Ali on the Run Show

"I wasn't going to let a few bad laps on a circle in Asia redefine how I feel about myself. And I've been that way with the good things, too. The last Olympics, I was on a circle in South America and it went differently, it went great. And it's fun, and it's way more fun to do well, but also, this is a game. I'm choosing to commit my life to this game, and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose." It's New York City Marathon week! And I had the pleasure of getting to host a live show with New Balance at the 1 Hotel Central Park South with an all-star panel of guests: professional athletes Emma Coburn and Dani Jones, Peloton instructor Selena Samuela, and Stolen Starts ambassador Lizeth Aparicio. This wide-ranging conversation covered everything from the highlight reel to the blooper reel. Emma talked about processing this year's Olympics, Dani talked about transitioning from a college all-star to a professional athlete, Selena talked about the pressure to perform live to thousands of fans, and Lizeth talked about the intersection of running and activism in her life. Big thanks to everyone who joined us in that beautiful room, and good luck to everyone running the greatest marathon in the world. You got this! SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to learn all about the conversations New Balance is having to promote mental wellness. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I don't 'have it all.' I have toilet paper in my pocket for Crohn's disease emergencies." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about "having it all," wedding planning, early morning races, podcast sponsorship, and more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: On the topic of "having it all" (6:10) All about wedding planning (16:25) All about the 2022 Clearwater Running Festival (24:30) How would I pick the marathon world teams? (30:50) My must-haves for a one-year-old child (34:40) How to prepare for an early race start (39:50) What does it mean when a podcast episode is sponsored? (42:55) Check out: Clearwater Running Festival (Use code ONTHERUN for 20% off all distances!) Sheraton Sand Key Resort Fast Women newsletter Stacking cups Fisher-Price walker Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I can do this. I am more capable than I give myself credit for. I can bet on myself. I can show up on race day, on that start line, and be confident in what I've done and know there's no reason why I can't go out there and have the race of my life." The last time Laura Thweatt was on the Ali on the Run Show, she had just finished fifth at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta. (Listen to that episode here.) She was running professionally for Saucony (still true) and training with coach Joe Bosshard and the Team Boss crew in Boulder, CO (no longer true!). On this episode, Laura offers an update on life after Team Boss. She talks about her decision to step away from her training group, and shares the news about her new coach and training plan. She also talks all about the work she's done leading up to this weekend's New York City Marathon. Laura is a 2:25 marathoner who made her marathon debut in New York City in 2015. Now, she's heading back to the start line in Staten Island with big goals, big dreams, and some big life changes happening behind the scenes. Plus, reality TV talk, Laura's hilarious story of her interaction with Des Linden after the Trials, and so much more. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. Follow Laura: Instagram @lthweatt Twitter @thweatt11 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You're honestly doing a really good job. I know all you see is all the ways you think you're failing. But I promise, you're doing OK, and no one has it all figured out, despite what you see on Instagram! Stop scrolling. Read a book." In 2019, I interviewed Dr. Abby Bales — a pelvic floor physical therapist and the owner and founder of Reform Physical Therapy — as part of the Ali on the Run Show's Motherhood Mondays series. Ever since, Abby has asked when I would be willing to flip the script; when I would be willing to hand over the microphone so I could answer her questions. And today is that day. Welcome to the Dr. Abby on the Run Show! On this episode, Abby is in control, asking me questions about Crohn's disease, motherhood, life with a chronic illness, running, career stuff, and how they all intersect. (Listen to Dr. Abby's previous conversations on the Ali on the Run Show here, here, and here.) SPONSOR: The AGA IBD Parenthood Project — Follow the link for resources and support on your own journey navigating parenthood and life with an inflammatory bowel disease. What you'll get on this episode: Why now? (4:40) My Crohn's disease story (7:45) On Crohn's and the decision to have children (10:45) My experience with postpartum anxiety… (16:00) …and my decision to finally start therapy (20:45) On having a support system (29:30) Do I worry about Annie getting Crohn's? (36:15) Talking to Annie about feelings (48:20) How having a chronic illness has made me more resilient, and helped me better relate with people (52:00) How Crohn's disease has affected my career (58:00) How living in New Hampshire has helped my health (1:01:15) What goals now seem possible? (1:06:00) Follow Abby & Reform Physical Therapy: Instagram @reformptnyc Facebook Twitter @reformptnyc Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's been fun to stand on the start line with really good friends and just feel like we're a team, in this together." Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky are best friends — best friends who run, bake, and co-author best-selling cookbooks together! On this episode, Shalane and Elyse are here to talk about their latest cookbook (available now!), Rise & Run. They talk about the unexpected success and popularity of their Superhero Muffins, and admit that they never thought anyone would publish their first cookbook (Run Fast, Eat Slow), let alone turn it into a three-book series. They share their friendship story (and stories about tequila), talk about how motherhood has changed their relationship, and talk about how they're celebrating their 40th birthdays this year. Shalane talks about Project Eclipse — her quest to run all six World Marathon Majors in 42 days — and about how she's feeling heading in her sixth and final race, the New York City Marathon next weekend. And Elyse talks about training for her marathon debut, also in NYC. Lots to celebrate on this episode, from muffins and marathons to motherhood and more! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How Shalane and Elyse are feeling heading into the New York City Marathon (4:30) All about Rise & Run (7:15) Shalane talks "taper" (14:45) Shalane and Elyse talk NYC Marathon plans (20:20) Shalane and Elyse share their friendship story (24:40) What runs with Shalane and Elyse are like (35:00) How Shalane and Elyse's friendship has changed since becoming mothers (39:35) On Shalane's "runway looks" for Project Eclipse (48:40) Shalane reflects on her Project Eclipse training (55:50) Shalane's New York City Marathon advice (58:15) Why Rise & Run is dedicated to parents and caregivers (1:04:45) FOR MORE: Listen to Shalane on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show. Follow Shalane: Instagram @shalaneflanagan Twitter @shalaneflanagan Facebook Follow Elyse: Instagram @ElyseKopecky Twitter @ElyseKopecky Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You have to honor the race by going and trying to do the best you possibly can." In December 2019, three men — Menso de Jong, Chris Stehula, and Ken Rakestraw — led 72 women to Olympic Trials qualifying times at the California International Marathon. Soon after, they came on the Ali on the Run Show to share their stories. Before CIM, neither Menso, Chris, nor Ken had ever run 2:45 marathons before. But that day, they pulled it off. And, in the process of doing so, they each earned themselves Boston Marathon qualifying times. So now, Menso, Chris, and Ken are back on the Ali on the Run Show for another race recap episode — but this one is different. This time, the only people they were pacing were themselves, and there were plenty of highs, lows, and backward walks along the way. Enjoy hearing about their race day strategies (most of which did not go according to plan), what the rolling start in Boston was really like, and what lessons they learned on the course that day. SPONSOR: The WineShine Half Marathon — Register today for the inaugural event, happening July 16, 2022. See you in Napa! What you'll get on this episode: How everyone's feeling after Boston (6:45) The desire to run Boston (10:30) What training for Boston looked like (13:30) Everyone's plans for Boston (26:45) What the start was like (37:00) How the race broke down for everyone (44:15) Highs and lows from the day (52:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was a win-win either way. If they go with me, they're running my race, and that's great. And if they don't go with me, I have a huge lead at Boston, and that's pretty awesome, too!" If you watched the 2021 Boston Marathon, you got to know CJ Albertson — or at least his face — pretty well. That's because CJ, who runs professionally for Brooks Running, took the lead in the men's elite race right from the start, and held it for 21 miles. He ran solo that entire time, gapping the rest of the field by two minutes at one point. After 21 miles, the pack caught up to CJ — who was also celebrating his birthday that day — but he was able to hang in and ultimately finished 10th. Those 21 miles at the front may have put CJ on the Boston map, but he's hardly new to the running scene. The California native is a 2:11 marathoner and cross-country and track coach at Clovis Community College. In 2019, he completed the indoor marathon world record challenge in 2 hours 17 minutes and 59 seconds. (That's 26.2 miles, indoors, on a 200-meter track!) Then, in 2020, CJ set an all-surface 50K world best time of 2:42:30, which he also ran on a track. CJ loves pursuing the fun side of running, and is always up for a challenge, whether it's leading the Boston Marathon or topping the leaderboard of every Peloton class he takes. All that and more, on this episode of the Ali on the Run Show. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What CJ's Boston recovery has been like (2:30) On feeling like a star (6:30) What the day before the race was like (8:30) On praying before the race (17:00) What it was like walking to the start line (23:50) CJ's race plan, and how it played out (26:20) On gapping the field — by two minutes — and eventually getting caught by the pack (35:15) That finish line feeling (48:15) CJ's love for Peloton (50:55) What's next? (57:40) Follow CJ: Instagram @cjalbertson Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I think being sensitive can be a strength in many ways. It's OK to be sensitive. It's OK to be emotional. It's OK to have feelings. It's OK to care." