Ali on the Run Show

"I went back to Boston, and I found myself again. I found the Ali I knew was in there. The Ali who lives and breathes running. The Ali who had felt so isolated for so long, but who craves community and connection, and knows exactly where to find it." We're just days away from the 130th Boston Marathon! Last year, I was honored to be asked to be the keynote speaker at the Boston Athletic Association's annual partner summit at the Museum of Science. I used the opportunity to share my Boston Marathon story. My story, as someone who grew up 80 minutes north of Boston, who knew nothing about the Boston Marathon, and who, even as an adult working in the running industry, felt like there wasn't a place for me in Boston. This is the story about how I found — or made — my place, and about how profoundly it has changed my life. This is my love letter to Boston, to the race, to belonging, and to the running community.  SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. Click here to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Doubt and belief can coexist. In the book, you see a ton of my doubts and struggles with confidence. But then there's also this untouchable belief that's always there, too. So it's almost like, which voice are you going to listen to?" It's a big week for professional runner Sara Hall! She turns 43 tomorrow, and then heads east to race the Boston Marathon on Monday. And while most marathoners are recovering on Tuesday, Sara, in true Sara form, will be doing the opposite: It's book launch day! Sara's debut memoir, For the Love of the Grind, comes out April 21, and in this conversation, Sara talks about why the time was right to write a book. She talks about what the writing process was like, about the part of the book that's likely to shock readers, and about why she wanted to get in touch with Eminem before the book came out. Plus, how she's feeling heading into Boston 2026. SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. FOLLOW SARA @sarahall3 IN THIS EPISODE: All about Sara's workout in Crested Butte, what's making her happy today, and what husband Ryan is up to these days (2:10) Reflecting on 11 years since Sara made her marathon debut at the L.A. Marathon (6:00) Sara's advice to this year's Boston Marathoners — especially those whose training may not have gone perfectly (10:00) How Sara is feeling heading into the 2026 Boston Marathon (11:50) Sara isn't the only Hall running Boston: Eldest daughter Hana is running, too! (16:10) Sara's plans for her 43rd birthday this week (22:00) Why Sara always tosses her watch mid-marathon (24:20) For the Love of the Grind: Why Sara decided to write a book now, and what the writing process was like (27:25) Why Sara wanted to get in touch with Eminem, and what it was like recording the audiobook (34:00) The part of the book that made me gasp — and the story behind it (39:15) On 21 years with ASICS (43:45) Who is this book for? (47:55) What's exciting for Sara on the run right now? (48:50) Sara's superlatives: talking about the most fun, most challenging, and most memorable races of her career (58:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Calm, calm, calm. Relax, relax, relax." Welcome to your guide to the 2026 Boston Marathon! We just about one week away from the 130th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 20. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) attempt to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), elite athlete coordinator and B.A.A. Chief Operating Officer Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional fields and about which storylines to follow, and 2018 champion and Boston favorite Des Linden joins to talk course strategy. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it's always a Boston to remember. SPONSOR: Shokz! The official headphone of the Boston Marathon! Use code ALI for $10 off your next Shokz purchase. (I love the Open Run Pro 2.) IN THIS EPISODE: B.A.A. director of brand and experience Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2026 (4:45) Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in (38:25) B.A.A Chief Operating Officer and elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional athlete fields, and shares the storylines to watch (56:45) Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:22:40) 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:05:45) All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:36:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 been my thing lately: What excites me?" Emily Sisson is the American record holder in the marathon, a two-time Olympian, and a New Balance professional athlete. And right now, she's gearing up to make her Boston Marathon debut. In this conversation, Emily talks about how the Boston build has been going, and why now was the time to finally race Boston. She talks about her sixth-place finish at last month's United NYC Half, explains why she wanted more from her 2:25 finish at the New York City Marathon in the fall, and talks about making Ireland home — and making new friends in the process. FOLLOW EMILY @em_sisson_ SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to check out the brand new Ellipse, New Balance's just-released everyday trainer. (It's gorgeous!) IN THIS EPISODE: What's making Emily happy today (2:10) The adjustment period in making Ireland home (6:00) How Emily's Boston Marathon training is going (13:25) Emily reflects on her day at the 2026 United NYC Half (15:35) On navigating feeling "off" (19:50) How Emily likes to celebrate a race well run (27:45) Why Boston, and why now? (28:20) What's after Boston? (38:40) What's exciting for Emily right now? (39:40) Why Emily doesn't know what she'll hit for peak pre-Boston mileage (45:15) How much is Emily thinking about 2028? (51:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 I can do is move forward knowing that one day I'll have that moment." Jess McClain just might be the most-loved professional marathoner in the country. The Phoenix, AZ-based Brooks athlete made national headlines last month when she was leading the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships in Atlanta and was led off course by an official vehicle in the final mile of the race. That day, Jess lost out on a national title, a spot on Team USA, and a good amount of prize money. (Listen to Emma Grace Hurley's recap of the day here.) She handled the aftermath with grace, compassion, and optimism. In this conversation, Jess talks about the race, and about the moment she realized she'd been led off course and was no longer in the lead. She also talks about the just-announced resolution (she has a spot on Team USA, and will be competing at World Championships in Copenhagen later this year) and how she feels about it. Jess, who is coached by David Roche, talks about how she's feeling heading back to the Boston Marathon, where she ran a personal best (2:22:43) last year and was the top American woman in the race. Plus, reflections on egg freezing, being a pacer at The Marathon Project in December, and how Jess is feeling after this weekend's Sound Running 10K. FOLLOW JESS @jesstonn SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to check out the brand new Ellipse, New Balance's just-released everyday trainer. (It's gorgeous!) IN THIS EPISODE: What's making Jess happy today (3:15) How Jess is feeling after running the 10K at the Sound Running meet this weekend (8:10) Jess sums up her 2026 Boston training block (16:25) How Jess handled the stress of the aftermath of the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships (21:45) How Jess feels about the resolution, and about being named to Team USA for World Championships in Copenhagen (30:00) What it was like unwittingly being at the center of a major running controversy (37:15) Jess recaps her day at the 2026 U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, and talks about the moment when things went astray (41:00) Jess talks about her day as a celebrity pacer for the women's OTQ group at The Marathon Project (51:25) Jess's experience freezing her eggs, and why she made the decision to go through the process now (55:20) What it takes to run a personal best in Boston (1:02:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's a new day, it's a new age, let's learn, let's grow together. That's it." Last week, professional Colorado-based marathoner Emma Bates broke the running internet when she shared that she had been dropped by her fueling sponsor after they found out she was pregnant. In this conversation, Emma shares her side of the story that has taken the running community by storm. Emma also talks about running a 2:25 at the Valencia Marathon in the fall, about finding out the next day that she was pregnant, and about the realities of being a pregnant professional marathoner.  SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. IN THIS EPISODE: What's making Emma happy today — and some news! (3:10) How Emma is feeling at almost 20 weeks pregnant (7:50) Emma's reflections on the 2025 Valencia Marathon (10:40) What it's like being a pregnant professional athlete, and the pressure of trying to conceive on a timeline (13:45) On receiving a hemochromatosis blood disorder diagnosis last year, and what that has meant for Emma (18:00) How Emma found out she was pregnant (23:00) Emma's thoughts on returning to running and racing after having a baby (29:50) How and when Emma told her sponsors she was pregnant (34:00) Emma talks about what happened with her fueling sponsor, and what their contract negotiations looked like (37:15) Why Emma decided to share the "gel tasting" video last week (42:40) What's on tap for Boston Marathon weekend, and Emma's advice for runners headed to Boston this year (55:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 needed to do it like I needed to breathe." At any given marathon, there are thousands of runners on the start line, hoping to complete the 26.2-mile journey to the finish line. That means that at any given marathon, there are thousands of reasons to run. This episode is about those reasons. (Thank you to the nearly 1,000 of you who shared the stories behind why you ran your first marathon. Truly inspiring.) SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. Click here to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! In this episode: Why I ran *my* first marathon (2:35) Why you ran *your* first marathons (14:20) What do you wish you had known before your first marathon? (59:30) Your advice for first-time marathoners (1:12:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

I remember being like, 'I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm doing this right now.'" It's been a while since I've done a race recap! This weekend, I ran the United Airlines NYC Half — my first half marathon in two years. With 11 rounds of chemotherapy in the rear view, I felt a major shift this weekend in my favorite city, with so many of my favorite people, doing one of my favorite things. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the entire weekend (in far too much detail, and with too many stories about parking, turkeys, and eyebrow tinting). From the parties and plays to the 13.1-mile journey from Brooklyn to Central Park, this is my 2026 NYC Half recap — plus, some big updates on the cancer and chemo front. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to check out the brand new Ellipse.  IN THIS EPISODE: Some big updates on the cancer front, and how I ended up running the 2026 NYC Half (2:45) Friday: the drive to NYC, the crime I willingly committed, the West Side Highway run, the New Balance welcome party, and Oh Mary on Broadway! (29:00) Saturday: the shakeout run, and a lot of friend time (41:30) Sunday: NYC Half day! (52:00) Monday: one last run, and final thoughts (1:35:30) MY RACE OUTFIT: Shoes: New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 Socks Shorts Crop Jacket SPIBelt Headphones (use code ALI for $10 off) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Everyone deserves a super shoe." Welcome to the second episode in a new series on the Ali on the Run Show called "No Stupid Questions." This is where experts come in to answer everything you've always wanted to ask about running. We'll be covering a wide range of topics including personal running and coaching, the business of running, and "no such thing as TMI." Last week, Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught Leer kicked off the series answering questions about professional running — and then some.  This week, Jinger Gottschall returns to the show to answer questions about shoes and sports bras. Jinger is the Director of Sports Research at New Balance (listen to her previous episode here), and her days are spent in the research lab working on product innovation.  FOLLOW JINGER @jingerfitness SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's been a really, really tough couple days. I've never been such a combination of stressed and sad." At Sunday's USA Track and Field Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, the top three women — Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat — were led off course in the final mile of the race. The three were on track to take the podium, and to earn spots to represent the United States on a World Championship team. All signs were pointing to Jess, Emma Grace, and Ednah becoming Team USA ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen this September. National titles, prize money, sponsor bonuses, and, of course, the glory of breaking the tape and earning that moment were all on the line.  Much has been said about the race, the misdirection, and the immediate aftermath. Molly Born ultimately broke the tape, as Jess, Emma Grace, and Ednah clawed their way back into the mix. But what happens now? The one unanimous takeaway from that day in Atlanta is that no one feels good about how the day played out.  Today, Emma Grace Hurley comes to us from her much-deserved post-race vacation in the Cayman Islands to offer her unique perspective on all of this. Emma Grace spent the early years of her running career as a member of Atlanta Track Club Elite. She has served on committees for USA Track and Field, and currently lives in Indianapolis, where she is coached by former Atlanta Track Club Elite coach Andrew Begley. Emma Grace has a deeper understanding than most about how these various organizations work, about what goes into pulling off a road race of this scale and, of course, about what it's like being an athlete with so much at stake. FOLLOW EMMA GRACE @emmagracehurley SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here to get a UCAN Edge Energy Gel sample pack, and use code ALI for 30% off your entire UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Live free and grind." Welcome to the first episode in a new series on the Ali on the Run Show called "No Stupid Questions." This is where experts come in to answer everything you've always wanted to ask about running. We'll be covering a wide range of topics including personal running and coaching, shoes and gear, the business of running, and "no such thing as TMI." The goal is to offer both straightforward and nuanced answers to the questions you've been hesitant to ask or that you still don't quite understand. First up in this series: all about professional running, with former professional runners and current hosts of the Off the Rails podcast, Aisha Praught Leer and Eric Jenkins. Aisha and Eric offer unique perspectives. They both ran professionally for big brands (Nike, Under Armour, Puma), and have since retired while staying active in the sport. They have the inside scoop, but aren't bound by NDAs or brand loyalties. They are unfiltered, honest, and always willing to go there. FOLLOW AISHA @aishapraughtleer FOLLOW ERIC @_ericjenkins SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. IN THIS EPISODE: Everything you need to know about pacers (5:45) On the track: from pre-meet and logistics to what it actually means when people say a track is "fast" (23:00) In the marathon: medals, separate starts, and more (48:30) Money talks, and the business of professional running (54:45) On doping, drama, chafing, waxing, and more (1:19:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 last couple years have been so hard. I've been through so many ups and downs that I'm like, 'There is nothing in a race that I can experience that is worse than what I've just gone through.'" Watch out, ultra world: Molly Seidel has arrived! The Olympic bronze medalist has officially moved from the marathon to the mountains. Molly just completed the Black Canyon 100K, where she finished fourth and earned a golden ticket entry to this summer's 100-mile Western States Endurance Run. Earlier this year, Molly made her ultra debut at the Bandera 50K, where she won the race outright, beating the first male finisher by six minutes. Her 4:09:39 broke a course record that had stood since 2012. In this conversation, Molly breaks down her day at Black Canyon, and talks about how she's feeling about this new-to-her adventure.  