Ali on the Run Show

"I just remember looking down and seeing that five year old little girl, dressed in her favorite princess dress, looking up at me with the biggest smile on her face — and I just see myself in her. It is so magical." Kaitie Brown knew from a young age that her dream was to one day perform at Walt Disney World — and that's exactly what she went on to do. After three years and 12 auditions, Kaitie was hired as a cast member, where she would perform several times a day, dancing up and down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. Today, Kaitie is one of Disney World's talent casting coordinators, and on this episode, she talks about what it takes to get hired, why auditions are — she swears — actually really fun, and what it's really like to dance at Disney. Plus, as a four-time marathoner, she talks about how being a runner has made her a better performer. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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 after a certain point you just realize you're not running to impress other people." Emily Sisson was one of the top-seeded women competing at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. She's a 2:23 marathoner and professional runner for New Balance, and she went into the Trials after a huge year on the run in 2019. Emily made her marathon debut at the 2019 London Marathon, where she finished sixth and became the seventh-fastest woman ever at the marathon distance. It was also the second fastest debut by an American woman. Emily then went on to compete in the 10,000 meters at USATF Nationals, where she earned a spot to represent the U.S. at Worlds in Doha. Emily's race in Atlanta didn't quite go as she'd hoped, and she ended up pulling out of the race with four miles to go. On this episode, she talks about what went down during the race, whether being a top pick added pressure to her day, and what it was like stepping off the course. She also talks about the emotional aftermath from the race — and getting a second dog! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off wireless headphones. (My favorite is the Aeropex!) What you'll get on this episode: On the decision to get a second dog! (3:10) How Emily's life has changed over the past six weeks (11:10) Recapping the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (16:30) What it was like dropping out of the Trials (35:30) On the emotional recovery from the race (40:30) Emily's advice for dealing with disappointment (47:30) What we mention on this episode: Emily Sisson on Episode 169 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Coburn on Episode 224 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emily: Instagram @em_sisson_ Twitter @em_sisson Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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 trained for Boston... I've done a 20-miler before doing two shows of A Chorus Line, which is two hours of standing on your feet and kicking. I've done 20-milers before a five-show day at Radio City." Amanda LaVergne is a Broadway actress, singer, and dancer. She has performed in Annie and Grease, among many others, and spent a decade performing as Mrs. Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Offstage, Amanda is a 3:07 marathoner, a 1:24 half marathoner, and a running coach. So how do you train for the Boston Marathon while also doing five shows a day at Radio City? How do you run the New York City Marathon fast enough to make it to the theater before a 3 PM curtain? On this episode, Amanda talks about the realities of making it on Broadway and beyond, having thick skin, what auditions are really like, and what it feels like to make your Broadway debut. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Amanda: Instagram @amandalealavergne Twitter @lavergne_amanda Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

Welcome to the April edition of Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt. Every month, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Olympic Trials show — and I will come together to talk about running industry news, our own running, and things we're loving right now, and to answer listener questions about running and podcasting. But this time around, instead of listener Q&A, we created the Quarantine Decathlon. Give it a try — and let us know how you fare! We recorded this episode on Marathon Monday — the should-be day for the Boston Marathon — and had fun talking about how the running community celebrated running on a day that wasn't what anyone had planned for. What we mention on this episode: Peloton app Bota Box wine Sarah Cummings on Episode 215 of the Ali on the Run Show Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show "The Third Monday in April," by Erin Strout for Women's Running "To Run My Best Marathon at Age 44, I Had to Outrun My Past," by Nicholas Thompson for Wired McKirdy Mile Race Series Laura Thweatt on Episode 228 of the Ali on the Run Show Nell Rojas on Episode 229 of the Ali on the Run Show Try the Quarantine Decathlon! Stair Jump House Races Emergency Shuttle Run Tower Ball Hungry or Bored? Kid Toy Push-Ups The Quiet & Alone Hurdles Letter PRs The Coffee to Wine Relay "Foam rolling?" Follow Matt: Instagram @rambling_runner Rambling Runner podcast Road to the Olympic Trials podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

"Find a way to get people hooked on running. That's what we need." Jay Holder just might love running — the sport itself, plus every single member of the running community — more than any guy I know. Jay is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Atlanta Track Club, which means this week, we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials! Jay talks about the bidding process leading up to the Trials, and shares what, exactly, Atlanta did to show USA Track & Field that they were worthy of hosting one of the greatest weekends in American distance racing. (It involved a 90-page proposal and plan!) Jay, a dad of two, shares stories from the course — which he ran several dozen times before race weekend — and explains what he says is "the best part of the job." We look back reminiscing about the Trials weekend, and look forward, with some trepidation: The Atlanta Track Club also hosts the Peachtree Road Race, which is the largest 10K in the world that takes place every year on the Fourth of July. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off wireless headphones. (My favorite is the Aeropex!) What you'll get on this episode: A bit of background on Jay's professional career, and what brought him to Atlanta Track Club (6:55) The bidding process behind the Olympic Trials, and how Atlanta won the hosting gig (10:00) What Jay says is the best part of his job (21:50) What race weekend looked like for Jay (28:50) What does the current state of the world mean for the 2020 Peachtree Road Race? Follow Jay: Instagram @jayholderruns Twitter @jauntingjourno Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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 sincerely say that when I leave work and go home, my heart feels really full — but sometimes it feels defeated... There's a lot of emotion at stake. It's hard." Christine Mousa is a family specialist in New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Her job is to find safe and loving homes for children. It's important, emotional work, and on this episode, Christine talks about what the job entails, whether she ever feels afraid on the job, and what being "out in the field" means. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Christine: Instagram @christineemilyy Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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 believe in yourself. And you can say it a million times, but before this, I didn't actually believe I could run with these girls. And now I absolutely know that I can run with these girls, and I know that I can be competitive." Nell Rojas finished ninth at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February. And that in its own is impressive — but it's especially impressive when you consider that it was only Nell's third ever marathon. Nell is a triathlete and obstacle course racer turned marathoner, and on this episode, she talks about running the Olympic A standard at her first marathon, winning her second marathon (a 2:28 at Grandma's Marathon in 2019), and running the Trials as her third marathon. She talks about her recovery from the Trials and what's next, and talks about the time she beat Des Linden at the Falmouth Road Race — and then immediately asked for her autograph. Plus: What Nell is like as a coach, why she decided to rescue a dog right before the Trials, and the advice she has for anyone who's ever been told they "don't look like a runner." What you'll get on this episode: Nell breaks down her post-Trials recovery, and explains what her training looks like right now (3:50) Nell recaps her race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (6:20) Nell's road to becoming a marathoner (24:50) On winning Boulder Bolder 40 years after her dad won the race, and winning Grandma's Marathon in 2019 (32:00) What is Nell like as a coach? (36:00) What will Nell's training look like between now and the fall? (37:00) Follow Nell: Instagram @nell_rojas_running Twitter @nellrojas Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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 to keep believing that my Olympic dream was still alive until the race was over." Laura Thweatt ran a fast, fierce, gutsy race at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta — a hard effort that earned her a fifth-place finish. But fifth place at the Trials is a tough spot: When the first three finishers make the team and the fourth-place finisher is the alternate, fifth place is so close, but so far from being on the Olympic team. On this episode, Laura — a 2:25 marathoner who runs for Saucony and is coached by Joe Bosshard — recaps her race at the Trials, offers advice for runners dealing with injuries or setbacks, and talks about how the Covid-19 crisis has affected her training so far and her year ahead. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off wireless headphones. (My favorite is the Aeropex!) What you'll get on this episode: How Laura's doing during these "weird times" (3:45) The story behind that Saucony #dontrushchallenge video (7:20) What Laura's days look like right now (14:40) How Laura got so strong leading up to the Trials (17:40) Recapping the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (24:05) What Laura's post-Trials meeting with her sports psychologist was like (43:00) Laura's advice for dealing with injuries or setbacks (51:00) Did Laura always plan to be a professional runner? (53:30) What we mention on this episode: Saucony's #dontrushchallenge video The "original" runner #dontrushchallenge video Follow Laura: Instagram @lthweatt Twitter @thweatt11 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

"Fear is not something you experience in an airplane. That's your comfort zone." For many people, flying in an airplane is an anxiety-inducing adventure. But not for Julia Harrington. Julia is a corporate pilot and captain on two business jets, and on this On the Job episode, she talks about her adventures in the skies. Julia reminisces about her childhood dreams of becoming a pilot, and talks about the education required to get a pilot's license. She talks about her first flight, whether she's ever scared in the air, and what it's like being a badass woman in a very male-dominated industry. (Plus, she offers reassuring advice for all the anxious fliers out there!) Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Julia: Instagram @pilotjulia Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

"Without races on the schedule, you're figuring out why you run in the first place. I think this is a really good reminder that we do it because we love it — not because we're constantly chasing a goal or trying to prove something." Caitlyn Tateishi has run — long, and fast — all over the world. On this episode, the 2:43 marathoner talks about growing up in Hawaii and discovering life on the run, and going on to run an unofficial ultramarathon during her time in the Peace Corps in Africa. Caitlyn explains why she took a long break from running, and talks about rediscovering her passion for the sport. Plus, she breaks down how, exactly, she shaved 50 minutes off her marathon time, going from wanting to qualify for the Boston Marathon to running at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year. It's a powerful, relatable conversation about identifying as a runner, dealing with failure, and getting to that "I belong" moment. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off wireless headphones. (My favorite is the Aeropex!) What you'll get on this episode: How Caitlyn is feeling physically and emotionally since running the Trials (3:00) Recapping Caitlyn's race in Atlanta (7:00) How Caitlyn found running (11:00) Why Caitlyn joined the Peace Corps, and what it was like living and running in tK (23:00) Why Caitlyn decided to start training for marathons — and her road to an OTQ (29:15) What we mention on this episode: "I thought my best running days were over": How Olympic Trials Qualifier Caitlyn Tateishi Found Her Way Back to Running via Women's Running Born to Run Miles to the Trials blog First Ladies of Running Follow Caitlyn: Instagram @cait.tate Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 like, 'Oh my god, I'm in Hollywood! This was meant to be!'" Taylor Ritzel has quite the resumé: She was a collegiate rower at Yale University who went on to win Olympic gold in rowing at the 2012 games. Today, though, Taylor has traded her oars for the Hollywood life. She works at Netflix, in nonfiction series content acquisition. On this episode, she talks about what, exactly, that means, and what it's like working on shows including Cheer, Queer Eye, and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Taylor: Instagram @taritzel Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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's nothing I can do, so I might as well not wallow about it, and I might as well just find something else to make me happy for the moment." Emma Coburn is a two-time Olympian, eight-time U.S. steeplechase champion, world champion, and world silver medalist. On this episode, Emma — who runs for New Balance and is Vice President of the Athletics Association — talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her training and her livelihood. She's honest about the financial hit professional athletes will take during this time, and shares her take on the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Emma is finding happiness right now (3:40) All about Emma's nightly Instagram Lives (7:15) What Emma's training has been like, both before and since hearing about the Olympics being postponed (10:45) How COVID-19 has directly affected Emma's career and life at home (25:25) How Emma is maintaining a positive attitude during these times (37:00) What we mention on this episode: Emma Coburn on Episode 60 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Coburn on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show Aisha Praught & Will Leer on Episode 204 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma's Resistance Bands Follow Emma: Instagram @emmacoburn Twitter @emmajcoburn Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 run on pure stress and adrenaline." Kelly McKnight is an orthopedic surgery resident — a real-life Callie Torres from Grey's Anatomy! — in Sioux Falls, SD. On this episode, the second in the On the Job series, Kelly talks about what her job entails, what the schooling is like, how she survives grueling 80-hour weeks on her feet, and how running fits in. She also talks about why only six percent of orthopedic surgeons are women — and why she's passionate about bringing that number way up. Follow Kelly: Instagram @kellynicolemck Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 know I wasn't a favorite, but I felt that if a door opened, I was fully ready to sprint through it." When Kaitlin Goodman, a 2:32 marathoner who runs for adidas and the Boston Athletic Association, arrived at the start line of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, she felt fit, strong, and ready to race. Kaitlin was ranked 29th in the field of more than 500 women, and she was in Atlanta to be at the front of the race. But just half a mile into the 26.2-mile run, Kaitlin fell, and in an instant, her dreams of finishing at the top of the field were shaken. On this episode, Kaitlin vividly recounts what the day was like for her. (Warning: This one is a tear-jerker.) At the end of the episode, Kaitlin — who holds a master's in public health from Brown University and is a consultant in the field — shares what she wishes everyone understood about the current state of the world and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Kaitlin is feeling post-Trials (5:55) Kaitlin recaps her race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (12:00) On recovering from the race (40:35) Kaitlin talks about COVID-19 from the perspective of a public health professional (46:00) What we mention on this episode: Kaitlin Goodman on Episode 160 of the Ali on the Run Show LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Sarah Cummings, Kaitlin