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about Center Stage (best movie ever), my ideal desserts, recent impulse purchases, finding a running coach, dealing with difficult people, and more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Will I ever come run CIM? (4:30) Which character from Center Stage would I love to hang out with? (7:35) My ideal dessert bracket (10:55) My best recent impulse buy (15:05) How to find a running coach (19:45) How to deal with unkind people (23:20) What to know about running the Manchester City Marathon (31:30) Check out: High-rise flare jeans! Chunky boots! Mary Johnson on Episode 195 of the Ali on the Run Show Kaitlin Goodman on Episode 160 of the Ali on the Run Show Manchester City Marathon Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I hope that brands see the value in me and my future in running and what I have to offer to the running community." On October 11, Nell Rojas ran her fourth marathon. In her Boston Marathon debut, Nell finished sixth overall, ran a personal best time of 2:27, and was the first American woman across the finish line. We heard from Nell before the race, and now she's back to recap every detail of race day. On this episode, Nell shares how she was feeling heading into the race, what race morning was like, and what it was like doing breathing exercises in a church nursery. She reflects on why her goal was to be first American that day, what that goal means to her now, and whether or not it matters. Plus, she shares fun stories from her post-race interviews and talks about what's next. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Was Boston the best day of Nell's life? (2:45) How Nell spent the day before the race (7:15) On lining up behind Des Linden at the start, and what the pre-race technical meetings are like (10:45) Choosing a race day outfit (15:00) How Nell was feeling on race morning (18:20) Nell's goals and her plan for race day (23:45) Why Nell's goal was to be top American at Boston (32:20) How Nell's race played out (38:25) The finish line experience (48:00) On being unsponsored, and what happens next (50:50) Nell answers a listener question about protein (54:20) What's next? (57:00) Follow Nell: Instagram @nell_rojas_running Twitter @nellrojas Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I just turned around and it was like, oh man, I'm an Olympic photographer. With that one click." Jason Suarez — also known as @notafraid2fail — is one of the best, most sought-after photographers in running today. He has shot nearly every track and field event, every major marathon, and every athlete you know, love, and follow in this sport. And we recorded this conversation just a few days after Jason returned from a true dream-come-true experience: being an official photographer at the Olympic Games. He shot the track and field events inside Olympic Stadium, and dabbled in shooting new events, including gymnastics and swimming. But the Queens-born-and-raised former collegiate sprinter turned marathoner never planned for or expected this life. On this episode, Jason talks about his career trajectory — in addition to being a professional photographer, he also works for Apple — and about the importance of networking, relationships, and being a good person along the way. He talks about breaking into the industry, and shares his career highlights, including spending a week in Kenya with Eliud Kipchoge. Plus, he talks about feeling burned out and about questioning his next moves as a photographer. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What it means to be "notafraid2fail" (3:45) The significance of Jason's laptop background (6:30) How and why Jason got to go to the Tokyo Olympics (7:45) On learning the ropes in Tokyo (12:25) The business side of being a freelance sports photographer (22:00) When Jason realized his dream was coming true (28:00) Jason's running story (30:45) How Jason got his start in photography (37:30) Jason's highlight reel (45:30) All about the Pansa Boyz! (51:00) What's next for Jason, on the run and behind the lens (59:35) Why Jason loves shooting marathons (1:08:15) Jason's advice for taking better photos (1:15:00) Follow Jason: Instagram @notafraid2fail Twitter @notafraid2fail Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"In my gut, I knew my life was about to change." Shayla Martin has a lot to celebrate right now. First, her 43rd birthday. Then, a spontaneous experience dancing onstage at a concert with Diplo. And, perhaps most importantly, her three-year anniversary of being cancer-free. On this episode, meet two-time marathoner Shayla Martin, a woman who is always joyful, smiling, and seeking a good time. But in 2017, at just 39 years old, Shayla's world was rocked when she found a lump in her breast that turned out to be breast cancer. Here, Shayla shares her cancer story, which included a mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and three breast reconstruction surgeries. She talks about how cancer changed her relationship with her body, and why, in her forties, she decided to pursue therapy for the very first time. She talks about living her best life at Burning Man, about a low point in her life last summer, when she was arrested on her way home after a run, and about why she thinks "life should be lived in a tutu." Shayla lives in New York City where she works in hospitality sales for GrubHub. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On dancing onstage with Diplo and Jess King, and going to Burning Man (3:00) What Shayla's life was like before her cancer diagnosis (15:30) What it was like being diagnosed with breast cancer (19:50) How Shayla responded to chemo and radiation (35:00) How Shayla's relationship with her body has changed since getting cancer, and what it was like being told she was cancer-free (44:55) Therapy talk (54:00) Shayla's experience getting arrested last summer while walking home after a run (1:04:00) Check out: The Pink Agenda Black Burner Project on Instagram @blackburnerproject Follow Shayla: Instagram @sdotmartin05 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"My goal is to be the top American. That's my goal. And I think I can do it... To be the top American would probably be the best day of my life." Racing is back! Major marathons are back! And, after 19 long and lonely months, live shows are back! It was such a privilege to get to host a live recording of the Ali on the Run Show at the Tracksmith Trackhouse during Boston Marathon weekend, with very special guest Nell Rojas. During the show (recorded on Saturday, October 9), Nell said that finishing as the top American during the Boston Marathon would make Marathon Monday the best day of her life — and she went on to do just that. In her fourth marathon and her Boston Marathon debut, Nell — who is currently, somehow, unsponsored — finished sixth, was the first woman from the U.S. to cross the line, and earned a personal best time of 2:27. This show was so much fun. I promise you will laugh at least once, and, special treat, you'll get to hear from Nell's dad, running legend Ric Rojas. Thank you to Tracksmith for hosting us, thank you to Nell for being a legend, and thank you to everyone who was part of the fun! SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code AliBoston for 15% off your next Tracksmith order! Follow Nell: Instagram @nell_rojas_running Twitter @nellrojas Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"That goal wasn't for anyone else. It wasn't to prove anything to anyone else. It was just something new that I was going to accomplish on my own." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about my time as a single 20-something in New York City, redefining the word "smart," dealing with expectations and disappointment when a race isn't a personal best, muffins and more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Looking back on being single in NYC (4:10) On re-defining the word "smart," and ways I think I'm smart (11:55) My favorite marathons (22:45) "What's the point if I'm not going to PR?" (29:40) How do you deal with feeling like you're not the "perfect" runner? (36:50) Which Superhero Muffins do you make for breakfast every day? (44:50) Dealing with identity struggles (46:20) Check out: New England Half Marathon Millennium Running Hamptons Marathon Manchester City Marathon Mount Desert Island Marathon "36 Hours in Bar Harbor" Steamtown Marathon Megan Harrington on Episode 176 of the Ali on the Run Show Rise & Run Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I ended up on a dude ranch in Arizona. I just wanted to go far away from New York and from home and just do something completely different. I felt like I'd kind of lost a sense of myself in that pursuit of running really fast and high achievement, so I wanted to recalibrate and go somewhere where no one knew me and running didn't matter." Henna Rustami is a rising star in the running world. Though she describes herself as "the worst runner" on her high school and college teams, she has gone on to thrive on the run, becoming an Ivy League champion (running for Columbia University) and thriving on the New York City competitive running scene. Most recently, Henna won the NYRR Women's Road Mile division at the Fifth Avenue Mile, breaking the tape in four minutes and 45 seconds. And she's thriving off the run, too: Henna graduated from law school earlier this year! On this episode, Henna reflects on her running journey and her childhood, growing up in Long Island as the daughter of refugees from Afghanistan. She talks about her parents' journeys fleeing Afghanistan in the 1980s, and about what it was like growing up in a Muslim family in the wake of 9/11. She talks about finding confidence on the run, about escaping to a dude ranch for six months, and about what her training looks like today as a member of Brooklyn Track Club. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Henna recaps her NYRR Women's Road Mile win at the Fifth Avenue Mile (4:55) On confidence in running (8:45) What Henna's training looks like (10:45) All about Henna's childhood (14:50) How Henna's parents responded to her love for running, and what it was like growing up in an Afghan family on Long Island after 9/11 (22:15) On graduating from law school and starting a career in the pursuit of fighting injustices (35:45) What it was like going from being "the worst runner on the team" to an Ivy League champion (41:35) On navigating what role running would play after college (44:50) What's next for Henna? (53:35) Check out: Ali on the Run Show LIVE on International Women's Day Caitlyn Tateishi on Episode 226 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Henna: Instagram @hennarustami Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"That was the moment where I remember being like, 'Oh, I'm not done yet.' Like I know there's more. It finally hit me, 'If you just continue on, you have no idea where your ceiling is.' So at that point, I just wanted to see how far I could go." This summer, Erika Kemp — like so many professional runners — had one really, really, really big goal race. Since going pro in 2018 and signing with the Boston Athletic Association and adidas, Erika knew she would want to compete at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in hopes of making her Team USA debut. When it came time to race the 5K at Hayward Field, Erika made it through the first round and advanced to the finals. But ultimately, she finished last that day, and didn't make the 2020 Olympic team. But! Erika has gone on to have an incredible season since then. On this episode, Erika talks about her physical and emotional recovery from the Trials, and explains her motivation for continuing to race throughout the year. Since the Trials, Erika won the USATF New England 5-mile championships, won the U.S. 20K championships at the New Haven Road Race (it was her debut at that distance, and it earned her a second national title), won the Cow Harbor 10K (and ran a personal best), and finished fourth at the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K the following weekend. This girl is on fire, and on this episode, she talks about how she fell in love with running — and how she stays in love with it. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: How Erika plans her season (4:00) All about this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials (10:30) On returning to running after taking a break (14:55) Why the Trials felt so "big" (16:45) Erika's outlook on racing this season (20:30) Try it: Erika's favorite workout (24:30) All about Erika's childhood and how she got into running (27:45) On falling in love with running (34:50) On going pro (39:00) Where to find Erika during Boston Marathon weekend (46:30) Erika's biggest hopes, dreams, and goals (49:50) Follow Erika: Instagram @imtinyrik Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I had remembered this promise I had made to myself, which was a 'year of yes.' That if there was an opportunity to meet someone, to make a dollar, or whatever it was, if there was an opportunity in front of me, no matter how scary it felt or how much resistance I felt, I was at least going to give myself the chance to explore it. So I said yes." Every day, Jess King is in the homes of millions of people around the world. As one of Peloton's first instructors (she joined the team in 2014), she teaches cycling, Tread, Pilates, and dance cardio classes, and is known and loved for her bubbly, glittery, high-energy personality. Jess is a born performer. She grew up dancing competitively in Myrtle Beach, SC, and competed on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance. On this episode, she reflects on that experience — on making it to the Top 10 before having to withdraw from the competition on account of a few broken ribs. She talks about the disappointment, about reading the comments on social media, and about stepping away from dance for a while afterward. Then, she talks about what it's been like for her to watch fellow Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby make his dance reality competition debut on Dancing with the Stars, and talks about the text she sent him before he first stepped onstage "from someone who's been there." Jess talks about her desire to use her platform for good, and about the power of representation as a Latina woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community. She shares her love story with fiancée Sophia Urista (power couple alert!), opens up about her own mental health and self-help journeys, and talks about how she got the job at Peloton — and how the pursuit of fame quickly transitioned into a passion for building community. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On bad days, setting intentions, and Halloween (6:00) What it was like watching colleague Cody Rigsby on Dancing with the Stars (11:30) Jess reflects on her time on So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 (14:20) On dancing again after SYTYCD (24:45) How fitness — and Peloton — entered the picture (31:00) On the pursuit of fame, and the a-ha moment when everything felt validating (43:30) The pressure of having a platform (51:15) How Jess has evolved as an instructor since her earliest days at Peloton (55:35) On developing thicker skin and being human (58:40) Jess shares her love story with fiancée Sophia Urista (1:02:00) Jess's message to anyone going through some stuff right now (1:08:00) If you love Peloton, check out: Matt Wilpers on Episode 398 of the Ali on the Run Show Becs Gentry on Episode 379 of the Ali on the Run Show Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jess: Instagram @jesskingnyc Twitter @jesskingnyc Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Everybody who has ever run a marathon in the history of ever has run a first marathon. And I guarantee you that some of the concerns and doubts and fears that you or I had in our first marathon have crept into the minds of someone like Shalane Flanagan or Meb Keflezighi in the weeks and days and hours before they ran their first marathon." Every year at races like the New York City Marathon and the Fifth Avenue Mile, dozens of professional runners assemble for their shot at glory. And in New York City, Sam Grotewold is the guy who brings them all together. As the director of professional athletes for New York Road Runners, it's Sam's job to recruit the professional fields at major events like the TCS New York City Marathon, the New York City Half, the Mini 10K, and the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile. And on this episode, the self-proclaimed "running and track nerd" explains how he makes that happen. With more than 20 years of experience, Sam knows the wooing process well. Here, he shares his goals for the recruitment process, how he measures success in his role, and how this year's New York City Marathon field (which features professional runners from 25 countries and territories) came together. Plus, he shares some of his best stories from his time with the pros, and tells which athlete he reached out to first as he was assembling this year's NYCM field. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about Sam's role in the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile (5:30) On getting the athletes to the start line (19:00) How Sam got his job (21:30) How Sam assembles the fields of professional athletes (29:40) The narrative for this year's TCS New York City Marathon (33:45) Sam's process for recruiting athletes (39:00) Sam's favorite thing about New York City Marathon week (46:15) What goes into the contracts for professional athletes (48:50) On schmoozing, socializing, and spreadsheets (51:20) What New York City Marathon day is like for Sam — plus some of his best race day stories! (56:00) Reflecting on the past year and a half at New York Road Runners (1:08:00) Follow Sam: Twitter @nyrr_pro Instagram @s.grotewold Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"So many of us, we put so much pressure and expectation on our running goals because we work so hard, we make so many sacrifices and choices, and we just want race day to be everything that we dreamed of and everything we worked toward. And sometimes life happens, and it's just… We have to adjust our goals accordingly." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about what to expect at the New York City Marathon start line, hitting a wall during marathon training, race announcing vs. running, The Baby-Sitters Club, and more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Insider tips for running the New York City Marathon (4:15) What is the ultimate food crime? (13:15) Advice for when you hit a wall during marathon training (16:00) Why I changed the warm-up questions on the Ali on the Run Show (27:40) On race announcing vs. running (33:00) How to get notified about live events on the Ali on the Run Show (38:45) My favorite character from The Baby-Sitters Club (45:00) Check out: Custom Performance Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We all have something in common. You know what it is? We woke up this morning. Not everyone else did. There's the best reason to go for a run." Dave McGillivray is many things — philanthropist, motivational speaker, 166-time marathoner with a 2:29 PR, Ironman triathlete with a 10:36 PR, father, World Marathon Challenge finisher — but he is best known for his role as race director of the Boston Marathon. On this episode, Dave talks about what runners can expect at this year's race. As the "boots on the ground guy," Dave oversees everything that happens on race day, from the start line to the finish and every mile in between. But Dave's day doesn't end when the final finisher crosses the line: Every year after the official race concludes, Dave returns to the start line in Hopkinton and runs his Boston Marathon. Another famous Dave tradition: Every year on his birthday, Dave runs his age in miles. He's been doing this since he was 12 and hasn't missed a year yet. (This year, Dave is 67.) Dave cares deeply about this sport and the running community, and nearly everything he does, both personally and as the owner and founder of DMSE Sports, is for a greater purpose. This year, Dave served as a logistician for Covid-19 mass vaccination sites including Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park, and helped vaccinate 1.3 million people. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Dave's advice for World Marathon Challenge hopefuls (11:30) Dave's morning routine (14:30) What's top of mind for Dave, one month out from Marathon Monday? (19:20) What goes into choosing a race event date? (37:20) What race day is like for Dave — and all about his post-race tradition (47:45) Dave's favorite part of race day, and his favorite Boston Marathon memories (55:15) What unites runners? (1:03:40) The role running plays in Dave's life right now (1:09:50) Check it out: "The Future of Running" Live Show Deirdre Keane on Episode 422 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Dave: Twitter @dmse Instagram @dmsedave Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I was doing everything I could, every section that I was coming upon. So in my head it was like, if I'm doing as best I can and I get caught and passed, then that's just how it played out, and I'm gonna cheer that person on who's passing me because that's cool, and that's how we get better together." Last month, Courtney Dauwalter defended — and reclaimed — her title at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 106.5-mile race, and smashed records along the way. She broke the all-time women's course record by seven minutes, finishing in 22 hours 30 minutes and 54 seconds. She beat her 2019 winning time by two hours and two minutes, finished sixth overall (the highest finish ever by a woman), and won the women's division by more than an hour and a half. On this episode, Courtney talks about this year's UTMB experience, describing the sights (and hallucinations), sounds, highs (more than 32,800 feet of climbing!), lows, and views (of France, Italy, and Switzerland) along the way. Plus, in true Courtney fashion, we laugh a lot and talk about candy. If you're looking for a conversation that's equal parts fun, silly, inspiring, and encouraging, this is it. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! What you'll get on this episode: A day in the life of Courtney Dauwalter (2:00) What do the numbers and stats mean to Courtney? (5:00) Courtney reflects on having to drop out of the Hardrock 100 earlier this summer (6:45) Courtney's goals for UTMB, and how she would grade her performance (12:30) How Courtney was feeling on race day (16:30) Courtney breaks down the race (19:45) Hallucination stories! And when things started to hurt (32:20) What Courtney listens to on the run (34:40) Marriage talk (41:00) How Courtney celebrated her UTMB win (44:00) What's next? (50:25) Candy talk! (53:00) Check out: Courtney Dauwalter on Episode 302 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Courtney: Instagram @courtneydauwalter Twitter @courtdauwalter Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I took down all facades. I just could not hold up this fake exterior of everything was OK when I felt like I could barely get out of bed every day. I would just get up, go to work, and the only thing else that was consistent was running. I would run every day, despite how bad I felt. And it was such a sense of refuge at points. I would feel like I would be OK. And that's when I would start planning for the future. I was like, 'Deirdre, this is transient. This is going to get better. You are going to get better. Dad's looking out for you. Don't give up. Just keep going. Get through today. Tomorrow will hopefully be a better day. And if it's not, that's OK, too. We will get there.' Running reinforced that resiliency that I truly thought I'd lost." Deirdre Keane normally flies pretty under the radar. But last month, the 33-time marathoner (whose personal best time is 3:14) became a face seen by millions when she was featured on Humans of New York. Suddenly, 11.3 million people on Instagram and 17 million more on Facebook knew Deirdre's story. In the post, Deirdre shared the story of her dad, who was an avid (and fast!) marathoner. She talked about how he ran his final New York City Marathon the day before what turned out to be his final surgery to help treat his melanoma. Deirdre talked about how her dad so badly wanted his kids to be runners when they were growing up, but they weren't interested — until after his passing, when Deidre decided to run her first marathon on what would've been her dad's birthday. Then, Deirdre talked about going through a tough time last year, and how running became her constant — it was what she did to remember who she was, and who she is. On this episode, Deirdre talks about the rest of her story. She talks about waking up at 4 AM to run 10 miles to work from her home in the Bronx to the Upper East Side, where she's a nurse practitioner in the pediatric ICU at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She talks about working through the pandemic in New York City, about leaning into running after her brother was in a near-fatal car accident, and about her big plans for her next year on the run (starting with three fall marathons: Boston, New York City, and Dallas). When she's not working or on the run, Deirdre is pursuing her MBA at New York University, where she is also the editor-in-chief of the school's graduate newspaper. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On running through wet cement! (6:10) All about being featured on Humans of New York (11:00) Deirdre talks about her dad and his love for running (24:00) How Deirdre got into marathoning (28:35) How Deirdre has added more meaning to her running over the past year and a half (39:25) On being a "helper" (48:00) The role running has served for Deirdre over the past year (50:10) How training (for the Boston, New York City, and Dallas Marathons) is going, and what's next for Deirdre (1:00:00) Check out: Achilles International Manchester City Marathon 2020 Manchester City Half Marathon Recap From 4:13 To 3:51: My Manchester City Marathon Recap Follow Deirdre: Instagram @deirdremkeane Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You hear the thing, 'Are you glass half full or glass half empty?' I'm so damn glad I have a glass!" Jesse Itzler is all about "building your life resume." He's a wildly successful entrepreneur, rapper, owner of the Atlanta Hawks, 60-time marathoner, ultramarathoner, best-selling author, creator of events including the 29029 Everesting challenge and Hell on the Hill, dad of four, and husband to Spanx founder Sara Blakely (talk about a power couple). I've been a fan of Jesse's since I read his book Living with a SEAL (and, later, Living with the Monks), and was psyched when I met him at the finish line of this year's Clearwater Marathon — which he has since called his most memorable marathon. (Not because he met me at the finish, but because his four kids ran the last six miles with him, and they all crossed the finish line together.) In this rapid-fire conversation, Jesse and I cover a range of topics, including how he lives in constant pursuit of fun, and the importance of making time for ourselves. Plus, fruit, muffins, and so much more. SPONSOR: Millennium Running's Clearwater Running Festival — Join us in Florida in January 2022, and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your race registration. Check it out: Fit for Life by Harvey Diamond Brent and Kyle Pease on Episode 389 of the Ali on the Run Show Ashley Paulson on Episode 409 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jesse: Instagram @jesseitzler Twitter @JesseItzler YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Once I got on the start line, that was the most at peace I'd felt in a long time." "Drink a beer for me," Molly Seidel told her family over FaceTime from Sapporo, just moments after becoming an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the marathon. Even better: drinking a beer with Molly, which is exactly what a few hundred of us did on Tuesday, August 31, during this virtual live show with the newly minted Olympic medalist. During this fun celebratory conversation, Molly talks about throwing out the first pitch at the Red Sox game a few weeks ago (let's just call it a strike, OK?), that viral airplane Tweet ("It was 100 percent mansplaining," she says), where she plans to keep her bronze medal ("somewhere weird"), and the fellow Olympic marathoner she's "shooting her shot" with. Plus, every detail on the Olympic marathon, including Molly's fun travel details, tales from the Athlete Village, and some jaw-dropping stories of mid-race trash talking and why Molly was veering away from the pack (it wasn't in search of shade). SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) Check it out: Molly Seidel on Episode 341 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Molly: Instagram @bygolly.molly Twitter @ByGollyMolly12 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"To me, it's not heroic to have a miserable experience. It's not heroic to further injure myself. It's not heroic to set myself back, for what? A medal, an Instagram post, a couple hundred likes? Not worth it. I'd rather be the people's champion by saying, 'Hey, I made the tough call.'" Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about Schitt's Creek friendships, adjusting to hilly running routes, DNFs, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Is there a list of the best of the Ali on the Run Show? (5:05) Have you ever not finished a race that you trained for and started? (6:50) What is your honest opinion on LetsRun.com? (15:30) Do you have any funny injury stories? (22:05) If you lived in Schitt's Creek, who would you be friends with? (28:30) How have you adapted to running on hillier terrain? (32:10) What tips do you have for preparing for a busy time? (37:00) I mentioned: "Start Here" Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 415 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 278 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 128 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Photo by Jason Suarez, @notafraid2fail "It's not who I am. It's something that happened to me." Abbey Cooper was the talk of this year's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. She may not have ultimately made Team USA, but Abbey, who is sponsored by New Balance, threw down not one but two of the most inspiring, gutsy performances at Hayward Field. First, in the 5K prelims, when she broke away from the field and ran the majority of the race solo in pursuit of the Olympic Standard (and she hit it, with a few seconds to spare!). Then, in the 5K final, when she was with the lead pack until the final moments, when she ultimately finished fourth, just one and a half seconds off the podium. Abbey is perhaps best known for her performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, when she fell during the 5K prelims. But people don't talk about the fall — they talk about how Abbey got right back up and helped her fellow competitor to the finish. On this episode, Abbey talks about how Rio has — and hasn't — defined her, and she reflects on the highs (like her recent 5K personal best at the Prefontaine Classic!) and those just-missed moments on the track. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Abbey reflects on her 5K PR at the Pre Classic, and why she feels like she's been "running on house money" this year (4:50) On working with a sports psychologist: Abbey's husband (9:40) What it means to be "relationally healthy" (11:00) What it was like watching friend Molly Seidel win bronze at the Olympic marathon (18:30) On entering the off season (22:00) Reflecting on this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials (25:45) On all those just-missed moments along the way (40:35) On being defined — or not — by Rio 2016 (44:20) More thoughts on just-missed moments and the lessons that come with them (55:00) On "trusting the process with both commitment and surrender" (1:00:45) What does "Running with Heart" mean right now? (1:05:15) Follow Abbey: Instagram @abbey_dags Running With Heart Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I've always been my own biggest believer." In 2004, Cory McGee's dad was working security for the FBI at the Olympic Games in Athens — which meant Cory got to tag along! It was then that she vowed to one day return to the Olympics — as a competitor. And just a few weeks ago, Cory's dream came true when she got to represent Team USA in Tokyo. (She became an Olympic finalist, no less!) On this episode, Cory, who is sponsored by New Balance, talks about traveling to Japan to compete in the 1500m. She talks about that brutal fall in the semifinals, and about the physical and emotional toll that took on her. She shares how coach Joe Bosshard has helped her over the years, and has worked with her to turn her weaknesses into strengths. Plus, Cory talks about ending her season early on account of some bone bruising from that fall, and talks about hosting a Covid-19 vaccine event back home in Mississippi. THE LAST TIME CORY WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 284 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: Cory's decision to end her season earlier than expected (4:45) On becoming an Olympian (9:00) On performance ruts and getting through them (12:50) Cory looks back on competing at the U.S. Track & Field Trials and earning her spot on Team USA (17:50) What training was like between the Trials and the Olympics (20:00) What makes Cory McGee tick? (22:45) All about the travel journey to Tokyo (27:45) What it was like walking into Olympic Stadium for the first time (38:50) That semi-final fall (43:00) What running the 1500m final was like (51:40) On phone calls back home (54:50) What the Closing Ceremonies and flight home were like (57:10) On hosting a Covid-19 vaccine drive in Mississippi (1:03:00) What's next for Cory (1:07:15) Follow Cory: Instagram @corymcgeeruns Twitter @corymcgeeruns Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"He said, 'I want you to feel like you can take over this race. And take over early.' And I was like, 'Wait, what?!'" This girl is on fire! Courtney Frerichs is a two-time Olympian for Team USA who just returned from Tokyo as a silver medalist! Courtney, who trains with Nike's Bowerman Track Club, competed in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics, and made the final an exciting one when she made her move and took the lead with four laps to go. (A move she attributes both to coach Jerry Schumacher's plan and to her own quiet confidence and instinct taking over mid-race.) Courtney went into the Games as the American record holder in the 3000m steeplechase and as a world silver medalist, and just a week after returning from Tokyo, she competed at the Prefontaine Classic where she became the first American woman to go sub-9:00 in the steeplechase. On this episode, Courtney talks about the hard work she's done on her mental game leading up to this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials and, ultimately, the Olympics. She talks about what it was like being in Tokyo, gives a behind-the-scenes look at life in the athlete village (where she roomed with Team USA's 1500m runner Elle Purrier St. Pierre), and shares the mantras that helped her through it all. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Where is Courtney keeping her silver medal? (3:30) Courtney's plans and goals for the Pre Classic, and whether she feels pressure going into the race (5:40) All about Courtney's decision to prioritize her mental health recently (9:30) Courtney's first impressions when she got to Tokyo (23:15) How Courtney was feeling before the racing started at the Games (32:00) What running was like in Tokyo (40:45) Courtney recaps the Prelims (43:30) Courtney shares her pre-race routine (47:00) All about Courtney's race plan and that "big move" (53:50) What it felt like to cross the line and earn an Olympic silver medal (1:02:50) How Courtney is feeling now (1:08:30) On going back to school for nutrition (1:10:15) Follow Courtney: Instagram @courtneyfrerichs Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I couldn't hear. I couldn't think. He was very matter of fact. He said, 'You have a complete medial meniscus root tear. That means your meniscus tore off the bone. You need surgery — not today, but in the next couple days. Tokyo isn't an option.'" Professional Puma-sponsored runner Aisha Praught Leer was living every athlete's dream this summer. She'd secured her spot on Jamaica's Olympic team, and was training in St. Moritz with her Team Boss teammates Emma Coburn and Cory McGee. She was feeling fit. Fast. Ready to race the 1500 in Tokyo. But then, just a few days before boarding the plane to Japan, Aisha was warming up before a track workout when she felt a pop in her knee. That pop turned out to be a torn meniscus. ("Like meniscus fully dangling off the bone," Aisha explains.) In this conversation, Aisha reflects on that day at the track in Chiavenna, and talks about what it's like when all of your dreams are ripped away from you in an instant. She talks about her decision to race anyway, and talks about what she says was the hardest part of this injury. (It wasn't the race. It was calling her loved ones.) Plus, Aisha — who is now two weeks post-op — discusses her surgery, her recovery, and her big dreams for what's next. SPONSOR: Oiselle — Use code ONTHERUN for 15% off. What you'll get on this episode: How Aisha made Jamaica's Olympic team this year (11:40) How Aisha's training was going leading up to the Olympics (19:30) The day Aisha heard that "pop" at practice, and the aftermath (22:30) The journey to Tokyo, and what Aisha says was the hardest part of the injury (49:00) What it was like racing the 1500 on a torn meniscus in Tokyo (1:05:20) Aisha's goals for the future (1:17:45) What Aisha's watching right now (1:19:00) What we mention on this episode: Aisha Praught & Will Leer on Episode 204 of the Ali on the Run Show Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Aisha: Instagram @aishapraughtleer Twitter @aishapraught Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I feel like nothing and everything changed." Keira D'Amato is many things: a full-time realtor, a mom of two, a Nike-sponsored professional runner, and — her newest title — a world record holder. Last year, Keira had arguably the best running year of her life. She ran a personal best at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (2:34), ran a 5K on the track in 15:04 (beating her lifetime best by a full minute), won the Michigan Pro Half Marathon (and ran a 64-second personal best), ran a 2:22 at the Marathon Project (a 12-minute PR), and broke the 10-mile women's only American record at a race she created called the Up Dawg 10-Miler. Turns out, that race wasn't just an American record — it was also good enough for a just-ratified world record! At the peak of it all, Keira signed with a sponsor (Nike) for the first time at age 36. Unfortunately, since then, Keira has dealt with injury stuff and health stuff, and had to scratch from the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, where she'd hoped to run the 10K. Still, her perspective is as inspiring ever, and she's one of the funnest, funniest women in running. Always a good time with Keira on the Ali on the Run Show! THE LAST TIME KEIRA WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 305 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What's making Keira happy right now? (6:00) Keira's advice for raising confident kids (10:00) All about D'Amato family food challenges (13:50) Reflecting on running the Up Dawg 10-Miler and setting both an American Record and a World Record (20:00) On becoming a sponsored runner and signing with Nike (26:20) How a kind compliment from Molly Seidel changed so much for Keira (35:00) On the decision to scratch from the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (40:00) All about Keira's recent 5K vs. her husband — where he got a big advantage! — and their Vegas wedding (49:50) Keira's biggest hopes, dreams, and goals on the run and beyond (1:01:00) Follow Keira: Instagram @keiradamato Twitter @KeiraDAmato Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It just feels like too much." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about preparing for parenthood, podcast planning, first marathons, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: What can I do to prepare for pregnancy and motherhood? (6:00) The Ali on the Run Show recording and releasing timeline (12:00) All about the Ali on the Run Show theme music (18:40) My favorite places in New England (24:30) The best half marathons on the east coast (31:45) Advice for a first-time marathoner (33:50) I mentioned: 36 Hours in Bar Harbor, Maine New England Half Marathon Recap Manchester City Half Marathon Recap Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I had never done this before. I mean, I've done press conferences before, but at this level, this was a whole other ballgame… I mean, there were several moments where I was like, 'This is the Olympics, so I better do this right, and I better not screw this up, and I better look like I know what I'm talking about even if I don't. Because this is the Olympics!'" Jay Holder knows his way around a press conference. As the director of marketing and communications for the Atlanta Track Club (remember this episode?) and as a former journalist himself (he has worked for ABC and with New York Road Runners at the New York City Marathon), Jay is the guy you want running your communications operations if you're putting on a race. And Jay just got to work his biggest gig yet: as the deputy venue media manager for Olympic Stadium at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Jay spent nine weeks in Tokyo running all communications-related matters inside the stadium, including managing the press tribunes and moderating and facilitating 53 press conferences in a 10-day span! This is a fascinating conversation about all that goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What is a press tribune? (5:15) Where Jay was during most of the races (7:40) Jay explains his role for the press conferences (10:00) What makes a great press conference question? (17:30) Is Jay's role stressful? (21:30) How Jay measured success in his role at the Olympics (24:20) How Jay got this job (26:40) All about Jay's quarantine once he got to Japan (40:00) What it was like getting ready for the Opening Ceremonies (53:40) What was the best part of it all? (59:30) What's next? (1:06:45) Follow Jay: Instagram @jayholderruns Twitter @jauntingjourno Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When you compete at that level, there's this high that comes with that. And I've missed that. And nothing has replaced it, really… And I got little bit of that feeling calling some of those races. I started to feel that little high again that I used to get when I raced." Last month, Kara Goucher joined the Ali on the Run Show to talk about her experience being part of the NBC broadcast team at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in Eugene, OR. Today, Kara's back — and this time, she's here to talk about what it was like commentating at the Tokyo Olympic Games! Kara just returned from Tokyo, where she served as an NBC Olympics Distance Analyst, calling the men's and women's races from the 1500m up to the marathon. She talks about how this experience compared to the Trials, and breaks down her studying process for each race, including what she did to make sure she pronounced every name of every athlete correctly. She shares the one thing she said on air that kept her up at night, reflects on getting choked up when Molly Seidel went for the bronze in the marathon, and explains why she wasn't allowed to cry on air. She talks about having to keep it together when one of her closest friends, Emma Coburn, was having a tough race in the steeplechase final, and talks about what it was like calling the men's marathon after having a complicated history with former teammate and Team USA competitor Galen Rupp. Finally, Kara, a two-time Olympian herself, answers listener questions about her time in Tokyo and what's next. SPONSOR: Oiselle — Use code ONTHERUN for 15% off. What you'll get on this episode: Kara explains what her role was at the Tokyo Olympics, and when she could be heard commentating (3:55) How Kara was feeling confidence-wise heading into the Olympics broadcast (16:45) How Kara studied and prepped for the races she'd be calling (22:00) How Kara decompressed each night after working the races (27:45) The races Kara was most excited to call, and how to find the line between excitement and emotion (30:00) How Kara recalls her own experiences on the run during these races — without talking about herself too much (43:00) How Kara and her team called the men's and women's marathons (44:30) Does