FOLLOW MOLLY @bygolly.molly SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. IN THIS EPISODE: How Molly's feeling post-Black Canyon 100K (1:40) What's making Molly happy today (3:15) Molly reflects on a tough day at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, where she pulled out of the race at mile 18 (6:00) Molly's recap from the Bandera 50K in January, which she won outright (9:00) Why Molly decided to run the Black Canyon 100K (13:30) What Molly needed from her crew (26:45) Molly's Black Canyon 100K race report (29:45) Molly's highs and lowest from the day (50:30) How Molly is feeling about running Western States in a few months (53:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I want to be part of making people care. My hope is that my enthusiasm for the sport as a fan of the sport comes through in my calls." Even if you don't know his face, you definitely know his voice: Paul Swangard is here! Paul, a lifelong resident of Eugene, OR, is known as the Voice of Hayward field, where he's the longtime in-stadium announcer at the University of Oregon. He's an Emmy-award winning member of the NBC sports talent team, where he is an analyst and does play-by-play for track and field and distance events including the Olympics, World Championships, US National Championships, Millrose Games, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Diamond League meets, and more. He also does the world feed broadcasts for the New York City and Boston Marathons. Paul is a professor in the School of Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon, he's a sought-after media consulstant and strategic advisor for brands in running and beyond, and he is one of the best to ever get on the mic.  FOLLOW PAUL @paul_swangard SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. Click here to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! In this episode: What is making Paul happy today? (3:00) What Paul hopes his University of Oregon students take from his classes and his teachings (5:40) Paul's road to Hayward Field — and the microphone (13:25) What it was like working World Championships in 2022 at Hayward Field (24:05) Paul explains his role on any given NBC broadcast (31:55)\ Paul's most meaningful memories on the mic (37:15) What makes a broadcast a success? (47:30) On getting nervous before going on air (56:50) What Paul wishes the viewers at home understood about a race broadcast (59:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"So we kissed, and then we spent every day after that together."  They're one of running's greatest power couples: Deena and Andrew Kastor are here for Love on the Run Week! In this conversation, the Olympic bronze medalist and the esteemed coach talk about how they met, how long they waited to call each other, and who made the first move. Today, Deena and Andrew live in Mammoth Lakes, CA, with their daughter, Piper.  FOLLOW DEENA @deenakastor FOLLOW ANDREW @coachkastor SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Running can feel pretty isolating. It's a very individual sport. But she's in it with me every single day. It makes me feel very special. She really cares about what I'm trying to do." Welcome to Love on the Run 2026! We're kicking off Valentine's Week with Utah-based high school sweethearts Mica Rivera and Adam Wood. Mica and Adam are content creators and marathoners who were on the same high school track team, went to separate colleges to run (her to Utah State University, him to Brigham Young University), and are now married and running together for a living. Adam just ran a marathon PR at CIM, finishing in 2:16:58. And Mica, who is coached by Ed Eyestone, made her 26.2-mile debut at The Marathon Project in December (paced by Adam!), where she ran 2:31:35. FOLLOW MICA & ADAM @thewoodsrun SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Sometimes you've just gotta be a little bit fearless." The last time Roisin Willis was on the Ali on the Run Show, the "fastest high schooler in American history" at the time was fresh off earning a gold medal in the 800m at the USA Track and Field U20 Outdoor Championships, and was headed to Stanford University. (Listen to that episode here.) Now, the middle-distance runner is wrapping up her time at Stanford — and she's gone pro! The two-time NCAA 800m champion opted to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of signing a professional contract with New Balance, and she just made her pro racing debut with a stellar indoor season. In this conversation, Roisin talks about racing at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (she ran and won the 800m), at Boston University (she ran 1:57.97, becoming the first American woman to break 1:58 indoors, and breaking the American record in the event), and at the Millrose Games (she won the 600m). She also talks about her struggles with mental health during her time at Stanford, and about the tools that helped her through the hardest days. Plus, a peek at what's next. (First: midterms!) FOLLOW ROISIN @roisin.willis SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: Where in the world is Roisin Willis? (3:00) What it's like being a professional athlete as a senior in college (4:30) On being in a sweet spot with running right now, and where Roisin wants to improve (8:50) The athlete Roisin looks up to most in the sport — and all about the first time they met (11:30) What's making Roisin happy today (14:55) Roisin's key takeaways from the short but sweet 2026 indoor season (16:35) What it was like making her professional debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (18:45) Why Roisin decide to race the 800m at BU six days later — and how she broke the American record in the indoor 800m (22:50) How Roisin approached racing the 600m at the Millrose Games, which she also won (27:45) Why Roisin decided to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of going pro, and what that process has looked like (33:20) Roisin talks about making it through the dark days, and about the tools that helped her find the sunshine again (46:00) What's next for Roisin on the run and off? (1:01:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Your person doesn't need you to be perfect. They just need you to be there and show up, and bring as much positivity and lightheartedness as possible. There are going to be times when it gets really heavy and hard, and if you can bring a little levity, a little humor, it goes a long way." On December 30, 2025, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for my ninth round of chemotherapy. This time around, I was joined by my dear friend Seema Mack, who is president and CEO of KidsVax, a mom (to Sloane, 8, and Reese, 5), a wife, and an amazing friend. This is our [way too long] recap from the day at the infusion center, plus the story of how we met, and a bit about what makes Seema "The Magic Maker." SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released New Balance 1080 v15. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This seems like a no-brainer. There's this company that really values what we're doing, and they don't really want to change that. All they want to do is find a way to support us." Professional middle-distance runner Sinclaire Johnson returns to the Ali on the Run Show today — this time as a HOKA-sponsored athlete. Sinclaire is the American record holder in the mile on the track and on the roads, both of which she set last year, in addition to making two 2025 world teams and running multiple personal bests. After spending her entire career thus far as a Nike athlete, Sinclaire is excited about big changes ahead with HOKA. In this conversation, she talks about why she made the sponsor switch now, and what that means for her home base, her coaching (she's coached by fiancé Craig Nowak; listen to their Love on the Run episode here), and her next steps. Sinclaire will kick off her indoor season — in her new racing kit! — this weekend at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.  FOLLOW SINCLAIRE @sinclairejohnson SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: What's making Sinclaire happy today (2:20) What Sinclaire's watching right now (6:00) An update on wedding planning (7:35) Why Sinclaire decided to sign with HOKA this year after a long career as a Nike-sponsored athlete (13:05) Recapping Sinclaire's year of big changes and reflecting on her coaching change in 2025, from Union Athletics Club's Pete Julian to fiancé Craig Nowak (28:30) Sinclaire's "big training risks" from 2025 (34:40) Sinclaire's "failures" from 2025 (35:50) Sinclaire's biggest successes in 2025 (40:05) How 2025 was a year of growth for Sinclaire (52:15) How Sinclaire is feeling heading into her indoor season opener at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she'll be racing the mile (55:00) Sinclaire's hopes, dreams, and plans for 2026 (59:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm a firm believer that there are more good people than bad. No matter what, I believe that." Hope Walz is a runner who works the night shift at a homeless shelter in Bozeman, MT. She is also the daughter — and running buddy — of Minnesota governor Tim Walz. This conversation was recorded the day after Governor Walz, Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 presidential election, announced that he wouldn't be seeking reelection in Minnesota. Hope talks about what that day (which started with a run, of course) was like from her vantage point. She talks about growing up in a political family and about the role running has played throughout her life, including on the campaign trail with her family in 2024. Plus: a very special guest pops into the Zoom room! FOLLOW HOPE @hopewalz SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: What's making Hope happy today (3:50) What it was like running with dad Tim Walz the day he announced he wouldn't be seeking reelection as governor of Minnesota (5:35) What Hope's relationship with the news is like, and how she protects her peace online (10:00) Hope's role in big family decisions, and her earliest memories of being raised in a political family (12:25) How Hope manages public scrutiny toward her family and herself (20:45) How Hope found out her dad would be running alongside Kamala Harris as the vice presidential nominee in the 2024 election (22:05) "My dad's here if you wanna say hi!" (26:15) What it's like when your dad runs for Vice President of the United States (27:45) What it's like having a Secret Service detail (34:40) On the run on the campaign trail (37:10) How Hope maintains hope in an increasingly intense, scary, and divided world (40:30) Why running is a privilege, and why Hope wanted to talk about that publicly (43:30) Hope's take on the running community, and how running first came into her life (46:15) How Hope is feeling after her dad's big announcement (56:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 needed you all to know that I was drowning, and I was scared." It's tradition: Happy New Year, and welcome to the annual State of the Ali on the Run Show episode! In this solo episode, I'm recapping 2025: the personal highs and lows, the professional highs and lows, and the beauty and chaos in between all of it.  Last year, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 25 million downloads. There were 82 episodes of the show with more than 70 guests (32 first-timers, and 38 recurring and returning guests), plus 11 solo episodes and six live shows. (The guest with the most podcast appearances in 2025: Cousin Jackie!) Thank you for being her for the rollercoaster ride that was 2025, and for sticking around to see what 2026 has in store. This show may have my name in the title, but none of this exists without all of you. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this community. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sale, happening now! In this episode: The 2025 Ali on the Run Show by the numbers (2:25) My 2025 personal and professional highlight reel — and lowlight reel (36:25) My key 2025 takeaways (1:05:45) Revisiting my 2025 goals (1:18:40) Looking forward on the Ali on the Run Show (1:23:35) The 2026 Ali on the Run Show mission statement (1:41:30) Answering listener questions about the show and beyond (1:44:05) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I think there are a lot of athletes out there that are just so scared to show who they truly are and what they like because of their teammates and their coaches. And they're trying to get to the next level, and they're like, 'Oh well, if I like this then I'm not gonna get to the next level.' It's actually the opposite. You're probably gonna play better if you show who you truly are, because you're more free." Everyone loves Jackson Olson. The Savannah Bananas infielder is on a mission to make baseball more fun — and he's doing just that. Jackson has made a name for himself playing Banana Ball, which is like the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. The exhibition-style games include full-on performances with choreography, lip syncing, and walk-ups designed to delight the sold-out stadium crowds. In this conversation, Jackson talks about his road to the Bananas, and his road to becoming a runner. This fall, Jackson ran his first race — the Disney Wine & Dine 5K — and now he's training for a 10K in January while figuring out how running fits into his busy baseball season. Plus, talking Taylor Swift, Disney World, and how Jackson found his voice and his confidence.  FOLLOW JACKSON @jacksonolson_ SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! In this episode: On identifying as a runner (2:40) Jackson shares the journey to his first 5K, and his impressions of the running community (5:00) Why Jackson turned down an offer to go pro out of college (13:55) How Jackson learned to embrace his Disney-loving Swiftie side (20:40) How Jackson became a Savannah Banana (29:30) All about the theatrics behind the Bananas, including how Jackson pulled off his "Life of a Showgirl" walkup the day after The Life of a Showgirl was released (34:45) What it was life living out a childhood dream: playing at Yankee Stadium (43:25) Taylor Swift talk! (48:30) Will we see Jackson on Dancing With the Stars? (58:00) How Jackson is feeling heading into this season with the Bananas (1:02:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I felt your hands on my back. And I needed them." I love you. I appreciate you. In this short solo episode, I'm wishing you the happiest holidays and reflecting a bit. This year, for me, was at times wonderful and filled with joy. But mostly, I will remember 2025 as the year my breast cancer recurred and spread, reentering my life as a Stage IV, incurable diagnosis. Here's where I'm at — and what I wish for you — as we close out this year. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I run with all dogs, any dogs." Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell is the North America running events manager for New Balance. She is the New York Road Runners partnership lead, so she works super closely with the NYRR team on events including the New York City Half, the Fifth Avenue Mile, and, of course, the New York City Marathon. So, Lauren has a super fun job. She also does something really amazing every Monday and Friday morning: She runs with shelter dogs. Twice a week, every week, no matter the weather, Lauren goes to her local animal shelter to take the dogs for runs. Over the past two years, Lauren has logged more than 500 miles with dogs who need homes. In 2025 alone, she ran with 33 unique breeds. In this conversation, Lauren, who has run more than 40 marathons, talks about how she became an animal lover, and how she ended up volunteering at the Animal Rescue League down the street.  