Goodman, Amanda Nurse, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, & Jenny Donnelly What It Was Like Being in Atlanta for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Follow Kaitlin: Instagram @runnerkg Twitter @runnerkg RunningJoyfully.com Strava Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 really a lesson in humans and human activity." Welcome to the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Every Tuesday for the next seven weeks, we'll meet cool women with interesting, fascinating, unique, badass jobs. They'll talk about how they got into their respective fields, what their jobs entail, why their work matters, and why they've pursued their passions. Plus, they're all runners, so they'll talk about how running fits into their busy lives. First up: Rachel Dewan. Rachel is an archaeologist who spends her summers in Greece, digging for artifacts and studying ancient cultures from 4,000 years ago. (The Minoan culture, specifically.) It's her job to dig up material culture and try to make sense of it all. On this episode, she talks about what, exactly, it means to be an archaeologist (she's not Ross from Friends!), what it's like on a dig, and what being on a dig actually means. Inspired? Me, too! This November, Rachel will be leading a trip combining both her passions: running and archaeology. This 8-day running tour of Greece (led by Rachel and a fellow archaeologist and art historian) will end with the Athens Marathon. Between runs, you'll explore historic places and great food. Check it out here! Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Rachel: Instagram @rundigsleep Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 not going to throw a pity party. I'm celebrating this day. I was a part of history." It's so hard to believe it's been nearly a month since we were all in Atlanta for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials — truly the good old days! And I want to keep remembering and celebrating those days. Andrea Toppin is a chiropractic student and elite marathoner for Oiselle who trains with the Minnesota Distance Elite — and she didn't have the race of her dreams that day in Atlanta. On this episode, Andrea shares her story, opens up about the tough decision to DNF at the Trials, and talks about her outlook moving forward. (Spoiler: One race does not define you as a runner or as a human!) What you'll get on this episode: Andrea recaps her race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (7:10) What's next for Andrea? (39:30) What we mention on this episode: Anita Perez on Episode 218 of the Ali on the Run Show LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN Follow Andrea: Instagram @atop1212 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 viewed myself as a runner my whole life. That was my main identity. And so when I started considering the possibility that that might be taken away from me, I just felt this grief I didn't even know how to handle yet, of who are you if you're not a runner?" Even if you don't know Dr. Jacqueline Alnes by the name, you definitely know her work. She's the woman behind the "tiny art" paintings you've seen all over Instagram featuring inspiring women from within the running community. (You can buy her prints on Etsy here!) Jacqueline is a creative writing professor in Pennsylvania, and on this episode, she opens up about the neurological disorder that left her passing out on the run as a Division-I athlete in college — and talks about how she came back and rediscovered her love for running. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Why Jacqueline is training to run the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon in honor of the Brave Like Gabe Foundation (5:10) Jacqueline explains the neurological disorder she's been experiencing since college (8:20) What Jacqueline's health and running are like today (26:35) The story behind Jacqueline's "tiny art" on Instagram (31:00) The app that helped Jacqueline get over a bad breakup (41:40) What we mention on this episode: Support Jacqueline's Brave Like Gabe fundraising efforts! The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai Follow Jacqueline: Instagram @jacquelinealnes Etsy Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 almost like I was running away from what had happened." Anita Perez just might be one of the most inspiring, hardworking, dedicated women you'll ever meet. She's a 2:39 marathoner (who also runs a 1:17 half marathon), a single mom to two kids, and a middle school special education teacher. She's kind and caring, and she works her butt off in every facet of her life (including waking up at 3 AM to get her workouts in). On this episode, she talks about what it was like running at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials last month, compares that to her experience running the 2016 Trials, and opens up about the years in between. She talks about her mom passing away after a short and devastating bout with cancer, and opens up about how that affected her running. It's a powerful, poignant episode. Thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! The Atlanta Track Club is proud to host the AJC Peachtree Road Race — the largest 10K in the world! — every year on the Fourth of July. The lottery for this year's race opens on March 15, so head to ajc.com/peachtree to enter! What you'll get on this episode: Anita recaps her race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (3:40) Reflecting on running through grief (14:45) On the goal to run an Olympic Trials qualifying time (25:00) What Anita's typical day looks like (37:30) Why Anita loves her work as a middle school special education teacher (43:45) What we mention on this episode: LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN MyCookieDealer on Instagram Follow Anita: Instagram @anitaruns26.2 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 wasn't there as a runner. I wasn't there as a sister, a mother...I was there as a fan of the sport, and as a supporter of so many of these women. And in a very different way I found my own 'I belong,' and it was realizing I am bringing something to the running community." It's a solo episode! On this episode, I reflect on my experience traveling to Atlanta to watch the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. (To read more about the weekend, check out this post.) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What I mention on this episode: Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta Track Club LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Sarah Cummings, Kaitlin Goodman, Amanda Nurse, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, & Jenny Donnelly LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN Veronica Jackson & Alex Bernardi, Olympic Trials Qualifiers Veronica Jackson & Alex Bernardi Recap the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Jenny & Judi Donnelly BONUS EPISODE! Subscribe to the Fast Women newsletter "Why Are American Women Running Faster Than Ever?" via The New York Times Starla Garcia, Olympic Trials Qualifier & Registered Dietitian Carly Gill, Olympic Trials Qualifier Jen Bigham AKA Local Elite Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 honor of International Women's Day, I sat down with an all-star panel of smart, inspiring women — Abby Bales, Rozalynn Frazier, Kelly Hogan, and Henna Rustami — to talk about everything from periods, nutrition, and diversity in running to the whys behind why we started running and why we keep running. Thank you to New Balance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show. Go to newbalance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order of $100 or more. Happy shopping! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 am here to try and find the best version of myself." —Sarah Cummings "I am here because running makes me feel the most alive." —Kaitlin Goodman "I'm here because I found running later in life, and it felt like it fed my soul." —Amanda Nurse "My why is Gabe Grunewald." —Ladia Albertson-Junkans "I'm here because running feels like home. And because despite years of subpar performances and giving up on myself, I had people who didn't, and I'm very grateful for that." —Jenny Donnelly It was a tremendous honor and privilege to host a live show at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Expo in Atlanta, GA, with five former Ali on the Run Show guests and Trials runners: Sarah Cummings, Kaitlin Goodman, Amanda Nurse, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, and Jenny Donnelly. This was an inspiring, uplifting, at times emotional conversation about goals, the running community, choices and sacrifices, and each woman's "why." Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahccummings Follow Kaitlin: Instagram @runnerkg Twitter @runnerkg RunningJoyfully.com Strava Follow Amanda: Instagram @amandarunsboston Twitter @amandarunsbos Follow Ladia: Instagram @ladiahallie Twitter @ladiahallie Follow Jenny: Instagram @jenny_donn Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"This showed me I can make more dreams — because apparently they come true!" —Veronica Jackson Last week, we heard from U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifiers, friends, and former training partners Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi. This week, they're back to recap their respective races in Atlanta. (Spoiler: Veronica finished 63rd and Alex ran a personal best!) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Veronica and Alex were feeling three days after running the Trials (2:30) Breaking down the early miles of the race (7:25) On the crowds and the spectators (13:45) Alex and Veronica talk about what it was like seeing each other during the race (20:10) Veronica talks about experiencing pre-race anxiety the day before the race (24:00) What it was really like being in Atlanta (32:25) What we mention on this episode: Veronica on Alex on Episode 211 of the Ali on the Run Show Atlanta Track Club Kaitlin Goodman on Episode 160 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Alex: Instagram @aebernardi Follow Veronica: Instagram @vjaxs Twitter @vjacks01 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

This is the first of several post-U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials episodes coming your way this week. It was such an honor to co-host a live show after the race alongside Carrie Tollefson and Meb Keflezighi — in front of a 400-person audience! After an inspiring opening speech by UCAN President and CEO Shoba Murali and a few remarks from Meb, we recapped the race with Carrie (who was the official race announcer) and Meb (the official race starter). Then, we welcomed seven UCAN athletes — Sarah Sellers, Taylor Ward, Dawn Grunnagle, Tyler Pennel, Andrea Toppin, Anita Perez, and Jocelyn Todd — who shared their stories from the day. Some had breakthrough races (a PR for Sarah Sellers!), while others had challenging days on the course. All of their stories were honest, uplifting, and relatable, and I'm so grateful for everything they shared. Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: Opening remarks from Shoba Murali, UCAN President and CEO (3:40) A few words from Meb Keflezighi (9:00) The live show begins! Carrie and Meb recap the race from their perspectives (12:30) Taylor Ward, Sarah Sellers, and Dawn Grunnagle recap their races at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (30:45) Tyler Pennel joins the conversation to talk about his race, where he finished 11th overall (43:20) Andrea Toppin, Anita Perez, and Jocelyn Todd share their races stories from the day (58:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

Welcome to the second edition of a new monthly series on the Ali on the Run Show: Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt. Every month, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Olympic Trials show — and I will come together to talk about running industry news, our own running, and things we're loving right now, and to answer listener questions about running and podcasting. It's something new we're trying, so let us know what you think and what you want more (or less!) of. On this episode, it's all about Trials talk. We share our excitement for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, talk about our predictions about what might happen while admitting none of us really have any idea, and answer listener questions about podcasting. What we mention on this episode: Superhero Muffins Publix Atlanta 5K Peter Bromka on Road to the Olympic Trials Lou Serafini on Road to the Olympic Trials Sarah Ibbetson @runningbcba on Instagram (2:45.01 series) "In Celebrating Local Olympic Hopefuls, We Lift Up Our Communities" by Erin Strout for Women's Running Jay Holder on The CITIUS MAG Podcast Jay Holder on C Tolle Run Kaitlin Gregg Goodman on Episode 160 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 206 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show Alison Wade and Erin Strout on Road to the Olympic Trials Elle Purrier on Episode 210 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Matt: Instagram @rambling_runner Rambling Runner podcast Road to the Olympic Trials podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 only reason this was my goal is because it was her goal. I only have this dream because she was crazy enough to dream it first." —Veronica Jackson Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi are among the 500+ women who will be running the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon this weekend in Atlanta, GA. They're longtime training partners, and on this episode, they talk about the power of running friendships, and the effects your best running friends can have on your goals. Today, Alex and Veronica live in separate cities — Veronica in Boston where she's an attorney at the Partners Healthcare Hospital System, and Alex in New York City, where she's a research associate at a nonprofit — but we got together in person to record this episode (after they finished their 20-miler, of course). Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Alex and Veronica were feeling two weeks out from the Trials (7:30) Alex reflects on qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials (8:30) What does it mean to each of them to get to run the Trials? (14:00) Alex talks about her postpartum running experience, and shares how she qualified for the Trials again after having her son (16:20) #TBT: Alex and Veronica share the story of how they met, and the importance of running friendships (19:50) How moving out of NYC affected Veronica's training (34:15) How Veronica found new running buddies in Boston (52:00) How Veronica and Alex support each other from afar, and what the OTQ community is like (56:15) What we mention on this episode: Central Park Track Club Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Alex: Instagram @aebernardi Follow Veronica: Instagram @vjaxs Twitter @vjacks01 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 a pretty misunderstood lifestyle. Unless you're in it, you don't really have a clue what it's like to do it or why you would do it, because it's so much work. But the people who have a passion for it would never change that." Earlier this month, Elle Purrier won the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City. In the process, she set a new American record in the indoor mile (4:16.85), broke a 37-year-old record, ran an 8-second personal best time, and ran the second fastest indoor mile in history. On this episode, Elle, who runs for New Balance, talks about that day, and reflects on her indoor season before she begins training for outdoor season — and the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials. She also talks about growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont, and how that impacted her work ethic. Thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to atlantatrackclub.org to sign up for this weekend's Publix Atlanta 5K, where you can finish in the same spot as the men and women running the Olympic Trials Marathon the day before! What you'll get on this episode: Recapping Elle's amazing race at the 2020 Millrose Games (3:00) Recapping the next week's USATF indoor championships in Albuquerque, where Elle ran the 3000m (11:00) Elle sounds off on her competition (19:15) What's next for Elle, and how does outdoor training compare to indoor training? (20:30) On growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont (22:45) A closer look at Elle's training, and looking back at the 2019 Fifth Avenue Mile (28:30) Follow Elle: Instagram @elleruns_4_her_life Twitter @ellepurrier Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 an open book. I have no shame about anything I have gone through or felt." Andrea Barber — perhaps best known as Kimmy Gibbler on Full House and the Netflix revival Fuller House — is back on the Ali on the Run Show! And this time, she's a published author! Andrea's first book, Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again, came out late last year, and it's a hit. (I'm not just saying this because Andrea is a friend: This book is fantastic.) Full Circle isn't a salacious Hollywood memoir or tell-all. It's real and it's honest, and in it, Andrea shares her story in a raw, visceral way. On this episode, Andrea and I catch up on what's new in her life — including why her home is filled with thousands of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, what it was like wrapping the fifth and final season of Fuller House, and where she's at with running right now — and we talk about some of my favorite parts of the book, including her uncensored stories about depression, anxiety, and divorce. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How it feels to have wrapped Fuller House (7:50) On becoming a writer for Fuller House (20:55) What's next for Andrea? (29:00) All about Andrea's book, Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again, and her decision to open up about depression, anxiety, and divorce (32:40) How New Kids on the Block helped Andrea through her divorce (48:45) Where Andrea is at with running right now (56:00) What we mention on this episode: Andrea Barber on Episode 45 of the Ali on the Run Show Andrea Barber on Episode 77 of the Ali on the Run Show Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again, by Andrea Barber Follow Andrea: Instagram @andreabarber Facebook Twitter @andreabarber Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Change always takes time, and the battles that Adam and I have chosen to fight have just taken time. We've learned to be patient and to think less about ourselves and more about the future." Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating here on the Ali on the Run Show with the fifth and final episode of Love on the Run Week — and we're wrapping things up with the Gouchers! Kara and Adam Goucher have been married for 19 years. On this episode, we have an open and honest conversation about their struggles with infertility and how it affected their marriage, Kara's time as a Nike-sponsored athlete who was suspended without pay during her pregnancy and postpartum period, and why they've decided to be outspoken activists in the industry. They talk about developing thicker skin, how speaking out has impacted their relationship, and about why they're so passionate about clean sport. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: How Kara and Adam met (1:55) Is marriage easy? (10:35) How becoming parents has changed their relationship (16:15) On struggling with infertility (23:40) Reflecting on Kara's time as a Nike-sponsored athlete, and why that time was "like being in a nightmare" for Kara and Adam (28:00) Has speaking out publicly brought Kara and Adam closer or has it created marital stress? (41:20) Kara and Adam share their 2020 goals, hopes, and dreams (48:00) What we mention on this episode: Kara on Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show "It's Time For Me To Use My Voice" by Adam Goucher Clean Sport Collective Clean Sport Collective Podcast Follow Kara: Instagram @karagoucher Twitter @karagoucher Facebook Clean Sport Collective Podcast Blog Follow Adam Instagram @adamgoucher Twitter @adam_goucher Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 showed Pat my worst side, and what I'm like when I'm not my happy self." Gwen Jorgensen won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in the triathlon, and then decided she wanted to trade in the bike and the swim for a while to see how she could fare as a professional distance runner. Today, Gwen trains with the Bowerman Track Club, and is gearing up to compete at the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 5K and 10K. And her husband, Pat Lemieux, will be by her side every step of the way. Pat was a professional cyclist, but he decided to put his career aside so he could fully support Gwen in hers. On this episode, they talk about that decision, and what it looked like then vs. now. Gwen and Pat live in Portland, OR, with their son, Stanley. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: How Gwen and Pat met (2:40) How important was it to each of them to have a relationship with a fellow athlete? (10:20) Pat's decision to leave his career as a professional cyclist in order to support Gwen in her career (13:00) On the decision to have a baby (25:00) The biggest challenges Pat and Gwen face in their relationship (33:25) Gwen's decision to train for the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials (36:30) What we mention on this episode: Gwen Jorgensen on Episode 54 of the Ali on the Run Show Gwen Jorgensen on Episode 90 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Gwen: Instagram @gwenjorgensen Twitter @gwenjorgensen Facebook YouTube Follow Pat: Instagram @patrick_lemieux Twitter @patlemieux Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 doesn't do these grand gestures — he just shows up for me every single day." Love on the Run Week continues! From the Leers to the Lindens — to the Bruces! Today, professional marathon runners Steph and Ben Bruce are here to talk about what makes them Team Bruce. They talk about what it's like when Ben is pacing Steph on the run, like at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, and open up about the impact having their two sons (Riley and Hudson) has had on their careers and their marriage. Steph and Ben live in Flagstaff, AZ, where he is an assistant coach and she competes for NAZ Elite. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: How Steph and Ben met (2:45) How Ben proposed to Steph (12:00) What makes Steph and Ben a great team (17:15) On resentment (25:00) Reflecting on running the 2019 Chicago Marathon, where Steph ran a 2:27 personal best time, and Ben was on pacing duties (31:00) How marriage has changed since having kids (37:00) How Steph is feeling just a few weeks out from the Olympic Trials (42:35) What we mention on this episode: Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Steph: Instagram @stephrothstein Twitter @steph_rothstein Facebook Blog Follow Ben: Instagram @bbjamin15 Twitter @bbjamin Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 competitive…in a healthy way!" It's Love on the Run Week on the Ali on the Run Show! First we heard from Aisha Praught and Will Leer, and today it's the Linden's turn. On this episode, we hear from 2018 Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden and her Ironman and entrepreneur husband, Ryan. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: How Des and Ryan met (2:15) How important is running in their relationship? (8:30) Des and Ryan reflect on some of the biggest moments in their careers and how they affected their relationship (15:50) How Ryan and Des support each other and celebrate their wins (21:30) Who's the better spectator? (29:55) When one person's career is thriving and the other's isn't (34:00) How Des is feeling leading up to the Olympic Trials (38:20) The moments in each others' careers Des and Ryan are most proud of (40:15) What we mention on this episode: Des on Episode 64 of the Ali on the Run Show Des on Episode 77 of the Ali on the Run Show Des on Episode 100 of the Ali on the Run Show Ryan on Episode 83 of the Ali on the Run Show Des on Episode 27 of the Clean Sport Collective podcast Follow Des: Instagram @des_linden Facebook Twitter @des_linden Follow Ryan: Instagram @rl_linden Twitter @rl_linden Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 talking about running, it's where we have to be the most delicate with each other." We're celebrating love all week long on the Ali on the Run Show: Welcome to Love on the Run Week! Today, we're kicking things off with professional middle-distance runners Aisha Praught and Will Leer, who live and train in Boulder, CO. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: How Aisha and Will met (3:15) How Will proposed (7:30) On Aisha and Will's competitive sides (11:30) Why Aisha and Will moved from Oregon to Boulder, and how they made the decision (15:30) Why Will and Aisha don't do workouts together (21:30) How Will and Aisha set goals individually and together (30:40) The impact Gabe Grunewald's passing has had on both Will and Aisha (41:00) What we mention on this episode: Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show "No Sacrifices for Aisha Praught Leer," by Erin Strout for Women's Running Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Aisha: Instagram @aishapraughtleer Twitter @aishapraught Follow Will: Instagram @williamleer Twitter @william_leer Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 was an incredible amount of pressure that I acknowledged and then just kind of wanted to tuck away in the back of my mind and not pay attention to, because if I let that take over, I would've been scrutinizing it, and it would've gotten in my head, and I wouldn't have been able to do what I did." Rick Powell was the official 2:45 pacer at the 2020 Houston Marathon, who led a group of several dozen women hoping to qualify for the Olympic Trials. On this episode, Rick — a former Marine and current attorney who was fresh off a 2:31 finish at the Steamtown Marathon — reflects on his experience in Houston. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Why Rick wanted to be the OTQ pacer in Houston (5:55) On the magnitude of the day for the women (14:30) On getting advice from the CIM pacers before the race (21:00) What it was like being the only pacer for the 2:45 group (25:30) What it was like at the start of the Houston Marathon (34:20) What happens when people fall off the pace group (39:55) What it was like pacing Neely Spence Gracey (48:25) The impact this experience had on Rick (51:00) What we mention on this episode: The CIM Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show Starla Garcia on Episode 200 of the Ali on the Run Show Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 201 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Rick: Instagram @rjp1210 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

