Ali on the Run Show

"It's not easy to talk about the disappointments. It's not easy to talk about the times that you fall short. Nobody wants to brag about those. It's been hard. There were lots of tears shed in private. And just really accepting the fact that I wanted something so badly, and it didn't happen." Emilee Risteen has raced six marathons in the past 12 months, each in pursuit of one very specific goal. For the past year, Emilee has been trying to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials, which would mean running 26.2 miles in 2:37 or faster. She ran CIM in 2:43, Houston in 2:48, Boston in 2:41, Grandma's in 2:38 (a personal best and so close to that 2:37!), the McKirdy Micro in 2:41, and CIM one more time in 2:44. In this conversation, Emilee — who ran her first marathon in 4:03 and has taken nearly 90 minutes off her time in less than three years — talks about chasing her big goals, and about what happens when you don't quite get there. Plus, she talks about how going for sub-2:37 was initially about the time and the OTQ, but ultimately became about so much more. FOLLOW EMILEE @emristeen SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: How Emilee is feeling post-CIM (3:20) How Emilee is processing this past year on the run (4:30) On "getting back out there" (8:10) Why Emilee loves the process, and what this year of running was really about (11:45) What the women's OTQ community is like at marathons in the U.S. (19:30) Emilee's relationship with the time 2:37 (23:50) Emilee shares her running origin story (27:10) What Emilee's first marathon was like, and how she's gone from being a 4:03 marathoner to a 2:38 marathoner in less than three years (33:50) How running fits into Emilee's life (45:20) How Emilee ran six marathons in 12 months without getting injured (47:35) Emilee shares her 2024 running plans (51:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Community is everything. People are everything. I want to stay surrounded by people that I love and that love me. I'm going to mess up in life. I'm not always going to get it right. But that's what matters: showing up and being there and being together." Ask Ali returns! It's been a minute since we've done a classic Q&A-style episode. In this one: holiday traditions, what's next on the run, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Whenever we do something that we really invest in and that's hard — and that we're not sure we can do — it's a reminder of the 'we can do hard things' aspect. And I'll always get to say that I did this." Emily Oster is an economist, a professor at Brown University, and a best-selling author of books including Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm. And she just made her marathon debut at the California International Marathon (CIM), where she finished in 3 hours 17 minutes and 39 seconds. In this conversation, Emily talks about her decision to run 26.2 miles (which she twice swore she would never do, during her first and second appearances on the Ali on the Run Show), about working with coach Kaitlin Goodman and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun, and about her race-day experience. FOLLOW EMILY: @ProfEmilyOster SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. What you'll get on this episode: Emily's evolution as a runner, and why she made the decision to run a marathon this year (2:00) Why Emily decided to start working with coach Kaitlin Goodman, and why they chose the California International Marathon (4:40) On choosing a "fast" race course (18:00) What Emily learned from working with sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun (21:10) What Emily's CIM training was like (25:40) On pre-race nervous, training stressors, and race goals (37:30) The road to the start line (45:00) Emily's highs and lows from CIM 2023 (48:45) What it was like becoming a marathoner for the first time (1:01:05) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"For the first time in my entire life, I was in awe of myself. I was in awe of what I'd accomplished. The marathon was a love letter to myself. For the first time, seeing myself the way other people see me. For the first time, truly recognizing my courage and my power." The first time Tunde Oyeneyin was on the Ali on the Run Show, she insisted she wasn't a runner. Now, three years and many miles later, the Peloton instructor, best-selling author, and Access Hollywood guest correspondent admits she has fully embraced the runner life. And as of last month, she's officially a marathoner. In this conversation, Tunde talks about her decision and motivation to run this year's New York City Marathon, and about why she chose to keep her goal a secret. She shares stories from race day, talks about how those 26.2 miles changed her life and the way she coaches her Peloton classes, and explains the impact the finish line has had on her and how she sees herself. FOLLOW TUNDE @tune2tunde SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024. What you'll get on this episode: How Tunde feels about becoming a marathoner (1:45) "Do you get it now or are marathons overhyped?" (5:30) Will Tunde run another marathon? (9:40) When and why Tunde decided to run the New York City Marathon (10:30) How —after keeping it a secret — the world found out Tunde was running the marathon (13:50) Tunde's approach to marathon training (17:45) What Tunde remembers most about race morning (24:50) How the marathon changed how Tunde sees herself (32:30) Tunde breaks down the last few miles of the marathon (38:45) How a woman named Mandy saved the day (47:15) What surprised Tunde the most about this experience (50:30) What Tunde's excited for right now (55:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 so grateful for the professional experiences that I've had, and so grateful for the incredible men in my life. But I feel like I've been the supporting character in my own life. I'm always 'Mark Zuckerberg's Sister' or 'Brent's Wife' or 'So-and-So's Mom.' Every achievement — even though I'm proud of it — is qualified by someone else. The moment I got to break the tape at the half marathon was the first moment in my entire life where I felt like the main character." Randi Zuckerberg is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, host of "Randi Zuckerberg Means Business" on SiriusXM Radio, a TV and theater producer, and a mom of three living in New York City. And yes, her last name is Zuckerberg. Randi is Mark Zuckerberg's sister, and was one of the first employees at Facebook. (She's credited with creating Facebook Live!) But "Mark Zuckerberg's Sister" isn't how Randi wants to be defined, and she has officially entered her Main Character Era — thanks to running. In this conversation, Randi talks about her journey to becoming a marathoner and an ultramarathoner, and recounts her days at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (she ran a 3:34:54, earning herself a Boston Qualifying time) and then, two weeks later, her first 50-miler. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: How Randi is feeling a few days after running her first 50-miler, and all about her run today (2:05) Randi reflects on running the New York City Marathon (5:50) Randi shares her Turkey Trot plans, and what her family is like on race day (9:15) Meet "Brandi" (12:20) When — and why — Randi became a runner (15:05) On being "too old" to become a runner (21:00) Randi talks about why running the New York Mini 10K changed her life — and got her to run a marathon (28:35) How Randi became the main character in her own life (32:30) All about Randi's New York City Marathon training (40:10) The power of group exercise classes, and how Randi fits fitness into her life (51:40) Randi recaps her race at the 2023 New York City Marathon (53:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 not going up on that stage crying, but I don't want to dismiss this moment! I want to take this all in and I want to feel this. It was an incredibly powerful thing." It was a New York City Marathon to remember. I had the privilege of getting to be a part of the international, ESPN, and ABC7 broadcasts on race day. I hosted a live show with Ellie Kemper. I ran the Dash to the Finish Line 5K. I was the race announcer at the TCS Run with Champions youth race. It was all the best. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024. Registration opens December 1 at 9 AM ET. What you'll get on this episode: All about my roles at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (2:05) Wednesday: the drive to NYC and the phone calls we made along the way (17:45) Thursday: a long morning run, the Run with Champions, and Titanique (27:00) Friday: a star-studded group run ending at a church, a broadcast team meeting, and an unforgettable live show with Ellie Kemper (36:10) Saturday: the Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K and a day full of production meetings (52:50) Sunday: New York City Marathon day! (1:03:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 people asked me if I was going to keep running. And it's like, to me it's just a ridiculous question. You have a kid, what, you have to give up your whole career? I just needed a little bit of time!" She's back! After giving birth to her first child, a son, Ivan, in March, Elle Purrier St. Pierre made her return to racing in September at the Fifth Avenue Mile. In this conversation, she talks about what postpartum running has looked like, about what's next for her, and about what life on the dairy farm looks like these days. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: How Elle's day is going so far (2:20) What is Elle training for right now? (5:15) An update on farm life (7:40) On returning to racing at the 2023 Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15) How Elle has navigated nursing Ivan and returning to high-mileage training (25:50) Elle's thoughts on the "never-perfect" time to have a baby as a professional athlete (30:55) What it's like watching the women's 1500 from the sidelines (34:15) How motherhood has changed Elle's relationship with running (38:25) On racing as her "old self" vs. "new self" (43:20) Elle's message to fellow new moms (47:15) FOLLOW ELLE: @elleruns_4_her_life Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 know her (from The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). You love her (because she's funny and genuine). She's a marathoner. Ellie Kemper returns to the Ali on the Run Show — LIVE! We had the most fun recording this episode in front of a 600-person audience at Lavan in New York City. From marathon memories and running reflections to bathroom stories and spelling bee traumas, this one covered it all. We had the best time, and we hope you love it, too. Thank you to everyone who attended the show and made it so fun and special (those shirts!), and to New Balance for making it so magical (seriously, those shirts!). Let's do it again sometime, yeah? SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite — and Ellie's favorite! — shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 already dreaming about the next one." Sara Vaughn had a good, great, wonderful day at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. She ran a 2:23:24 — that's a three-minute personal best, and it landed her a 10th-place finish in the women's field. In this conversation, Sara breaks down everything from before, during, and after the race. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. FOLLOW SARA @smevaughn Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"At a marathon finish line — especially this marathon finish line — you see the best of humanity." Every year on the first Sunday of November, more than 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers, and two million spectators will descend on the five boroughs for one reason: the TCS New York City Marathon. This episode is your unofficial guide to the iconic 26.2-mile race. Two and a half jam-packed hours of New York City Marathon-related information, just in time for the taper. And this episode isn't just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating. As for my New York City Marathon love affair: This race is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I've run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station in Brooklyn. In 2017, I cheered on "First and Fifth," and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a "fancy" (you know, the nice kind!) finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. After announcing at the finish and at the Finish Line After Dark in 2019, 2021, and 2022, this year I'm trying something a little different. I'm joining the broadcast talent team as a reporter on the international feed. I'll be interviewing runners at the start and finish lines, and then I'll join the ABC/ESPN2 broadcast team for more finish line coverage on the local broadcast (alongside Becs Gentry!). Let's have some fun! SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer talks about why he's excited for this year's TCS New York City Marathon — his first one at the helm of the organization (5:00) Pre-race questions: how to get in, how to handle feeling overwhelmed by logistics, and how to watch this year's race (34:40) What you need to know about getting to the start line in Staten Island, and what to do once you're there (43:50) What to know about the New York City Marathon course (1:04:00) New York City Marathon course strategy (and a pep talk!) with Peloton instructor and 2:32 marathoner Becs Gentry (1:18:00) Welcome to the New York City Marathon finish line — and what happens once you cross it (2:02:20) What to know about spectating at the New York City Marathon (2:07:40) You did it! Now what? (2:13:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 love the chaos. That's where I find the calm." After a year and a half filled with injuries, setbacks, and struggles, Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel made her grand return to the marathon — and crushed it. Molly ran the Chicago Marathon in a personal best time of 2:23:07, finishing eighth overall and as the second American woman of the day. In this episode, she talks about the comeback, about race day, about having something to prove, and about a major weight being lifted. (For more, check out Molly's Chicago Marathon recap on YouTube.) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (coming soon! you'll just pay the cost of shipping!), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. What you'll get on this episode: "Molly seems really good!" (2:30) On expectations (4:00) Molly shares her goals for the Chicago Marathon (6:30) Molly's favorite moment from the weekend (7:20) On running with pacer Rory Linkletter — and running with pacers in general vs. all-out racing (12:45) How Molly sees American distance women on the world stage (15:00) The importance of the boyfriend/coach relationship (19:15) On pre-race commitments, and how Molly has learned to manage her time and energy leading up to big races (21:30) How Molly was feeling on race morning (27:15) Molly breaks down her race at the Chicago Marathon (39:15) Molly talks about when the race started to feel hard (44:30) How Molly felt after crossing the finish line, and how she feels now (53:50) Molly's mindset approaching the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials (56:45) "I think that is just my brain trying to be toxic" (59:50) What Molly's excited about right now (1:06:30) Molly on the Ali on the Run Show: On Returning to Racing in 2023, January 2023 Everything You Need to Know About the New York City Marathon, October 2022 Girl Talk with Molly Seidel & Anoush Arakelian, February 2022 LIVE with Molly Seidel, Olympic Bronze Medalist, August 2021 Molly & Izzy Seidel, March 2021 FOLLOW MOLLY @bygolly.molly Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Pressure comes when things are going well." The American Record Holder and the Irishman return! Today on the Ali on the Run Show, Emily Sisson and Shane Quinn are here to talk about their respective experiences at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, where Emily ran a 2:22:09, finished seventh, and was the top American woman of the day — and Shane ate omelettes. While this didn't end up being the race Emily trained, hoped, and planned for — that darn side stitch! — both Emily and Shane agree that this was ultimately a good day. They share their top moments and memories from the weekend (spoiler: Rivers), talk about what's next (vacation, and then the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials!), and offer their thoughts on American distance women vs. the world. (For more LOLs, make sure you listen to this episode with Shane and Tony D'Amato.) SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 just fun to me. We put so much pressure on the outcome of these races. We want to prove ourselves, prove we can run a certain time, and I understand all those feelings. But I just think if you truly love running and love to train, the goal race is a celebration of that." Everyone's favorite graham