Cross Country all season
Five time state Champion 1998 - 1999
Athlete of the year in Cross Country NW4A Conference 1998
Recruited to run at NC State Fall 1999

I have long since forgotten most of these accomplishments, and I still have never really put it all together in my mind what they all mean. People ask me all the time what it feels like to have done so much.

Honestly, I thought after all these years that I would be able to come up with a better answer… but I have to say that my answer still is and always will be “I was just running.”

I love running- I always will.

Thank you very much to the East Burke Athletic Association for allowing me to be a part of the Hall of Fame.

I realize that it’s been a long time since there has been any update on my website, and I felt like it was time to write and explain what’s been going on in my life since my last post.

Since Worlds in France I took a break from training to get myself ready for the second half of my season. This second half was extremely important to me– it had two World Championship races in it. The first being Long Course Du Worlds and, the second, Clearwater Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

After my break, training was going well, and I slowly began my build. I was enjoying workouts and things looked better and better every day for Du Worlds.

Then, over labor day weekend, I was hit by a truck head on while biking in the mountains near my parents’ house. I know what most of you were thinking… “oh if you would only stay off busy roads!” But I was not on a busy road at all. I was not, in fact, on a paved road either. I was riding my cross bike out on some desolate logging roads in the back country. I’ve ridden on these roads many times and have never seen a car or person for that matter. And yes, I was alone.

The truck came around a blind curve just as I was about to come around in the opposite direction. I had no where to go except for the hood of the truck. I flipped over the hood, and landed in the ditch next to the truck.

I quickly stood up, checking my right knee b/c that was where I knew I had hit the truck. The person who hit me I think was more scared than I was… he thought he’d killed me. He took me to the ER and my mom met me there… along with several of her friends and their families.

Xrays at the ER showed no broken bones. After a few more days, I went to my Chiropractor, Dr. Swank, who has been absolutely instrumental in my recovery. He ordered an MRI of my knee, started immediate physical therapy in his office, and has adjusted my knee to get it back in alignment (it was knocked out of place from the impact).

I’m happy to say that two and a half weeks later I am biking again and I will start running again soon.

It’s been difficult to see this last half of my season slip away. But I’m also thankful that I’m alive after this accident, and I’ll have a complete recovery. It could have turned out much, much worse than it did.

I’d like to say thank you to those who have been supportive of me during this time. It’s not been easy to stay focused with the pain of my knee, and it’s felt like “life isn’t fair” to me a little too much recently. However, I think I had it completely wrong. Life is good. And I’m glad that I’m going to get to keep on living it.

Now it’s time to get on with the off season, and start thinking about next year. I will not be racing Long Course Duathlon Worlds, since I am still not able to run and have just started biking again. Clearwater is still an undecided, I will make a decision about it closer to the race… although at this point it looks very unlikely.

It’s been scorching hot across much of the US this year. Especially in Raleigh, the heat and humidity this summer has been higher than normal and Alisha has been using this weather to key in her hydration for races.

In hot weather hydration plays a vital role in an athlete’s performance… especially that of an Ironman Triathlete. When you’re out training for hours it’s key to keep your body’s electrolytes in balance to properly absorb your nutrition intake.

“Hot temperatures effect everyone differently, but I have always liked the heat,” says Lion. “It’s been fun these past couple weeks experimenting with different fluids and electrolyte supplements to see what works best for me.”

Alisha leaves for France next week for ITU Long Course Triathlon Worlds. Her training has kept her busy and she wishes everyone who’s racing the Triangle Triathlon in Raleigh, NC this weekend the best of luck!

Some Tips for Summer Hydration:

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when exercising
• Be sure to replace electrolytes lost during your workout- Nuun citrus fruit tablets are Alisha’s favorite
• Carry a small water bottle with you during long runs, or wear a hydration belt
• Always have fluids with you pool side - you sweat during pool workouts even if you don’t realize it! Take sips between your sets, or anytime you have a pause in your workout.

Alisha finished in 8th place with a personal record 4:31:25 versus world-class competition at the Eagleman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Cambridge, Maryland this weekend. The race drew over 2,100 participants, the largest and most competitive field yet in its sixth running, including a slew of world leading athletes and Ironman champions. Despite hot and humid weather in the week leading up to the race, Sunday morning provided ideal racing conditions, including relatively calm waters, moderate temperatures starting out in the upper 60s, and overcast skies for most of the day, shielding the athletes from the hot, Atlantic seaboard sun.

Race winner Natascha Badmann from Oftringen, Switzerland gave a dominating performance, setting a new Ironman 70.3 world record of 4:08:18 in route to her 4th Eagleman 70.3 win. Badmann was followed by Mirinda Carfrae (4:13:18), Pip Taylor (4:14:43), and Desiree Ficker (4:17:47). Alisha was the 3rd of only 4 Americans in the top-10.

Alisha was proud of her finish against such a strong field, but admits there is still room for improvement, growth and experience. “I felt like my swim really came together today, and I was in good position coming out of the water,” Alisha said. “I had some hip and hamstring pain that slowed me down on the bike and run, but I have to be happy because I still came out with a PR! I look forward to racing again next month and pulling together solid performances in all three events.”

Alisha will head to L’Orient, France in early July where she will join 3 other elite American females to represent the USA in the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships.

News Coverage:

• Results
• Ironman Live
• Triathlete Magazine
• Cambridge Online

Studio 7 Multisport held an Elite Triathlon Camp in the mountains of North Carolina over memorial day weekend. Hard core triathletes from all over the Carolina’s came to meet at a secluded lodge on Kerr Scott lake. The location provided access to open water swimming, rolling terrian for fast TT rides, and great trail systems for running.

Alisha enjoyed her time up in the mountains, especially since that’s where she started cycling and finished up her college running career. “It’s always like home coming back to the mountains. I’ve been many places all over the world, but I stand by the opinion that the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains really are the most beautiful in the world.”

With such a beautiful atmosphere for training, the athletes were without a doubt pushed to their limits. The Studio 7 coaches provided constant feedback and assessment during their three day stay at the lodge.

When asked what she took away from the camp the most, Alisha responded, “I was constantly impressed by the availability of the Stuido 7 coaches for each of the athletes. No one was given more attention than another person, each indivudal had his/her needs completely tailored to. To me it was just so cool to see each athlete in their own niche. We had Ironman athletes, Sprint athletes, Olympic athletes, and Duathletes … of all levels and of all ages. This was my first triathlon camp experience, and it was really neat to see each person in their own groove. Everyone had their difference strengths in different sports. Some were strong swimmers, others strong cyclists or runners.”

Studio 7 Multisport looks forward to next year for another successful training camp.