Ali on the Run Show

"I was a complete wreck. I had a lot of anxiety about a lot of unnecessary things. Not even the race itself — all the outside factors, and I didn't handle them well. I race all the time! This should have been just another race. But in my mind, I was over-worried about not making it to the start line." Emily Durgin spent this summer getting into the best shape of her life: marathon shape! She was gearing up to make her 26.2-mile debut at the TCS New York City Marathon — but race day didn't go as planned. Emily, who lives and trains in Flagstaff, AZ, and is sponsored by adidas, ended up dropping out "somewhere in Harlem." So today, we cover the fun questions in this series (first car, current car, celebrity lookalike), and Emily answers the tough questions, like what it's really like dropping out of your marathon debut, and how to deal with mid-race stress and anxiety. In true Emily form, she's in good spirits, she learned a lot, and she got to celebrate her friend Sharon Lokedi's win! SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Emily: Instagram @em_durgin Twitter @emily_durgin Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 call me Bog Girl if you want." The best way to kick off TCS New York City Marathon week? A live show at the 1 Hotel Central Park South with special guest Emma Coburn, presented by New Balance. Emma has been on the show six (six!) times now, so our goal with this one was simple: "What haven't we talked about yet?" And mission accomplished, as we talked about Bosshard Bogs, got some Team Boss updates, and discussed the pressure that comes with being Emma Coburn. Plus: tattoo talk, Presidential Physical Fitness trauma, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to learn all about the conversations New Balance is having to promote mental wellness. Follow Emma: Instagram @emmacoburn Twitter @emmajcoburn Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"My life got a little weird that weekend!" —Erin Azar "It's not about athletes running and having lactation accommodations. It's about making micro changes for macro changes. We want societal shift." —Alysia Montaño "Everyone's like, 'Do you have a goal?' And I'm like, 'To have a good time!' No, that's never my goal. I don't care about having a good time. I like to race!" —Laura Green Oh, we had some fun last Friday night in New York City. Goodr hosted a live recording of the Ali on the Run Show at Prohibition (my first live show at a bar! too fun!) with special guests Erin Azar (you know her as "Mrs. Space Cadet"), professional track star turned marathoner Alysia Montaño, and funny woman Laura Green. Lots of laughter, lots of talk about creating change in the industry, and lots of hot pink sunglasses! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here for free shipping on your next goodr order! Follow Erin: Instagram @immrsspacecadet TikTok @mrs.space.cadet YouTube Follow Alysia: Instagram @alysiamontano Follow Laura: Instagram @lauramcgreen Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When we're good with good enough and ditch the perfectionism, we can really find a whole new level in ourselves. Good enough is good enough." It's Keira D'Amato's first live podcast! The day before the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, Keira sat down to talk about her pre-race mindset, to share how she was feeling the day before the race, and to explain her takes on perfectionism, karma, "doing the best you can with what you have," and her "white room theory." Plus, more about "Meat Thing," and a rousing game of "Skeiragories!" As Keira's mom would say: "Your ass is grass...and I'm the lawnmower!" (Keira went on to run 2:31:31 the next day, finishing 15th.) SPONSOR: Custom Performance. Check out the best physical therapy in NYC! (My PT is Greg Laraia — go see him!) For more, check out: Keira D'Amato on Episode 579 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 546 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira & Anthony D'Amato on Episode 475 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 414 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 305 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Keira: Instagram @keiradamato Twitter @KeiraDAmato Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When I grew up, I wanted to be a purple flying horse. Never give up on your dreams." Welcome to Ask Ali, the series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm cruising through 24 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about boundaries, mom guilt, sending the email, chafing, race swag, life dreams, and so much more. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here for free shipping on your next goodr order! You asked: What shows do your parents like to watch? (3:45) Do you and Brian set intentional boundaries about talking about work? (5:45) Have you ever sent the email and regretted it later? (6:30) How are you most similar to your parents, and how are you different from each of them? (8:55) What is something you want Annie to learn that you weren't taught? (13:55) What runner inspires you the most? (15:00) Would you rather deal with butt-cheek chafe or side-arm chafe? (17:00) If you could only run one race for the rest of time, what would it be? (17:55) Does Annie like Bluey? (18:20) Do you know that you and Femke Bol look like twins? (18:55) Do you strength train? (20:00) How do I get faster than a 9:30 pace on the run? (21:15) How do you fight mom guilt being away from your daughter? (22:50) What shoes are in your current rotation? (28:40) What does your typical running week look like? (29:25) Favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner (34:15) What always makes you laugh? (35:40) What's your favorite piece of swag you've ever received from a race? (36:00) Any podcast interview you wish you could redo? (36:30) What's the best thing about living in NH vs. NYC? (38:40) Tips for first-timers running the New York City Marathon? (39:20) Are you interested in announcing London or Berlin? (40:25) Favorite cereal? (41:10) What was your dream job 25, 20, 15, and 10 years ago? (41:35) Check out: My TEDxBoston talk New Balance SuperComp Trainer New Balance FuelCell Rebel New Balance SC Elite v3 Everything You Need to Know About the New York City Marathon Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 year, it finally feels like, 'I'm gonna rip it.' The badass version of me is like, 'You're going to have to work really hard to beat me!' That finally came back this year." This weekend, Steph Bruce will race her last marathon as a professional athlete. When Steph was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition last year, she decided to make some tough decisions. She decided 2022 would be her final year as a professional athlete. The HOKA NAZ Elite athlete plans to retire at the end of this year. But first: She's racing the TCS New York City Marathon this weekend, and she's taking us all along for the ride, calling this year her "Grit Finale." In this conversation, Steph talks about how she's feeling heading into her 17th marathon, both physically and emotionally. She talks about how training has gone, about her advice for athletes who are new to the sport, and life after NYCM. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Steph's feeling heading into the New York City Marathon (2:45) How Steph has navigated the emotional heaviness of the past few years, both on and off the race course (7:45) What Steph is proudest of (16:30) What Steph would say to all the pregnant pro runners right now (19:00) How Steph's New York City Marathon training has gone (21:30) Steph's New York City Marathon race plan (26:00) What Steph says runners should and should not do when running the New York City Marathon (28:45) What Steph pictures when she thinks about celebrating this race (37:40) Life after the New York City Marathon (38:30) What Steph wishes she had known at the early stages of her career (42:45) For more, check out: Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph & Ben Bruce on Episode 206 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 354 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 371 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 519 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Steph: Instagram @stephrothstein Twitter @steph_rothstein Facebook Blog YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 have a shirt that says 'Meat Thing' on it. This is such a weird story." She's back! Not only is Keira D'Amato back on the Ali on the Run Show today, here to tackle 26 questions, she's also back on the 26.2-mile run. In January, Keira broke the American record in the marathon. In July, she got to represent Team USA at World Championships, where she finished eighth. In September, she ran the Berlin Marathon. And now, she's ready to toe yet another marathon start line: Keira is racing the TCS New York City Marathon this weekend! Here, she talks about her goals for the race, how training has been going, where she's at emotionally, whether she wants the American Record back, and, well, parking tickets, "Meat Thing," and so much more. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. For more, check out: Keira D'Amato on Episode 546 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira & Anthony D'Amato on Episode 475 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 414 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 305 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Keira: Instagram @keiradamato Twitter @KeiraDAmato Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 wild. It is New York's Super Bowl. Every single borough comes out to play, and it's amazing." OK, soon-to-be New York City Marathoners: Here it is! Your unofficial guide to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Today, with the help of a few very special guests, I'm here to answer all of your NYCM-related questions. This is a mega-episode — 2.5 hours long! — so enjoy your taper, listen in, and take lots of deep breaths knowing you've got this. As for me: The New York City Marathon is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, 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 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 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. This will be my third year as one of the race's announcers, and it's a huge honor. I can't wait to see you. 