cracker-loving sports dietitian returns to the Ali on the Run Show today — this time, as a 2:49 marathoner! In this conversation, Meghann Featherstun, owner of Featherstone Nutrition, talks about running a personal best at the Berlin Marathon, just days after her 40th birthday. She talks about the big feelings she was feeling around that 40th birthday, about her approach to training and racing (she's coached by former Ali on the Run Show guest Meaghan Murray), and about "giving it everything she has and hoping it's enough." (Check out Meghann's previous episodes here and here.) SPONSORS: Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: "My marathon time is the least interesting thing about me" — Is that still true? (2:25) Was Berlin a dream day? (3:55) Meghann's advice for dealing with a mid-race side stitch or cramp (6:50) What did it take to become a 2:49 marathoner? (9:30) How Meghann was feeling heading into race day (17:50) Meghann's tips for how to enjoy traveling for a marathon and run your best race (21:35) On turning 40 (23:55) How Meghann was feeling on race morning (28:00) Meghann recaps her race at the 2023 Berlin Marathon (35:30) Meghann's approach to running a sub-2:50 marathon (45:50) Is running easier for faster people? (49:55) How Meghann celebrated her new PR (52:00) Meghann recaps her trip to Chicago (55:45) Meghann's goals for the 2023 New York City Marathon (58:30) What one thing can runners add to their lives to have the greatest impact on their running? (1:02:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 much can happen in those last few miles." It was a good day in Chicago for Des Linden: Not only did she run 2:27:35 to break the American Masters Marathon Record (previously held by Deena Kastor) by 12 seconds, she also had her puppy, Rivers, there for all the action. In this conversation — Des's 10th appearance on the Ali on the Run Show! — the 2018 Boston Marathon champion and two-time Olympian recaps her weekend at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, including the highs (Rivers), the lows (marathon math), the stories from the elite athlete technical meeting, and, of course, some thoughts on the forthcoming Emily in Paris Season 4. SPONSORS: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. What you'll get on this episode: Deep thoughts and hot takes on Emily in Paris Season 4 (2:40) All about Rivers (10:45) Des's decision to go for the American masters marathon record (18:05) Des reflects on her training, and how she was feeling heading into the race (26:35) Chicago vs. NYC vs. Boston (30:45) All about the elite athlete technical meeting in Chicago (35:15) On Ryan's role during marathon weekends (39:40) What race morning is like for Des (42:15) The race plan and pace plan (47:50) Des breaks down how the race went (51:00) Des talks about when the race started to get hard (1:00:05) Hindsight: what Des would've done differently at this year's Chicago Marathon (1:06:25) What's next for Des — on the trails, at the New York City Marathon, and beyond (1:14:00) FOLLOW DES @des_linden Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 weekend brought me back to life in a way that I didn't even realize I needed so badly." By some kind of miracle, I made it to the 2023 Chicago Marathon! Not to run it, though: I was in town (for the first time!) as one of the finish line announcers on race day. The whole weekend was a dream, from the first post-surgery run to the Abbott Chicago 5K (I ran it!) to the friendships and emotional moments to, of course, race day. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. What you'll get on this episode: What life looked like before heading to the 2023 Chicago Marathon (3:00) All about Friday, including my first post-surgery run (!!!), the elite athlete press conference, walking Rivers (!!!), and the welcome reception (20:45) Saturday: running Abbott Chicago 5K, trying to see The Bean, dim sum in Chinatown, and laughing late into the night (44:45) Recapping Chicago Marathon race day, from the world records to the final finishers (1:02:30) Listener Q&A (1:22:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 time for the 45th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 8, and this episode is packed with all the information you need before you head to the start line. (And yes, you really should plan to get there two hours early. We'll explain why!) The elite fields are stacked (Sisson! Hassan! Linden! Bates! Seidel! Scaroni! Schär!), and they'll be followed by tens of thousands of runners en route to 26.2-mile glory. Get ready. Get psyched. And get that Goose Island at the finish! Planning to tune in from home? Here's how to watch. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year's race (2:20) How to get in, how to watch, and how Chicago is committed to sustainability (28:20) What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (35:35) Chris Wehrman ("Coach Worm") and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (48:45) All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:17:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 my overwhelming emotion: embarrassment." Charlie Watson is a UK-based registered dietitian, marathoner, blogger, and mom. In this conversation, she talks about being diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome), a rare disorder that affects the female reproductive syndrome, and about how it affected her both as a teenager and, more recently, as an aspiring mom. She talks about her journey to motherhood via surrogate, including the IVF and egg-freezing process, finding and choosing a surrogate, and why pursuing motherhood via surrogacy is both an overwhelming decision and a privilege. Charlie is currently training for the Valencia Marathon. SPONSOR: adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping. FOLLOW CHARLIE @therunnerbeans Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 went in with zero expectations — let's see what happens! — and totally surprised myself." Lindsay Flanagan just represented Team USA at the World Athletics Championship marathon in Budapest. She finished ninth, was the top American of the day, and is feeling psyched about how it all played out. In this conversation, the Asics-sponsored athlete and two-time member of Team USA recaps her experience at World Championships, including a lost luggage situation, what the crowds in Budapest were like, and how the whole race went down. (Fun fact: Lindsay's roommate was fellow Team USA marathoner Susanna Sullivan!) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order. Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. What you'll get on this episode: On dealing with post-Budapest jet lag, marathon recovery, and wrapping up the 2023 racing season (3:55) Lindsay's approach to Orlando 2024 (8:45) Lindsay reflects on running her "breakthrough" 2:24 at last year's Gold Coast Marathon (10:30) How Lindsay found out she made Team USA (12:15) Lindsay's stories from the World Championships marathon finish line (17:40) All about the pre-race vibes, group texts, athlete lounges, and more (22:00) How Lindsay was feeling the night before the marathon (32:00) How Lindsay was feeling the morning of the race (35:00) Lindsay breaks down her race at the 2023 World Athletics Championships marathon in Budapest (41:15) On being satisfied and always wanting more (55:30) What happened after Lindsay crossed the finish line (57:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 gotta be a little bit more than running." Courtney Wayment has been called one of the new "Steeple Queens" in the U.S. But is that a good thing? Does that add pressure? Expectation? Excitement? In this conversation, Courtney returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about making her second World Athletics Championships team in the 3000m steeplechase, and what it was like competing in Budapest this summer. She talks about making it to the final, and about what it feels like to have "a broken heart on the track." Courtney lives in Utah, where she's coached by former Brigham Young University coach Diljeet Taylor. This weekend, Courtney, who is sponsored by On, will head to Eugene, OR, to race at the Prefontaine Classic and Diamond League final. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) FOLLOW COURTNEY: @courtsasport20 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 bought a new house. And I also got a couple of goats." It's marathon training season, baby! And today, we get to hear from training partners, teammates, and professional runners Emma Bates (making her seventh appearance on the Ali on the Run Show!) and Dominique Scott (returning for the third time!) as they gear up for their fall marathons. They talk about how they're feeling, what their runs together are like, and how coach Joe Bosshard is approaching their training. Plus, Emma's decision to pull back from sharing her training on social media, an introduction to Thelma and Louise, and some big fall marathon news from Dom! SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order. What you'll get on this episode: All about Dom and Emma's run today (3:30) What's the hot gossip on the Team Boss runs? (6:30) Dom announces her fall marathon! (9:35) Emma shares her advice for how to thrive at the Chicago Marathon (11:55) Intimidation vs. comfort on the starting line (15:25) How coach Joe Bosshard is approaching training for both Dom and Emma (17:45) How Dom and Emma are each feeling a month out from running 26.2 (23:10) Emma talks about her decision to stop sharing her training publicly (26:20) All about Emma's new house — and Thelma and Louise! (32:40) On mid-run bathroom stops (42:45) Emma and Dom share their respective goals for their fall marathons (46:50) What it's like being a part of Team Boss in 2023 (53:45) All about buns (1:04:00) FOLLOW EMMA: @emmajanelbates FOLLOW DOM: @domscottrunsa Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"A bald head can mean so many different things." Lindsay Walter is a 52-time marathoner, 4-time 100-mile finisher, and many-time 50K runner. Most recently, the 32-year-old running coach and freelance writer completed Six Days in the Dome: a multi-day, run-as-much-as-you-can event on an indoor track. (She ran 324 miles in the six-day span!) In this conversation, Lindsay recaps the race, and talks about what's next on the run. She also talks about living with alopecia universalis — a condition that caused her to permanently lose all of her body hair at just two years old. Plus, why she wore a wig for years — and what finally convinced her to ditch it for good. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. FOLLOW LINDSAY: @lindsayhannah3 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Celebrate the little victories. Believe that every brick you put down is building a wall." Sometimes on the Run Your Way series, we hear from professional athletes who are going all-in on their running pursuits, smashing 100-mile weeks and competing at the highest level. Other times, the focus is on runners who are working full-time — even working multiple jobs — and managing additional responsibilities while fitting in running whenever they can. Today: It's both. In this episode, we're hearing from professional runner and full-time sixth-grade math teacher Susanna Sullivan, who will be representing Team USA in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships next week. Susanna talks about how she fits it all in, what her students think of her running pursuits, and how she's feeling as she heads to Budapest. Plus, all about her first professional shoe sponsorship deal (she signed with Brooks earlier this summer), who she put on her roommate request form for World Championships, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) FOLLOW SUSANNA: @susannasullivan4 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Not all rectangles are squares. That's how I dissect who's self-conscious and not in the short-shorts vs. tights debates." Welcome back to "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!" I've worked in the running industry in some capacity for roughly a decade now, and as much as I've immersed myself, there's still so much I don't know or understand. So if I, a relative industry insider, am still confused about things like shoe contracts, waterfall starts on the track, and world rankings (seriously, what's up with world rankings?), surely I'm not alone. And since the 2023 World Athletics Championships competition kicks off this weekend in Budapest, it felt urgent to get the inside scoop. So today, former professional runner and founder of The Lap Count (and track and field's biggest fan and hype guy) Kyle Merber returns to answer all of your (and some of my) questions about the World Championships. Big Qs and Little Qs and world stage paydays and the Media 800, and more! SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. For more, check out: Everything You Need to Know About Track & Field Everything You Need to Know About the Business of Running Follow Kyle: Instagram @kylemerber Subscribe to The Lap Count Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 were like, what if Emily and Keira tied? What if they cross the line together and they tied? And we said, well what if we had a cage match? Like it was a tie, and then it came down to a cage match?" Their wives are the fastest distance runners in the country. Today, we turn the spotlight to the sidelines to hear from the husbands. Shane Quinn is married to American record holder in the marathon and former American record holder in the half marathon, Emily Sisson. Tony D'Amato is married to American record holder in the half-marathon and former American record holder in the marathon, Keira D'Amato. And while their wives have been breaking — and trading — records, Shane and Tony have been bonding behind the scenes. In this wildly fun episode, Shane and Tony D. talk about what it's like being married to professional runners at the top of their game, about how they've learned to show up and show their support, about how to be a supportive partner without sacrificing their own goals and dreams, and about...cage matches. A surprising amount of talk about cage matches. (Your move, Ryan Hall.) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 make sure I can be doing this for many years to come and not overdo it. So I'm trying to be smart. It's less fun being smart." First, she won the Western States Endurance Run 100-mile race, and set a course record in the process. And then, just three weeks later, Courtney Dauwalter ran, won, and set a course record at the Hardrock 100. In this conversation, Courtney returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about her back-to-back wins, and about why — she swears — it's not about the clock, the wins, or the records. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: How Courtney is feeling after back-to-back 100-milers (2:40) How Courtney processes her races — and what's next (3:50) How Courtney manages all of her sponsorships, brand deals, partnerships, and emails (7:00) How Courtney approached the recovery period between Western States and Hardrock (9:20) Courtney shares how she dealt when this year's Hardrock 100 felt hard from the start (14:05) What it's like being Courtney Dauwalter (16:30) Courtney's Hardrock 100 recap (18:45) On aid station energy, and whether the signature Courtney smiles are ever forced (25:20) What life looked like after Courtney crossed the Hardrock finish line (30:55) Courtney's mid-race detour, and the "dark and twisty" places she went during the race (33:30) Courtney answers listener questions! (38:50) What does it mean to run the Courtney Dauwalter way? (57:00) FOLLOW COURTNEY @courtneydauwalter Courtney Dauwalter, 2021 UTMB Winner Courtney Dauwalter, Professional Ultra Runner Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 went into it with no expectations and a lot of gratitude." Fresh off her seventh 100-miler finish — and second finish at the Hardrock 100 — Emily Halnon returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the sixth time. In this conversation, Emily talks about getting a call 19 hours before the race start saying she'd gotten off the waitlist. Should she want it, a bib for the esteemed 102.5-mile race in Colorado was hers. She wanted it. So, she wrangled her crew (and an extra pair of socks), and went on to finish this year's race nearly two hours faster than in 2022. She finished in 36 hours and 47 minutes — the ninth woman and 33rd finisher overall. Today, we get to hear all about it, including why this race means so much to Emily, what it's like racing alongside Courtney Dauwalter, and what happened when Emily hit her lowest point of the race. Plus, all about her forthcoming book, which she finished and submitted to her publisher the day before lining up at the Hardrock start line. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysweats Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 just this gut feeling that we're not done, and I'm not done. But I'm also a realist." By popular demand, four years later: Laura Green and Julia Berteletti return to the Motherhood Mondays series on the Ali on the Run Show! Like any group text, this episode takes the long, winding, scenic route. We talk parenting: Julia has a 4.5-year-old son, Max, and Laura has 4.5-year-old Jack and 2-year-old Julian. We talk about the role running is playing in each of their lives right now. We talk about Julia's hope for a second child, and the losses she's endured along the way. We talk about what life looks like for Laura as a mom of two. We talk about the easy, the hard, and everything in between. SPONSOR: adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping. Follow Julia @griffeletti Follow Laura @lauramcgreen Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 just so thrilled for what's to come. I don't know what that is. But I have faith that it's working out as it should." We're long overdue for a catch-up session with professional runner and Olympian Kate Grace! The last time Kate was on the Ali on the Run Show was two years ago, after she had just competed at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials, where she had hoped to make her second Olympic team in the 800m. Kate fell just short, finishing fourth in the final. But remember what happened next? Kate went on to have the best Revenge Summer ever! She went to Europe where she ran four races in four different countries in a 10-day span, and her time overseas earned her two wins and three personal bests. She had just moved to Boulder, CO, to train with Team Boss and coach Joe Bosshard. She was living the dream, and excited about her upcoming season — which, as we learn in this episode, Kate had planned to be her last. In this episode, Kate talks about going from the highest highs to the most devastating lows. She talks about getting Long Covid, about deciding how and when to retire from the sport, and, ultimately, about her decision to have a baby. Kate's son, River, is now four months old, and Kate is back on the run and "itching to go fast!" SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Kate's doing these days (2:30) On learning to live without a routine or schedule (3:45) When River met Team Boss (6:30) Adventures in "leaving the house with a baby" (9:30) The powers of pelvic floor physical therapy, and how Kate approached her return to running (12:00) Kate's experience running during pregnancy (16:00) On life since the Kate Grace Revenge Summer, and the decision to have a baby (18:15) How Kate shared the news of her pregnancy (28:15) Pregnancy: expectation vs. reality (32:45) Kate's experience with preeclampsia, and all about River's birthday (38:25) Kate shares her new-mom fears (47:00) On the pressure to return to running and racing (48:45) Kate talks about the conversations she's had with her mom about pregnancy and fitness (55:20) Follow Kate: Instagram @fastkate Kate on Episode 399 of the Ali on the Run Show Kate on Episode 53 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 can get humbled in this sport quickly. You're playing the long game the whole time. I've learned that I'm down with that. I'm into that. That part of it is what keeps me going. I thrive in the unknowns — getting out there and figuring it out." Erica Stanley-Dottin started running young, and was a sprinter in college. But turns out, her fastest days are now, as a 49-year-old full-time working mom of two living in Brooklyn, NY. In this episode, Erica talks about her road to becoming a 2:52 marathoner. She talks about how she's gotten so fast, and about the significance of becoming a part of The List: a small group of American-born Black women who have run sub-3:00 marathons. (Erica joined when she ran 2:52:05 at the Berlin Marathon last year.) Plus, Erica talks about what's next on her racing calendar — and whether she plans to return to the track. SPONSORS: Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: Why Erica decided to get back to the track recently (3:30) What's next on Erica's racing calendar? (10:25) Erica's keys to getting faster as she's getting older (12:55) How Erica became a runner (18:30) Why Erica ran her first marathon (24:00) How Erica became a 3:15 marathoner after having her two sons (30:55) On joining Black Roses, and how that changed the game for Erica (32:20) "The heartbreaker," and the race that taught Erica there are no guarantees in the marathon (35:45) The significance of running a sub-3:00 marathon and becoming a part of "The List" (39:45) On life since Berlin (51:20) What Erica has learned about herself through marathoning (53:50) All about Erica's job as Tracksmith's NYC Community Manager (55:00) Follow Erica: Instagram @estanleydott Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 really, really free." Kara's back! In the year since her last appearance on the Ali on the Run Show, Kara Goucher has become a New York Times best-selling author and co-host of the fan-favorite podcast, Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara. This week, Kara heads to Eugene, OR, where she'll be on the NBC broadcast calling the men's and women's distance events at the USATF Outdoor National Championships. (Here's how to watch.) In this episode, we're talking about some of the standout storylines to watch at this year's races. Plus, what life has been like since Kara's book, The Longest Race, came out earlier this year, chatter about the fun things professional athletes don't know about (how much race photos cost!), an update on Kara's running (Boston 2024?!), and so much more. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: What it's like being Kara Goucher in downtown Duluth, MN (2:45) All about Kara's role at this year's USATF Outdoor National Championships on CNBC (4:30) What to know about this year's distance races at USAs (11:00) How Kara feels about heading back to Eugene, OR — and where's the hype? (22:40) An update on Kara's running, and the latest on her life with runner's dystonia (34:25) On race photos, and professional photographers, Venmo, and more (40:30) What's next for Kara Goucher, distance analyst, and her thoughts on the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando (47:45) What's next for Kara Goucher, co-host of Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara (55:00) On life since the release of Kara's book, The Longest Race (58:30) For more, check out: Kara Goucher on Episode 525 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 411 of the Ali on the Run Show 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 Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 spent my whole childhood obsessing over really wanting boobs. And now, at 38, these two things that I've had a pretty tumultuous relationship with... Once we finally learned to get along, we find ourselves back on shaky ground, and dare I say, breaking up for good?" It's been about a month since we last caught up. Now, I'm back, walking [messily] through my emotions as I get ready for my double mastectomy surgery on Monday, July 3. I have some updates since that last chat, including the surprising results of my genetic testing (BRCA2 positive, which brought up a whole bunch of feelings), my hopes and plans for the Ali on the Run Show while I'm recovering, and what I'm afraid of right now (everything?). And from the bottom of my very full, very grateful, very overwhelmed heart, thank youfor the support and kindness. I've been completely floored by the contributions to the GoFundMe, and I will spend the rest of my entire life in gratitude. We've got this. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 thought I was leaving my grief behind. I truly thought I had finished grieving. When Rivs got sick, that narrative was cracked wide open. And I learned that you never finish grieving, and that's OK. Healing is a continuous journey, and the grief kind of comes along with us and becomes a part of us. And that's a beautiful thing." It's hard to find suitable words to do justice for Steph Catudal's words. Her New York Times best-selling memoir, Everything All at Once, is heart-wrenching, gripping, evocative, and emotional. It's the story of Steph's childhood — of losing her dad to lung cancer when she was just 14, and the turmoil, rebellion, and upheaval that filled the following years. It's simultaneously the story of her adulthood — of nearly losing her husband, Tommy Rivers Puzey, to lung cancer, and of his 84-day medically induced coma. It's the story of grief, survival, strength, caregiving, motherhood, and so much more. And it's about running, but it's not about running at all. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: What life is like now that Steph's story is out in the world (2:45) On perception vs. reality (5:35) Steph's original plan for a book — and what it ended up being (8:50) How Steph was able to recall such vivid details from the hardest days of her life (16:00) The times when Steph felt scared (23:20) How Steph learned — and allowed herself — to be vulnerable as a mother (26:15) Is the rebellious girl somewhere inside Steph? (34:25) "I see your heart and it is good." (37:45) On fear and the possibility of Rivs dying (41:10) What Steph's relationship with running is like (43:30) What it was like when Rivs returned to the marathon, completing the 2021 New York City Marathon (50:30) On marriage (55:55) Follow Steph: Instagram @steph_outside Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 really have to want it. It takes the discipline of the training, the discipline of honing in on your nutrition and hydration, and understanding what that means. And the day to day practice of really, really wanting to make this thing happen. It's all the little pieces that you have to tie together perfectly. And then you have to have a great day! Everything has to come together on the day. It's a lot." Meaghan Murray-Neuberger is a 2:47 marathoner. But before you think, "Whoa, 2:47 marathoner — I can't relate to that," consider the possibility that you can, in fact, relate. Meaghan wasn't born a 2:47 marathoner. She spent more than five years and ran more than 10 marathons in her attempts to break three hours. Once she did that, things started to click. She dialed in her nutrition (shout-out to Meghann Featherstun!), learned about hydration, and started doing all of the "little things" that make a big difference. In this conversation, Meaghan talks about the major mental unlock that happened when she broke 3:00 for the first time. She talks about racing under pressure, and about learning to run her own race. Plus, all about what it's like being the managing partner of Believe in the Run. This weekend, Meaghan will make her 10K debut at the B.A.A. 10K! (Still time to sign up! Click here before registration is totally full!) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Follow Meaghan: Instagram @meaghanjmurray Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 knew the answer was yes. But it was so sudden. We didn't have those nine months to get prepared. It was instant." Aleia Hobbs is a three-time global medalist and an Olympic silver medalist, and she's the North American indoor record holder for the 60 meters. One year ago, Aleia earned another title: mom. In this conversation, the adidas-sponsored professional sprinter talks about the call that changed her life last year, and about what the first year of motherhood has been like for her and her partner. She talks about the adoption process, about continuing to train on very little sleep, and about her big dreams for the future. Follow Aleia on Instagram @aleiabitofthis. SPONSOR: adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 really confident in myself and I believe I can do it. But it's not gonna be easy. That's why I love this sport. I love racing." What a treat to get to catch up with fan-favorite Nikki Hiltz in the middle of their first-ever European racing circuit and ongoing hot streak. We talked the day before Nikki made their Diamond League debut at a meet in Oslo. (In case you missed it, Nikki finished fourth in the mile, running 4:18, a personal best!) In this conversation, Nikki talks about what's fueling their racing these days — including how they stay mentally strong when feeling physically terrible during a race. Nikki is a lululemon-sponsored professional athlete who identifies as transgender nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. Nikki also talks about what Pride Month means to them, what it's like coaching girlfriend Emma Gee, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: Why it's a big deal for Nikki to be racing in Europe for the first time (2:00) On being on a hot streak (6:10) How Nikki handles racing when it all feels terrible (8:15) Broadcasts, pronouns, and how it all affects Nikki's racing (10:20) On LGBTQ+ representation in professional running (16:00) What Pride Month means to Nikki (19:00) What Nikki's partnership is like with lululemon, one year into their sponsorship — and which shoes Nikki is racing in these days (24:30) Nikki's decision to donate their prize money at the USATF Road Mile Championships to the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund (32:00) What it's been like coaching girlfriend Emma Gee in the steeplechase (35:00) How Nikki is feeling about the 1500m talent pool in the U.S. right now (38:15) What does it mean to run the Nikki Hiltz way? (42:20) For more, check out: Nikki Hiltz, lululemon Athlete, May 2022 Love on the Run with Nikki Hiltz & Emma Gee, February 2022 The Latest From Nikki Hiltz, October 2020 Catching Up With Nikki Hiltz, November 2019 LIVE at RunnerCon with Nikki Hiltz & Allie Ostrander, September 2019 Follow Nikki: Instagram @nikkihiltz Twitter @nikki_hiltz Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"All of those, I ended the race smiling and happy and saying, 'I want to do that again.' For me, running is about that." Mariana Fernández was born in Mexico and grew up in San Diego, where she dreamed of one day being onstage with her name in lights. Today, she's doing just that — in a slightly different way than she ever imagined. Mariana is a Peloton Tread, Yoga, and Meditation instructor who teaches classes in both English and Spanish. In this conversation, she talks about the role movement has always played in her life. (Growing up with a marathon-running mom — who is still running marathons in her 70s — will get you moving!) Mariana ran the New York Mini 10K last weekend, and soon she'll begin training for her next marathon: the 2023 New York City Marathon SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 marathon is so humbling. Anything can happen, and it usually does — even for the best in the world." We're going back to Boston today, with returning Ali on the Run Show guest Mary Kate Shea. The fastest runners in the world call her "MK," and she's the director of professional athletes and technical support/events at the Boston Athletic Association. Every year, MK is responsible for bringing more than 300 professional athletes to Boston for races including the Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. 5K, the B.A.A. 10K, and more. And the big question everyone was asking this year: How did she get Eliud Kipchoge to finally come and run the Boston Marathon? In this conversation, MK answers that, and shares her favorite stories and memories from Boston 2023. Plus, she talks about what it was like reading good friend Des Linden's book, Choosing to Run, and about who's still on her Boston Marathon wish list. (Listen all the way to the end for a cute Annie cameo!) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: MK explains what her job entails, and how she's learned to be so good at it (3:00) How MK got Eliud Kipchoge to come and run the 2023 Boston Marathon (8:35) What it was actually like having Kipchoge in the city of Boston (17:00) How MK made sure every pro athlete felt supported in Boston this year (20:10) What it's like being at the Boston Marathon finish line with MK (22:50) How MK was able to get eventual winner Hellen Obiri into the 2023 Boston field (26:45) Who's still on MK's Boston Marathon wish list? (33:00) MK's stories from the 2023 start line — including a worm or two (35:40) Life after 25 consecutive Boston Marathons (41:30) MK's most memorable moment from Boston 2023 (43:35) MK talks about her — and Boston's — special relationship with Des Linden (48:30) What to expect at the 2023 B.A.A. 10K next weekend (58:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 a bit since we've really caught up. Here's what's been going on in my world lately. SPONSORS: Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 really in your bones know you can meet some goal? Don't quit until you do it." Ashley Desanno grew up playing soccer, took a break from sports during college (partying > fitness), and then, with encouragement from her now-husband, decided to go for a run one day. One run turned into two, which turned into registering for her first race. Now, she's a 2:58 marathoner who is best known online as @lotsamiles. (Surely you've seen her wildly popular, LOL-worthy, likely-to-go-viral videos, like the one where her son gave his