Team Member Spotlight

From the coastal roads of Corpus Christi to race courses across Texas and beyond, Dora Alaniz embodies what it means to show up—not just for the miles, but for the people, the purpose, and the process. A longtime member of the Texas Beef Team, Dora’s journey is less about pace and podiums and more about persistence, connection, and discovering just how far she can go.

At the recent 2026 Beef Team Retreat, Dora was recognized with the Treadburner Award—an honor given to the team member who ran the most non-sponsored races over the past year. Her total? An incredible 59 races (not even counting the sponsored races)! It’s a number that reflects not just commitment, but a deep love for the sport and the community around it.

A Journey Fueled by Purpose and Running Her Own Race

Dora, who works in Human Resources, has been running for about 15 years. Like many, she started for simple reasons—“I remember signing up in those early years just because the medal looked cool”—but what kept her going runs much deeper.

“I stay motivated because of my health,” she shares. “There was a point where I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. I knew I didn’t want to spend this season of my life relying on medications so I made a change. Choosing movement. Choosing better habits. Choosing me.”

Dora doesn’t track PRs or chase times. In fact, she’s intentional about not putting that pressure on herself. “My goal is always to finish,” she says. “That’s the part that makes this journey fun.”

And while she’s completed countless 5Ks, several 10Ks, and three half marathons, she’s now training for something new—and a little intimidating: her first marathon at the Chicago Marathon, in her original hometown. “It is GO TIME. This one scares me,” she admits. “My first marathon. In my hometown. Full circle moment.”

Dora’s path hasn’t been easy. Born with hip dysplasia and having undergone multiple surgeries, she’s had to work harder than most just to toe the starting line. “I know I’ll never be the fastest runner,” she says. “But I show up anyway. The fact that I’ve made it this far isn’t something I take lightly.”

That mindset—resilient, grounded, and grateful—defines her approach to both running and life.

The Power of Community

Ask Dora about her favorite Beef Team memories, and she doesn’t hesitate to highlight the people. 

For example, during one early race, she nearly gave up. Then something unexpected happened. “I started hearing ‘Go Beef!’ Strangers were cheering me on like they’d known me forever. Something shifted in that moment and that energy carried me all the way to the finish line.”

She adds, “Wearing the Beef Team jersey means more than just being part of a team. It represents community, support, and believing in each other when it matters most.”

That sense of belonging extends beyond race day. Dora recalls attending her first team retreat alone, unsure and hesitant. “I went anyway. By the end of that weekend, I walked away with something I didn’t expect—genuine friendships… a reminder that sometimes you just must show up… even when it feels uncomfortable.”

Hobbies, Fuel and Life Beyond the Miles

When she’s not running, Dora also hits the gym four times a week and golfs on occasion. She fills her time with travel, photography, gardening, and volunteering—something she’s deeply passionate about. “I want to be remembered as someone who showed up, gave back, and made a difference in people’s lives… not for recognition, but because community matters.”

She also embraces solo adventures: “I enjoy venturing out alone with no plan to discover new things. There is so much I have learned about myself by exploring.”

As a Beef Team member, Dora incorporates beef as a key part of her training nutrition, especially as she prepares for Chicago. “It’s not just about miles on the pavement—it’s about fueling with the nutrients my body needs to recover, rebuild, and perform at its best.”

Her go-to cuts? Brisket for gatherings and Ribeye for date nights. And she’s currently on a unique culinary mission— “I am on a quest to try every edible part of a cow.” 

Her favorite dish in this mission? “Tripas! I am currently working on perfecting my recipe.”

Moments That Matter

Dora’s story is full of memorable (and sometimes funny) moments—like the time she accidentally wore her race medal as part of her graduation regalia after squeezing in a race just hours before the ceremony.

But more than anything, she treasures the simple, meaningful advice she’s picked up along the way: “Savor every moment. There will come a time when you won’t be able to do this anymore… Take the pictures. Capture the memories.”

Whether she’s running solo along the Corpus Christi coast, chatting her way through race miles, or showing up for yet another starting line, Dora Alaniz is a powerful reminder that running isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation.

“Running is the greatest metaphor for life,” she says, quoting because you get out of it what you put into it.” And Dora? She’s putting in everything—and inspiring others to do the same.