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. SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!) What you'll get on this episode: New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about what makes the New York City Marathon so iconic (3:30) Ali answers your pre-race questions, including how to get into the race, dealing with logistics-related overwhelm, and how to watch the race on TV (27:15) Molly Seidel, who broke the American course record at last year's race, offers her advice for racing the New York City Marathon — plus a life update! (34:00) Everything you need to know about getting to the start village, and what it'll be like once you're there (50:30) Registered dietitian and five-time New York City Marathoner Kelly Hogan answers questions about how to fuel and hydrate on race morning and throughout the day (1:09:15) All about the New York City Marathon course (1:23:20) Running coach Anoush Arakelian offers course strategy advice, whether you want to race to a personal best or run-walk and enjoy the scenery (1:31:15) All about the finish line and beyond (1:54:15) How to be an awesome spectator (2:00:30) What happens after you cross the finish line (2:06:25) Questions for Ali (2:09:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I feel like nutrition is the new super shoe! If we're fully carb loaded, if we're fueling our race really strong, our performance can be astronomical, and better than we ever thought." Meghann Featherstun is on a mission: to get runners to eat more. More specifically: to get runners to eat more carbs! In this conversation, the sports dietitian and 2:50 marathoner talks about her passion for performance fueling. She talks about running a big personal best at the Chicago Marathon just a few weeks ago, and about what it has taken to shave more than an hour off her marathon time over the past decade. Meghann explains how she became a sports dietitian, talks about the most common concerns she hears about from her clients, and looks back on how she first became a marathoner (and why her "one and done" declaration, well...famous last words). Plus: how Meghann keeps running fun and joy-filled, and all about her obsession with graham crackers, bagels, and toast (oh my!). SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: What's the deal with the graham crackers and morning toast? (2:50) How was Meghann's run today? (7:50) What is a sports dietitian? (9:50) On the trauma of 1990s diet culture (14:15) How Meghann found running (16:45) Why Meghann fell in love with the marathon (19:00) What are the common themes Meghann is hearing from her clients? (22:30) How do you know if you're under-fueling? (26:00) Meghann's Chicago Marathon fueling plan (30:45) What Meghann had to do to go from a 3:58 marathon to a 2:50 (41:35) How Meghann keeps running fun (51:15) Meghann's goals for the New York City Marathon (52:40) Meghann's tips for becoming a morning runner and for making running more joy-filled (56:15) For more, check out: Emily Oster on Episode 571 of the Ali on the Run Show Can confirm: There was Goose Island beer at the Chicago Marathon finish line! Follow Meghann: Instagram @FeatherstoneNutrition Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 get paid to run. So I might as well have some fun!" Thomas Bailey is best known in the running world as Tommie Runz, and he's been taking the industry by storm. Tommie is a marathon-running dad of two who lives in Detroit and works a full-time job in vehicle shipping by day, and is a podcast host, YouTuber, and content creator by all other hours. Tommie is currently on his "Redemption Tour" — running three fall marathons after a disappointing race at the Boston Marathon this spring. He has already completed the Erie and Chicago Marathons, and now he's gearing up for his goal race in New York City. All about his marathon-filled fall and more, today on the Ali on the Run Show. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Tommie: @tommie_runz The Run, Eat, Sleep Show Tommie on YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I've never been someone that felt like I did my best work trying to prove somebody wrong. I do my best work trying to prove somebody right." It hasn't been an easy year for three-time world championship medalist, three-time Olympian, and Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson. In the 48 hours before the calendar turned from 2021 to 2022, Jenny watched as her world began to crumble. On December 30, wildfires engulfed her historic home — a former schoolhouse, beloved by Jenny and her husband, Jason, and by their community. They (with their dog, Truman) evacuated, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. On December 31, her 12-year contract with New Balance ended, and wasn't renewed — something Jenny calls "a great heartbreak." Plus, the 1500-meter legend was injured. In true Jenny form, though, she's seeing the bright side now. Jenny and Jason's home somehow survived the fire, and after being displaced for three months, they were able to move back in and rebuild their lives. She's no longer injured, and with all systems go, she's officially transitioning from the track to the roads, with longer distances in mind. ("I'm not training for a marathon," she swears.) Two weeks ago, she won the Army 10-Miler, and she has one more race on the calendar for 2022. And she is, once again, a fully sponsored professional athlete. Jenny signed with Puma earlier this year. Today, she's here to talk about all of it. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon: Click here to register for these races — taking place March 5, 2023 — today! What you'll get on this episode: How Jenny has brought her community together in the wake of last year's Colorado wildfires (3:30) The lingering trauma from the wildfires (10:10) What Jenny's running has been like over the past year (16:30) On Jenny's recent Army 10-Miler win, and how she's feeling now (21:40) Is Jenny Simpson ready to become a marathoner? (36:45) How is Jenny measuring her success on the roads? (42:50) On the end of Jenny's New Balances sponsorship, and the beginning of her partnership with Puma (49:00) Jenny's shoes of choice right now (54:15) Did Jenny watch the Fifth Avenue Mile this year? (57:55) What Jenny sees in U.S. women's distance running right now (1:01:25) What running feels like for Jenny right now (1:07:15) For more, check out: Jenny & Jason Simpson on Episode 329 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 268 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show "Is Top Miler Jenny Simpson About to Be a Marathoner?" by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 my mentality: Get to the starting line, and roll with what you've got, and do your best. If you do that, you've gotta be happy." Everyone loves Matt Wilpers. The beloved and adored (and newly engaged!) Peloton instructor is a 2:54 marathoner, a 1:17 half marathoner, and a 10:38 Ironman triathlete. And now, in between teaching Peloton classes, running a coaching business, and wedding planning, Matt is training for the New York City Marathon! (Get to know Matt better by listening to him on Episode 398 of the Ali on the Run Show.) In today's edition of 26 Questions, Matt answers questions about how training is going, how he proposed to his now-fiancé, his goals for race day, and more. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Matt: Instagram @mattwilpers Website Team Wilpers Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 get overwhelmed, I get stressed, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I have high expectations for myself. But my 'why' is wanting to do my best. My why is wanting to be a good example for Annie. If I'm going to spend any time working and away from my daughter, I want it to be for a good reason." Welcome to Ask Ali, the series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 26 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about podcast, running, motherhood, Halloween, purple M&Ms, laundry detergent (?), and so much more. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here for free shipping on your next goodr order! You asked: How excited were you to get Wordle on the first try? (3:05) What is Annie going to be for Halloween? (3:50) Will we see you at the New England Half? (4:25) What's your favorite 90s trend that has come back? (6:15) What's your favorite song to let loose and dance to? (7:50) Any chance there will be more tickets to the live show with Keira D'Amato? (8:45) Thoughts on the new purple M&M? (9:15) What is the relationship between podcasters? Friends? Enemies? Competitors? (9:50) Running the NYC Marathon for the first time — what's your best advice? (12:00) Has a guest ever said something so offensive or off the wall that you had to edit it out? (13:25) Do you ever forget why you are doing something or who you're trying to impress? (16:00) Grinding: love it or hate it? (18:00) When will you know if you'll be back at the Boston Marathon in any capacity? (20:15) What would you change or redo about your wedding? (20:25) If you had to start a fantasy running team, who would your five starters be? (22:30) Do you have a running coach? (24:00) Do you have any future plans to run another marathon? (25:30) How many home offers did you make? (27:00) Favorite Halloween costume you ever wore (28:15) How's Ellie? (29:50) Will you ever announce a race in the south? (30:25) Boyfriend has ulcerative colitis. What are some date night ideas for us? (30:45) What is the all-time most-listened-to episode of your podcast? (31:30) What detergent do you use on your running clothes? (32:45) Looking to commit to my first marathon — which one should it be? (33:00) Are you ever in a bad mood when it's time to start the podcast? (34:15) Check out: The New England Half: Use code ONTHRUNNE for 15% off your race registration The Clearwater Marathon & Running Festival: Use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your race registration "Molly Seidel Still Struggles," by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There's a big period of my life that led me to find long-distance running where I was a shell of myself. I was depressed and suicidal and anxious and unable to leave my house. And I think a lot about, what if my story had ended there? What if there wasn't this other part of my life where I get to be the person who I am today?" Alison Mariella Désir is a runner, a marathoner, a change-maker, an activist, an advocate, a wife (to Amir!), a mother (to Kouri!), a founder (of Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women), a creator, and now, she adds "author" to her bio. Alison's highly-anticipated book, Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us, hits bookshelves next week. Today, Alison returns to the Ali on the Run Show (for the fourth time!) to talk all about her writing process and her hopes and dreams for the running industry. This book is a must-read for runners and non-runners alike. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: How does it feel to have this book out in the world? (3:10) What Alison hopes people feel when they read this book (7:45) All about Alison's writing vibe (12:00) What Alison learned about herself during the writing process (17:15) What would Alison's dad think of this book? (19:45) What Alison's relationship with running is like right now (21:50) On dealing with racism and microaggressions from a very young age (27:15) "She wasn't tired. She was tired of giving in." (32:55) The pressure to continue being a high-achiever (36:10) What it felt like for Alison to keep showing up to Harlem Run — by herself (41:50) On building community, and what Alison learned from running with other groups, crews, and clubs in New York City (48:00) On being vulnerable at this stage in life (54:40) What Alison hoped would come from her Outside magazine op-ed (57:30) On sniffing out performative BS, and seeing meaningful change within the running industry (1:03:45) The experience of recording the audio version of Running While Black (1:14:00) Which parts of the book have resonated most with people so far (1:16:15) For more from Alison, check out: Alison Désir, Founder of Harlem Run What's New With You? "Why it's an exciting time for women's running" "Ahmaud Arbery and Whiteness in the Running World," by Alison Désir for Outside Magazine Follow Alison: Instagram @alisonmdesir Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Once we realized it was real… I mean, it's not like that happens every week. It was really freaking cool!" Emily Oster was first on the Ali on the Run Show last February. At the time, the economist, Brown University professor, and best-selling author talked about how running is the one place in her life where she lets go of all the data and just runs. Fast-forward a few months, and Emily has a running coach (Kaitlin Goodman!), a training plan, a pair of super shoes, and finisher's medals from a 1:41 half marathon and 42:01 10K. Safe to say, Emily's relationship with running has evolved! In this conversation, recorded in front of a live audience at the Tracksmith Trackhouse in Boston, Emily — who is the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm — talks about that evolution, and about whether more racing is in her future. Plus, what it was like being honored as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2022, including how she found out about the honor, what it was like being on the red carpet next to Zendaya, and whether her kids are impressed by her achievements. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Emily: Instagram @ProfEmilyOster Twitter @ProfEmilyOster Subscribe to her newsletter Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Someone described me as 'Olympic-caliber,' which I think is the nicest, funniest way to say 'Didn't make it.'" Kyle Merber is a former professional runner (a 3:52 miler! he won the Millrose Games mile as a high schooler!) who retired in 2020, and now works full-time for American Express while also managing The Lap Count newsletter and navigating life as a new dad. Now, Kyle is going the distance: the 26.2-mile distance, that is. Kyle is training to make his official marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon next month (though he's covered the distance in training a few times now). Today, Kyle talks about the expectations on him as a former professional athlete and first-time marathoner, explains how he's fitting training into his life, and talks about his nighttime cereal habit. (Listen to Kyle's previous episode of the Ali on the Run Show with friend and colleague Chris Chavez here.) SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Kyle: Instagram @kylemerber Twitter @TheRealMerb Subscribe to The Lap Count Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 start from zero, too, after having a baby, just like everyone else. So, here goes!" Molly Huddle is one of the greatest American distance runners of our time. In her career, she's held numerous American records and is a two-time Olympian. She's the co-host of the Keeping Track podcast and co-author of the book How She Did It. And in April, Molly added a new title to her bio: mom. Molly gave birth to her daughter, Josephine ("Jojo") earlier this year, so today, Molly returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about running throughout her pregnancy and her careful, cautious, calculated return to running and racing. Plus, what's next for Molly on the run — and beyond. SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!) What you'll get on this episode: How Molly's feeling right now (3:20) Molly's decision to publicly share her return to racing (4:50) Who Molly leaned on throughout her pregnancy (7:15) How it feels to watch all the fast fall races right now, and all about Molly's race announcing debut this summer (8:45) Molly's postpartum expectations (11:30) The decision a professional runner has to make about if and when to have a baby (12:55) What running throughout pregnancy looked like for Molly (17:30) Molly recalls her first postpartum run (29:50) Molly's decision to return to racing (32:40) What it's like being an idol and role model to younger professional athletes (37:30) What has come naturally to Molly in motherhood, and what has felt most challenging (41:30) What's next for Molly? (46:00) The best advice Molly has received in this phase of life (49:20) For more from Molly, check out: Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 259 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 391 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle & Sara Slattery on Episode 493 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Molly: Instagram @mollyhuddle Twitter @mollyhuddle Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We all get nervous. We all have this energy, whether it feels good or bad. We all get in the race and physically feel good and bad at different points. It's just important to remember that that's all normal, no matter what that is. So I just told her, 'This is how it feels. This is how it's gonna feel.' And that was it. Game on." First, he paced Sara Hall at the Marathon Project. Then, he paced Keira D'Amato for her American Record at the Houston Marathon. Now, dad of three and stroller-running world record holder Calum Neff returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about his third major pacing opportunity: running with Keira again, this time at the Berlin Marathon. In this conversation — recorded while Calum was recovering in Italy — Calum talks all about the Berlin experience, where Keira was hoping to take down her own American record. He talks about their ambitious goal for race day, explains the low-mileage training that helped get him to the start line (training for an American record on just 30 miles per week?!), and talks about how he got the job this time around. Calum talks about the plan for Keira and the three pacers, raves about the pre-race highlights (hanging with Eliud Kipchoge!), explains the unique pressure of being a pacer, and shares the final words he said to Keira on the start line. Plus, how he pushed through his own tough parts of the race, the energy he got from Keira throughout the race, and what's next on his race calendar. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Calum got the role as one of Keira's Berlin Marathon pacers, and what his training was like (5:45) "I'm Keira's pacer, and I don't know if I can do this" (10:20) What Calum has learned about the delicate art of pacing (14:30) The pacing plan for race day (19:00) All about the pre-race activities (Kipchoge!) (20:45) What race morning was like (26:35) The sights and sounds from the early miles of the race (31:00) What happens when the plan changes, and how Calum pushed through his own tough parts of the race (34:30) On that moment during the race when Keira was given (and refused!) an out (40:00) What the final miles of the race were like (44:50) That finish line feeling — and the race-within-a-race to get there (50:50) Calum's post-race thoughts (55:00) What makes pacing Keira, specifically, special (58:15) Calum's next race: representing Team Canada in the trail running world championships (1:01:50) Follow Calum: Instagram @calneff Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 through a breakup and went straight for the guitar shop, hoping that would fix everything. Well. I played it once for about 10 minutes." In both 2021 and 2022, Boulder-based professional runner Nell Rojas was the highest-placing American woman at the Boston Marathon. Now, she's ready to tackle the Big Apple: Nell is gearing up to make her TCS New York City Marathon debut next month. Today, she answers questions about how her training is going, why she wants to run NYC, how her boyfriend really feels about her "head-only altitude tent," American Girl dolls (she's an Addy; I'm an aspiring Samantha), how people react when they see her car, and so much more. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. For more from Nell, check out: Nell Rojas on Episode 513 of the Ali on the Run Show Nell Rojas & Hiruni Wijayaratne on Episode 484 of the Ali on the Run Show Nell Rojas on Episode 434 of the Ali on the Run Show Nell Rojas on Episode 431 of the Ali on the Run Show Nell Rojas on Episode 229 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Nell: Instagram @nell_rojas_running Twitter @nellrojas Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was an astonishing thing. It was one of those defining moments in your life. Everything else was changed from that moment." It was an honor to be invited to the 20th running of the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay in Ohio this past weekend, and to get to host a live show at the pre-race expo with running legends Meb Keflezighi (Olympic silver medalist and winner of both the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon), Kathrine Switzer (the first woman to officially run and finish the Boston Marathon), and Bill Rodgers (four-time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons). One quick note: Unfortunately, the first few minutes of the show are missing from the audio recording, so what you'll get here picks up with Meb a few minutes in, answering my question, "Why did you run your first marathon?" The audio skips a few times throughout the recording, but ultimately, you'll still get to hear some inspiring and powerful stuff from Meb, Kathrine, and Bill. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Oh god, it was so bad! Oh god. I'm going to bring this up in therapy this week!" She's everyone's favorite funny runner — and today, Laura Green returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the third time to answer a series of 26 questions. (Check out Laura's previous episodes: when she filled in as an Ask Ali guest host, and when she was part of the Motherhood Mondays series.) Whether she's playing the role of an ambitious mom-to-be who plans to start stroller running right out of the hospital, she's role-playing what would happen if all the big running brands got together for beers, or she's a road runner trying out the trails, Laura's LOL-inducing videos have the running industry (and beyond!) absolutely rolling. Laura is currently training for the New York City Marathon. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Laura: Instagram @lauramcgreen Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"No one can define what success is for you but YOU. Even though the sport of running tries to tell us that the only things that matter are distance and time, that is simply not true. You decide what matters to you." Welcome to Part III (the last part!) of the Marathon Mentality series with Ali on the Run Show favorite Emily Saul! Emily is a licensed mental health counselor, sport psychology coach, and founder of E Saul Movement. She's a former Division-1 collegiate rower, she's a lifelong athlete, she's a many-time marathoner, and she's a TEDxBoston speaker. Today, we're talking race day. We made it! (You made it! You're doing great!) Emily is offering advice about tackling taper tantrums, getting in the right headspace for race day, and dealing with the potential post-marathon blues. SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!) What you'll get on this episode: How do I deal with taper tantrums? (3:30) How do I get over the mindset of being able to run further on race day than ever before? (7:25) Best advice for getting pumped up for a marathon the week before the race (12:05) How do I get over my fear of coming in last? (19:00) How would you address mid-race fears of pushing too hard too early? (27:10) How do you handle the personal pressure you put on yourself? (29:55) What do you do mid-race when your mind starts making preemptive excuses for failing? (35:20) How to battle the mental game during a race when your body wants to give up (39:00) How to stay positive when the race isn't going as expected (44:45) During training, I feel confident and I crush my workouts. But when it comes to race