Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Redmond.
Hi Allie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t grow up as a particularly active kid. I participated in sports, but was more there for the community aspect of it than anything else. Flash forward to 2020–the entire world had shut down and I needed some way to get out of the apartment. I started running, but unfortunately my motivation was completely wrong. I became obsessed with using running and movement to shrink my body as my mental health deteriorated and a genuine dislike for myself festered. This all culminated in a moment in which I really had to come to terms with all that I was struggling with. I ended up giving up running basically overnight because it had turned more into a form of self harm than self care.
The next few years of my life focused fully on healing my relationship with my mind, body and spirit. My main focus was to develop a genuine love and thankfulness for my body and what it could do.
That brings us to the Spring of 2024. Suddenly, I was faced with a ton of major life changes all at once and I needed to work through all of that in a productive way. I decided to give running another try, but this time I meditated on thankfulness and joy that I could move my body—that my body, exactly how it was, has carried me through my entire life and is strong. That is something to be celebrated.
I began posting my running journey online and over the course of the last year and a half I have had multiple people reach out to me saying that my vulnerability has made the sport of running seem more approachable, and those messages blow me away every single time.
Through this journey, I began to dream of starting a run club. I wanted a place where others, whether experienced runners or complete beginners, could come and connect with other individuals that share a mutual goal: finding joy through movement. I mentioned this to a follower on Instagram in June of 2024. We didn’t speak again until February of 2025 when she dm’d me saying, “Bestie, did you ever start that run club?” Within 48 hours, the “Hey Bestie, Run!” club was born and promoting our first club meeting in Columbia, SC.
We had twelve show up to that meeting, some being my friends that showed up to support me, others were complete strangers that found us online and were craving a community. Our run/walk club is open to all paces and people. In just a few months, my fellow club members have become some of my closest friends. Remember that follower that sent me that message? Not only did she inspire the name of our group, but I now cannot go a day without talking to her.
Sharing my running journey has connected me to old friends I hadn’t spoken to in years, introduced me to new friends and provided me with opportunities I never could have dreamed of a year ago. I love this sport and am honored to be in a place where I can introduce others to the same life change I have been fortunate enough to experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest obstacle I’ve encountered is that it is still a daily battle for me to remain in a healthy mindset when it comes to running and fitness. It wasn’t a switched that I flipped where I suddenly became mentally healthy, but a daily choice to love myself. I am open about this with my online and personal community, and that gives me a lot of purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a full-time nanny to a 3-year old and 18-month old. A lot of my content online also focuses on my relationship with these kids. This is my first nanny position so I’m learning a lot as I go.
One of the coolest parts of my job is that while I am diving into the kids’ schedules, I also get to invite them into mine a little bit. This June I ran my first half marathon in Portland, ME, and I did a lot of my training runs pushing my nanny kids in a stroller and having conversations with them along the way.
So, while I’m teaching them letters, music and words, I’m also getting to model a healthy relationship with my body for them through hydration, fueling, warming up and having fun with my movement.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would not be where I am today without my support system. My parents have supported me with unwavering grace as I’ve worked to salvage my mental health and purchased me my first pair of actual running shoes. My friends Danielle, Nick and sister Katie that let me talk them into running a half marathon with me so I didn’t have to train alone. Sybil, who first messaged me about starting a run club and has celebrated me every step of the way through its creation. My boyfriend, Will, who is my biggest fan and favorite running partner. Countless other friends who have followed along on my journey, sent me encouragement, prayed for me and my healing.
Lastly, I cannot contribute my healing to just myself and the sport of running. I truly do not believe I would be half the person I am today if it were not for my relationship with Jesus. While I have had friends that have listened over the last five years, my Savior has heard every word (both hateful and loving) toward my mind and my body and caught every tear I’ve shed along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/heybestierun
- Instagram: @alliewith_an_ie & @heybestieruncola
- Other: TikTok: @alliewith_an_ie