FOLLOW LAUREN @fithy07 SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: All about Lauren's run today — with Atlas the German Shepherd! (2:15) How Lauren became a dog lover (6:10) How running with the dogs fits into Lauren's training (14:45) When and how Lauren became a runner (18:30) Lauren's history with the New York City Marathon (26:20) What Lauren's days look like at New Balance (34:05) Lauren's racing and running goals right now (43:45) Why Lauren takes her daughter to the Fifth Avenue Mile every year (46:50) Lauren's advice for running with dogs (59:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I had this sense of nostalgia, of we're going to look back on this as something special. We all felt a little bit of something magical going on." She's come a long way, baby! Jenny Grimshaw returns to the Ali on the Run Show, this time as a 2:32 marathoner. Jenny just ran four-minute personal best at the California International Marathon, qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials with room to spare. This is the same Jenny who spent years trying to break three hours. The Jenny with a long history of race anxiety. The Jenny who dropped out of CIM in 2022. In this episode, Jenny, a mom to two young kids who lives in San Francisco and works full-time, talks about how she made that 2:32:50 happen, and how she has kept chipping away at her marathon time and enjoying herself along the way. Jenny also has the BRCA1 gene: She had a preventative prophylactic double mastectomy a few years ago, and will have her ovaries removed next year.  FOLLOW JENNY @jenny_gshaw SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sale, happening now! In this episode: Jenny's snapshot moment from CIM 2025 (2:50) All about Peninsula Distance Club, and the power of female friendships (5:20) How Jenny fits running and training into her days, and on learning to get over mom guilt (10:00) How being a mom has made Jenny a better runner (15:15) What it felt like to run a 2:32 marathon (17:40) How Jenny reacted when, at six weeks postpartum, she learned that the Trials standards had changed from 2:45 to 2:37 (21:10) On running 2:36 at the London Marathon this year — before the OTQ window opened for 2028 (25:50) How Jenny has navigated big running dreams and family planning (27:40) The decision not to run this year's Chicago Marathon, and why Jenny chose to do CIM instead (30:20) How Jenny knew it was going to be a special day at CIM (34:20) What it felt like standing on the CIM start line, and Jenny's goals for the day (38:30) What happens when the CIM finish line clock hits 2:37 (50:00) What's next for Jenny on the run (51:10) How Jenny is feeling about needing to have her ovaries removed as a result of having the BRCA1 gene (55:15) Jenny's advice for people who have big goals and dreams and are feeling stuck (58:20) All about Jenny's job at Equip, which provides virtual eating disorder treatment (1:00:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You prioritize your life for the people who mean the most to you. And that's how it's been since day one for us." Two days before Thanksgiving, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for my eighth round of chemotherapy. This time around, I was joined by my college roommate and one of my favorite people of all-time, Danielle "Dee" Mastronardi. This is our recap from the day at the infusion center, with a whole lot of detours for stories [we probably shouldn't be sharing] from our college days.  SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. The Eugene Marathon: Register now for the Eugene Marathon or Half Marathon, taking place April 26, 2026. Use code ONTHERUN for $10 off. (These races will sell out, so register ASAP!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If they come up with a Dancing with the Stars and it's Dancing with the Podcast Hosts, and it's tap dancing, put me in, coach." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're tackling cancer stuff, running stuff, work stuff, and more. SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's massive Black Friday sale, in effect now! In this episode: Cancer questions (1:40) Motherhood questions (18:40) Running questions (23:20) Work questions (29:35) Grab bag questions (49:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Running the marathon and doing two Broadway shows in the same day — I've never felt more New York than that day." Did you hear about the man who ran the 2025 New York City Marathon and then went on to star in two performances of Wicked on Broadway that same day? That man is Jordan Litz, who is currently starring as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. He's the longest-running Fiyero in Wicked history, having performed the role more than 1,500 times. And two of those times were immediately after he crossed the finish line at his first marathon, the New York City Marathon. In this conversation, Jordan talks about how he pulled off this tremendous physical and mental feat — and how it felt to run 26.2 miles and then get through "Dancing Through Life," twice! FOLLOW JORDAN @litzjordan SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! In this episode: How Jordan is feeling post-NYC Marathon, and why he wanted to run a marathon and perform in two Wicked shows in one day (2:35) What it was like being spoofed on Saturday Night Live the night before the marathon (5:30) Jordan's snapshot moment from Sunday, November 2 (7:30) What it's like starring in Wicked right now (14:00) How, when, and why Jordan — a former competitive swimmer — became a runner (19:30) Jordan's impressions of the running community (25:05) How Jordan met his now-wife, Julie (26:45) All about Jordan's NYC Marathon training (32:55) How Jordan spent the days before the race (38:20) Jordan recaps his race (44:00) What it was like going from the finish line to the Gershwin (53:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Running single-handedly saved me during this last year." Carl Radke is best known as a longtime cast member on Bravo's Summer House. Through nine seasons of the reality show, he's been open and honest about his mental health struggles and his history with drug and alcohol addiction. Carl got sober in 2021, and this year, he opened Soft Bar, a non-alcoholic bar and café in Brooklyn, NY, where he lives. His memoir, Cake Eater, comes out next month. And this month, Carl added another title to his resumé: marathoner! In this conversation, Carl talks about how he found running and the role running plays in his sobriety journey, and he shares every detail from his first 26.2-mile race at the 2025 New York City Marathon.  FOLLOW CARL @carlradke SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: How it feels to be a New York City Marathoner (1:50) On the fear of not finishing (11:30) Carl's history with the New York City Marathon (13:05) Carl's journey to becoming a runner (15:30) All about Carl's training (21:45) How Carl fit training into his busy life (26:55) Is a Soft Bar run club in the works? (32:35) How Carl spent the days leading up to the marathon (41:00) The stress of race morning (44:35) Carl's sights and sounds from the start line (52:45) Carl's high points from race day (1:00:45) What Carl wishes people understood about him (1:13:15) Carl's advice to first-time marathoners (1:16:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I just feel like when I see injustice, at this point in my life, I have to call it out." Katie Couric has been my idol since I was in high school, and it's truly an honor to welcome her to the Ali on the Run Show! We recorded this episode in person together on the Monday after the 2025 New York City Marathon, at Katie's home on the Upper East Side. Katie is a journalist who is best known for her 15-year career on the Today Show. Today, she is the founder of Katie Couric Media, where she publishes a daily newsletter (Wake Up Call), and hosts the podcast Next Question with Katie Couric. She is the author of Going There, she's a mom of two, and she's an avid pickleball player who, despite my best efforts, will not be signing up for a marathon anytime soon! SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's massive Black Friday sale, in effect now! In this episode: Katie's day spectating the 2025 New York City Marathon (3:20) Katie's history with running, and how she stays active now (6:00) What it's like being Katie Couric in New York City (12:00) On Halloween, NYC trick-or-treating, and Taylor Swift (14:00) Everyone has a Katie Couric story (22:15) Katie reflects on her breast cancer diagnosis, and what her care looks like now (33:00) On "feeling very strongly about certain things" (55:00) Katie's take on The Morning Show (1:04:00) Katie looks back on some of the highest and lowest points of her career (1:08:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Oh I'm hooked." Last weekend, Amanda Vestri made her much anticipated 26.2-mile debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. She ran 2:25:40, good enough for ninth place in the women's pro race and a strong showing for the marathon debutante. In this conversation, Amanda breaks it all down, including how training went, why she wanted to move to the marathon this year, what she wants to do next, and what it was like running through the five boroughs. Plus, Amanda shares her training, living, and coaching plans now that her longtime training group, ZAP Endurance, is disbanding.  FOLLOW AMANDA @a_vestri SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. In this episode: How Amanda is feeling post-NYC Marathon — and what's next (2:10) All about Amanda's new coach, and what's motivating to her in the marathon (10:00) Why the marathon, why now, and why New York? (12:45) Amanda's snapshot moment from the New York City Marathon (18:15) Amanda reflects on her first marathon training block and her goals for her marathon debut (19:15) How Amanda spent race weekend (24:10) How it felt standing on the New York City Marathon start line (31:15) Amanda's race plan (35:40) Amanda breaks down her race at the 2025 New York City Marathon (39:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"They play 'New York, New York,' and everyone goes crazy." It was another New York City Marathon to remember. It was one of the most rewarding weekends of my life and of my career. I hosted a live show with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at Jazz at Lincoln Center, I was on the ESPN and ABC broadcasts on race day, I interviewed Katie Couric for the Ali on the Run Show, and I was on top of the world the entire time. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: Friday: Annie's Halloween parade, the drive to NYC, a run in Central Park, a fancy sushi dinner, and a New Balance party (3:20) Saturday: a run in the park, cheering for the Dash to the Finish 5K, the Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone live show, and broadcast rehearsals (12:50) Sunday: the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! (38:45) Monday: a sleepless night, a run in the park with friends, and an interview with Katie Couric (1:00:00) Listener Q&A (1:18:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"People always give me a hard time, they're like, 'You never show emotion after your race.' And I'm like, 'You run this and then you try to show emotion!'" It's hard to describe the feeling of walking out into the stunning Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, warmly greeted by 500 people in Team Ali sweatshirts, courtesy of New Balance, and getting to interview Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. This live show was magical, marvelous, magnificent, and so very memorable. Thank you to everyone who joined us, thank you to Sydney, and thank you to New Balance for the unwavering support.  Sydney is one of the greatest track and field athletes of all-time. She's a six-time world record holder. She holds the world record in the 400m hurdles, and the American record in the flat 400m. She's a four-time Olympic gold medalist, a five-time World Championships gold medalist, a one-time silver medalist (oh we talk about her relationship with the silver), and a five-time U.S. champion. She can also juggle, and it was an absolute joy to get to know her during this event. Enjoy! FOLLOW SYDNEY @sydneymclaughlin16 SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the new New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Fast, slow, good weather, bad weather — you are out there doing something that so many people are never going to do, and that's so cool." Caroline Moss has a dream: to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. As a New Yorker, it's her favorite day of the year. The catch: Caroline has never been a runner — until now. In this series, we're following author, creator, theater producer, Saved by the Bell super-fan, proud millennial, and professional shopper Caroline Moss as she embarks on a quest to start running and run the race of her dreams.  Caroline Moss Wants to Run a Marathon, Episode 1 Caroline Moss Wants to Run a Marathon, Episode 2 In Episode 3, Caroline updates us on hitting a major roadblock in her marathon dreams: a broken foot that took her off the run for the entire summer. She talks about dealing with an injury — a non-running-related one — just as she was hitting her running groove, and about how she spent her summer. She shares her unbridled enthusiasm for the New York City Marathon, and, unsurprisingly, takes us on detours including Lurlene McDaniel books, Baby-Sitters Club personality theories, and what it was like being at the Dawson's Creek reunion in New York City last month.  FOLLOW CAROLINE @geethanksjustboughtitpod CAROLINE'S FACEBOOK GROUP Caroline's Favorite Things: The BaubleBar Keychain Kit The JCrew Cashmere Wrap The ZIIP Halo Contouring Machine The Tomato Tart The Brunch Skit SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. The Eugene Marathon: Register now for the Eugene Marathon or Half Marathon, taking place April 26, 2026. Use code ONTHERUN for $10 off. (These races will sell out, so register ASAP!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's seeing the bridge from a distance and saying, 'There are going to be 55,000 people that are going to traverse over that bridge from 150 countries from all over the world, and from every neighborhood in New York City.' And they've put in months of hard work. We have thousands of people that have raised millions of dollars for charity. There are people that are running for various causes that are inspiring their families, their friends, their neighborhoods, their communities. And most of all, they're inspiring the world. They're inspiring complete strangers as they run by them. And I think about that when I look at that bridge." —Ted Metellus, TCS New York City Marathon Race Director Every year on the first Sunday of November, more than 55,000 runners will take over the five boroughs for one reason: the TCS New York City Marathon. This episode is your unofficial guide to the iconic 26.2-mile race. Two jam-packed hours of New York City Marathon-related information. 