day, doubt creeps in. Any advice? (49:55) How to deal with the post-marathon blues (54:30) Emily's final pre-race pep talk for fall marathoners (1:01:10) For more, check out: Marathon Mentality Part II: When the Training Ramps Up Marathon Mentality Part I: Getting in the Right Headspace for Marathon Training Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 574 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul's TEDxBoston talk Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysaulboston Twitter @emilysaulboston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"To go out on top — there are so few athletes that can say that, and that really wasn't my plan! I just wanted to know when it would be over so that I could put everything that I had into each throw." Kara Winger had long planned for 2022 to be her final javelin season. And what a final season it was! The four-time Olympian capped off her 18-year international career by winning her first global medal (silver, at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, OR), and becoming the first U.S. woman to medal in the javelin at a world championships event. She set a new American record. She took the win at the Wanda Diamond League final. And, after 12 years, she finally broke her own personal record. In this conversation, Kara reflects on her career and on what it means to go out on top. She talks about the support she has felt in the track and field community, and about when she made the decision to retire. She talks about being chosen to be the Team USA flag bearer at last summer's Tokyo Olympic Games, and talks about the struggles she's faced with injuries (two ACL tears and a labrum tear in her left shoulder) and setbacks. Now, the Tracksmith-sponsored athlete will begin the next chapter of her career as the senior director for Parity, an organization dedicated to closing the gender pay gap in sports. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon: Click here to register for these races — taking place March 5, 2023 — today! What you'll get on this episode: What Kara says to everyone who wants her to keep competing (5:00) When and why Kara decided to retire, and what her mentality was like heading into her final season (6:50) The first thing Kara pictures when she thinks about her final season of competition (13:20) Is it possible to get into a flow state when throwing? (18:35) What Kara's childhood was like, and how she found the javelin (20:40) How Kara actually learned how to throw a javelin (27:00) What it was like becoming an Olympian while still in college (29:15) What life was like at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA (32:45) What Kara's training is like lately (38:15) Kara's decision to get her MBA (41:45) How Kara became the flag bearer for Team USA during the Tokyo Olympics (45:20) The support Kara has felt from her community this year (54:00) What Kara wishes people understood about throwing, field events, and the javelin specifically (59:00) Any chance Kara will compete at World Championships in Budapest next year? (1:03:00) Follow Kara: Instagram @KaraThrowsJav Twitter @KaraThrowsJav Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 have to enjoy this race. I really just need this one to be uplifting." Deena Kastor has run (and won!) many marathons during her career. She's the 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the marathon, she has won both the Chicago and London Marathons and the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and until this past January, she was the American Record Holder in the marathon (Keira D'Amato holds that title now). And this weekend, Deena will race the Berlin Marathon! Here, she explains why this race is so special (she'll earn her Abbott World Marathon Majors six-star finisher's medal!) and what her goals are for the day. Plus: why she ran her first marathon, where she keeps her Olympic medal, her real feelings about race broadcasting, and why her greatest running weakness involves...baby eagles? SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. For more, check out: Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor Explore.org live cams Follow Deena: Instagram @deena8050 Twitter @deenakastor Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I've worked really hard and I've put a lot out there, and it's been really good to the point that it terrifies me." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 29 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about my current goals and dreams, the New York City Marathon (lots of questions about the New York City Marathon!), the song that always makes me cry (and I cry just talking about it!), the lessons I've learned from my best and worst races, and so much more. SPONSORS: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. You asked: How are you doing? (3:30) What is one thing you would like to do before the end of the year? (6:35) What are you most excited for at the New York City Marathon? (9:00) What is your favorite song you ever danced to? (11:25) Can you give us any hints for the NYC Marathon live shows? (13:20) Team Edward or Jacob? (14:35) First-time marathon advice (14:55) Can you please share the reason for using "and" but never "but?" (17:00) What song always makes you cry? (18:55) Your favorite pre-run fuel (20:05) Biggest advice for balancing entrepreneurship and parenting (20:15) Boston or New York City? (22:05) Have you ever had a guest on the podcast that you were fangirl-nervous to speak to? (23:10) Do you know when you are announcing at the New York City Marathon? (27:30) What was your favorite place to write for when you were in the thick of freelancing? (28:40) If you had to host a podcast about something other than running, what would it be? (32:30) What do you think is overrated in the running world? And what is underrated? (34:35) What did you worst race teach you? What did your best race teach you? (38:10) What have been your takeaways from therapy? (42:45) What do female friendships look like these days? (43:10) What are your PRs? (45:45) What's your bedtime / morning routine? (48:35) Best souvenir to buy at the New York City Marathon? (49:50) Taco night or pizza night? Favorite season? If you had to change your first name, what would you pick? (50:45) Which pro runner would you most want to have at your Thanksgiving? (52:00) The episode with Emily Durgin, you asked about her shoes. Was that agreed to per her sponsor? (52:35) What is your favorite bagel flavor? (53:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 struggle every day. I am just committed to not letting those little moments take me out of the game." As the founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics, Karissa Bodnar has been included on Forbes's 30 Under 30 list, was named as one of Marie Claire's Most Powerful Women, and she was on Inc.'s Badass Female Founders list. But what matters most to Karissa, she swears, isn't the accolades: It's the people. In this conversation, we get to know the woman behind one of the most game-changing brands in the beauty industry — a woman who, naturally, happens to be a runner. (We recorded this conversation just a few days before Karissa ran the Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon!) Karissa talks about how running makes her a better leader and business owner. She talks about the days when she would sit at her kitchen table, mixing formulas and dreaming of working her way up the beauty brand ladder. She talks about launching Thrive Causemetics in the wake of losing her best friend to cancer. And she talks about giving back. (For every product sold, Thrive donates products and funds to organizations and causes that support and empower women.) Plus: imposter syndrome in running and in business, what keeps Karissa up at night, and what it means to be "bigger than beauty." SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Bermuda Triangle Challenge: Click here and use code ALIONTHERUN15OFF to get 15% off your race registration. What you'll get on this episode: How Karissa was feeling the week of her half marathon (5:00) Why Karissa wanted to run a half marathon this year (9:30) What young Karissa was like (18:00) Why Karissa names her products after women who inspire her (23:50) How Karissa found her purpose (25:50) How — and why — Karissa started her own company, and how it grew from mixing formulas at her kitchen table to a multimillion-dollar company (30:10) What keeps Karissa up at night (40:00) Karissa's "wear sunscreen" PSA (44:15) When Karissa works out, and what her half-marathon training has been like (46:30) Karissa's race-day playlist (52:00) What makes it onto Karissa's highlight reel (57:35) On learning how to be a CEO (1:00:00) Follow Karissa: Instagram @karissabodnar Thrive Causemetics Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 very excited to see where I'm at and to test myself. And I'm really having fun so far with this!" OK, right off the bat: You're getting more than 26 questions. Welcome to this new series on the Ali on the Run Show, where I sit down with some of my favorite people to ask a series of running- and non-running-related questions. Think Vogue's "73 Questions," but for runners — all of whom are currently gearing up for fall marathons. And what better way to kick things off than with Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden? Des will run the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, and she's here today to tell us what we don't yet know about everyone's favorite runner. (Including: a peek into her new book, the last time she cried, the last time she cried because of running, all about her candy-rating system, and whether she Googles herself. Plus, a LOL-worthy recent airplane story.) SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. For more, check out: Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011 Listen to Des on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 522 Episode 462 Episode 363 Episode 205: Love on the Run with Des & Ryan Linden Episode 100 Episode 77: Live in San Diego Episode 64 Follow Des: Instagram @des_linden Facebook Twitter @des_linden Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Don't just celebrate the final finish line. One of the ways to get through a training plan successfully is to make sure you're stopping along the way and celebrating." Chris Bennett is on a mission: He wants runners to have more fun! (There's a reason he's been called "the real-life Ted Lasso.") The Nike Running Global Head Coach — known by hundreds of thousands of runners as simply "Coach" — takes a no-BS approach to running. He might dish out some tough love, but he always has a plan and a reason. He'll never tell you that you suck (and he really doesn't want you to say that to yourself, either), but he might tell you to "calm down," and he'll definitely tell you to "slow down." In this conversation, Coach Bennett talks about the importance of finding purpose on the run, explains why kindness is a secret weapon, and shares his take on run streaks (and whether or not he's doing one). SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!) What you'll get on this episode: What is the purpose of Coach Bennett's run today? (8:25) Finding purpose on the run vs. having a goal (11:40) Is it unrealistic to expect every run to be fun? (18:20) How to turn a bad run around (24:30) "I'm not a run streaker, but I have a run streak" (33:00) How can runners be more kind to ourselves? (42:15) What it's like being "The Ted Lasso of Running" (56:00) Coach Bennett's love letter to New Jersey (1:02:40) Follow Coach Bennett: Instagram @CoachBennett Twitter @bennettrun Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 in this whole new world of what they call marathon training. I don't know. I'm still in denial!" Emily Durgin is having one heck of a year on the run. The adidas-sponsored professional runner lives and trains in Flagstaff, AZ (though, she says, "Maine will always be home home"), and 2022 has been good to her. She kicked off the year at the Houston Half Marathon, where she ran a personal best (67:54), and became the sixth-fastest American woman ever in the half marathon. And then, the personal bests just kept coming: Emily ran PBs in the 10,000 meters, the 5K, the 10K, and the 15K. But in some ways, she's just getting started. Emily is moving up in distance! She's gearing up for her 26.2-mile debut at the TCS New York City Marathon in November! In this conversation, Emily talks about why she wanted to make her marathon debut this year, why she wanted to do it in New York, and what her training looks like. Plus, how she's gained confidence on the track and the roads over the past year. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Where is "home?" (2:50) All about Emily's run today, and how she's feeling about marathon training so far (3:40) Why Emily always runs the Beach to Beacon 10K (7:55) Why now? Emily's decision to make her marathon debut in 2022 (10:40) The women Emily loves racing with and against (15:30) Emily's reflections on her summer of racing, and the races that boosted her confidence (17:30) What Emily pictures when she thinks about the New York City Marathon (20:20) Is there pressure that comes with making a marathon debut? (26:45) What pre-race Emily is like (29:35) Emily's earliest memories of becoming a runner (33:50) Emily's road to becoming a professional runner (40:45) What a day in the life of a professional runner is like (49:50) For more, check out: Eventide Oyster Co. Aliphine Tuliamuk on Episode 556 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emily: Instagram @em_durgin Twitter @emily_durgin Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 saw a lot of people, especially on social media, saying, 'She's not gonna make it.' And in my mind, I wanted to prove them wrong. And I think, honestly, that might have been my biggest downfall — trying to do more too soon, to prove to people that I could do this." It would be putting it lightly to say that the past two years have been a whirlwind for professional runner Aliphine Tuliamuk. At the beginning of 2020, she won the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, earning herself a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics. Then, when the Olympics were postponed due to the pandemic, she and her partner, Tim, saw that as an opportunity: Instead of going to Japan and competing at the Olympics that summer, Aliphine was newly pregnant. She gave birth to a baby girl, Zoe, in January 2021. Then, with the Olympics just seven months away, new-mom Aliphine went all-in on marathon training (with a plus-one!). She traveled to Tokyo, lined up at the start of her first Olympic race, and had to pull out after 20K due to an injury. Today on the show, Aliphine talks about taking a much-needed break after Tokyo, and about how she knew — physically and emotionally — that she was ready to get back on the run. The Hoka NAZ Elite athlete is currently happy, healthy, and ready to light the fall racing scene on fire. (Her words!) This weekend, Aliphine will race the USATF 20K Championships, and then she will line up for her first marathon since Tokyo at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in November. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. THE FIRSTENERGY AKRON MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, & TEAM RELAY: Click here to register, and use code ALI20 to get $20 off your race registration. What you'll get on this episode: How Aliphine is feeling, 70-ish days out from this year's New York City Marathon, and what her training looks like right now (4:40) All about that photo from this year's NYRR New York Mini 10K, and what Aliphine is like on starting lines (7:05) Aliphine's fight to get to bring her daughter to the Olympics (16:55) Aliphine's favorite — and least favorite — marathon training workouts (24:35) How Aliphine approached her post-Olympics break (29:15) How Aliphine follows the running industry (36:15) Aliphine's goals for this year's New York City Marathon (40:30) Aliphine shares her favorite parts of a marathon (47:00) Who is in Aliphine's village? (50:50) Behind-the-scenes with the women of Hoka NAZ Elite (53:55) "How does 73 days feel to you?" (57:00) Follow Aliphine: Instagram @aliphine Twitter @aliphineT Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 such a good question, and one that I absolutely refuse to answer!" Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 39 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about my upcoming race announcing plans, how I'm feeling about moving (again!), what's most fulfilling to me right now, my take on introspection and talking about my feelings, and so much more. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: What three Peloton instructors would you most like to have dinner with together? (3:20) Any plans to return to the west coast for races or announcing? (4:45) Do you use your New Balance SuperComp Trainers for every run or do you cycle your shoes? (6:40) Do we get a video house tour of the new house? (7:00) What is your favorite thing about the new house? (9:45) Love your relationship with your parents. Have you always been close? (11:35) What is your favorite distance to run and why? (15:20) How did you start getting up at 4:30? Was it hard? (16:35) If money is no object, what trip are you taking with Brian, and where are you going with Annie? (18:35) What happens if you are mid-interview and realize you don't vibe with your guest? (20:45) Rank race announcing, podcasting, and media roles in order of most fulfilling to least (23:30) Do you watch Bridgerton? (25:20) What are you most excited for right now? (25:45) You've accomplished so much with your announcing. What's the next big or kind of scary dream? (26:00) How to introduce yourself to someone in real life that you follow on Instagram (26:35) Does running solo in the dark ever scare you? (29:10) Do you know your enneagram number? (31:15) When will you be in London? (31:35) What state is New Hampshire's biggest rival? (31:45) Is the On the Job series returning? (32:45) Did you intend your move to NH to be permanent when you first left New Jersey in early 2020? (32:50) Any advice on how to deal with negative feedback and on how not to take it personally? (34:15) What's next for you race-wise? (37:20) What is the last thing you bought and loved on Amazon? (39:15) Will you do family Halloween costumes? (40:00) What does Annie think you and Brian do for a living? (40:20) My mother-in-law always tells me running is dangerous. What should I say back? (41:00) Team pumpkin or apple? (41:40) Any good book recommendations? (41:50) You own a themed café. Tell me about it. (42:20) Cold or hot lobster roll? (45:10) Advice for a 19-year-old feeling lost (45:30) What is the hardest thing about having a running podcast? (46:40) How is Annie handling the recent move? (49:30) Have you always been introspective? (50:15) Top three favorite candy (51:15) What happened to race announcing at Beach to Beacon? (51:30) Do you have a 26.2 sticker on the back of your car? (53:00) What would you consider to be the turning point in your career? (53:20) Check out: Akron Marathon — Use code ALI20 to save $20 on your race registration Noxgear Vest Headlamp Jess Sims & Kirsten Ferguson on Episode 551 of the Ali on the Run Show AliCat5685's Away Messages via Spotify Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I was in New York, and I went out and I had this experience of watching people run this marathon, and I broke down. I was like, 'Holy shit, this is the most powerful thing I've ever seen.'" To legions of adoring fans, Zac Clark is known as the winner of Season 16 of The Bachelorette, who got engaged to Tayshia Adams. But today, we are getting to know Zac, beyond the Bachelorette. We meet the young Zac who grew up in New Jersey, and the Zac who discovered he had a brain tumor at 23 years old, and had to undergo emergency brain surgery. We meet the Zac who recovered from surgery — and became addicted to prescription painkillers. The Zac who had a rough few years after that. Who got a DUI, whose wife left him, and who spiraled. And the Zac who hit rock bottom one day, when he was saved by a bank teller. Because of that bank teller, we get the privilege of knowing Zac today. The Zac who spent 4.5 months in rehab, and found recovery from addiction. Who not only joined the board of the rehab facility he attended, but who, in 2017, founded Release Recovery and the Release Recovery Foundation to help people through their own recovery journeys. And along the way, this Zac found running. Today, he is a 10-time marathoner who is currently training for his eighth New York City Marathon, and this month celebrates 11 years of sobriety. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. THE FIRSTENERGY AKRON MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, & TEAM RELAY: Click here to register, and use code ALI20 to get $20 off your race registration. What you'll get on this episode: What Zac's childhood was like, growing up in New Jersey (5:10) On making apologies in recovery (9:35) The day Zac discovered he had a brain tumor (11:00) The road to rock bottom (16:15) What Zac's experience in rehab was like, what ultimately helped, and what leaving rehab was like (21:30) How a newly-sober Zac found his people in NYC (26:40) How Zac found running (31:00) Zac's creation of the Release Recovery Foundation run club (38:30) How Zac reflects on his time on The Bachelorette (45:00) What Zac's New York City Marathon training is like right now (50:00) What the Release Recovery Foundation does, and how the organization is directly helping people (58:50) Follow Zac: Instagram @zwclark Twitter @zacwclark Release Recovery Foundation Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 whole idea of getting comfortable being uncomfortable is actually about building a psychological endurance. In the same way we build a physical endurance for running more miles, we can build a kind of psychological endurance or tolerance for this stuff that is uncomfortable, but in the context of running, it's actually normal." Welcome to Part II of this summer's Marathon Mentality series with Ali on the Run Show favorite Emily Saul! Emily is a licensed mental health counselor, sport psychology coach, and founder of E Saul Movement. She's a former Division-1 collegiate rower, she's a lifelong athlete, she's a many-time marathoner, and she's a TEDxBoston speaker. If you're training for a fall marathon, it's likely your long runs are ramping up, and you're spending a lot of time thinking about all things 26.2 — the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly. Fortunately, Emily is here to hold your hand throughout the process. Today, Emily is offering advice about staying mentally strong during hot runs, getting psyched up for long runs and tough workouts, and what it actually means getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Plus, "balance" during marathon season, setting goals, avoiding training burnout, and more. (Then, come back next month when Emily addresses how to tackle the taper, getting into a race-day mindset, and how to have the day of your running dreams.) SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I'm obsessed!) What you'll get on this episode: Tips for when you're mentally struggling to run in the heat (5:00) How do you actually get comfortable with being uncomfortable? (13:00) How to mentally prepare yourself for a big workout or long run (26:35) Advice on balancing marathon training with the rest of life (38:40) It's hard to balance training with a social life — any tips for sticking with the plan? (45:25) Tips for avoiding training burnout as the weekend miles climb (52:10) How to set a time goal without adding pressure and stress and getting psyched out (1:01:30) For more, check out: Emily Saul on Episode 541 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 574 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul's TEDxBoston talk Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysaulboston Twitter @emilysaulboston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 shows, in the past two years, how much we've both improved because we've had each other to push each other the whole way." Meet Roisin Willis and Juliette Whittaker: the fastest high schoolers in American history. Not only have Roisin and Juliette spent their respective senior years breaking records and taking home world championships medals, but they've formed a very special long-distance friendship along the way — though it won't be long-distance for much longer. Both Roisin (from Stevens Point, WI) and Juliette (from Laurel, MD) are headed to Stanford University this fall. In this conversation, we get to know the 800m runners whose running resumes are already extensive. They both competed at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials last summer, as high school juniors. In April, Roisin was part of the distance medley relay world record-breaking team alongside Olympians Elle Purrier St. Pierre, Heather MacLean, and Kendall Ellis. In May, Juliette won the 800m race at Trials of Miles Track Night NYC, not only breaking the tape, but breaking 2:00 for the first time. Weeks later, she broke the 800m high school national record at USATF U20 Outdoor Championships. To cap off an exciting year and a very long track season, Roisin and Juliette got to represent Team USA at World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, where they both competed in the 800 — and became world gold and bronze medalists, respectively, in the process. Now, they're resting up, reflecting, and getting ready to head to college — together. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. THE FIRSTENERGY AKRON MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, & TEAM RELAY: Click here to register, and use code ALI20 to get $20 off your race registration. What you'll get on this episode: Juliette and Roisin's plans to head to Stanford University later this month (5:45) How Roisin got into running (9:45) How Juliette got into running (12:45) The story of how Juliette and Roisin met, and how they became friends (16:00) Roisin talks about qualifying for the Olympic Track & Field Trials at Trials of Miles last summer (22:40) What it was like for Roisin and Juliette to compete at last summer's Olympic Trials (24:00) How Roisin and Juliette navigate the pressure of being the fastest high schoolers in the country (26:50) Roisin and Juliette's race-day rituals (30:30) Juliette reflects on breaking 2:00 in the 800m for the first time at Trials of Miles this summer (37:45) How Roisin has worked on her confidence over the years (42:40) Roisin's experience breaking the DMR world record with Team New Balance (46:15) All about the day Juliette broke the high school national record (48:50) What it was like making Team USA for the World Athletics U20 Championships (51:00) Reflecting on competing at World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia (57:30) On the decision to attend Stanford, and who committed first (1:09:00) For more, check out: Watch Roisin & Juliette compete at World Athletics U20 Championships Follow Juliette: Instagram @jwhittaker22 Follow Roisin: Instagram @roisin.willis Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's really special when your friend becomes family." Some friendships build, grow, and develop over time. Others are instant. For Peloton instructors Jess Sims and Kirsten Ferguson, the best friendship was immediate. In the final episode of Friendship Fest Season 2, Jess and Kirsten talk about how they met (through Peloton, naturally), why they hit it off right away, and what it's like when a friend becomes family. Plus, "the Starbucks story" that Jess is still mad about, what it's like being Peloton-famous, and why it was so important for Kirsten to be there when Jess ran the 2022 Boston Marathon. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. What you'll get on this episode: Jess and Kirsten introduce each other (4:15) How Jess and Kirsten met and became friends (7:05) What it's like when new instructors join the Peloton team (13:00) "The Starbucks story" (18:20) On being Peloton-famous (25:45) All about Kirsten's epic pool parties (28:50) On Jess's special bond with Kirsten's daughters (31:30) The day Jess ran the Boston Marathon — and Kirsten was there as her #1 cheerleader (36:45) Jess and Kirsten share the moments when they felt the most proud of each other (46:00) Follow Jess: Instagram @jesssims Twitter @jess_sims Follow Kirsten: Instagram @iamkirstenferguson Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 part of me that was like, 'What if I hate it? What if I hate this job, what if I hate this role? Because I might! I'm not a media operations person! What if I hate it?' And so before the trip even started, I had kind of told myself, 'Hey, if you don't love this, that is not a measure of success, and that does not make you a failure. You fail at this if you don't try, if you don't show up for your team, if you do a bad job, if you make a lot of mistakes. That would be a failure. But not loving it just means, OK, you tried something new, and if you don't love it, you don't have to do it again. But go and learn and take it all in, and what an experience to get to have!'" Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 31 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about my experience at World Athletics Championships, buying a house (!!!), living in New Hampshire, my running paces, feeling proud, and more. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: What are the best and worst parts about living in New Hampshire? (3:40) Which one athlete or coach did you interact with at World Championships that you most want to have on the podcast? (6:45) What are you proudest of this week (at World Championships)? (7:55) Would you do something like working World Championships again? (13:10) What was your favorite race to watch? (16:20) What did a typical day in Eugene look like? (17:05) Why was that crane there? (23:15) Were meals and housing provided? (25:10) Share more about the new house! (25:30) Do you miss Brian when you travel? (26:40) Ultimate running-related dream job? (28:35) What surprised you most about yourself at World Championships? (32:30) What was your favorite thing about the state of Oregon? (33:40) How did you pack for this trip? (34:05) Favorite dessert? Upcoming marathon plans? Restocks of merch? (34:25) What is Annie's full name? (35:15) Do you have any food preferences or allergies? (36:25) Do you like swimming? (37:25) Are you crying right now? (37:45) Sharpest memory moment from World Championships? (38:50) You're invited to a BBQ. What do you bring? (39:50) What's your Dairy Queen order? (40:10) How's your voice? How do you keep it healthy when talking is a living for you? (40:20) Who surprised you at the press conferences, in a good way? (42:30) How did the Crohn's hold up with such busy days? (44:00) Why do you do all your runs at a fast pace? (47:30) Will you sleep in past 4:30 now? (51:20) Did you go to the Saturday market in Eugene? (52:30) How did you / everyone not get Covid in Eugene? (52:35) Are your legs really that long? (53:30) How freaking exhausted are you at this point? (57:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When you think about what you hope to leave on the sport or model for my daughters through the sport, I hope that's what people see: resiliency, and how to pick yourself up, and not let discouragement get you down." First we heard from Keira D'Amato. Then Emma Bates. And now, we complete the World Athletics Championships Team USA women's marathon trifecta on the Ali on the Run Show with fifth-place finisher Sara Hall. Not only did Sara — a 39-year-old mom of four — run a season's best time of 2:22:10 that day in Eugene, she also says it was the most fun she's ever had running a marathon. In this conversation, Sara recaps her entire World Championships experience. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: Was Sara having as much fun as it seemed? (3:40) Sara reflects on her training for the World Championships marathon, and how she was feeling heading into the race both physically and emotionally (8:50) The impact Sara's performance at the 2020 London Marathon has had on her career and her confidence (12:00) What Sara's pre-race obligations were like (17:30) All about race morning (20:00) Sara's plan to have fun (29:20) How the race played out (35:00) The moment when Sara decided to chase down fifth place (40:10) Sights and sounds from the finish line (43:20) Sara recaps all the post-race action and activities (51:00) What Sara can — and can't — tell us about her fall racing plans (55:15) For more, check out: Sara Hall on Episode 490 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 459 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 321 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Sara: Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"These people are out on the track, by themselves, just with their own body and their own mind. It's really cool to watch. It's cool to watch humans push themselves like that. And I want everyone else to be as excited about it as I am." Michelle Wolf is a stand-up comic, an ultra runner, and a massive fan of track and field. So it makes perfect sense that she was at World Athletics Championships in Eugene, OR, last month! In this conversation, Michelle talks about how she ended up in Eugene, working with the Hayward Magic team on an Instagram series called "Loosen Up with Michelle Wolf." (Fun fact: She got the job, in part, after her appearance on the Ali on the Run Show last year!) She talks about interviewing athletes including Athing Mu, Ryan Crouser, Grant Fisher, and Marvin Bracy-Williams, and shares the highs and lows of her time at Hayward Field. SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite bra, pullover, and crop top.) What you'll get on this episode: What Michelle has been up to since World Championships (2:30) How Michelle got to go to World Championships (5:50) What Emily's shows in Portland were like leading up to World Championships (11:30) All about "Loosen Up with Michelle Wolf" (20:10) On balancing work and running (22:50) Michelle's experience interviewing Athing Mu (28:45) Behind-the-scenes stories from Eugene (34:45) Michelle's highest and lowest points from being at World Championships (45:15) For more, check out: Michelle Wolf on Episode 464 of the Ali on the Run Show Laura Green on Instagram Celeste Barber on Instagram Follow Michelle: Instagram @michelleisawolf Twitter @michelleisawolf Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 what I want — that's the only thing that drives me as much as it does. I just want to inspire the next generation. And I feel like we did that. You would've sworn we won the entire race. You would've sworn we swept the podium! But, you know, fifth, seventh, eighth, and for people to be that proud and excited for us? It doesn't get any better than that." The World Athletics Championships conversations continue! Last week, we heard from Team USA's Keira D'Amato, and today, fellow Team USA marathoner Emma Bates is up! Emma says the World Athletics Championships marathon was the most fun she has ever had running a race, and in this episode, she talks about why it tops her list. Emma finished seventh (in the world!) in that race, running 2:23:18 and taking more than a minute off her personal best time. And here, we're breaking it all down. Emma talks about getting Covid in December, and talks about how that impacted and derailed her training. She talks about the comeback, about how she was feeling heading into the biggest race of her life, and about the pre-race pep talk from her coach, Joe Bosshard. Plus, all about the race itself: the party in the hotel lobby at 3 AM, the quiet bus ride to the start, the questionable warm-up routine, and the unexpected offer from teammate Sara Hall. Emma talks about how she stayed tough when her legs started to hurt, she explains what the crowds felt like along the way, and she breaks down that magical finish line moment. (Also, a LOL-worthy story about Ryan Hall and...Emma's urine.) SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Emma recovers from a race like World Championships (2:50) What it was like getting Covid in December, and how it derailed Emma's training (6:00) How Emma found out she made Team USA (10:40) How Emma celebrated her 30th birthday before leaving for Eugene (16:10) Red vs. white: How Emma decided which Team USA kit to wear for the marathon (18:00) What race morning was like (19:50) How the race played out (29:00) What the crowds and fans were like along the course (34:00) When it started to hurt (36:45) That finish line feeling (42:00) Emma's post-race drug testing story (48:50) All about Emma's Instagram race recaps (54:45) How Emma spent the rest of her time in Eugene (59:40) Emma's advice to fellow marathoners (1:03:30) For more, check out: 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 Emma: Instagram @emmajanelbates Twitter @emmajbates Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 that every time I step on the line — like I have nothing to lose. And I get that question a lot: 'Do you feel a lot of pressure now that you're the American record holder?' No. I feel no pressure. No one thought I was going to get the American record, and no one thinks I'm probably going to go any further. I just feel a lot of support. So yeah, I kind of just felt like I'm playing with house money." Keira D'Amato is the fastest — and funniest — marathoner in the country. And three weeks ago, the American record holder in the marathon got a phone call that changed everything. She had just run — and won — the B.A.A. 10K, and was planning her fall marathon schedule. But plans changed, quickly, and she learned that a spot had opened up on Team USA for the upcoming World Athletics Championships marathon in Eugene, OR. The spot was hers if she wanted it, which she knew immediately that she did. In this conversation — recorded just a few days post-race in Eugene — Keira talks about getting that call two weeks before race day. She talks about her prep, about how she felt on race day, and about what the race itself was like. And in true Keira fashion, she showed up to record with a trick up her sleeve: a plan to take over the Ali on the Run Show. (Don't worry, I let her turn the tables on me, and then spun them right back around to hear all about her eighth-place finish at the marathon.) Plus, her kids' reactions to her making the team, her dance cam debut, and that oh-so-memorable finish line moment with Team USA teammates Emma Bates and Sara Hall. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Welcome to "Keira on the Run!" (4:30) All about Keira's Wikipedia page and her plans to get a pedicure (17:40) On processing the World Championships marathon experience (21:50) The inside scoop on the Team USA group text (23:00) On being the marathon team "sausage," and what it was like getting the call to join Team USA (24:15) What happened after saying "yes" (30:30) Nothing to lose, or everything to prove? (36:00) How Keira's kids reacted to her news about joining Team USA (37:25) How Keira felt leading up to the race (39:50) Keira's conversations with Emma Bates and Sara Hall before the race (45:15) All about that finish line moment (49:00) Keira on the dance cam! (57:30) What went down after the race (1:00:25) For more, check out: Keira & Anthony D'Amato on Episode 475 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 414 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D'Amato on Episode 305 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Keira: Instagram @keiradamato Twitter @KeiraDAmato Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Listen, there are eight heats. Seven of them were all men. We are one-eighth of the media. We need to get that number up. But hell yeah to being the one-eighth." Jay Holder and I are back today, talking all things World Athletics Championships! We spent more than two weeks in Eugene, OR, working on the media experience team — him as the mixed zone supervisor, me as the press conference moderator — and in the third installment of our World Champs recaps, we're picking up where we left off last time. We talk about running the Media 800 at Hayward Field, share our favorite (and least favorite) moments from the 10-day competition period, and share the most challenging and unforgettable experiences along the way. (Check out our first recap here, and listen to our World Championships Q&A episode here.) SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. For more, check out: Jay Holder on Episode 544 of the Ali on the Run Show Jay Holder on Episode 543 of the Ali on the Run Show Jay Holder on Episode 412 of the Ali on the Run Show Jay Holder on Episode 231 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jay: Instagram @jayholderruns Twitter @jauntingjourno Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 being in the trenches with a good team." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm joined by guest host Jay Holder to answer all of your World Athletics Championships-related questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1). For more about this experience so far in Eugene, OR, check out yesterday's episode. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 said, 'I could never do that.' And that actually made me think that you could do it. Because it made me think about what you do every day, and it just felt like you'd be a natural at that role. So that's where we're at." Hi from the Pacific Northwest! I'm coming to you today from Eugene, OR, where I'm working on site as the press conference moderator for the 2022 World Athletics Championships. (How cool is that?!) In this episode, I'm joined by Jay Holder, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Atlanta Track Club, to talk about our respective roles at World Championships and our experiences so far. We talk about how I got this job, what it actually entails, and what the highlights have been so far. We're working hard, getting just enough sleep to get by, and having a lot of fun along the way. (Check out Jay's previous appearances on the Ali on the Run Show, talking about his role at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and about working as the deputy venue media manager for last summer's Tokyo Olympics.) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Jay: Instagram @jayholderruns Twitter @jauntingjourno Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

I had the pleasure and privilege of being the start and finish line race announcer at the inaugural WineShine Half Marathon in Napa Valley this past weekend — and bonus! The day before the race, I got to host a live show at the Silverado Resort and Spa with superstar guests Alysia Montaño and Stephanie Howe. We talked a lot about the highs that come with racing (like Stephanie's Western States win, and the time Alysia ran the 800m in the U.S. National Championships at eight months pregnant), and we talk about the tough stuff. The ruts. The losses. The disappointments. Alysia and Stephanie are proof that this sport can make your dreams come true and break your heart a few times along the way. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Check in on why you're doing this. It doesn't have to feel like the biggest 'why' statement of the whole world, like, 'What's the purpose of life?' But it really does help you to say, 'What's meaningful about this for me, right now?'" Ali on the Run Show favorite Emily Saul is back! Emily is a licensed mental health counselor, sport psychology coach, and founder of E Saul Movement. She's a former Division-1 collegiate rower, she's a lifelong athlete, she's a many-time marathoner, and she's a TEDxBoston speaker. This conversation kicks off the first of a three-part series within the Beyond the Run series, where we talk about the connection between running and mental wellness. Today, Emily is answering listener questions about the mental side of marathon training. If you're training for a fall marathon, it's likely you started training this month. (Exciting!) So, Emily is here to hold your hand throughout the process. These questions are all about getting into the right headspace to start training. Emily is addressing comebacks, comparison traps, burnout, and all the things that are top of mind at the beginning of a training cycle. (She'll return to the show in August for training-related questions, and in September to help get you psyched and mentally ready for race day.) SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite bra, pullover, and crop top.) What you'll get on this episode: Emily's first words to fall marathoners (6:40) On getting past a motivational rut (10:45) Dealing with burnout (19:05) Navigating the comparison trap (24:40) Emily's advice for dealing with mom guilt (34:15) Returning to training after a tough race or setback (42:00) How to redefine expectations (47:30) "Help! I can't stop talking about running!" (54:00) For more, check out: Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 574 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul's TEDxBoston talk Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysaulboston Twitter @emilysaulboston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 a sudden, I was over here, alone, living in a small apartment the size of a dorm room, not having a lot of friends, I didn't have anything to do. I didn't have any future that I was looking forward to. I didn't know what to do with myself except to put on my running shoes and go out and start running." Yuki Chorney is a 39-time marathoner with a 3:15 personal best. She has run 21 ultramarathons, including 100 milers. And she does it all — whether it's a 5K or an all-day event — decked out in glitter, sparkles, and rhinestones. Yuki