Today we’d like to introduce you to James & Heather Alexander.
Hi James & Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
James and Heather Alexander grew up in the same neighborhood in Atlanta but were not acquainted as children. After some time in college James joined the military and was deployed during Desert Storm; while he was overseas, Heather began writing to him by mail. Their correspondence blossomed into love, they married in 1997, and in 2007 James’s job transferred them to Columbia, South Carolina.
The couple focused on careers and family life for years. In 2012 James made a personal health change after significant weight gain: he took up running and completed his first 5K in 2013. Inspired, Heather also began running and ran her first 5K that same year. James later progressed to triathlons, ultimately completing five full Ironman events, while Heather finished several sprint triathlons.
In early 2021 the Harborside Village Green Race Series was launched in their neighborhood to support Children’s Charities of the Midlands and quickly became a popular community event. When the original race director was transferred in 2024, James and Heather stepped in to run the series. Under their leadership the series continued its community focus: in 2025 they organized three races and raised more than $10,000 for the charity. For 2026 they have expanded the calendar to four races plus a charity bowling tournament, aiming to raise additional funds and broaden the pool of beneficiaries who receive support.
Their story, from swim teammates to military deployment, to endurance athletes and community race directors, reflects a long commitment to each other and to the neighborhood. The Harborside Village Green Race Series under James and Heather’s guidance promises more community events and growing charitable impact in the years ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When James and Heather assumed leadership of the race series, they stepped into a role that came with immediate challenges. The original race director had relocated, leaving them to organize their very first event with limited resources. They relied heavily on dedicated volunteers who had supported the previous director and on borrowed equipment such as tables, speakers, and other essential race-day items.
Early on, James and Heather recognized the need to become more self-sufficient. They made the decision to invest in their own equipment, allowing them to streamline race preparation and ensure consistency from one event to the next. While this required an upfront investment, it ultimately made race days more efficient and sustainable.
As the series grew, they also immersed themselves in learning the nuances of the Columbia running community. They discovered that participation can vary widely depending on the local race calendar. Runners often compete for points, and when multiple races are scheduled on the same day, attendance is naturally divided. In response, James and Heather began collaborating with Columbia running clubs to identify optimal race dates that would avoid conflicts and better serve the running community.
Another significant learning curve involved race timing and scoring. By implementing their own timing systems, they reduced their reliance on outside services, creating substantial cost savings. Those savings now translate directly into increased contributions to the charitable organizations supported by the race series.
Like any growing operation, the series has faced its share of logistical hurdles, from managing late registrations to addressing restroom availability on race day. Each challenge has provided valuable lessons. With every race, James and Heather have adapted, planned more proactively, and remained flexible, all while maintaining a strong sense of perseverance. These experiences have shaped not only the success of the race series but also the resilient foundation on which it continues to grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Beyond their work with the race series, James and Heather bring decades of professional experience and a shared commitment to service that strongly influence how they lead and give back to the community.
James has been employed with Aetna Insurance since 1997, serving in several roles over the years. He currently works as a Senior Account Executive that manages health insurance for national accounts, where his focus is on maintaining long-standing client relationships while continuing to build new ones. Known for his consistency and people-first approach, James takes pride in fostering trust and connection, skills that naturally translate into organizing successful, community-centered race events.
Heather brings more than 32 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has taught both elementary and middle grade students in regular and special education settings. She now serves as an instructional coach, working closely with educators to strengthen instructional practices and support student achievement growth. Heather became National Board Certified in 2012 and was named Teacher of the Year in 2015, honors that reflect her dedication to excellence and leadership in education.
What sets James and Heather apart is the way their professional strengths intersect. Their combined backgrounds in relationship-building, leadership, organization, and service shape every aspect of the race series. Together, they are most proud of creating events that not only run efficiently but also strengthen community ties and maximize support for local charities, turning their professional passions into meaningful impact beyond the workplace.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When asked about the resources that help them do their best—both professionally and personally—James and Heather point to a combination of intentional habits, wellness-focused tools, and daily reflection. Together, they work diligently to maintain a positive mindset grounded in wellness and strength, believing that personal health plays a vital role in leadership, service, and community impact.
Both prioritize a healthy lifestyle and regularly research nutrition, balanced eating habits, and sustainable ways to build and maintain strength through consistent, positive habits at the gym. They draw inspiration from wellness-focused apps, books, and blogs that emphasize long-term health, accountability, and mindset, rather than quick fixes. These resources help guide their routines and reinforce the importance of caring for both physical and mental well-being.
Reflection is also a key part of their daily lives. James and Heather intentionally take time to look back on each day celebrating progress, learning from challenges, and resetting their focus for what lies ahead. Central to this practice is their shared faith, which provides grounding, perspective, and purpose in both their work and personal lives.
Through these practices, James and Heather strive not only to improve themselves but also to inspire others to pursue healthier habits, resilience, and balance. They believe that showing up with consistency, gratitude, and a positive mindset creates a ripple effect, one that benefits their families, their work, and the communities they serve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/village_green_race_series/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarborsideVillageGreenRaceSeries/