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 having your best marathon day. As for my New York City Marathon love affair: This race is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I've run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station in Brooklyn. In 2017, I cheered on "First and Fifth," and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a "fancy" (you know, the nice kind!) finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. After announcing at the finish and at the Finish Line After Dark in 2019, 2021, and 2022, in 2023 I made my NYC TV debut. I joined the broadcast talent team as a reporter on the international feed, and was featured on the WABC7 local broadcast. Last year, I was on the ESPN and WABC7 broadcasts at the finish line, interviewing notables including Chelsea Clinton, Casey Neistat, Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Sara Vaughn, Matt James, and Ilona Maher. This year: They're putting me on ESPN and ABC again! In addition to hosting a live show with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone during New York City Marathon weekend, on race day I'll be part of the ESPN2 and WABC7 broadcasts as a start and finish line reporter from 8 AM until 5 PM. Let's have some fun! SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to check out this year's official New York City Marathon collection! In this episode: New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about why he's excited for this year's TCS New York City Marathon (5:25) The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon by the numbers (25:40) Pre-race: how to get in, how to handle feeling overwhelmed by logistics, and how to watch this year's race (29:05) What you need to know about getting to the start line in Staten Island, and what to do once you're there (38:40) Dorian Kail, New York Road Runners Director of Professional Athletes, talks about assembling this year's professional athlete fields and shares the top storylines to watch (53:40) All about the New York City Marathon course (1:23:00) Welcome to the New York City Marathon finish line — and what happens once you cross it (1:33:30) What to know about spectating at the New York City Marathon (1:38:20) Listener Q&A (1:48:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"People can say whatever they want. But at the end of the day, I know what my bigger picture is. I know what my why is here. And so I'm just going to really try and stick to that knowing I feel very confident in what I'm trying to do, even if people might not understand it right now. It's all just a process, baby." Next weekend, Molly Seidel will run the TCS New York City Marathon — her first marathon in two years. But the Molly who will be lining up in Staten Island this year is very different from the fresh-off-earning-an-Olympic-bronze-medal Molly who ran it in 2021. (Her 2:24:42 is still the fastest time run by an American woman in NYC.) In this conversation, Molly talks about the highs from the past few years, including that fourth-place finish in New York City in 2021 and an eighth-place finish and personal best (2:23:07) at the Chicago Marathon in 2023. She also talks about the lows, including what was going on behind the scenes during those races, injuries, mental health struggles, and sponsorship changes. She offers updates on her new coach, her new home base, her new relationship, and her new relationship with running, and talks all about her training, mindset, and goals for race day in New York City. SPONSOR:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. In this episode: What's making Molly happy today (2:05) How Molly is feeling heading into this year's New York City Marathon (5:15) How Molly today compares to the 2021 Molly who ran an American course record in NYC (11:05) Why Molly is calling Austin home right now (13:40) Why Molly changed coaches this year (20:35) What Molly's NYCM training has been like (23:30) What would make this year's New York City Marathon a success? (27:35) Molly's advice to fellow New York City Marathon runners (29:50) Molly's take on L.A. 2028 and whether she'll try to make another Olympic team, and what sponsorship looks like these days (35:00) Congrats, grad! Molly talks about earning her MBA (38:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm trying to figure out how to live with stage IV cancer. How do I live and enjoy my life and enjoy these moments while also knowing I had to fly home the next day to go to chemo?" From the press conference and the New Balance live show to the 5K, the marathon finish line, and all the moments in between, this is my recap from the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: Friday: the press conference, the big feelings, and the New Balance live show (1:30) Saturday: the Abbott Chicago 5K, the ABC interview, the game show, and the time with friends (21:50) Sunday: the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! (36:45) Monday: the final run and the trip home (1:01:40) Final thoughts (1:06:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Running is running is running, and I love it all." Courtney Dauwalter returns to the Ali on the Run Show — this time as a 2:49 marathoner! Courtney is an ultra runner who is best known for her GOAT-status success on the trails. In 2023, she became the first person to win Western States, the Hardrock 100, and UTMB int he same year. Earlier this year, she won Hardrock in a women's course record: 26 hours 11 minutes and 49 seconds. Most recently, Courtney's been hitting the roads! She just completed the Twin Cities Marathon — her first marathon in more than a decade — in 2:49. But it's not about the time on the clock for Courtney. In this conversation, she talks about why she wanted to run a road marathon, why Twin Cities, and why now. Plus, an exciting announcement about what's next. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: "It's candy corn season!" (2:00) Courtney's snapshot moment from the 2025 Twin Cities Marathon (4:50) What's making Courtney happy today, and what she's into right now (5:45) How Courtney is feeling post-marathon, and how road marathons fit into her career right now (8:20) What Courtney's marathon training looked like, and how it differed from ultra training (16:00) Courtney's time goal and expectations for Twin Cities (21:30) Courtney's fueling and hydration plan for Twin Cities (26:35) Courtney's take on the marathon community (29:30) Courtney recaps her race at the Twin Cities Marathon (36:00) Courtney's takeaways from the marathon (43:20) What's next on the run for Courtney (47:00) How it feels to be a 2:49 marathoner (53:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There's nothing I'm going to shy away from." What a gift it was to be in Chicago this weekend for all of the Chicago Marathon festivities. And what better way to kick it all off than with a live show with 450 of you, presented by our good friends at New Balance? If the goal was to laugh, relax, and have fun before runners toed the line on Sunday (or Saturday, in the Abbott Chicago 5K!), then we certainly succeeded, thanks to our special guest, former professional runner and Off the Rails cohost, Eric Jenkins. On a personal note: This show was one for the books for me. Thank you for welcoming me in such a beautiful way and for wrapping me up in so much love during such a tough time. This room, this conversation, this event gave me everything I didn't even know I needed. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being you. And thank you to New Balance and Fleet Feet Chicago for making it happen. FOLLOW ERIC @_ericjenkins SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I do want to be the greatest to ever do it in our sport. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I genuinely feel like it's something that I can do, and something I've been called to do. In due time it is going to happen. But it is going to start with me taking it one day, one practice, one meet at a time." Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has had the year of her dreams. At this year's World Championships in Tokyo, Melissa became the first American in history to win triple gold, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. She became the first American woman since Allyson Felix in 2009 to win the 200m at World Championships, and became the first American woman in history to win the 100/200 double at World Championships. Melissa went undefeated in the 100m this entire season, winning Diamond Leagues, Grand Slam Track meets, and, of course, World Champs. Last year, Melissa made her Olympic debut in Paris, where she won bronze in the 100m and gold in the 4x100m relay. In this conversation, Melissa talks about what life is like for the fastest woman in the world. FOLLOW MELISSA @__melissaj19 SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: Melissa's honeymoon plans, and how she's feeling after a banner season on the track (2:30) What it was like being on The Jennifer Hudson Show (5:25) What's making Melissa happy today (10:20) What's going through Melissa's head when she's in the blocks (13:00) Melissa's mantra: One Day, One Practice, One Meet at a Time (14:50) All about Melissa's "hero's welcome" after flying home from Tokyo (21:15) Melissa's take on track fashion (23:45) On running as a team sport (29:00) Melissa recaps her 100m experience at World Championships (36:00) How Melissa feels about being a reigning World Champion (41:30) All about the 200m Final, including the false start that kicked it off (43:40) Melissa's relationship with Allyson Felix (51:15) Melissa reflects on her "introductory year," and reflects on her early Olympic dreams (56:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I will forever tell this story until the day that I die!" Meghan Howard is an 11-time marathoner and educator who lives outside Toronto. She started running in 2019 and had a speedy — literally — rise to running success. Last year, she broke three hours in the marathon for the first time at the Chicago Marathon. Most recently, Meghan ran the Berlin Marathon — alongside Harry Styles! In this conversation, Meghan talks about how she and Harry met at the start, and how they ended up running the first 17K of the race together.  FOLLOW MEGHAN @meghanahoward SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: How Meghan is feeling post-Berlin (2:00) What's making Meghan happy today, and all about her work as an educator (4:40) What Meghan was like as a kid, and how she found running (12:50) How Meghan found her confidence through running (24:00) How Meghan deals with "failures" on the run (27:15) Meghan reflects on her training for the 2025 Berlin Marathon (35:20) On running through grief, and how Meghan leaned into her training after the loss of her father (38:20) How Meghan reflects on her race at the Berlin Marathon (43:00) On running the Berlin Marathon WITH HARRY STYLES! (53:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This is just the time to be brave and see what happens." Georgia Hunter Bell just won a silver medal for Team Great Britain in the 800m at World Championships in Tokyo. Last year, she won bronze in the 1500m at the Olympics in Paris. Before that? Georgia was working fulltime in cybersecurity sales, convinced that her running days were behind her. In this conversation, Georgia talks about her time off from racing, her return to the sport, and her road to becoming an Olympic and World Championship medalist. Georgia will wrap up her season next week, competing in the 800m at Athlos in New York City. FOLLOW GEORGIA @georgiabelltheduathlete SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. In this episode: How Georgia is feeling post-World Championships, pre-Athlos (2:30) What's making Georgia happy today, and all about her run today (4:45) Georgia reflects on her race at World Championships, where she won a silver medal, and explains why she ran the 800m instead of the 1500m (10:20) On being a "guaranteed medalist" (18:20) Georgia's key takeaways from World Championships (26:40) All about Georgia's relationship with teammate, training partner, and friend Keely Hodgkinson — and what it's like competing against each other (31:55) Why Georgia took a break from running after college — and why she eventually returned to the sport (38:30) What it took to get a spot on Team GB for the 2024 Olympics in Paris (45:00) How it feels not to be an underdog anymore (55:00) Georgia's advice to runners in a hard season (58:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Remember the entire journey, because it's very special." It's almost time for the 47th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, and this episode is packed with all the information you need before you head to the start line. (And yes, you really should plan to get there two hours early. We'll explain why!) The elite fields are stacked, and they'll be followed by tens of thousands of runners en route to 26.2-mile glory. Get ready. Get psyched. And get that Goose Island at the finish! SPONSOR: New Balance: Searching for your dream Race Day Shoe? Check out the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5 — my favorite! In this episode: Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year's race (2:15) All things pre-race: How to get in for next year's Chicago Marathon, how Chicago is committed to sustainability, and whether or not you can still change your starting corral assignment (21:35) Who to watch in this year's professional fields (32:10) What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (34:00) Chris "Coach Worm" Wehrman and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (44:40) All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:12:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I haven't spent a lot of time breaking down and crying. Every time I've started to have a breakdown, I look at myself in the mirror and say, 'Stop, go about your day.' I know at some point I need to let those tears out, but I don't really have time, so I'm stuffing it all down." I'm fresh off my fifth round of chemotherapy, and am back on the couch recording with friends. This time for chemo (and scan day!), I was again joined by Cousin Jackie, and this is our recap from the day at the infusion center and the few days we spent together.  SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Every starting line is a chance for a breakthrough." Josette Andrews is heading to Tokyo! This summer, the On-sponsored athlete went into the 5000m race at U.S. Outdoor National Championships as the top-seeded athlete — and it was the calmest she's ever been in a championship race. In this conversation, Josette talks about racing with a target on her back at USAs, and about making her first outdoor world championship team (she finished third in the 5000m Final at USAs, behind Shelby Houlihan and Elise Cranny). Josette, whose personal best is 14:25 from Rome earlier this summer, will represent Team USA in the women's 5000m race on September 18. Josette and her husband, Olympian Robby Andrews, live in Boulder, CO, where Josette trains with the On Athletics Club. FOLLOW JOSETTE @josettenorris SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: Where in the world is Josette Andrews? (2:30) On Josette's decision to race on the Diamond League circuit between USAs and World Championships (4:30) How pro athletes get experience with tactical races (12:00) What's making Josette happy today? (14:15) What it's like being a top seed at U.S. Outdoor National Championships (20:00) Making the team vs. being on the team, and how Josette hurt her foot before USAs (24:30) On being asked about Shelby Houlihan's return (31:50) Why Josette feels so calm this summer (34:15) Josette's key takeaways from the 2025 outdoor season (39:00) How Josette ran an 18-second personal best in the 5000m this year, and how she reflects on this "dream season" (46:45) Josette's message to everyone going through a tough time right now (51:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm entering a new era where I'm prioritizing myself and my happiness, and also looking for more ways to do what the goal is at the end of the day, which is to make myself the best athlete I can be in this small amount of time that I get to do this in my life." Heather MacLean has had a big summer. In this conversation, she talks about the decision to leave Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan, and to be trained by Juli Benson. Heather spent much of the summer in Flagstaff, AZ, training alongside fellow Juli Benson-coached athletes Nikki Hiltz and Helen Schlachtenhaufen, and she explains the importance of finding like-minded training partners. Plus, Heather shares her reflections on her 2025 outdoor season, including finishing fourth in the 1500m final at U.S. Outdoor National Championships, and capping off the season in Europe with three Diamond League races (including a personal best in the 1500m in Silesia!). (Heather ended up scratching from the Fifth Avenue Mile due to illness.) SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5! In this episode: How Heather is feeling about turning 30 (4:55) What's making Heather happy today? (11:00) Before scratching, how Heather was feeling about running the Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15) All about Heather's big life changes, including leaving Team New Balance Boston to be coached by Juli Benson (18:15) On training with fellow 1500m runner Nikki Hiltz (29:00) Heather's takeaways from U.S. Outdoor National Championships, where she finished fourth in the 1500m final (35:05) Heather's reflections on the rest of her outdoor racing season, racing the Diamond League circuit in Silesia, Brussels, and Zurich (39:25) Heather's take on The State of Race Bibs (53:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am shocked at the amount of Olivias that responded to a random message on Instagram." Olivia Enright is so fun. She's a sports marketing manager of global running for adidas, she ran at NC State (her BFF is pro runner Erika Kemp!), she's currently training for the Chicago Marathon, and she's a former competitive jump roper. (Olivia's sister and fellow former competitive jump roper, Cara, has been on the Ali on the Run Show before!) But most relevant to this conversation: Olivia is the brains behind the 12 Olivias Hood to Coast relay team. In this episode, she talks about how she came up with the idea to put together a group of same-named strangers to run nearly 200 miles across Oregon, and how she has actually brought this to life over the past four years. FOLLOW OLIVIA @olivenright SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: All about Olivia, former competitive jump roper (2:30) Olivia talks about training for this year's Chicago Marathon (7:50) When, how, and why Olivia became a runner (10:00) How Olivia got her job at adidas, and what her job entails (15:40) Why Olivia is running the Chicago Marathon (31:45) All about the 12 Olivias Hood to Coast team (33:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The sun always comes up. No matter what, no matter how dark it was, no matter how grim everything seemed, no matter how alone I felt… The sun is always my beacon of hope." Janae Baron is one of the OG running bloggers, and she's still going strong. In this conversation, we're catching up with the Utah-based "Hungry Runner Girl," covering everything from her newfound love for trail running and racing (this summer, she ran and won El Vaquero Loco 31K!) to regrets and reflections on the blogging days of the early aughts. FOLLOW JANAE @hungryrunnergirl SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Everything I'm doing is new. It feels like I'm going into the unknown, which is scary." Emily Venters is officially one to watch on the U.S. women's distance running scene. The Nike-sponsored pro trains with Ed Eyestone's group in Utah, and this fall, she'll make her 26.2-mile debut at the Chicago Marathon. In this conversation, the five-time NCAA All-American talks about the road to the marathon, which hasn't always been easy. She talks about struggling in college, and debating leaving the sport altogether. She talks about dealing with injuries and disordered eating, and about having OCD. Plus, what it's like training alongside Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Keira D'Amato; how it's felt hitting 100-mile weeks; and whether Emily is has her sights set on taking down Fiona O'Keeffe's American debut record in the marathon. This Monday, Emily will race the USATF 20K Championships in New Haven.  