Chorney is a self-proclaimed "running unicorn," and if you've ever seen her on the run, you know it's hard not to smile when she passes you (which she probably will, with a joyful, genuine smile). At 50 years old, Yuki is finding joy in running more than ever before. In this conversation, she talks about growing up in Japan, moving to the United States, and finding running — and herself — in the process. Today, Yuki lives in Mont Vernon, NH, with her husband, two teenage daughters, two dogs, three cats, two goats, five chickens, and guinea pig. She works as a human resources professional for a financial services company, and she really wants you to try running in a tutu. ("Just once," she says, "and see what you think!") SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI 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's making Yuki happy right now, and what she's currently training for (3:30) What Yuki's childhood was like (6:30) What life looked like after college (10:15) How Yuki found running (12:00) Yuki's fondest Boston Marathon memories (18:35) Yuki's introduction to the running community (21:15) All about Yuki's iconic running costumes! (26:10) The most fun Yuki has ever had running a race (41:45) Why Yuki started running ultramarathons (45:00) What Yuki's daughters think of her running in costume, and how Yuki's relationship with running has evolved throughout parenthood (49:30) Yuki's approach to training and racing (57:00) For more, check out: Millennium Running Gate City Striders Girls on the Run Yuki's 2019 Boston Marathon interview on WBZ Follow Yuki: Instagram @zitiminami Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm a track athlete and I'm doing full-time something else, and people feel like they can't do both. But I feel like me and Jasmine, and a few others, are definitely showing that's possible. I feel like we're definitely paving our own way in the sport." Jasmine Todd is a professional long jumper and sprinter. Katelyn Hutchison is a 400m runner and three-time All-American who just finished running for Ithaca College, and is now headed to the University of Kentucky to finish out her NCAA eligibility. These two dynamic (and fast!) women just met for the first time three weeks ago — and they are already the best of friends. In this conversation, Jasmine and Katelyn talk about meeting at USATF Outdoor Championships and forming an immediate bond. They talk about their experience in the mixed zone with Citius Mag, interviewing professional athletes, and about what they hope to bring to this sport. They share their best stories from USAs (including getting that coveted Sha'Carri Richardson interview), and talk about their big dreams and goals for World Athletics Championships (starting this week!), and more. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. What you'll get on this episode: Meet Jasmine and Katelyn! (3:10) How Jasmine and Katelyn met and became friends (5:50) The story of how Katelyn ended up getting to go to U.S. Outdoor Championships (8:45) How Jasmine navigated competing at USAs and covering the event as a member of the media (18:00) Where Jasmine and Katelyn find inspiration to compete and be members of the track and field media, and how they're navigating all of it (20:15) How Katelyn and Jasmine came up with some of the super fun questions they asked athletes in the mixed zone (30:30) On representation in running media (38:15) How Jasmine and Katelyn really bonded (45:30) Katelyn and Jasmine's plans for World Championships (47:45) Katelyn and Jasmine share the moments when they've felt especially proud of each other (50:30) Check out: Chris Chavez & Kyle Merber on Episode 489 of the Ali on the Run Show Out of the Blocks podcast Follow Jasmine: Instagram @Msgoogleme Twitter @Msgoogleme Follow Katelyn: Instagram @_kxnaomi Twitter @kxnaomi Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 still don't know if it was good, but I did my best. And it was the first time where I realized I'm kind of willing to fail at something. I'm not usually. But with this, I was like, 'OK, I'm going to do my best. And it might be a total flop. It might suck. And that'll be OK! I've never done it before!'" Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 42 (!!!) randomly selected listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about everything from my summer plans (I leave for World Championships tomorrow!), my approach to running right now, balancing work and motherhood, and a surprisingly emotional dive into my favorite Ted Lasso episode. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: What are you most looking forward to about this summer? (4:00) What's the funniest thing that Annie has said? (6:20) Will you bring back the Everyday Runner series? (7:00) Should I cut my hair off? (7:10) Does Ellie have separation anxiety? (7:45) How did you get to do a TED Talk? (8:25) If you could go to the Olympics for any sport, what would it be? (9:20) How is house hunting going? (10:00) Do you follow a training plan or are you just fun running all the time? (10:30) Where is a good cheer spot for the NYC Marathon? (12:00) What would "starting out Ali" ask "now Ali" in an interview question? (13:30) How have you started connecting with pros for the podcast? (15:00) I'm nervous about balancing a child, work, and running. Any advice? (17:20) Worst bathroom emergency story (20:25) Would you ever talk about the pay of race announcing? (21:00) What was your very first podcast episode? (22:20) Do you train with a hydration pack? (22:40) Any ultra runners you'd like to have on the show? (22:50) Do you miss Orangetheory? (23:20) What brings you the most energy and what drains you the most? (23:40) Tell us about your favorite Ted Lasso episode (27:00) How do you get past feeling starstruck when you interview people? (30:25) What does your family do for the Fourth of July? (32:50) Favorite pre-race and post-race dinners (33:45) Should everyone run a marathon at least once? (34:15) What is your favorite race to run? (34:45) Did you get rid of your Peloton Tread when you got injured? (35:35) Are you going to be the race announcer for this year's Beach to Beacon? (36:15) Are you doing any live shows at World Championships? (36:45) If you started a podcast about anything other than running, what would it be? (38:05) How do you pick which Peloton classes to take? (38:55) If you had to guest teach P.E. at a local school, what would you teach? (40:00) What's a running event or distance you would like to try? (41:00) How do you prioritize sleep with all the stuff you are doing? (43:30) What's on your summer running playlist? (44:10) To-do list: on paper or on an app? (45:25) Ocean or lake? (45:40) Do you have an emotional support water bottle? (45:45) Favorite shorts for running and hanging around (46:35) Is there anything particular that you do to prepare for finish line announcing? (48:00) Favorite snack to bring on a road trip (49:15) Most surreal moment of the last several months (49:30) Check out: Beyond the Run with Ali Feller, TEDxBoston Speaker Forestbound ESCAPE bag New England Half Marathon NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K My Peloton Playlist (via Spotify) My favorite running shorts right now: lululemon Align 6" Short Tracksmith Allston Short lululemon Base Pace Short lululemon Fast & Free Short Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

"Just because you're older doesn't mean you have to be slower." Some people have obvious superpowers. Others — like professional triathlete Dede Griesbauer — keep their superpowers closer to the chest. Dede recently gave a TEDxBoston talk about her own superpowers: persistence and determination. And in this conversation, she explains how receiving a "Persistence & Determination" award as an 8-year-old at summer camp helped her become the successful athlete she is today. Dede is 51 years old, and has been competing as a professional triathlete for the past 20 years. She started competing at a time when many pros are starting to think about transitioning out of the sport. That's never deterred her, though. Dede doesn't care that her competitors are often half her age. Because she is the one with persistence and determination. And she has the trophy case to show for it: Dede is a three-time Ironman champion, a three-time Top 10 finisher at Ironman Kona, and was the top American finisher in Kona twice. Her current favorite event: the Ultraman. Dede completed her first Ultraman event — a three-day, 320-mile event that includes a 10K swim and 91-mile bike ride on the first day, a 171-mile bike ride the second day, and a double marathon on the third day — in 22 hours, 48 minutes, and 31 seconds, smashing the world record by more than an hour. When she's not on the swim, bike, or run, Dede is a commentator for Ironman. She lives in Boulder, CO, with her husband, dogs, and scooter. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: What's making Dede happy right now (5:00) What Dede's training for right now (7:55) All about 8-year-old Dede's life-changing summer camp experience (21:15) How Dede has dealt with pressure and expectations (29:00) Dede's early career working on Wall Street (38:40) What it's like standing on start lines next to competitors who are half Dede's age (48:00) Dede's advice for longevity in sport (51:10) For more, check out: Dede's TEDxBoston Talk! Kate Fagan on Episode 528 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Dede: Instagram @dedegriesbauer Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When it's race time, we're competitive. I'm never just going to let Annie win! But it's also really fun that when the race is over, we get to celebrate together regardless of how it went." Annie Frisbie and Dakotah Lindwurm have a lot in common. They train together as members of Minnesota Distance Elite. They're both sponsored by Puma. And they're both chill, low key, and low profile in their everyday lives — but when it's marathon go time, they unleash their superpowers. This week on Friendship Fest, Annie (a 2:26 marathoner who made her 26.2-mile debut at the New York City Marathon last year) and Dakotah (who just won Grandma's Marathon in a personal best of 2:25) talk about how they met, how they bond during weekend long runs (by refusing to slow down for the boys), and how they find joy in racing. Plus, what's next for each of them. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. What you'll get on this episode: Dakotah's story of doing the Macarena mid-marathon (4:45) How Annie and Dakotah met (6:00) How and why Annie and Dakotah each signed with Puma (9:45) Would Annie and Dakotah rather race together and race each other, or be on the sidelines to cheer on their friend? (12:45) Dakotah recaps her recent win at Grandma's Marathon — and Annie talks about what it was like watching from afar (15:10) All about Annie's recent races (20:30) What's coming up for Annie and Dakotah? (24:30) What Annie and Dakotah are like on the run and off (26:00) Looking back at Boston 2022 (31:10) How Annie and Dakotah's friendship has progressed over the years, and what they're each like on race day (38:40) Dakotah and Annie share the moments when they've felt proudest of each other (48:15) For more, check out: Dakotah Lindwurm on Episode 467 of the Ali on the Run Show Annie Frisbie on Episode 478 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Dakotah: Instagram @dakotahlindwurm Follow Annie: Instagram @anniefrisb3 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!