Welcome to a new monthly series on the Ali on the Run Show: Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt. Every month, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Olympic Trials show — and I will come together to talk about running industry news, our own running, and things we're loving right now, and to answer listener questions about running and podcasting. It's something new we're trying, so let us know what you think and what you want more (or less!) of. On this episode, we talk about each of our recent interviews with professional runner Neely Spence Gracey, the hype surrounding the upcoming Olympic Trials marathon, and what podcasting is like behind the microphone. What we mention on this episode: Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 201 of the Ali on the Run Show Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 40 of Road to the Olympic Trials "Amy Cragg Is Very Much Still in It, Thank You for Asking," by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Matt: Instagram @rambling_runner Rambling Runner podcast Road to the Olympic Trials podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 wasn't ready to run a marathon to my standards, and I did it anyway, and I was able to meet that goal, I was able to check off a goal, and I haven't been able to do that in a long time." Neely Spence Gracey just ran her first postpartum race since having her son, Athens, in 2018. She ran the Houston Marathon — and qualified for the Olympic Trials by running a 2:44. Not a bad return to the races! But Neely's journey to the OTQ hasn't been easy. On this episode, she talks about her pregnancy and postpartum running expectations vs. her reality, which included a series of injuries and other issues that kept her sidelined despite her best efforts to remain strong and healthy. She also talks about new motherhood, rest day-related anxiety, and why she stopped weighing herself. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Neely is feeling post-Houston Marathon, and why this marathon — her slowest — was also her proudest (2:30) Neely talks about running during pregnancy, and her postpartum running experience (6:30) Neely opens up about her nonlinear return to running (23:45) Neely shares how her perspective about taking rest days has changed over the years (34:45) Neely recaps her 2020 Houston Marathon experience (40:45) Neely's message to new moms trying to get back on the run (58:00) What we mention on this episode: Starla Garcia on Episode 200 of the Ali on the Run Show Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 42 of the Ali on the Run Show FITsplint ReCoreFitness.com "Neely Spence Gracey Is Ready to Chase the Olympic Trials Standard at Houston" by Taylor Dutch for Runner's World Follow Neely: Instagram @neelysgracey Facebook Twitter @neelysgracey Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 dropped so many F-bombs the last 10K! I just kept saying, 'It's gonna happen, it's gonna happen!' I was just so hyped up." This past weekend, Starla Garcia ran the Chevron Houston Marathon in 2 hours and 43 minutes — officially qualifying to run the 2020 Olympic Trials. On this episode — the 200th episode of the Ali on the Run Show! — Starla talks about her road to the OTQ, including missing the cutoff by just two minutes at last year's Grandma's Marathon, and a DNF at CIM. She talks about developing an eating disorder in high school, and finding recovery as a division-1 athlete in college. Today, Starla is a registered dietitian living in Houston, TX. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Where Starla's OTQ dream came from (3:10) On bouncing back from disappointment (8:45) What Starla's pre-Houston training was like (14:45) What it felt like to cross the finish line with an Olympic Trials qualifying time (27:00) Starla reflects on her relationship with running when she was growing up, and the pressure she felt as a D-1 collegiate runner (31:00) Starla talks about her past with an eating disorder (36:20) On becoming a registered dietitian (49:40) What we mention on this episode: Carly Gill on Episode 182 of the Ali on the Run Show Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 42 of the Ali on the Run Show "Elated Runners Are Headed to Trials After Grabbing an #OTQinHOU," by Emilia Benton for Runner's World Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison Follow Starla: Instagram @starla_shines Twitter @starla_shines Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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't sit around waiting for things to happen." New year, excited me! On this short-ish solo episode, I'm sharing my 2020 vision — an Ali on the Run Show State of the Union of sorts. I talk about my personal and professional goals for this year, and reflect on my lululemon goal setting process. (Speaking of new: Come join the Ali on the Run Facebook group! We're having fun in there!) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Looking back on 2019 (2:15) On becoming a lululemon ambassador (4:45) My goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for 2020 (15:30) What I mention on this episode: Today Show Modern Motherhood Series "I'm a New York City Marathon Race Announcer" 2019 United Airlines NYC Half Recap 2019 Popular Brooklyn Half Recap Garden State Plaza lululemon Align Pants Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 goal isn't to stop feeling anxious or to judge yourself for it. That's like saying, 'Oh, it shouldn't be raining.' But it is. So now what?" Rachel Gersten is a New York City-based licensed therapist, and is the co-founder of Viva Wellness. On this episode — perfect for the new year! — she dishes out advice about dealing with burnout, anxiety, and what to do when you realize you have no idea what you want to do with the rest of your life. She also talks about her lifelong battle with chronic pain, and how running more than 150 races, including marathons, has actually helped her cope with the pain. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What does it actually mean to be a wellness coach? (2:30) Why are most people going to therapy these days? (10:30) What to do when you realize you're not sure what you want to be when you grow up (18:00) What do appointments with Rachel look like? (24:25) On chronic pain, and becoming a runner (34:00) What we mention on this episode: Hannah Montana: The Bone Dance Find a Way by Diana Nyad Follow Rachel: Instagram @rachelgersten Viva Wellness The Viva Wellness Podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Most people would describe me as kind and warm. But I have this other part of my personality: I am insatiably competitive." Aisha Praught Leer is a professional middle-distance runner for Under Armour, a national record holder in the 5000 meters, a 2016 Olympian (she competed in the 3000-meter steeplechase), and a gold medal winner at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. On this episode, Aisha talks about her progression as a professional athlete, her decision to race for and represent Jamaica (she's a Jamaican-American dual citizen), and her dedication for giving back and helping inspire the next generation of runners. She talks about what it's like being married to fellow professional runner Will Leer, and opens up about her decision to leave Eugene, OR, where she trained with the Oregon Track Club Elite, and move to Colorado to train alongside Emma Coburn, under the direction of coach Joe Bosshard. She also shares her thoughts on imposter syndrome, working with a sports psychologist, and building mental strength. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Why do you do what you do? (4:30) On building mental and physical strength as a professional athlete (14:00) On competitiveness (23:30) What it's actually like working with a sports psychologist (25:30) Why Aisha left Oregon Track Club to train with Joe Bosshard and Emma Coburn in Colorado (30:00) Aisha's decision to switch from the steeplechase to the 1500m (42:00) Aisha's decision to race for Jamaica (49:00) All about drug testing (54:50) How Aisha met now-husband Will Leer (1:03:00) What we mention on this episode: The Biggest Little Farm Oregon Track Club Elite Melissa Todd, Sports Psychologist The Overstory Follow Aisha: Instagram @aishapraughtleer Twitter @aishapraught Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 put ourselves on the line to help other people accomplish their dreams, and that was pretty freaking awesome." At the California International Marathon (CIM) earlier this month, 72 women ran faster than 2 hours 45 minutes, officially qualifying to run the Olympic Trials in the marathon. Leading several dozen of those women were Menso de Jong, Chris Stehula, and Ken Rakestraw — the official sub-2:45 pace group leaders. None of them had ever run a 2:45 marathon before. This is their story. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How Menso, Chris, and Ken got the job as pacers (3:40) How Menso, Chris, and Ken trained for the race (16:30) The plan for race day! (26:25) What the energy at the CIM start line was like (32:20) On the rules of pacing (49:00) What the finish was like (53:20) Menso, Chris, and Ken share their messages for all the women who went for OTQ times at CIM this year (1:03.50) What we mention on this episode: Jenny & Judi Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show "The Marathon Protagonists" by Menso de Jong Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 winging it." Mary Johnson (perhaps best known as @itsamarython on Instagram) is the owner of Lift, Run, Perform. She's a running coach and a strength coach who also works at Ranfone Training Systems. And she just had a baby! Mary's first child, Eli, is five months old, and on this episode, Mary very honestly talks about what the past five months have looked like for her. She talks about the highs and lows of new motherhood, explains her strategy for getting work done as a work-from-home mom, and opens up about her expectations vs. the reality of returning to running postpartum. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Mary talks about how she's feeling at 20 weeks postpartum, and shares her take on expectation vs. reality (3:00) On seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist (12:10) On finding, develoing, and harnessing new-mom confidence (15:00) Mary talks about having to get a D&C after giving birth (17:45) On being a work-from-home entrepreneur mom, and getting back to work after baby (26:00) Mary talks about coaching a group of women to run sub-3:00 marathons this fall (42:50) What we mention on this episode: Mary Johnson on Episode 122 of the Ali on the Run Show Postpartum return-to-exercise recommendations Abby Bales on Episode 49 of the Ali on the Run Show Abby Bales on Episode 139 of the Ali on the Run Show Reform Physical Therapy Superhero Muffins Follow Mary: Instagram @itsamarython Twitter @itsamarython Blog Lift, Run, Perform Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 dance, you're kind of always told what to do, how to do it, how perfect it has to be. Running has been a way for me to let all of that go." Sarah Grooms spent 13 years doing hundreds of eye-high kicks a day as a Radio City Rockette. On this episode, she talks about everything you've ever wanted to know about performing at one of the world's most famous venues (including how Radio City's famous camels get their exercise between shows!), and explains why she decided to hang up her heels last year in favor of running shoes. Today, Sarah is a certified personal trainer, and is a fitness instructor at Precision Run in New York City and obé Fitness online — and she's a marathoner! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Sarah reflects on her 13-year tenure as a Radio City Rockette (5:50) On getting — and then losing — the dream job (12:50) What it's like performing at Radio City Music Hall (16:40) What don't audiences see from the Radio City Rockettes? (20:00) The physical demands of being a Rockette (33:15) Why Sarah decided to retire from the Rockettes — and how she became a runner (38:00) What's next for Sarah? (46:40) Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahgrooms Twitter @sarahgrooms Podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 are both a bit stubborn — especially about our goals." —Jenny Donnelly It was a big, exciting weekend at the 2019 California International Marathon! It was especially exciting for the Donnelly family: 28-year-old Jenny qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing in 2:44.31, and her mom, 62-year-old Judi celebrating 25 years of being breast-cancer-free, ran a lifetime personal best, finishing in a Boston Marathon qualifying time of 3:56. On this episode, Jenny and Judi reflect on their exciting weekend at CIM, and talk about why this sport and this community are so special. Jenny opens up about her history with race anxiety, and Judi talks about navigating parenting a child who is dealing with running-related panic attacks. It's a fun episode that proves why running is so magical. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: Jenny breaks down her race at CIM (3:55) Judi talks about running a 3:56 at CIM — a lifetime personal best! (10:45) Jenny talks about her history for race anxiety (14:50) Judi talks about what it was like running the New York City Marathon in the 80s! (25:40) What it's like getting panic attacks on the run (29:00) Judi talks about being 25 years cancer-free, and talks about raising high-achieving daughters (36:30) What we mention on this episode: Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor Follow Jenny: Instagram @jenny_donn Follow Judi: Instagram @judidonnelly Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 really hope that people seeing amputees in line at the grocery store don't think, 'Oh, you poor thing,' they wonder, 'Oh, are you a marathoner?'" In April 2013, Adrianne Haslet was living her dream as a professional ballroom dancer. On Marathon Monday, she found herself near the Boston Marathon finish line, watching the runners finish the iconic race. But then, so many lives were forever changed that day. When the two bombs went off near the finish, the second blast took Adrianne's foot. On this episode, she recounts that day in Boston, and talks about rebuilding and moving forward. She talks about learning to wear, walk, and run with a prosthetic leg, and beautifully talks about the importance of being defined not as a victim, but as a survivor. Despite being at the center of tragedy that day, Adrianne has become an inspiration — and a Boston Marathoner herself. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What brought Adrianne to the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line (3:00) What, exactly, she remembers after the blast went off (6:00) How Adrianne's "rebuilding" process went, and what it was like putting on her prosthetic for the first time (17:30) Adrianne talks about how her relationship with her body has changed since the bombings, and how she became a runner (26:00) Adrianne talks about post-traumatic stress disorder, and how therapy has helped with her recovery (36:15) How Adrianne became a Boston Marathon finisher (40:30) The car accident that thwarted Adrianne's 2019 Boston Marathon dreams (44:15) Why the 2020 Boston Marathon will be extra special for Adrianne (47:15) What we mention on this episode: Heartbreak Hill Running Company Follow Adrianne: Instagram @adriannehaslet Twitter @adriannehaslet Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 in that moment I realized that I wasn't running. I also realized I wasn't jogging. I was barely walking. I looked down, and the tops of my shoes are scraping the ground — one slow movement after the next slow movement." It's an Ali on the Run Show Thanksgiving tradition! Four years ago, my now-husband, Brian, and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41 — a 7:44 minute-per-mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. Here's a dramatic retelling of how his race went. This is forever my favorite story, and I love re-sharing it every year. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy LOL-ing! What we mention on this episode: Newport Pie Run Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot Meet Brian Our engagement story Mystery Science Theater 3000 Ugg slippers Orangetheory Fitness Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Follow Brian: Instagram @boldceo Facebook Twitter @boldceo Growing BOLD BOLD Worldwide 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!