FOLLOW EMILY @ventersemily SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! In this episode: All about Emily's run today, and how she's feeling heading into USATF 20K Championships this weekend (3:40) How Emily is feeling about her first marathon build (5:45) Why the marathon, why now, and why Chicago? (12:55) Emily's recap from the 2025 U.S. Track & Field Outdoor National Championships 5K (22:15) What Emily was like as a kid, and how she became a runner (25:00) From Boise State to CU Boulder to the University of Utah: inside Emily's injury-riddled collegiate running experience, and what helped her finish her collegiate career on a high, healthy note (32:00) Emily's experience with OCD, and how it shows up on the run (41:25) How Emily became a professional athlete (48:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

I'm fresh off my fourth round of chemotherapy, and am back on the couch recording with friends. This time for chemo, I was joined by my OG running blog friend Emily Halnon, and this is our recap from the day at the infusion center and the few days we spent together.  SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I love this sport and I love the people in it. I love the people I race against. I love all the fans. People are wonderful." Fresh off her U.S. Outdoor National Championships 10,000m win, fan favorite Emily Infeld returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about winning her first national title at age 35, 13 years into her professional career. Ten years ago, Emily made her first World Championships team, and went on to win a bronze medal in the 10,000m on the world stage. The next year, she made her first Olympic team, and competed at the Games in Rio. Then, Emily had a string of tough years and struggles, including injuries, surgeries, changing teams, changing coaches, changing locations, changing sponsors, and navigating a three-year ordeal with a stalker. Today, Emily is happy, healthy, and breaking the tape. She lives in Portland, OR, with her husband, Max. She's sponsored by Brooks, after 12 years with Nike. And she's coached once again by her college coach, Chris Miltenberg. In this conversation, Emily talks about what it took to unleash that kick in the homestretch and to break the tape at a National Championship. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: What the view from Cloud 9 is like (2:15) Emily's take on becoming a National Champion at 35 years old (5:35) How Emily reflects on the runner she was in 2015, when she won bronze at World Championships, and the runner she was last summer, when she finished last in the 5000m at the Olympic Trials (11:15) How Emily has maintained an unwavering belief in herself — and whether she's ever doubted herself (16:00) Emily's approach to visualization, and what it was like breaking the tape at USAs (19:00) All about the victory lap (23:30) What it took to go from last place at the Trials to first place at Nationals (29:20) Did Emily know it was going to be a special day? (32:10) Emily's race plan (38:00) How Emily spent the day leading up to the 10,000m, how Hayward Field felt that day, and how the race played out (43:15) What it was like going through the mixed zone after the race, and how Emily spent the rest of the night and weekend in Eugene (57:45) What's the deal with world rankings, and is Emily definitely going to Tokyo for World Championships? (1:06:20) What it's like being on the receiving end of an outpouring of support (1:10:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This was a really important step in my journey to feeling more like myself, and I'm really happy I did it." We heard from Nikki Hiltz right before they competed at the 2025 U.S. Track and Field Outdoor National Championships — and now they're back as a nine-time national champion. Fresh off winning their sixth straight U.S. 1500m title, Nikki returns to the show with their full race recap. Nikki talks about racing in the first round of the 1500m, and about watching their partner, Emma Gee, achieve her goal of making it to the 3000m Steeplechase Final. Then, Nikki breaks down all the details from the 1500m Final, including the race plan, the drama, the final kick, and the hour-long victory lap. Plus, Nikki shares some big personal news and talks about what's next on the run and off. FOLLOW NIKKI @nikkihiltz SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. In this episode: How Nikki is feeling after winning their sixth straight U.S. 1500m title, and their ninth national title (1:45) What Nikki will remember most about this race (2:50) Was Nikki really hoping to run the 5000m at USAs? (7:10) What it was like watching partner Emma Gee make the 3000m Steeplechase Final (9:40) On cruising through the first round of the 1500m (12:40) How Nikki and Emma spent their day off between rounds (15:45) How Nikki was feeling on the day of the 1500m Final (18:15) Nikki breaks down the 1500m Final (27:45) All about that hour-long victory lap (37:20) Nikki's take on the new World Athletics-enforced mandatory sex testing (41:30) What it was like being at Hayward Field — as a fan — on the final day of competition (48:40) Nikki shares some personal news (53:10) What's next for Nikki on the run (1:12:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It felt like I was playing with house money." Let the 2025 U.S. Track & Field Outdoor National Championships recaps begin! First up: Keira D'Amato, fresh off her first track race of the year. In this conversation, recorded just 48 hours after crossing the finish, Keira talks about racing the 10,000m, running 32:19, finishing seventh, and breaking the American Master's Record. She explains why she decided to race, shares what her goals and race plan were, and talks about how she feels about the outcome. In this episode: How Keira feels about her race at Nationals (2:30) Why racing in spikes is harder on the body than racing in super shoes on the roads (4:00) The last time Keira finished a race and felt satisfied (6:00) How Keira's body is feeling post-10,000m (9:00) On arriving in Eugene, and what the atmosphere was like (14:10) Why Keira wore a GPS watch during the 10,000m Final (18:30) How Keira spent race day (22:00) Keira's race plan, and the advice she got from coach Ed "Easy E" Eyestone (31:00) All about that American Master's Record (34:15) Keira breaks down the race, and talks about when moves were made (39:20) Was it fun? (43:00) What happened after the race (49:55) Keira's experience recording the audiobook for Don't Call it a Comeback (58:00) SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm excited, and also a little freaked out!" Jess Movold is a running and strength coach who lives in Austin, TX, with her husband and their son, Battle. Battle is appropriately named: He was born at just 26 weeks and 2 days, and spent 167 days in the NICU. Today, he's a happy, healthy three-year-old, and he's getting promoted to Big Brother this fall. In this episode, Jess talks about making it to the third trimester, and celebrates being "the most pregnant she's ever been!" She reflects on a pregnancy loss, and talks about how she's feeling on the run, at Hyrox, and in this new-to-her phase of life. Plus: The Hunting Wives, celebrity crushes, and so much more. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It feels really good — and it's a lot of pressure at the same time... I do have a target on my back, but that's fine." Happy USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships! Today, eight-time National Champion (and fan favorite!) Nikki Hiltz will compete in the first round of the 1500m, hoping to advance to the Final and, ultimately, earn a spot on Team USA for World Championships in Tokyo. In this conversation, recorded the night before the meet, Nikki talks about how they're feeling heading into the first round and what the energy is like in Eugene, OR, right now. FOLLOW NIKKI @nikkihiltz FOLLOW KICK @kickdocumentary SPONSORS:  Boulderthon: Join me in Boulder, CO, on September 28, 2025! Click here to register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run, and use code ALI for $20 off your marathon or half registration.  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We really are having the best of times during the worst of times." I'm fresh off my third round of chemotherapy (round two was rough!), and am back on the couch recording with friends. This time for chemo, I was joined by my best friend (and former Dance Spirit colleague!) Michael Anne Bailey, and this is our recap from the day at the infusion center and the few days we spent together. We share our friendship origin story, gush about the things we love most about each other, and talk a lot about eyebrows. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"A great thing about having cancer is people are so nice to you!" This is my attempt to catch you up on what life has looked like since Chemo Round 2. Buckle up! SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Last summer, Grant Fisher made history by becoming the first American man to win Olympic bronze in both the 5000m and 10000m at the Paris Olympic Games. Last month, he dropped down in distance and ran an 11-second personal best at the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic. Now, he's gearing up for the USATF Outdoor Championships, where he's hoping to land a spot on Team USA for this year's World Championships in Tokyo. In this episode, he talks about how his training is going, how he reflects on being an Olympian (never an under-dog again!), and what it was like being Faith Kipyegon's right-hand man during her Breaking 4 attempt. (Spoiler: If you don't already love Grant Fisher, you're about to love Grant Fisher.) FOLLOW GRANT @grantfisher_ SPONSORS:  Boulderthon: Join me in Boulder, CO, on September 28, 2025! Click here to register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run, and use code ALI for $20 off your marathon or half registration.  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Ask questions. I always encourage people to ask me questions. If your question comes with good intentions, I'm not going to be mad at you for it! I'm not going to fault you for that. You just simply don't know." Sofia Camacho is officially one to watch on the NYC running scene. The transgender nonbinary elite runner holds a 2:29:14 marathon personal best, won the nonbinary division at the 2024 New York City Marathon, and, this past weekend, broke the tape at the Bandit Grand Prix. By day, Sofia is a tattoo artist and coach at Mile High Run Club. And by night: Meet Xana Whoria.  FOLLOW SOFIA @sof_camacho SPONSORS:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: All about Sofia's win at the Bandit Grand Prix (4:35) What Sofia's racing for these days (9:35) All about Young Sofia and their childhood (12:45) Why Sofia started running during their junior year of high school in France (17:30) TW: Sofia's experience as a sexual abuse victim (22:15) What it was like running cross country at Columbia University (34:45) Sofia's plan for life after college and collegiate running (40:00) Sofia's take on "grown-up" races (45:55) What Sofia needs or wants to see within the running community (59:00) All about Xana Whoria, Sofia's drag persona (1:03:10) What's next on the run for Sofia? (1:15:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"Despite my insistence that 'I can do this,' and, 'I'm fine,' and, 'I've got this,' I don't got this without my people." I'm fresh off my second round of chemotherapy, and am back on the couch recording with friends. This time for chemo, I was joined by my dear friend Conor Nickel, and this is our recap from the day at the infusion center, and the few days we had together. We answered tons of listener questions, and Conor talks about being one of my go-to people throughout all of this.  SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"In life and in marathons, whoever can overcome those challenges the best — it's not about not having challenges, because you are going to have them — it's about responding to them, being resilient, learning from them, inspiring other people, and sharing that with others." Jordan Hasay competed at her first Olympic Trials when she was in high school. After graduating, she attended the University of Oregon, where she became an 18-time All American. She immediately signed with Nike to kick off her professional track career. When Jordan transitioned to marathoning, she had immediate success, debuting at the 2017 Boston Marathon where she finished third and broke the record for the fastest marathon debut by an American woman (2:23). That fall, Jordan raced the Chicago Marathon, where she again finished third, running 2:20:57. Now, life looks a little for Jordan — now Jordan Hogan — and her husband, Ryan. They are the founders of Hogan Performance, and Jordan is finding new joy in this chapter of life as a coach. She's also 35 weeks pregnant with their first child! In this conversation, Jordan talks about pregnancy expectations vs. reality, and about whether or not she hopes to someday return to competing.  SPONSORS:  Boulderthon: Join me in Boulder, CO, on September 28, 2025! Click here to register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run, and use code ALI for $20 off your marathon or half registration.  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: How Jordan is feeling at 34 weeks pregnant (4:55) How Jordan met her now-husband, Ryan Hogan (16:00) All about Hogan Performance, the transition away from professional running, and why Jordan loves coaching (28:50) On staying connected to the sport after competing professionally (41:00) What Jordan remembers most about training for her first marathon, the 2017 Boston Marathon, where she finished third (44:00) How Jordan reflects on her marathon experiences and how they have shaped her beyond the roads (48:25) On competing at the Olympic Trials while in high school (53:10) Jordan's pro running highlight reel (55:50) On returning to professional running (59:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"None of this would have been possible if I didn't take that chance on myself." Caroline Moss has a dream: to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. As a New Yorker, it's her favorite day of the year. The catch: Caroline has never been a runner — until now. In this new series, we're following author, creator, theater producer (check out Dilaria, open now!), Saved by the Bell super-fan, and professional shopper Caroline Moss as she embarks on a quest to start running and run the race of her dreams.  (Listen to Episode 1 with Caroline here.) FOLLOW CAROLINE @geethanksjustboughtitpod CAROLINE'S FACEBOOK GROUP SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was dark, and I remember looking over the ledge thinking, 'What's down there?' I probably don't want to know…" Deirdre Keane has never encountered an adventure she didn't want to pursue. The pediatric ICU nurse turned McKinsey consultant is always on the run, whether it's at a world marathon major or it's completing — and winning! — the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. Deirdre's latest endorphin chase: the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon! In this conversation, she talks about the three-week excursion traversing glaciers and mountain passes and, ultimately, an unplanned trek back to base camp. Warning: This episode may inspire you to go do something big, scary, and life-changing.  SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop the just-released New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5! In this episode: Deirdre's introduction to the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon, and how she was able to make it happen (4:00) Deirdre's lasting relationships with her World Marathon Challenge crew (7:30) How Deirdre planned to complete the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon, and what her training was like (9:00) The logistical components of the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon (17:20) Deirdre's adventures before the ultra, summitting Island Peak (21:45) What it was like seeing Mount Everest for the first time (36:20) All about the Everest accommodations (41:00) Deirdre talks about completing the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon (45:30) On finishing the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon — and the road away from the mountain (58:40) Deirdre's top takeaways from this experience (1:08:40) What's next on the run for Deirdre (1:10:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"In my mind, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." It's been a whirlwind week. THANK YOU for all of the love, support, and kindness after last week's "we're due for a catch-up" episode. It's been an overwhelming time for me — but what about for my support squad? I get so many questions from people asking how best to show up for someone going through a hard time, and my team and I have learned a lot about what this can all look like. So for this one, Cousin Jackie returns, and we're talking about what the past few weeks have been like for each of us: the patient and the support person. SPONSORS:  Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm laser focused. This is serious." She's the 2018 Boston Marathon champion. She's the co-host of Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara. She's one of the most admired, most accomplished, and most respected distance runners of our time, and now, Des is taking it to the trails. After running her final professional marathon in Boston in April, Des's next big adventure will be pacing friend Joe McConaughy at the Western States Endurance Run in just a few weeks. In this conversation, Des talks about what her pacing duties will entail, what training camp was like, and what's exciting her right now.  SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: What life has been like since the 2025 Boston Marathon — Des's final professional marathon (2:25) Will we see Des at the big fall marathons? (5:30) Des's parting thoughts on the 2025 Boston Marathon (7:25) Des's introduction to all things Western States (16:25) The WSER pacing plan (21:15) Which races are on Des's radar now (25:45) How Des sees her role in the trail running community (27:00) Des's pacing resumé (29:20) How much do you know about what that day pacing will look like? (35:35) What Des is looking forward to most about Western States (41:15) The athletes Des admires in the trail world (43:40) The road racing athletes Des thinks we should all be watching (47:25) Some of the key takeaways from Des and Kara Goucher's Save the 10,000 event — including 1,800 people participating in the virtual event (51:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This sucks, and it's going to be hard, and this is very real. But that doesn't mean we're going to stop having fun along the way. So let's have fun when it feels right." We're due for a catch-up. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order. Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"They just want a chance to compete." Yesterday, after much anticipation and speculation, USA Track & Field announced the changes to the qualifying times for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. So, what's it going to take to OTQ leading up to LA 2028, and to get to run at the Trials? For women, the qualifying mark stays the same: 2:37:00. On the men's side, things are getting faster: Men will now need to run 2:16:00 to qualify — a full two minutes faster than the qualifying time for the 2024 Trials. In this episode, USATF's Chairs of the Long Distance Running Committee — Kim Conley and Conor Nickel — join the show to explain what what into making these decisions, and what they mean for athletes and fans alike. (Read the full USATF release here.) SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You just need to chill a little bit!" Phily Bowden has a massive following. Whether it's on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, there are hundreds of thousands of people watching — and applauding — Phily's every training run, start line, and finish line. The 2:25 UK-based marathoner runs professionally for On, and as she always says, she loves the grind. In this conversation, Phily talks about her experience at the 2025 London Marathon, where she may not have hit her time goal (she hoped for 2:23–2:24, and ran 2:30) but left London with an admirable perspective and some serious mental fortitude. SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. In this episode: All about Phily's workout today (2:00) How Phily's feeling post-London (4:40) How Phily processes her races (5:45) Phily's experience working with a sports psychologist (7:35) Phily's relationship with her coach, Jon Green (9:45) What's next on the run for Phily? (11:15) What Phily's London Marathon weekend was like (13:55) Phily's London Marathon race morning (19:30) The pros and cons of being a content creator on race day (23:50) Phily's relationship with fellow pro Molly Seidel, and how she feels about the Flagstaff running community (25:30) How it felt standing on the London Marathon start line (30:35) Phily breaks down the first few miles of the race (33:25) All about that London heat (40:20) The final 5K (46:20) What it felt like to cross the London Marathon finish line, and Phily's post-race takeaways (48:30) On growing up as a "cheeky child" (53:40) When Phily knew she could make it as a content creator, and her take on influencer responsibility (57:10) How Phily got her non-running partner, Daniel, to become a runner! (1:02:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There's this sense of all these people, they came out to watch you do this weird, crazy thing. And you're running toward the thing you've been working toward for many months, and all of these people are behind you, and people beside you trying to do the same thing. It's very special." First, Emily Oster started running. Then she started running fast. Then she ran a marathon: the California International Marathon in 2023, where she finished in a Boston Qualifying time of 3:17:39. Now, Emily is officially a Boston Marathoner, having completed this year's race in a personal best time of 3:14:53. In this episode, the economist and best-selling author breaks it all down, including what her training was like this time around, what the energy in the city felt like for a first-time Boston Marathoner, and why she briefly considered calling it quits at mile 23. SPONSOR:  UCAN's MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 30% off your UCAN order from now until May 26! In this episode: Emily's snapshot moment from the 2025 Boston Marathon (3:30) How Emily has been feeling since Boston (5:00) Emily's road to the Boston Marathon, via CIM (6:00) Emily's impression of Boston (10:15) On hard work, genetics, and human limits (12:30) Emily's experience training through an icy New England winter, and how this training cycle was different from CIM 2023 (17:30) Emily's relationship with coach Kaitlin Goodman (20:20) The race plan (23:45) Emily's Boston Marathon weekend plans (24:25) How Emily was feeling on race morning, and the journey to the start line (35:20) The start line energy (38:35) Emily's "very specific chunking plan" (40:55) What it was like starting to run the Boston Marathon (44:00) Emily's take on the Newton hills (50:20) "That was the moment where I was like, I am not feeling good, I can't believe there are more miles" (53:00) Right on Hereford, left on Boylston (56:25) Now what? (1:00:45) What's dominating Emily's inbox these days? (1:04:55) Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"For two years, I have been sad. Not all the time. But it got pretty bad and pretty dark and pretty scary for a long time. And over these past few weeks, I've seen the light. And I feel like I get to be the light. And it's been really fun to genuinely be enjoying my life." If you follow me on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1), I'm sure you're sick of my 40th birthday posts. But I had so much fun that this warranted an audio version of the weekend. So we brought in the big guns: Cousin Jackie, here to guest host this week's episode! Best spring ever? Best spring ever.  SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's just this phase of life I'm in right now where I just can't get enough of going out and having fun. Within reason. In sweatpants." I had the absolute privilege of getting to attend the London Marathon with New Balance (a sponsor of the race). I attended a New Balance Women's Summit, hosted a panel the night before the race, and spent a ton of time exploring as much of London as I could. On race day, I was at the finish line cheering for the runners as they made their way from Buckingham Palace down the chute. (Congratulations, runners! Not an easy day out there!) The entire experience was incredible. I loved the city of London, the people, the architecture, the pub scene (!!!). I already can't wait to go back.  SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We don't do things the easy way." Ten years ago, Darcy Budworth was feeling burned out on running and racing in New York City. The interior designer felt a pull toward something beyond the classic weekend morning road races in Central Park. Enter Take the Bridge: an unsanctioned urban race through city streets and over bridges, navigating traffic, pedestrians, and bike messengers, all at night, in the dark. In this conversation, Darcy talks about building the thing she thought was missing from the running community. She talks about how Take the Bridge has grown and expanded beyond NYC to 27 cities and nine countries. She talks about how they've stayed true to TTB's roots, fostering community, connection, and exciting racing — and about what they're doing to celebrate the event's 10th anniversary this summer. (Register now to be a part of it on July 25, 2025!) FOLLOW DARCY @darcybud SPONSORS:  Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's new limited edition Boston Marathon collection — before it sells out! UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Have you run today? (2:25) What Darcy is looking for on the run right now (4:20) All about Darcy's job as an interior designer (7:00) How Darcy found running (12:15) What running looked like for Darcy in the mid-2010s in New York City — and how Take the Bridge was born (16:45) What it's like participating in an unsanctioned race (23:40) What it's like running Take the Bridge (32:15) When Darcy knew she was building something special (41:50) How Darcy has stayed focus on her original mission as Take the Bridge has expanded to 27 cities and 9 countries (43:40) How a Take the Bridge race actually works (49:15) How Darcy has seen the NYC running scene and community evolve since the mid-2010s (53:15) The best bridges: which ones Darcy has loved the most (58:15) How Take the Bridge will celebrate its 10th birthday this summer (1:08:40) Darcy's advice to anyone afraid of taking a big risk (1:15:30) Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"All those moments led to this. All the hard work really, truly pays off." In 2022, Sharon Lokedi made her marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. It went pretty well for a first-timer: She won. Since then, Sharon has raced often and well, usually finding herself on a podium just behind frequent competitor and friend Hellen Obiri. Sharon finished second to Hellen in Boston last year, and finished just off the podium in fourth at last summer's Paris Olympics — again, just behind Hellen. So this year, Sharon lined up in Boston ready to see if she could overtake the two-time defending champion — and the rest of the field. You know how it played out: Sharon won the 2025 Boston Marathon in a personal best time of 2:17:22. In this conversation, the Kenyan-born, Flagstaff-based Under Armour Dark Sky Distance athlete talks about what it took to break the tape that Monday in Boston. She talks her childhood as the oldest of four kids being raised by a single mom, and about the adjustment when she came to the United States for college. And, of course, she breaks down race day in Boston, including how she felt that morning, whether she had a feeling it was going to be her day, and how she celebrated afterward (hello, new Gucci bag!).  FOLLOW SHARON @shazrine SPONSOR:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I've tried to take on that mindset for the last few years at these races, of, 'How do I show up as authentically as possible, as the Ali I know I am and want to be, while having fun, while being professional… What does that look like?' And I feel like I kind of nailed it this time around." There's nowhere I'd rather be on the third Monday in April than at the Boston Marathon finish line! This year, I was honored to be asked back to perform a variety of roles in Boston. I was one of the announcers at the Boston 5K, I hosted two panels and one live show, I was one of the race announcers at the finish on Marathon Monday, and I was the finish line reporter for the world feed broadcast. It was a fun, rewarding weekend that included quality time with my favorite people, my biggest live event ever, a million finish line hugs, a few too many after-parties, and so much more. SPONSORS:  THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE: The lottery for this year's most famous Fourth of July 10K is now open. Enter today for your chance to run Atlanta's iconic race. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Friday: the press conference, the Emma & Jess live show, the Shokz show, dinner at Saltie Girl (get the lobster roll!), a finish line dance party, and a New Balance party at Sweeney's (1:50) Saturday: the 5K, the New Balance show with Heather MacLean, and the marathon relay at The Track (22:30) Sunday: a windy long run, bottle decorating, a Newbury Street stroll, sound check, and a broadcast meeting (41:40) Marathon Monday: all the stories from the finish line, including friends' finishes, pro finishes, Paul Revere, Des's final Boston, and the after parties (54:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"How can I not have success when I have this many people coming and supporting me?" On the Friday before the Boston Marathon, I hosted a panel at the race expo featuring three of Shokz-sponsored athletes: Hellen Obiri, Conner Mantz, and Dakotah Popehn. Hellen entered the race at the two-time defending champion, and she went on to finish second in 2:17:41, a significant personal best in a fast, gritty race. Conner, one of the best professional marathoners the United States has ever seen, ran hard and with heart, finishing fourth in 2:05:08, just seconds off the podium. And Dakotah, the smiley, speedy Paris Olympian, finished 16th in 2:26:09. In this conversation, these three runners talked about what success in Boston would look like for each of them and, of course, talked about what they like to listen to on the run, and shared their favorite sights and sounds of the Boston Marathon.  SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. (Check out the limited edition Boston Marathon OpenRun Pro2!