Kara feel respected in this role? (50:20) What's next for Kara on the commentating front and beyond? (51:30) How being at the Games this year gave Kara a different perspective on her own time competing (56:15) Kara answers listener questions from the Ali on the Run Show Facebook Group (1:03:30) What we mention on this episode: Kara Goucher on Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara and Adam Goucher on Episode 208 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Kara: Instagram @karagoucher Twitter @karagoucher Facebook Clean Sport Collective Podcast Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The best part of going to the Olympics, for me, is being able to attend events when I'm not working, and then watching athletes win and medal an event, and then knowing they're going to come on the show and I'm going to get to work with them up close and meet them. That's the coolest thing about my job, and what makes it unique at the Olympics." Yosef Herzog is the stage manager for NBC's Today show, which means part of his job is getting to go to the Olympics! On this episode, Yosef talks about what it was like being at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (These were Yosef's fifth Olympic Games with NBC!) He talks about being on set with the country's best athletes, including Simone Biles and Allyson Felix, and talks about what it was like being inside the Olympic Stadium and getting to attend track and field events. He also talks about the challenges and perks of working a morning broadcast at 8 PM local time. (The biggest upside, Yosef says: not having to set an alarm in the morning for a change!) Yosef recently underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, so he was wearing a leg brace in Tokyo — something he says nearly every athlete commented on! He offers an update on how his recovery is going, reflects on getting Covid last year, and shares his big marathon goals for when he's able to get back on the run. THE LAST TIME YOSEF WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 111 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: How was Tokyo?! (3:10) Yosef talks about what his role entails at the Olympics (5:15) The things that are stressful about live television (14:15) How many athletes at the Games asked Yosef about his leg brace? (18:15) The athletes Yosef was most excited to have on set (21:00) Which events Yosef got to watch in person (28:00) All about Yosef's meniscus surgery and recovery, and what his Covid experience was like (35:45) Yosef's thoughts on returning to "normal" on the Plaza (41:15) Follow Yosef: Instagram @yosefherzog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Build those relationships. Have those adventures. Create those memories. That's what's worth living for, right there." Ashley Paulson never stops moving. She's a professional triathlete, ultramarathoner, 91-time marathoner, U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and runner, iFit coach, and mom of four with hot pink hair. On this episode, Ashley talks about her recent win at the Deseret News Marathon, and about the sweet story that inspired her to run the race in honor of her father, wearing the T-shirt he got after running the race in the 80s. She reflects on the toughest times in her career, both at the races (in Kona, specifically) and off (when she was served a six-month suspension from triathlon after testing positive for a banned substance in a contaminated supplement). She shares the highs (traveling the country in an RV for two years with her husband and all four kids!), and the lows (her history with disordered eating). Ashley is a ball of energy — don't be surprised if you find yourself picking up the pace along the way. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How Ashley celebrated her 40th birthday! (5:00) All about Ashley's hot pink hair (6:30) Ashley reflects on her recent win at the Deseret News Marathon (10:15) Ashley recalls her toughest moments on the run (17:45) A day in the life of Ashley Paulson (22:30) How Ashley and her husband prioritize their marriage (26:00) On traveling around the country in an RV for two years (32:00) Ashley reflects on serving a six-month suspension from triathlon (39:30) The pressure of being a public figure (47:20) Ashley's relationship with food and her body, and her past with disordered eating (49:00) On qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, and what's next for Ashley (56:45) Follow Ashley: Instagram @ashkickn Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You always have to stay in the fight." It is an honor and a privilege to get to share this very special conversation with the legendary Wyomia Tyus today! Wyomia Tyus, now 75, is a two-time Olympian and four-time medalist (three gold, one silver). She competed in the 1964 Games in Tokyo at 19 years old (just like Athing Mu!), and again at the 1968 Games in Mexico City, where she became the first person to ever win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters. On this episode, Wyomia tells her life story, reflecting on growing up as the youngest of four kids in the Jim Crow South, and dealing with racism and segregation at a young age. She shares the story of her house burning down when she was 14 and, one year later, the death of her father. She talks about meeting coach Ed Temple, who took her under his wing and coached her to all four Olympic medals while also filling the void left by her father's passing. Plus, she talks about her role in the 1968 Olympic protests, and what it was like being in Mexico City during a time of so much political and social unrest. (If you love Wyomia's story — which I think you will! — you can hear more from her in her book, Tigerbelle: The Wyomia Tyus Story.) SPONSOR: Oiselle — Use code ONTHERUN for 15% off. What you'll get on this episode: Wyomia talks about what it's been like watching this year's Olympics in Tokyo (4:50) What Wyomia's childhood was like, growing up in Georgia (8:30) Reflecting on the year when Wyomia's house burned down and, later, her dad died (14:30) On meeting and being trained by the legendary coach Ed Temple at Tennessee State University (18:30) How Wyomia developed confidence on the run (27:45) Wyomia's experience competing at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo (36:00) On returning home after the Games (55:15) What it was like going to the Olympics in Mexico City to defend her title in the 100m (57:40) How Wyomia felt when she heard a broadcaster say Carl Lewis was the first person to run back-to-back 100m races — when it was actually Wyomia who had done that (1:05:00) Being a part of the protests at the 1968 Olympic Games (1:06:30) Dancing the "Tighten Up!" (1:13:45) Wyomia's decision to step away from competing after the 1968 Games (1:16:00) What it was like being at the opening of Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park (1:18:00) Wyomia's message to this year's Olympic athletes (1:25:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Why can't I do it all? Why can't I be a mom, a really good mom, be the mom that I want to be, and also be an athlete, a really good athlete, the athlete I want to be?" The last time professional runner and coach Neely Spence Gracey was on the Ali on the Run Show, she had just run her first postpartum marathon after having her son, Athens. She ran a 2:44 at the Houston Marathon and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in the process. A year and a half later, a lot has happened in Neely's life — including another baby! On this episode, Neely offers updates about what it was like running the Marathon Trials last year and what life for her family was like during the pandemic. She talks about getting pregnant, in spite of having an IUD at the time, while she was training for The Marathon Project, and talks honestly about what that surprise was like. Neely talks about her pregnancy run streak, about giving birth to Rome on June 14, and about what postpartum life as a mom of two has been like so far. THE LAST TIME NEELY WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 42 Episode 201 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: On the transition from one to two kids (5:15) All about the names Athens and Rome (7:00) On getting pregnant with an IUD (9:30) What Neely's pregnancy was like (16:55) How Neely recovered from running the Houston Marathon and prepared to run the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020 (20:30) What the pandemic was like for Neely's family (28:00) What running was like during Neely's pregnancy with Rome (33:50) What labor and delivery was like with Rome (38:00) On experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety (46:45) On returning to running after having Rome (51:45) What's next for Neely? (58:00) What we mention on this episode: Rome's birth story Follow Neely: Instagram @neelysgracey Facebook Twitter @neelysgracey Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If you're thinking, 'Ali, basketball isn't really supposed to be a contact sport…' It was the way I played it!" Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about dealing with self doubt, running friendships, the mental side of marathon training, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Why can't professional marathoners tell you which fall races they're running?! (2:20) What is it about running that can really attract such powerful friendships and relationships? (6:00) Advice for becoming an early morning runner (16:30) Should I drop from the marathon to the half-marathon? (24:50) Which ball sport would you play? (29:30) How to train for the mental side of marathon training (40:00) What I mention on this episode: Diane Nukuri on Episode 403 of the Ali on the Run Show Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi on Episode 211 of the Ali on the Run Show Ladia Albertson-Junkans on Episode 404 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show "How to Wake Up for Morning Workouts" Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 128 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 278 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I said, 'The best thing for me right now is to just choose life, and to step away.'" Tomorrow, Robyn Stevens will make her Olympic debut, representing Team USA in the 20K race walk. In June, Robyn won her event at the Olympic Track & Field Trials, officially becoming the fastest female walker in the country. And on this episode, she talks about the long road to becoming an Olympian, which included a 17-year break and retirement from the sport to recover from a severe eating disorder. But now, "Walkin' Robyn" is healthy, cruising at a 7:40/mile pace, and becoming an Olympian at age 38. Plus, Robyn offers a bit of "Race Walk 101" (race walking: it's not just fast walking, it's definitely not slow running, and it comes with lots of rules and regulations!), and shares her excitement about getting to head to Tokyo to compete with her boyfriend, fellow race walk champion and Team USA member Nick Christie. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What Robyn's training has looked like between the Trials and Tokyo, and how it feels to be representing Team USA (5:00) What it took for Robyn and Nick to make Team USA (16:15) Race Walk 101 (23:00) How Robyn got into race walking (34:00) "Imagine how much faster she would be if she were skinnier" (45:00) Robyn's decision to take her life back (1:07:45) On returning to the sport and making Team USA (1:22:30) Why Robyn owns 30+ wigs! (1:26:20) Follow Robyn: Instagram @robyndesign Twitter @robyndesign Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There just aren't enough boys named after awesome women out there, so I just wanted to contribute to that!" The last time Ladia Albertson-Junkans was on the Ali on the Run Show, she was in Atlanta, about to run the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Ladia had qualified for the Trials, and then went on to run the Western States 100-miler, and then ran the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood. Then, soon after running the Olympic Marathon Trials, her next great endurance adventure began: motherhood. Today, Ladia is mom to seven-month-old Gabriel Birch. On this episode, Ladia talks about what new motherhood has been like, and shares the special story of how Baby Gabe got his name. (Without giving away too much: He's named after Ladia's late best friend, professional runner Gabe Grunewald.) Plus: big goals, rainbows, and Taylor Swift. THE LAST TIME LADIA WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 178 Episode 215 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: All about Gabriel Birch's name (5:00) Reflecting on the post-Olympic Marathon Trials baby boom (7:45) What it was like running the Olympic Marathon Trials (10:00) What Gabe's pregnancy was like (15:30) Ladia shares Gabe's birth story (21:00) What new motherhood has been like for Ladia (25:30) On striving for perfection in motherhood (33:45) Ladia's return to running since giving birth (43:45) On the power of rainbows (47:30) Taylor Swift talk! (52:30) What we mention on this episode: Gabe Grunewald on Episode 62 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Ladia: Instagram @ladiahallie Twitter @ladiahallie Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm just training and racing and I'm living my best life… I'm living my American Dream." At 15, Diane Nukuri became an Olympian. At 16, she fled her home country of Burundi, seeking asylum in Canada. By 20, she was a student at the University of Iowa, fluent in English (her third language) and thriving on the run. Soon after, she competed at the 2012 Olympics, then again at the 2016 Games. Today, Diane is a dual citizen of the United States and Burundi, she's a professional runner sponsored by Asics, and she holds the Burundian records in the 1500, the 5,000, the 10,000, the half-marathon, and the marathon. She has represented Burundi in the Olympics three times at three different distances: the 5K in Sydney in 2000, the marathon in London in 2012, and the 10K in Rio in 2016. On this episode, Diane talks about growing up in Burundi as one of eight siblings, and about her decision to leave the country amidst its violent Civil War. She talks about living with family in Ontario, enrolling in a French-speaking high school, and then attending community college so she could learn English and continue running before attending the University of Iowa. Plus, periods, meditation, Diane's fall racing plans, and more! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it means to Diane to be living her best life right now (3:15) How Diane's running and racing have been going this year (8:15) What Diane has learned from training alongside other fast women (17:30) What it was like growing up in Burundi as one of eight siblings (23:20) On becoming an Olympian at 15 years old (26:30) What it was like seeking asylum from Burundi and moving to Canada (34:15) On building confidence on the run and off at the University of Iowa (41:30) On competing at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics (45:00) The process of becoming a United States citizen (51:00) How Diane gets in the right headspace when she doesn't feel like running (55:00) Follow Diane: Instagram @dianenukuri Twitter @ddnukuri Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I was just so excited. I knew at that moment that it was going to change my life." Last year, Dinée Dorame, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, made her podcast debut as a guest on the Ali on the Run Show. Today: She's a podcast host of her own! At the beginning of 2021, Dinée launched her show, the Grounded podcast, which explores the intersection of running, community, land, and culture. On this episode, Dinée reflects on how the show has changed her life, and how she has found her voice and interview style along the way. She talks about being a recipient of the first-ever Tracksmith Fellowship program, and about being seen in the running community for all that she is, and not as simply "the Native runner." Plus, Dinée offers an update about how her own running is going, and the latest developments in her Accessory Navicular Syndrome. And she shares stories about interviewing some of her first guests on the Grounded podcast, including the legendary Billy Mills, Jordan Marie Daniel, and Meb Keflezighi (who surprisingly FaceTimed Dinée — who was in her pajamas — before their interview). THE LAST TIME DINEE WAS ON THE SHOW: Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 of the Ali on the Run Show SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What made Dinée want to start a podcast (5:40) How podcasting has changed Dinée's life (12:55) Dinée's dream guests (17:15) All about the time Meb FaceTimed Dinée — by surprise! (20:30) How Dinée has found her interview style, and what her preparation process is like (26:00) On working with mentor Mario Fraioli (31:45) How Dinée hopes people feel when they listen to her podcast (49:20) On being injured (51:00) What has surprised Dinée most about launching a podcast (58:45) On getting engaged and wedding planning (1:00:30) What we mention on this episode: Mario Fraioli on Episode 266 of the Ali on the Run Show Apply for the Tracksmith Fellowship program Dinée on Episode 145 of The Morning Shakeout podcast IVL Collective @gaithappens on Instagram Follow Dinée: Instagram @dinee_pink22 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"High hopes, low expectations." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about what I'm watching right now, finding your identity when you can't run, leaving New York City, working in the running industry, and so much more. Plus: another surprise appearance by Brian Cristiano! Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: The top five things I'm watching right now (3:10) All about my trip to Ocean City, NJ (10:00) How to find your identity when you don't have running anymore (18:55) About the mental shift regarding leaving New York City and being happy — not sad — to come back and visit (27:25) All about running with a jogging stroller (36:45) Advice for working in the running industry (44:45) Brian joins the show to share our love story! (53:15) What I mention on this episode: The Little Mermen Thule Urban Glide II Calum Neff on Episode 318 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm a bit bummed with how it went, but that's why I want to get back into more racing. I know I'm fitter than that showcased, and I want to just have fun with racing, because the Olympics are obviously the pinnacle of our sport, but I think there's so much more aside from that. So I want to have fun with all that, and do what I love, and not feel like because I didn't make this team it was a failure of a year or I'm a failure of an athlete." Emily Infeld arrived at the start line for this year's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials 10K last month with an impressive running resumé. She's a professional runner with the Bowerman Track Club, specializing in the 5K and 10K. She's a 2016 Olympian and a 2015 World Championships bronze medalist. But along the way, Emily has also been plagued with injuries — one major injury, she says, for every year of her professional career. In spite of injuries, surgeries, and setbacks, Emily has persevered and built immeasurable mental toughness along the way. So when she got to Hayward Field, she had one goal: Make another Olympic team. Unfortunately, like all but three of the athletes that day, Emily didn't finish in the top three, and missed out on this year's Team USA. On this episode, she recaps the long road to the Trials, breaks down that hot race in heartbreaking detail, and talks about what's next. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On racing the 1500m for the first time in eight years (4:30) Has running always been fun for Emily? (7:50) On racing in all this heat lately (9:10) Working on execution vs. focusing on time (13:00) The intimidation factor, and relationships in running (15:55) All about wedding planning! (22:00) On working with Shalane Flanagan as both a teammate and coach (26:00) Emily's road to the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials (31:30) The 10K race plan, and how the race played out (50:45) How Emily recovered emotionally from the Trials, and what's next (59:20) What Emily's been whipping up in the kitchen (1:03:15) What we mention on this episode: Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Sisson on Episode 394 of the Ali on the Run Show Karissa Schweizer & Elise Cranny on Episode 395 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emily: Instagram @emilyinfeld Twitter @emily_infeld Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Nothing is guaranteed. And because of that, it enabled me to be so present and so thankful and aware of how special the whole thing was." Welcome to Season 3 of the What's New With You series, where we catch up with past guests on the Ali on the Run Show. And we're kicking off this season with professional middle-distance runner Kate Grace! The last time Kate was on the show, in December 2017, she had just left her sponsor, Oiselle, to sign with Nike and join the Bowerman Track Club. Now, three and a half years later, Kate has left BTC and is now a member of Team Boss, training under coach Joe Bosshard. (And she's moving! Kate is in the process of relocating from Portland, OR, to Boulder, CO, to train full-time with the team.) On this episode, Kate talks about her decision to change teams, and talks about how training is different with Coach Joe. Plus, she recaps her races at this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials, where she hoped to make her second Olympic team in the 800m, but ultimately fell short of that goal. But Kate isn't sitting around sulking: She is, in her words, "living her best life" right now, and is fresh off a European revenge tour, where she raced four times (in four different countries) in 10 days, earning two wins and three personal bests in the process. (Her new 800m PR is 1:57.2, which she ran in Monaco.) THE LAST TIME KATE WAS ON THE SHOW: Kate Grace on Episode 53 of the Ali on the Run Show SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: Kate's moving! (3:30) How Kate's feeling after a whirlwind 10 days of racing (4:25) Kate's decision to leave Bowerman Track Club (8:00) On the move to Team Boss (10:30) How