"One of the hardest conversations I ever had was to admit that I'd been struggling. And I no longer wanted to be alive." Sarah True is a professional triathlete and Olympian. On this episode, she honestly and vulnerably shares her story of competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, hitting rock bottom, and the intense emotional recovery that followed. She opens up about her history with mood disorders and depression, and talks about how stress affects her body and her performance. She also talks about the past two years competing at the Ironman distance, including a very good year followed by a challenging one. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: On diversity, inclusivity, privilege, and bias in sport (3:00) Sarah reflects on her racing year (8:30) Sarah talks about competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and the emotional aftermath that followed (24:45) Sarah talks about managing her depression, and what that looks like today (36:00) How Sarah met her now-husband, fellow professional athlete Ben True (46:00) What Sarah says are the universal struggles in sport (51:00) Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarah.b.true Twitter @sgroffy Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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're in a powerless position and the rest of your career is totally dependent on what you do, you aren't going to burn bridges. You don't have many bridges to walk across." Phoebe Wright is a former professional middle-distance runner who spent six years competing as a Nike-sponsored athlete. Phoebe, an 800-meter specialist from Tennessee, became a five-time national champion before retiring after the 2016 Olympics. On this episode, she reflects on her time with Nike and talks about some of the big stories in running right now, including #DreamMaternity and Mary Cain. She also talks about confidence, overtraining, and being an advocate for the running industry and its athletes. Thank you to the New York Road Runners Virtual Turkey Trot 5K for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE to register (it's free!) and complete your Turkey Trot anytime between November 23 and December 1. Everybody's doing it! What you'll get on this episode: Phoebe reflects on her six years as a Nike athlete (4:45) Phoebe's take on the #DreamMaternity coverage (13:10) Phoebe discusses the recent Mary Cain story about Mary's time working with Alberto Salazar and Nike (18:40) Phoebe talks about training with Brooks (21:50) On being an advocate, confidence, and having thick skin (27:45) Phoebe talks about her experience with overtraining (30:45) All about being a pharmacist! (35:30) What we mention on this episode: "Nike Told Me to Dream Crazy, Until I Wanted a Baby," via The New York Times "Allyson Felix: My Own Nike Pregnancy Story," via The New York Times "I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike," via The New York Times Follow Phoebe: Instagram @phe800 Twitter @phe800 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 kind of labeled as the gay runner. But those are two things I'm really proud of. I'm proud to be gay and I'm proud of my running." —Nikki Hiltz Nikki Hiltz and Therese Haiss are professional runners for adidas. They live in San Diego where they train with the Mission Athletics Club, and on this episode, they talk about how they met — and how their immediate friendship evolved into something more. They talk about coming out to each other, and to their loved ones, and talk about society's obsession with labels. They share their insecurities, and talk about how living authentically has made them better runners. Nikki and Therese are one of my favorite pro runner couples, and they promised that nothing was off-limits for this conversation, which we had after they had just settled in Mammoth for four weeks of high-altitude training camp. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What altitude training looks like for Therese and Nikki, and what sacrifices they have to make as professional runners (2:30) Nikki and Therese reflect on their trip to Doha for world championships (8:20) How Nikki and Therese met, the evolution of their relationship, and what it was like coming out to friends and family — and to each other (21:20) How coming out affected Nikki's running (31:30) Reflecting on that now-famous adidas Pride photo, plus their take on authenticity and whether there's pressure to be a role model (36:15) What's coming up for Nikki and Therese? And what's it like competing against each other in races? (49:00) What we mention on this episode: Nikki Hiltz on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Nikki: Instagram @nikkihiltz Twitter @nikki_hiltz Mission Athletics Club YouTube Follow Therese: Instagram @therese_haiss Twitter @therese_haiss Mission Athletics Club YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 to know that every person that crosses that finish line is celebrated. I don't care what the time on the clock says. I want everyone's hard work and dreams to be celebrated." Last Sunday, I became an official TCS New York City Marathon finish line announcer. I always said my dream was to "stand at a finish line and cheer for all the runners." And I got to do that on the world's largest stage. I need about a month to sit and process the magic of this past week. What I got to do. The opportunities. The people I met. The conversations I had. The finishes and emotions I witnessed. The tears. The victories. The arms up in the air, in moments of pure awe and celebration. The chills I got, over and over. On this episode, I attempt to recap it all. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Recapping my 2019 TCS New York City Marathon week (1:30) Answering listener questions all about announcing at the TCS New York City Marathon finish line (32:40) What we mention on this episode: TCS New York City Marathon Mile High Run Club Amelia Boone on Episode 80 of the Ali on the Run Show Altra Solstice Team For Kids The Izzo Brothers NYRR Run with Champions NYRR Night of Champions Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K 2017 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K Recap Ali on the Run Show Live: Why It's An Exciting Time for Women's Running NYRR RunCenter 2016 TCS New York City Marathon Recap Janelle Hartman on Episode 185 of the Ali on the Run Show Stephanie Pennington on Episode 183 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to host this live recording of the Ali on the Run Show at the New York Road Runners RunCenter the day before the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. Five leaders in the industry — Mary Wittenberg, Lauren Fleshman, Alison Desir, Jen Ator, and Lindsay Crouse — discuss why it's an exciting time to be a woman in running right now, and address the work that still needs to be done to make the running world more inclusive. THANK YOU to New York Road Runners for hosting us and for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to check out all the great (free!) programming at the NYRR RunCenter featuring the New Balance Run Hub. Follow Mary: Mary on Episode 98 of the Ali on the Run Show Mary on Episode 129 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @marywruns Twitter @marywitt Follow Lauren: Lauren on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren on Episode 161 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @fleshmanflyer Twitter @laurenfleshman Follow Lindsay: Lindsay on Episode 149 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @lindsaycrouse Twitter @lindsaycrouse Follow Alison: Alison on Episode 3 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @alisonmdesir Follow Jen: Jen on Episode 142 of the Ali on the Run Show Instagram @jen_ator Twitter @jen_ator Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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!