Marisa Hird has been chasing the OTQ for 11 years. She put it on the shelf when she had her first baby in October 2018. Or so she thought. But after her baby boy was born, she found herself still wanting to push that limit in the marathon. So she went for it. And spoiler alert, MADE IT!

She DM’d us that using Athletes for Yoga helped her drop 7(!) minutes off her marathon time “and qualify for the Olympic Trials, all while surviving the first year of motherhood.” THIS is why we do what we do. Completely honored to help athletes reach their goals. Read on to meet Marissa and learn how she used yoga to qualify for the Trials.

Where did you qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon?

Monumental Marathon, 11/9/2019, Indianapolis IN | 2:43:23

What was the journey to that qualifier? Tell us everything!

I have been trying to qualify for the Olympic Trials for 11 years. I graduated college in 2008 with unfinished business in my running career and needed something to chase. I didn’t think I would have to/want to chase it for THIS long, but I’m so glad I did. Ideally I wanted to qualify before I got pregnant, but after too many “failed” attempts (some still good races, all good learning experiences, but not the ultimate goal), starting a family was more important. I got pregnant in early 2018 and Jack was born in October. I was very fortunate to be able to run/walk my entire pregnancy.

When I started getting back into running, very slowly, I brought up the crazy idea to my husband/coach that I just wanted to chase it ONE more time. Everyone talks about “mom strength” and I just wanted to try just once more. So, our plan was “one day at a time.” I increased mileage very slowly and added A4Y as much as I could. Starting with Resets and pretty much all the Prenatal Videos, then moving into Hip Strength + Stability and more intense videos. That was my strength training! It was quick, efficient, and I had everything I needed at my finger tips.

I work full time, have a baby that only contact sleeps and is still nursing, so I needed and STILL need anything that is quick and to the point. Going into Indy, I knew I had a PR in me — and it’s not because I was doing everything right or nailing every workout (hardly. I was working my ass off in a million different directions) but every day my training had intention and I WANTED IT SO BAD. I had never been so headstrong going into a race. I also knew I had nothing to lose. One last attempt, just go for it.

There was a 2:45 pace group and I also had a friend pace me during the race. It was so uplifting to run in a group of ladies with the same goal — we were all there for each other. My friend Dan stuck with me the whole time and dragged me through the last four miles when it really got rough. I couldn’t have asked for a better race experience. I didn’t look at my watch and didn’t look at the clocks until I got to the finish. My head was so in it and I trusted Dan would get me there and he did. Seeing that time on the clock was a pretty amazing feeling.

How did you use Athletes for Yoga in the training build up for this race?

I wish I could answer this with a specific routine or time frame. Any chance I had a few minutes, I turned on a video. Whether it was a Reset, or the first 10 minutes of some core work or hip stability, I just did what I could. Sometimes it was a few times a week, sometimes just once. I STILL enlist some of my coworkers to join me on the reset videos before we start our work day!

Most used Athletes for Yoga Video in your training ramp up for qualifier?

Hip Strength + Stability

Most used Athletes for Yoga Video(s) in your training ramp up for Olympic Trials?

All of the Resets, especially Hamstring and Hip Flexor.

How has using Athletes for Yoga changed how you feel?

It has kept me strong mentally and physically. I can strengthen what I need when my body needs it. I have learned so much about different body cues and ways to address issues before they even arise.

What are Your Olympic Trials Marathon race day goals?

My main goal is to not embarrass myself! I want to enjoy the experience and soak it all in, while still competing at my best.

How will you use yoga on race day / weekend?

I’ll stick the Resets that my body is yelling at me to do!

Race day mantra?

My son Jack loves this “Row Row Row your Boat” book and I’ve read it to him so many times that when my mind wanders, it wanders to this book. Not the most inspirational or motivating, but it’s something to think about when the suck starts to set in!

What word comes to you when you think of yourself at the start of the Olympic Trials?

Perseverance

Follow Marisa on IG. And watch the Olympic Marathon Trials on NBC!