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You ran with some kahunas!" Every year, I host a panel at the Boston Marathon Expo featuring some of the top American women in the professional field. This year, that meant getting to chat with Jess McClain and Emma Bates on the Friday before the 2025 Boston Marathon. Jess went on to become the top American woman in Boston, finishing seventh overall in 2:22:43 (a more than three-second personal best!). Emma was the third American woman to finish, crossing the line in 13th place in a time of 2:25:10. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm a Boston girlie through and through." Welcome to The Track at New Balance during Boston Marathon weekend! This was a 725-person party featuring New Balance Boston athlete and Olympian Heather MacLean, and it was one for the books. Heather had us all laughing with stories about shopping carts, witch family members, tinned fish Tok, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who joined us — here's to the next one! FOLLOW HEATHER @heather_maclean31 SPONSOR:  New Balance: Until April 25, get 20% off Ali's favorite things using code ALIRUN20 at checkout! Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"She said, 'This is how it was supposed to be. This is how it was supposed to feel.' And at that moment, I realized the magnitude of what we gave to each other." Rerun alert! In honor of the 129th Boston Marathon in just a few days, we're throwing it back to 2022, when fan favorite and beloved Peloton instructor Jess Sims surprised the world by showing up at the start (and finish!) line of the Boston Marathon. And she had a good reason for keeping her marathon debut on the down-low. In this very special conversation, Jess talks about receiving a fateful message from Boston Marathon bombing survivor Michele Blackburn — a message that ultimately guided Jess every step of the way toward that finish line on Boylston Street. Jess talks about her training, about how she felt on the start line, and about why she still feels marathon imposter syndrome, even after earning that blue and yellow medal. (You'll want tissues on hand 17 minutes into this one. You've been warned.) SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE: The lottery for this year's most famous Fourth of July 10K is now open. Enter today for your chance to run Atlanta's iconic race. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"There's a stigma about retiring from pro running, that it's this huge thing and it's so hard. And there are parts of it that are challenging. But I'm seriously so great. I'm loving life." Aisha Praught Leer is no stranger to the Ali on the Run Show. She returns today for her fifth appearance — but it's her first in this new phase of life. Last year, Aisha officially retired from professional running. The longtime Puma athlete, two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games champion, and six-time Jamaican record holder is now embracing a career in corporate America, while also continuing to be an advocate for professional athletes, and working in front of the camera and on the mic with Citius Mag. In this episode, we're catching up on all of it, including how Aisha feels about that 9–5 life, what her relationship with running is like now that she's no longer competing professionally, and what it's actually like retiring from your dream job in your thirties — and figuring out what comes next. FOLLOW AISHA @aishapraughtleer SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's new limited edition Boston Marathon collection — before it sells out! In this episode: How Aisha is doing right now, and how she's feeling about "racing" this weekend at the New Balance Marathon Relay in Boston (4:15) Aisha's takeaways from the first Grand Slam Track event (16:15) Why Aisha decided to retire from professional running in 2024 (24:00) What it was like working with a career coach (35:40) All about Aisha's job in tech sales at Adobe (48:30) How Aisha's relationship with running has changed since retiring (59:40) How Aisha's personal relationships have changed since retiring (1:04:10) What's next for Aisha? (1:12:00) Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If we get to the end of my life, and I look back and say the regrets that I have, I know one of them would be, 'You never ran the New York City Marathon.' Not a marathon. I don't want to run a marathon. I want to run the New York City Marathon." Caroline Moss has a dream: to run the New York City Marathon. As a New Yorker, it's her favorite day of the year. The catch: Caroline isn't a runner. Yet. In this new series, we're following author, creator, and professional shopper Caroline Moss as she embarks on a quest to start running, and, sometime in the next few years, run the race of her dreams.  In this episode, we're getting to know Caroline — a lifelong theater kid turned digital media genius turned aspiring marathoner. FOLLOW CAROLINE @geethanksjustboughtitpod CAROLINE'S FACEBOOK GROUP SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. (Check out the limited edition Boston Marathon OpenRun Pro2!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I want to go out there and just absolutely smash it out of the park." Next week, the pros and everyday runners alike will descend on Boston, MA, to run the 129th Boston Marathon. For most of these runners, getting to run Boston is a longtime goal or dream. One they worked hard at for years. And that's true even for professional runner Gabi Rooker. In this conversation, the former gymnast turned Nike-sponsored athlete and internal medicine physician assistant (what can't she do?!) talks about the road to her Boston Marathon debut. Gabi will race her first Boston this year, and it's been a journey to get to the start line. Gabi talks about how she recovered — physically and emotionally — from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, and reflects on that five-second personal best (2:24:29) at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Plus, what she'll be wearing on race day, what it's like being coached by her husband, Alex, and how she's feeling after logging 122-mile weeks throughout the Minnesota winter. FOLLOW GABI @gabirooker SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Gabi would sum up her Boston Marathon training cycle (3:00) How Gabi balanced working as a physician assistant during her Boston training (4:15) Gabi's career dreams, how she pictures her future in both running and in her medical career, and her approach to balance (9:55) With less than two weeks to Boston: Has Gabi checked the weather? (12:00) Gabi's history with the Boston Marathon, and why she's running this year's race (17:00) Gabi's experience working with sport psychology coach Emily Saul (26:30) What Gabi's Boston Marathon weekend entails (34:10) Gabi reflects on the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials (37:35) On healing the heart and body after the Trials (43:30) Gabi reflects on the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where she ran a five-second personal best, and Gabi's approach to fitting racing into her schedule (45:00) On being "the people's hero" (50:00) What Gabi will be wearing in Boston (52:50) What Gabi's like on race morning (57:00) What's top of mind for Gabi right now? (1:03:00) Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I set this goal. I made a promise to myself that I wanted this, so I'm going to do it. And no, that's not always fun. Maybe that means a late treadmill run or whatever it may be. But those little wins against your brain — and the battle to not do something — help you on race day. Because when it gets hard, you've already practiced doing it when you don't want to, or when it hurts, or when the conditions aren't ideal, or when you're not comfortable." In 2018, Laura Galeazzo — then Anderson — came on the Ali on the Run Show to talk about getting back on the run after having her first daughter. That year, Laura returned to running with a big literal win, breaking the tape in 2:57 at the Buffalo Marathon. Now, seven years and another daughter later, Laura returns to the show to talk about smashing a goal nine years in the making.  At last weekend's McKirdy Micro Marathon, Laura took down a longstanding dream of running sub-2:50, finishing the 26.2 miles in a five-minute personal best of 2:49:32. In this episode, the 23-time marathoner talks about how she has taken nearly an hour off her marathon time, about why this particular race was so significant, and about how she's built so much mental strength to get where she is today. FOLLOW LAURA @losingrace SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. IN THIS EPISODE: How Laura is feeling after running 2:49 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, and what she's done to prioritize her recovery (2:00) A timeline of Laura's marathon history (6:00) Laura's take on flexibility in training (16:40) How Laura connected with her coach, John Raneri, and what their coach-athlete relationship is like (21:10) Why Laura wanted to run the McKirdy Micro as her goal race (25:40) Laura's decision to race in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer (29:45) What Laura wrote on her bottles for the marathon, and how they helped her along the way (35:00) Why Laura chose not to have her two daughters there with her on race day (43:30) "Don't think. Just do." Laura's [very wise] decision to watch Top Gun Maverick the night before the marathon (48:45) Laura breaks down the pivotal moments from her 2:49 marathon (52:35) Now what? (1:02:15) A pep talk from Laura (1:08:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's gonna be epic!" We are less than three weeks away from the 129th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 21. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) am attempting to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional fields and about which storylines to follow, and 2018 champion and Boston favorite Des Linden joins to talk course strategy. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it's always a Boston to remember. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE: The lottery for this year's most famous Fourth of July 10K is now open. Enter today for your chance to run Atlanta's iconic race. In this episode: B.A.A. director of brand and experiential marketing Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2025 (4:35) Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in (29:25) B.A.A elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional athlete fields, and shares the storylines to watch (48:35) Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:21:30) 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:07:20) All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:37:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am nowhere near close to being an expert, and that's part of why I wanted this job — a challenge." Imagine you're a real-life woman in STEM. Someone who loves numbers, data, hypotheses, constants, and thoroughly researched experiments with scientifically-backed outcomes. Imagine you're also an athlete. A triathlete, specifically. So, what's the dream job? Triathlete in STEM Jinger Gottschall found it: Director of Sports Research at New Balance. In her role, Jinger oversees a team whose job it is to create, research, test, and design shoes and apparel that maximize performance and minimize injury. In this conversation — recorded in the Sports Research Lab at The TRACK at New Balance — Jinger talks about what her job entails, why she wanted this job, where work still needs to be done when testing products for men vs. women, and just how many pairs of shoes are in her closet. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: What it's like working at the New Balance Sports Research Lab (2:40) How Jinger describes her job (3:45) What it's like when the pros come into the lab (6:30) How Jinger has learned about all the sports New Balance covers (11:45) How Jinger got the job she has today (14:30) On testing competitors' shoes (24:30) The lab, by the numbers (33:00) Jinger's take on testing for women's products (35:45) What a day in the life is like at New Balance (43:45) Jinger's favorite feature in the sports research lab, her favorite shoes, and more (48:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"Be open to the possibility of what can happen when you relinquish control and just listen." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're tackling health stuff, running stuff, work stuff, and a total grab bag of miscellaneous questions.  SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"That's been a big part of the change and growth. The lesson is trusting yourself and not being afraid to figure out what works for you, even if that's different than someone else." She'll race the 800, the 1500, the mile, the 5K, the 10K...and in this conversation, Elise Cranny even hints at a possible marathon someday. Elise returns to the Ali on the Run Show to catch up on life since becoming a two-time Olympian (2020 and 2024). She talks about a lot of change: from Portland-based Bowerman Track Club and coach Jerry Schumacher, to Boulder-based Team Boss and coach Joe Bosshard, to now, training in Flagstaff, being coached by NAU's Jarred Cornfield, and taking a break from the team atmosphere. She explains why she made certain changes in an Olympic year, and talks about how she's feeling now, both physically and mentally. (Spoiler: She's fit, and she's headed to Sound Running's The TEN next weekend!) FOLLOW ELISE @elise.cranny SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: What's on tap for today? (2:30) Elise's New York Times Games morning routine (5:30) On life lately (10:50) The allure of the marathon (14:35) Which distance has Elise's heart right now? (18:40) On chasing records (24:15) Elise recaps her 2025 indoor season (25:45) How Elise is feeling right now, and whether she's currently feeling fit (30:30) All about Elise's big changes over the past few years, including changing teams, coaches, and locations (35:20) On being a confident racer, and how Elise handles the comparison trap (43:15) Why Elise chose to sign with Grand Slam Track, and how being a racer has dictated this year's schedule (45:50) How Elise has handled a tough couple of years (52:00) What Elise is excited about right now (57:30) No-such-thing-as-TMI talk! (This is the stuff I mentioned!) (59:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"There are so many ways to get to the start line. There is not one way to do it. You just have to find what works best for you." Parker Valby was a collegiate phenom. At the University of Florida, Parker set multiple collegiate records in the 5000m and the 10,000m. She earned six NCAA and SEC titles, including five NCAA titles in one year alone. She wrapped up her career as a Gator by competing at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, earning a spot on Team USA, and competing at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 11th in the 10,000m final and was the youngest runner in the top 15. Now, 22-year-old Parker has officially gone pro. She signed with New Balance and joined Team New Balance Boston, where she trains alongside teammates — and fellow Olympians — including Elle Purrier St. Pierre, Heather MacLean, and Emily Mackay.  This conversation was recorded at The TRACK at New Balance during the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet. Enjoy as NB Olympian Vernon Norwood drops in mid-chat and takes over hosting duties! FOLLOW PARKER @parkervalby FOLLOW VERNON @vernon400m IN THIS EPISODE: Does Boston feel like home? (2:40) Can Parker still do a split? (4:00) On adjusting to life as a professional athlete (6:30) Parker's experience joining Team New Balance Boston (7:30) What Parker was like growing up, and how her dad became her agent (10:35) Parker's "going pro" support network (16:45) Is it hard to be the best? (18:20) What it was like winning the Bowerman Award — and just how much it weighs (23:55) What it was like making her pro debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (26:00) All about Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan (31:10) Parker's preferred methods of cross training (39:45) What it's like getting recognized on the run in Boston (48:00) Vernon Norwood takes over hosting duties (59:00) SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The thing that they just really want is to race the best people, and for people to watch them. They legitimately want to race really good people, and they want it to matter." You've probably seen the hype for track's newest league. But what, exactly, is Grand Slam Track, and why should we care about it? In this conversation, Grand Slam's Senior Director of Racing, Kyle Merber, returns to the Ali on the Run Show to tell us everything we need to know about the "Slams." He talks about his role, and about the athlete recruiting process. Plus, what he's most excited for, why he thinks everyone should watch, and a bit of celebration for his 2:26 marathon PR from the Houston Marathon earlier this year. SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. (Check out the limited edition Boston Marathon OpenRun Pro2!