Kate's training is different now that she's coached by Joe Bosshard (25:30) How Kate was feeling in the weeks leading up to the Olympic Trials (38:00) Reflecting on this year's 800m races at the Olympic Trials (41:20) All about the Kate Grace Revenge Tour (47:00) Kate's "white shorts" story (1:04:05) Follow Kate: Instagram @fastkate Twitter @fastk8 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I want you to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. I want you to believe in the mission, and I want you to have fun. I want you to enjoy the process, and I want you to know that what you're doing is a worthwhile endeavor." Like many of us, Matt Wilpers grew up wanting to be a marine biologist. ("I was really into whales," he recalls.) Ultimately, he pursued a career in finance, working as an analyst and auditor with KPMG and, later, Goldman Sachs. When he realized the NYC finance lifestyle wasn't for him, Matt decided to go to medical school, and, as a lifelong athlete and former collegiate runner, started teaching fitness classes on the side. Then, just as he was getting ready to pursue his medical career full-time, he got the call from Peloton. Plot twist! Today, Matt is one of Peloton's most popular cycling and treadmill instructors, and has his own coaching business. On this episode, Matt talks about why he's so passionate about coaching, and why getting to help people on their own fitness journeys is "the dream." He talks about coaching actress Lena Dunham, sharing stories about how while he was hired to help her, it was Lena who changed his life. Plus, he shares loads of qualified running advice about overtraining, race day anxiety, and how to "run arrogant" and more confident. Matt is a 2:54 marathoner, 1:17 half marathoner, and 10:38 Ironman who lives in New York City. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On being a great coach (6:10) What's making Matt happy right now? (8:15) Matt's thoughts on returning to full studios (10:00) On being nicknamed "The Baby-Faced Assassin," and how Matt connects with the people taking his class virtually (11:30) What Matt was like as a kid, and how he got into the finance industry (14:00) What it was like coaching Lena Dunham (20:40) How Matt got the Peloton job (23:30) All about Matt's coaching philosophy (29:00) How Matt would describe his Peloton classes (36:00) What a day in the life looks like for Matt (37:20) Power Zone Endurance 101 (40:45) The most common mistake Matt sees runners making, plus how to avoid overtraining (43:30) How to "run arrogant," and what that means (50:00) Matt's pre-race pep talk (53:50) What's next for Matt? (56:45) What we mention on this episode: Becs Gentry on Episode 379 of the Ali on the Run Show Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show Precision Nutrition Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Matt: Instagram @mattwilpers Website Team Wilpers Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Engineering is really about problem solving. Can you come up with a creative solution, and how do you work through it? My problems, on a day-to-day basis, are working with things like beans and corns and food processing equipment. But really, problem solving can be applied to anything. So I'm here to say that engineering is more than just planes and trains!" Welcome to the seventh and final episode in Season 5 of the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! We're closing out this season with a soup-er conversation celebrating women in STEM! Today, meet Jill Cardamone, a senior process engineer at Campbell's Soup Company. As a member of the Soup and Broth team in research and development, Jill acts as the middle man that takes what a food scientist creates in the kitchen and translates it to a massive scale. (She'll explain this process in excellent detail using my favorite Superhero Muffins as an example.) In her five years on the job at Campbell's, Jill has dealt with soup emergencies (really!), food supply shortages, clogged equipment during the testing processes, and more, all in search of finding the best solutions possible for when her soup makes its way to your home. Jill is a marathoner and Ironman triathlete who lives in Philadelphia, PA. SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. What we mention on this episode: Victoria Asikis on Episode 349 of the Ali on the Run Show Yuma Haidara on Episode 388 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The word should can put us into tricky places. Because who's to say what we should or should not do? A lot of things in life are a lot more nuanced than should or should not, yes or no, black or white." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about racing, nutrition, New York City must-dos, running plateaus, Orangetheory memories, and so much more. Plus: a surprise appearance by Brian Cristiano! Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: If I could only race one distance for the rest of my life, which would it be? (3:00) Do you have any tips for nutrition during high mileage weeks? (5:18) What are your top must-dos and must-sees for a first trip to New York City? (10:15) Advice for hitting a running plateau after coming back from injury (15:45) What are my favorite protein bars? (23:15) What is my favorite thing about being a wife? (27:05) Ali sprints to the finish! (33:15) How to ease back into racing when you want to sign up for all the races! (41:20) Which Orangetheory benchmark days were my favorite? (46:30) What I mention on this episode: Ali on the Run Show Episode 123: Ali & the Experts Week with Kelly Hogan, Registered Dietitian Ali on the Run Show Episode 39: Registered Dietitian Kelly Hogan Ali on the Run Show Episode 216: LIVE on International Women's Day Ali on the Run Show Episode 257: Nutrition Q&A with Starla Garcia, Registered Dietitian Ali on the Run Show Episode 200: Starla Garcia, Olympic Trials Qualifier Ali on the Run Show Episode 327: Katie Burke on "Taking Care of You" Lilia Levain Bakery Picky Bars UCAN Chocolate Almond Butter bars Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We're actually going to Tokyo! This is real!" Karissa Schweizer and Elise Cranny were already teammates as part of the Bowerman Track Club. And now they'll share another team: Team USA. At last month's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, Karissa and Elise secured their spots on Team USA by racing both the 5K (where Elise won and Karissa took second) and the 10K (where Karissa made a second team, finishing in second place). On this episode, Karissa and Elise reflect on their training leading up to the Trials, and break down both rounds of the 5K and the 10K final. They talk about how their teammate Shelby Houlihan's recent four-year ban from the sport affected them emotionally leading up to the Trials, and they share their excitement about making their first Olympic teams. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Who was in the stands on race day? (6:15) How Karissa and Elise were feeling heading into the Trials, and how the news of Shelby Houlihan's ban affected their emotions during race week (9:30) What it was like arriving at Hayward Field (15:00) Breaking down the first 5K race (17:50) Breaking down the 5K final (24:00) How Elise and Karissa celebrated the 5K (38:00) What was on Elise and Karissa's minds heading into the 10K, and how the race played out (40:40) What's next? (54:30) What, exactly, is team processing? (59:25) The events Karissa and Elise loved watching at the Trials (1:03:30) Follow Karissa: Instagram @karissaschweiz4 Twitter @karissaschweiz4 Follow Elise: Instagram @elise.cranny Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I just remember thinking during the race, 'I'm running my race and I'm doing everything I can to give myself a shot at making this team.' And at the end of the day, if it's enough, it's enough." The last time Emily Sisson was on the Ali on the Run Show, it was to break down her disappointing race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Today, Emily returns to the show — and this time, we're celebrating! Last month, Emily raced — and won! — the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, earning herself a spot on Team USA for this summer's Olympic Games. On a hot day at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, Emily took the lead five laps into the 25-lap race, and she held it the entire time, finishing in 31:03 and breaking a 17-year-old Trials record that was formerly held by Deena Kastor. On this episode, Emily talks about the win and shares every detail from race day. She talks about how hot it really was on the track that day, explains how she recovered physically and emotionally after last year's Marathon Trials, and shares how she feels about making her first Olympic team. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! What you'll get on this episode: How Emily celebrated her 10K win (3:55) Reflecting back on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (5:35) What Emily's training was like leading up to the Track & Field Trials (11:00) On arriving at Hayward Field (15:45) Emily's thoughts on the heat and the 40-woman field (22:30) What it's like being the one to watch (27:00) How Emily felt at the start of the race (33:55) What it was like lapping the field (40:40) On "running scared" (42:30) When Emily knew she had the win (45:30) What happened after the race (48:00) What Emily has learned from training partner Molly Huddle (51:30) What we mention on this episode: Emily Sisson on Episode 234 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Sisson on Episode 169 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 391 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emily: Instagram @em_sisson_ Twitter @em_sisson Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Doubting yourself doesn't get you anywhere. I decided that I was going to make this happen, and I did." More than a decade ago, Erica Sara Reese was having a hard time. She had been working in the fashion industry, as a buyer for companies like Coach and Barneys New York, while pursuing a nutrition degree on the side. But she was also going through a divorce, and she wasn't happy — so she started creating, making jewelry at her dining room table. When her friends started having babies, she noticed they were often getting jewelry to commemorate the life change. And road races, Erica Sara says, were her babies at the time. So why not commemorate that with jewelry? She started designing necklaces and charms with her races and finish times on them, and soon, friends started asking her to design celebratory necklaces for their own races. Erica Sara Designs was born. Today, what started as a side hobby is now a wildly successful small business, and Erica Sara's designs can be seen at finish lines across the country, and on professional athletes like Molly Huddle, Colleen Quigley, and Alysia Montaño. And Erica Sara is generous! She's offering Ali on the Run Show listeners an exclusive discount off anything on her site. Shop ericasara.com and use code ONTHERUN to get 15% off a custom piece. (These are my favorite necklaces. Treat yourself — or a loved one!) SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!