class an oh-so-honest recap of her most recent race.) In this conversation, Ashley, who lives in Portland, OR, with her husband and their two sons, talks about what it has taken to become a 2:58 marathoner. (Spoiler: It took 10 years and eight attempts to get there.) She talks about what it means to "fail forward," about the power of persistence, and about the role running is playing as she grieves the recent loss of her father. Plus, how she chooses to show up online, how she deals with potential backlash, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: All about Young Ashley (3:35) What Ashley's running looks like in the wake of losing her father, and the role running is playing in the grieving process (4:40) Ashley's approach to running and racing right now (9:15) How, when, and why Ashley became a runner (11:10) What it took to run a sub-3:00 marathoner after 10 years and eight tries — and why Ashley never gave up (16:30) The day Ashley ran a 2:58 marathon — and the aftermath (24:30) On toxic positivity, and how it shows up in running and motherhood (29:00) All about becoming "lotsamiles," what it's like going viral, and addressing "political" topics on social media (34:20) Ashley shares her biggest hopes, dreams, and goals on the run (44:15) Ashley's advice for building running confidence (48:25) What it means to run the Ashley Desanno way (56:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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's the only reason I still do this today, and I'm able to reach new heights in my performance — it's because of the people that I'm around." We heard from Emma Bates here on the Ali on the Run Show right after she ran that 2:22:10 personal best and finished fifth at this year's Boston Marathon. Now, just a few weeks later, she's back and she's live! This episode was recorded in front of a live, 170-person, Disney Channel Original Movie-loving audience at the City Opera House in Traverse City, MI, during the Bayshore Marathon weekend. We caught up, got some life (and dating) updates, and played a few rousing rounds of new-to-the-show games, including Bates Rates, Bates Debates & Hot Takes, and Bates Hates! (Key takeaway from it all: Run hard. Have fun. I love you.) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race: Register TODAY (before the price increase on April 12!) for the world's largest and most iconic 10K road race, taking place in Atlanta, GA, on July 4, 2023. What you'll get on this episode: All about Emma's very detailed race recaps on Instagram, and how she breaks down the race afterward with Coach Joe Bosshard (5:05) How Emma's physical and mental recovery have been since the 2023 Boston Marathon (9:10) What life has been like since the Boston Marathon (13:25) Why Emma doesn't race as often as her competitors and peers, and her decision about whether or not to race World Championships in Budapest this summer (17:05) Emma's advice for how to strengthen your confidence muscle (21:40) "We've had a soft launch, an al dente launch — that was the hard launch!" (23:50) Emma's favorite beauty products (Check out Thrive Causemetics founder Karissa Bodnar on the Ali on the Run Show!) (28:15) Bates Rates, Bates Debates & Hot Takes, & Bates Hates! (29:30) For more from Emma, check out: Emma Bates on Episode 633 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 547 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 527 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 490 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 444 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 OK to struggle, but it's not OK to give up." —Gabe Grunewald Gabriele "Gabe" Grunewald was a professional middle-distance runner from Minneapolis, MN. She was first diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma when she was in college and undoubtedly in the best shape of her life. Instead of finishing her college running career on a high note — or, better yet, a podium — Gabe was faced with a difficult and scary diagnosis. She underwent several surgeries, including having more than half of her liver removed after the third time the cancer came back. Gabe passed away on June 11, 2019. Today, we are revisiting her conversation on the Ali on the Run Show, recorded in February 2018. In this conversation, Gabe talked about the difference between fighting and giving up, and explained what it means to be "brave like Gabe." SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 not interested in hurting today. I am not interested in suffering. I am not interested in working that hard. I just wanted to run and smile and see friends and wave to people. As soon as it started feeling hard, I said I needed to slow down. and I have no shame in that. We enjoyed the run, and that was all I wanted." Welcome to Ask Ali! These episodes come to the podcast once a month, sometimes with a guest host, sometimes responding to listener voicemails, and sometimes just flying solo. That's what today is: a solo-sode (is that a thing? can it be?) answering questions about running the Brooklyn Half this past weekend, taking a Cody Rigsby class at Peloton Studios New York, how to avoid running burnout, and so much more. (Plus: a cute special guest at the end!) SPONSORS: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Sidekick: Use code ONTHERUN for 15% off your next order. Check out: Ali on The Drop The RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Video My favorite cheese! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 know in your head who you are. You just have to be brave enough to listen." When Julia Brownell was little, she had a dream and a plan: to be a writer. She played sports, she loved to run, and she loved writing scripts and stories in her free time. And turns out, dreams come true. Today, Julia is a 3:16 marathoner, a mom of two, and a writer, producer, and playwright in Hollywood. She has been a writer and producer on shows including This Is Us, Parenthood, Smash, and more. (See? Living the dream!) In this conversation, Julia explains how a TV show is made, breaks down her favorite parts of that process, talks about what it was like getting her big break, and talks about what life has been like during the ongoing writer's strike. Plus, she talks about how she's gotten faster as a master and as a mom, taking more than 45 minutes off her marathon PR. Julia will race the Mountains to Beach half marathon this weekend, and she's looking to go sub-1:30. SPONSORS: Bandit Running: Use code ONTHERUN15 to get 15% off your entire Bandit order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Julia fits running into her busy life, and how she's feeling heading into her half marathon this weekend (2:05) On finding and making running friends as an adult (5:00) What Julia's life is like right now, during the writer's strike, and all about how a TV show is made (10:00) What kind of person makes a good TV writer? (21:45) Julia's favorite part of the TV-writing process, and what it's like being "the runner" in the crew (24:35) How Julia became a runner and a writer (30:35) What it's like to get your big break (39:30) On adjusting from being an east coast runner to an L.A. runner (40:25) How Julia has shaved nearly an hour off her marathon PR (41:30) What's next for Julia on the run? (46:00) On getting hired to work on "Parenthood" (52:00) What it's like going to the Emmy Awards (56:30) What Julia was working on pre-strike (1:01:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 just have to survive." Welcome to the return of the Motherhood Mondays series! Once a month, I'll be joined by a fellow mom — including professional runners, everyday runners, experts, and more — to speak candidly about motherhood and all that it entails. Today, I'm joined by Veronica Graziano, a 2:41 marathoner (she ran the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020, and recapped that experience here and here) and twin mom. Her daughters, Kennedy and Quinn, turn two next week. In this conversation, Veronica talks about what the past two years have been like, including her road to motherhood, a challenging pregnancy, and her postpartum return to running and racing. Veronica works full-time for Mass General Brigham, and lives in Falmouth, ME, with her husband and their daughters. Find her on Instagram @vjaxs. SPONSOR: adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 a lot of anticipation for this race, and I hope it lived up to everyone's standards!" Josette Norris is on a hot streak on the track! The On-sponsored Jersey girl (who now lives in Boulder, CO) just won the 5000m race at On Track Fest (and ran a personal best of 14:43), and won the 1500m race at Penn Relays the weekend prior. In this conversation, Josette talks about what life is like as an On Athletics Club athlete, where she is coached by Dathan Ritzenhein. (Listen to Josette's previous appearance on the Ali on the Run Show — with now-husband and fellow pro Robby Andrews — here.) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vacation Races: Use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration. What you'll get on this episode: How Josette essentially paid her own prize money this weekend, and all about the OAC fandom (3:10) On the transition from solo training to being a member of On Athletics Club (5:25) All about Josette's 5000m win at On Track Fest, including the post-race celebration and the pacer situation (7:00) The intimidation factor with a stacked field (13:50) The red carpet situation (16:00) Visualization vs. reality (21:20) Josette breaks down that 5000m win (25:45) On the media side of it all, and what it's like rewatching the races after the fact (32:10) What all the big life changes have been like in 2023 (39:50) Follow Josette: Instagram @josettenorris Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 regret anything. I did my best, all the way until the end. I did what I could on the day." You heard the live show with Shalane Flanagan. You got the full race recap with Keira D'Amato. Now, I'm wrapping up all things Eugene Marathon 2023 by answering listener questions about my training, my race experience, and what's next. SPONSOR: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: All the pre-race details (2:15) Breaking down race day (31:40) The aftermath (50:50) What I wore: Sports bra Hot pink tank Fuel belt Hot pink socks Shoes My race-day playlist Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 took a lot of work, realizing that the running community is made up of so many different people, so many different paces, so many different body types. And just accepting that — accepting that you don't have to run a certain pace or look a certain way to be considered a runner... I finally accepted that truth." Molly Hernandez grew up in Texas with big dreams of being a Disney Channel star. Running? A big "no thank you." Fast-forward to today, and Molly is a 10-time marathoner, two-time ultramarathoner, freelance copywriter, and content creator living in Austin, TX. She's best known on the internet as "Your Running BFF," and she's on a mission to make runners — especially new runners — feel less alone and less overwhelmed. In this conversation, Molly talks about going from non-runner to marathoner in the span of six months, and how her relationship with running has grown and evolved since then. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: How Molly is feeling after running the Oklahoma City Marathon last weekend (2:50) All about Young Molly and her Disney Channel dreams (4:45) How, when, and why running entered Molly's life (7:25) Why Molly decided to run her first marathon, and what that training was like (10:25) The moment Molly finally decided to call herself a runner (15:10) A marathoner in the making! All about Molly's first 26.2-mile race, and her decision to run more marathons (17:20) On running the Oklahoma City Half Marathon last weekend, and how Molly plans her racing schedule (21:20) How Molly became "Your Running BFF" (26:05) How becoming a content creator has changed Molly's relationship with running (33:20) On becoming an ultra runner (36:40) On time, pace, and the numbers on the watch — and mid-race hallucinations (40:30) What's next? (46:45) Molly's advice to anyone struggling on the run right now (51:35) Follow Molly: Instagram @yourrunningBFF YouTube TikTok @yourrunningBFF Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 so accustomed to thinking about what could go wrong, and how do I prepare for that? Which I don't think is bad… But very rarely do I let myself be open to the possibility of something great or something magical, or a perfect day. And I tried — start to finish. I kept that in my mind: Be open to the possibility of a perfect day." Last weekend, I ran the Eugene Marathon. It was my seventh marathon. My first marathon in seven years. And my first marathon since becoming a mom. I finished in 3:41:10 — a 10-minute personal best. And in this conversation — guest hosted by Keira D'Amato — I'm recounting all of it. The highs (Annie on the sidelines!), the lows (roughly miles 18–26), and everything in between. ANNOUNCEMENT! We're hitting the road! Join Keira and me for a half marathon and live show in Richmond, VA, on March 9, 2024. This is going to be big! It's going to be fun! And we would love for you to join us. Get your tickets HERE. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: Why did the results say I'm from West New York, NJ? (4:25) Am I proud? And did I have fun? (7:15) Why? (9:05) What happened next? (13:30) All about fueling (17:30) Taper time! (21:50) On the decision to bring the whole family to Eugene (26:40) The days leading up to race day (34:00) The Duck Dash! (43:30) All about the live show with Shalane Flanagan (49:00) How we spent the rest of the day Saturday (51:30) Race morning! (55:00) The start line (1:02:30) "What was your pacing strategy and how did you nail it?" (1:08:10) Cole Hocker, baby geese, and other sights and sounds from the Eugene Marathon course (1:10:10) What I listened to during the race (1:12:50) On the race going from great to…less great! (1:20:30) On feeling pressure to perform well (1:29:30) On getting through the tough miles and to the finish line (1:31:30) That finish line feeling (1:38:50) The after-party (1:48:10) Listener Q&A (1:50:25) Announcement! (2:03:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 would describe this past year as 'drinking from a fire hose.'" It was the day before the Eugene Marathon, and the goal was to get everyone in the audience feeling less "baaaaah!" and more "aaaaaah." Enter: Olympic silver medalist, 2017 New York City Marathon champion, assistant coach for the Bowerman Track Club and University of Oregon cross country team, and best-selling cookbook author Shalane Flanagan. We talked marathons, we talked motherhood, and we got a quote-worthy pep talk to close it all out. Thank you to the Eugene Marathon for having us, and thank you to the hundreds of people who filled the room with the very best energy. (Registration is now open for the 2024 Eugene Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K! Use code ONTHERUNEUGENE to save on registration.) SPONSORS: goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race: Register TODAY (before the price increase on April 12!) for the world's largest and most iconic 10K road race, taking place in Atlanta, GA, on July 4, 2023. For more from Shalane: Shalane Flanagan on Episode 518 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 462 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 438 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Shalane: Instagram @shalaneflanagan Twitter @shalaneflanagan Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 learned from other mentors. We both believe wholeheartedly that it's a responsibility to then mentor other people and be transparent." Fact: Only 1% of creative agencies are owned by women. Photographer Aisha McAdams (@ai.shoots) and graphic designer Katherine Burgess (@katherine_kart) are here to up that number. They are the founders of Rhoam Creative Studio, a creative design and production studio for sports and lifestyle brands. They have worked with brands including Puma, Tracksmith, Bandit Running, On Running, Maurten, Strava, Brooks, Hoka, Ciele, and more. They are passionate, they are talented, and they are here to help brands share their stories while also helping elevate women in the space. SPONSORS: Bandit Running: Use code ONTHERUN15 to get 15% off your entire Bandit order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Katherine and Aisha met (13:40) On being female creatives in a male-dominated industry (18:40) All about Katherine's "women are missing from sports coverage" project (26:30) The decision to launch Rhoam Creative Studio (35:40) On being part of the 1% (41:20) Aisha and Katherine share their highlight — and lowlight — reels (45:00) What it's like working with Aisha and Katherine (55:25) Aisha and Katherine share their dream clients, their big goals, and their greatest wishes (1:00:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!