Ila Allen Isn’t Using Age As An Excuse To Not Achieve Her Goals
Ila Allen has been a contributing member of the Diz Runs Facebook group for as long as I can remember.
Today she will be joining me on the show as I get to know more about her “zero dark thirty” runs that are an inspiration to many, myself included.
I am looking forward to going a few easy miles with Ila Allen.
Ila Allen
Stress Relief
When running first entered Ila’s life it was stressful time.
Ila was working full time while going to school to finish her doctorate degree.
She was functioning on 3-4 hours of sleep a night.
It was Ila’s brother that suggested she begin running as a way to ease some of her stress.
It was winter in Chicago at the time Ila first began the Couch to 5k program.
At first, running was just one more thing that she “had” to do.
It didn’t take long for running to become something Ila looked forward to and began to prioritize in her busy life.
It was during her first year of running that Ila connected with the nationwide group Black Girls Run (BGR).
My Race, My Pace
It was early on in her running that Ila realized that she preferred to slow down her pace and go longer distances.
Ila admits at one time in the early stages of her running she got caught up in her times and paces.
The focus on beating a certain time took the joy out of running for Ila.
Now when Ila races, she has her own goals that she sets that don’t have to do with pace.
Ila has run numerous races in Chicago including the half and full marathons.
After multiple years of running the same distances, Ila decided she needed a change.
Ila had never heard of an ultra marathon when she came across an article in Runner’s World on the topic.
She was intrigued and began researching what ultras were nearby.
Ila Allen
All About The Community
Ila’s first ultra she signed up for was the Chicago Lakefront 50/50.
After completion of her first 50k Ila was hooked on ultras and even more on the community itself.
Ila found that the ultra community was all about camaraderie and just finishing regardless of pace.
In 2017, Ila completed her first 50-mile race.
That first 50 miler was the most challenging thing she had ever done in her life.
The frigid temperatures, challenging course, and elevation were in addition to the many other obstacles Ila faced during the race.
Even with all the adversity, Ila still made it to the finish line.
Age Is Just A Number
Ila first began running at the age of 54 and is now 62.
When she was younger she never cared about exercise.
Her diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was eye-opening and was the push she needed to take control of her life.
Ila is spreading her message, “not to let age get in the way of what you want to do.”
Her health is the best it’s ever been and she has lost 45 pounds in the process.
For the past 2 years, Ila has been living a vegan lifestyle.
Her new lifestyle has allowed her to cut the meds she takes in half while also decreasing inflammation.
Zero Dark Thirty
Ila has big goals and big goals come with a lot of training.
Ila has no choice but to stay consistent if she wants to accomplish everything she sets her mind to.
Her “Zero Dark Thirty” crew help her to stay consistent and to cut out any excuses.
Ila connected with a local running club that meets twice a week at 5:30 am to run.
As Ila has found out first hand, they run in almost any weather all throughout the year.
Running in all types of weather have prepared Ila to be able to adjust to any type of weather come race day.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stay connected with Ila Allen by following her on Instagram and/or Twitter.
Ila Allen began running at the age of 54 an is now an ultra runner. She is proof that anyone can accomplish their goals regardless of age. Click To Tweet
As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!
Want to Support the Continued Growth & Production of the Show?
Check out the support page for ideas and suggestions of ways you can help me grow the show. And remember, not all support involves money. Some of the best ways you can show your support are 100% free.
Subscribe to the Show
Never miss another episode of the Diz Runs Radio by subscribing to the show, and for my fellow Apple fans out there, it’s never been easier now that the podcast app is native on the new operating system. iPhone/iPod/iPad users click here. Android users click here. SoundCloud users click here.
Please Give Me Some Feedback!
Take the 6 question listener survey to help me shape the future of this podcast.
Register for a Free Race Training Plan
Every month, I’m giving away a FREE training plan for the race of your choice. For details/information, and to sign up, just click here.
Join The Tribe!
There’s always room for more members of the tribe! Both the Facebook group and the email group provide opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. The Facebook group is still small, but it is a great way to connect with fellow runners and foster community amongst like-minded individuals. The email group is THE way to stay up to date about future guests on the show, as well as getting some other freebies and offers that aren’t available to anyone else. If you’ve got questions about either/both, just let me know!
Listened to this one partly on my long run this weekend and partly on a drive to work this weekend – got to know so much about someone who’s smiling face is seen in the Facebook group.
Ila is such an awesome lady. Glad you enjoyed this one Russ!