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Win or learn, and then pick up and move on." The girls were back in town! Keira D'Amato and I spent the weekend in Richmond, VA, for the second River City Half Marathon and 5K (she ran — and won — the half, and I ran the 5K). Thank you so much to the best bejeweled and bedazzled audience for such a fun afternoon. We laughed, we debated hot takes, and we love you so much. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's not sustainable if you're not having fun with it." Tristin Colley ran her first marathon in 2019 in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Just four years later, Tristin she 15 minutes off that time, running 2:25 at the Chicago Marathon. Now, Tristin (formerly Van Ord) is throwing down 110-mile weeks with her team, ZAP Endurance, as she gears up for this year's Boston Marathon. Tristin lives in Blowing Rock, NC, with her husband, teammate, and fellow pro marathoner Andrew Colley. This past weekend, they each competed at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta. In this conversation, Tristin reflects on that race, and looks to her next one in Boston. She talks about going pro, being raised by a single mom, and doing triple workouts as part of her Boston prep. FOLLOW TRISTIN @tristinvanord IN THIS EPISODE: On running to the Shrek soundtrack on repeat, the ZAP Endurance team vibe, and "ketchup with seemingly ranch" (2:50) Tristin's take on off days (8:15) Tristin recaps her race at the USATF Half Marathon Championships (9:40) How Tristin deals with disappointment (12:00) Tristin's takeaways from last weekend's race (15:55) Reflecting on a tough year, and what Tristin's mindset was heading into the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon (17:00) What it was like living in North Carolina during last year's floods (21:25) All about Coach Colley, and Tristin's involvement at Appalachian State University (26:30) How Tristin's Boston Marathon training is going (28:10) How Tristin met now-husband Andrew Colley (32:10) How Tristin has shaved 15 minutes off her marathon time (38:30) Why Tristin wanted to run with ZAP Endurance (40:15) All about Tristin's mom, and what Tristin was like as a kid (41:00) Tristin looks back on her experiences at both the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (47:15) The pros and cons of dating a teammate and fellow professional marathoner (57:00) SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's never too late. It's never too late to switch careers, ask for a raise, do something you want to be doing. If you're feeling stuck, just know that it's never too late. If you want to make a change, life is short. Do it." Talia McKinney is on her feet all day, every day — and every day starts with a run. The New York City-based marathoning real estate agent is one of the top agents at SERHANT, where she works with Million Dollar Listing and Owning Manhattan star Ryan Serhant. Talia is a speaker, host, and world traveler (she's been to 45 countries!), who runs as a guide with Achilles International. In this conversation, she talks about what it's like selling a $31.5 million home (!!!) and about the most impressive amenities she's ever seen, and she shares her running and real estate origin stories. FOLLOW TALIA @taliamckinney IN THIS EPISODE: How Talia celebrated her birthday in Idaho (1:50) All about Talia's run today — and how she found her running buddies (4:45) How Talia became a guide for Achilles International (7:15) What Talia's training for right now (11:55) Why Talia decided to run her first marathon (13:10) A day in the life of Talia McKinney (19:00) Some of Talia's most memorable sales (21:10) Talia's dream runner-friendly building (29:10) How Talia became a real estate agent, and why she wanted to work with Ryan Serhant (30:45) Talia's advice for anyone who isn't feeling seen, heard, or taken seriously (43:10) SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's good to get to a place where you can accept that there are terrible things happening and good things happening, and they all happen at once, and we don't get to plan when they happen. So if you're going through something really hard and joy shows up for you, see it and notice it." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from how to trust your training to how to stay positive in the face of adversity to "What's saving your life right now?" SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I needed to have the year I had to really give me the push to make the changes I made." In 2022, Sinclaire Johnson cemented her spot as a middle-distance rising star when she broke the women's 1500m tape at the U.S. National Championships. Since then, the Nike-sponsored athlete has made a lot of changes on the run. She transitioned from Jerry Schumacher's Bowerman Track Club to Union Athletics Club, where she was coached by Pete Julian. Last year — a year when she finished fourth in the 1500m at the Olympic Track & Field Trials — Sinclaire knew it was time to change it up again, this time opting to forgo a team environment and be coached by her fiancé, Craig Nowak. Now, with a fresh 3:56 1500m PR from the 2024 Trials, Sinclaire is in the middle of her indoor season. She ran a personal best in the mile (4:23.58) at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she finished third, and then finished sixth in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City. This weekend, Sinclaire will race at U.S. Indoor Nationals.  FOLLOW SINCLAIRE @sinclairejohnson SPONSORS:  St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville: Register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 mile, KiDSROCK, or Doggie Dash, all taking place April 26–27, 2025 in Music City, USA! Use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off your Saturday race registration.  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: Where in the world is Sinclaire Johnson? (2:10) How Sinclaire and her Nike-sponsored friends have navigated change over the past few years — and what it's meant for their relationships (6:00) Sinclaire reflects on her third-place finish and personal best at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (8:00) How Sinclaire was feeling heading into the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City (12:35) Sinclaire looks back on her pro racing debut (15:20) How Sinclaire processed last year's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials, where she finished fourth in the 1500m (20:40) How Sinclaire has navigated some big recent changes, including a team change and a coaching change (27:45) What Sinclaire's training looks like right now (42:00) How Craig proposed to Sinclaire (47:30) What's on Sinclaire's 2025 racing calendar — including a distance debut later this year (53:20) Sinclaire's advice for anyone feeling stuck right now (59:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"It's OK that not everybody gets it. The right people will." Three years ago, in an antidote to Love on the Run Week, Molly Seidel and Anoush Arakelian joined the Ali on the Run Show for a chat about dating, confidence, mental health, and more. Now, the girls are back in town, and Molly and Anoush return for life updates, running updates, and more dating, confidence, and mental health talk. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: How Molly and Anoush feel about Valentine's Day (3:15) Who would play you in the romantic comedy of your life? (5:10) What Molly and Anoush would say to their younger selves (9:00) Anoush offers a life update (11:15) Molly's life update (14:50) How Anoush became a 2:57 marathoner (22:05) On getting the ick (31:50) Listener stories about love, dating, disasters, and more (41:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I didn't know that this was how good a relationship could be. I didn't know how healthy relationships could be. Being with Montana is like seeing daylight." Happy Valentine's Day! In this edition of Love on the Run, we are getting to know Dakotah and Montana Popehn. They share the story of how they met, who made the first move for the first kiss, who said "I love you" first, and everything that happened next, including Montana's proposal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (where Dakotah finished 12th in the marathon) and their intimate wedding just one week before the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We're unstoppable on the same team." It's Love on the Run Week! I am not ashamed to admit that Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. People will say it's a Hallmark holiday, or they'll say "but we should tell people we love them every day!" And OK! We totally should, I agree. But a day that's all about celebrating love? I'm so into it. The way I see it and celebrate it, it's about love is love is love is love is love is love is love. It's a heart-filled time to honor and acknowledge and appreciate all of the love in your life, whether it's a long-term romantic relationship, a one-night fling, a special friendship, your trusty barista, a favorite colleague, or a family member. In this edition of Love on the Run, I'm putting a family member of my own in the spotlight. Meet Jacqueline Adair: "Cousin Jackie!" Jackie is — you guessed it — my cousin, and she's one of my very best friends. She lives in Arlington, VA (by way of Pennsylvania), with her husband and two daughters, she works in national security, and she's a marathoner and ultramarathoner.  Jackie has played one of the biggest, most supportive roles in my life over the past few years, and I'm delighted to get to introduce her to you today. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I would just look at the clock and accept, like, 'OK, we're running really really fast. And this is gonna be the hardest thing you've ever done. But if you can hold on, you're in for a treat.'" In her first few years as a professional athlete, Gabbi Jennings has quickly earned and solidified her spot as one to watch in the 3000m Steeplechase. Last summer, she finished fourth in the steeple at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials — a tough spot to finish, but one that came with plenty of worthwhile and hard-earned lessons. In this conversation, the adidas-sponsored member of Team Boss talks about what she gained from that day in Eugene, and about how it inspired her goals for 2025. Last weekend, Gabbi raced the mile at the BU Terrier Classic in Boston. She finished second (behind winner Elise Cranny) in a personal best 4:25.32. Now, she's headed to New York City, where Gabbi will race the 3K at the Millrose Games. FOLLOW GABBI @the__gabs SPONSOR:  St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville: Register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 mile, KiDSROCK, or Doggie Dash, all taking place April 26–27, 2025 in Music City, USA! Use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off your Saturday race registration.  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: How Gabbi's feeling after the BU Terrier Classic (2:00) Gabbi's special bond with teammate Cory McGee (3:10) Gabbi recaps her 4:25.32 PB in Boston (5:55) The shortest and longest distances Gabbi is willing to race (10:00) The competitors Gabbi loves racing (17:20) Gabbi's goals for Millrose, and what a pre-race pep talk from Coach Joe Bosshard typically entails (21:00) All about pre-race Gabbi (26:45) What Gabbi's excited about in 2025 (31:55) Gabbi's takeaways from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (34:15) Why Gabbi chose to join Team Boss (43:15) Why Gabbi chose the steeplechase (51:25) Gabbi's plan to be fearless in 2025 (56:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It feels like I'm tapping into what I've always believed I should be doing." Chris Heuisler is back! Chris made his Ali on the Run Show debut on Episode 6, back in 2017. He's an actor turned National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels and Resorts turned actor again, and in this episode, the marathoner and dad of two is catching us all up on life since this episode in 2020. In addition to offering a running update, a work update, and an update on his sobriety journey, Chris is also here to do what Chris does best: talk about how he and his four siblings have been celebrating their respective 40th birthdays! Ever wondered what it's like to be a contestant on Family Feud? Chris has you covered. *Watch Chris and his siblings on Family Feud on Tuesday, February 11!* SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Chris has been since the last time he was on the show (4:45) How Chris has navigated the changes in his career over the past few years, and what he's up to now (8:50) The role running plays in Chris's life right now (16:25) Why the Heuisler siblings go big for their 40th birthday celebrations (21:00) The big plan for Chris's sister's 40th (30:15) The Family Feud experience (47:20) What's next? (1:03:10) Chris's message for anyone going through a hard time right now (1:16:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It is so fun to have a hobby that is just for fun where I do not care about the outcome. It's awesome." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from ski racing and a silly injury to a certain pro athlete's return to racing — and more. SPONSOR:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Kurt's seen it and my teammates have seen it. I've gotten better every single week for two years straight. So the world is seeing this massive jump, but for me, it's over 100 weeks of improvement. That's super steady. At some point it was going to be reflected in one big performance. It didn't happen overnight." In March 2023, Erika Kemp was gearing up to make her marathon debut. The six-time collegiate All-American and multiple-time USATF national champion was on a racing hot streak, having earned titles from the 5K up to the 20K. She had just signed with Brooks Running, and was being coached by Kurt Benninger. But, Erika insisted, she hadn't had her big, breakout, career-defining performance yet.  That changed this past weekend at the Houston Marathon. Erika finished second in 2:22:56 — and 11-minute personal best, and comfortably under the world standard. She remains the fastest American-born Black woman in the marathon. In this conversation, Erika talks about her breakout day in Houston, and about what it took to make such a massive improvement in the marathon. Plus, the advice and affirmation Erika got from Des Linden before the race, her snapshot moment from the day, and how she learned to embrace the "marathoner" title. FOLLOW ERIKA @imtinyrik SPONSOR:  St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville: Register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 mile, KiDSROCK, or Doggie Dash, all taking place April 26–27, 2025 in Music City, USA! Use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off your Saturday race registration.  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. In this episode: How Erika is feeling after Houston (1:50) "Erika Kemp, Marathoner" (4:30) Erika's snapshot moment from the 2025 Houston Marathon (5:10) Erika's time goals for Houston (8:00) How Erika has learned to trust herself on race day, and the advice she got from Des Linden before Houston (10:50) How Erika recovered physically and mentally after a DNF at the Olympic Marathon Trials last year (15:10) Why Houston? (17:10) Erika's takeaways from her Houston training (18:00) How Erika knew Houston was going to be her day (30:15) Why Erika ran the race with her friend, Jonas Hampton (34:50) What Erika eats the night before a marathon, and what her morning routine is like (38:00) What Erika was hoping to get out of Houston (43:00) What it felt like standing on the start line (45:40) Erika recaps her Houston Marathon experience (46:45) How Erika celebrated (57:30) A look at Erika's 2025 racing calendar (1:01:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was horrible and wonderful at the same time." Ali and Allie on the run! Professional track, trail, and road runner Allie Ostrander returns to the Ali on the Run Show today to talk about signing with Oiselle, and about her goals for her 2025 racing season. Allie will be making her half marathon debut at the Mesa Half Marathon in just a few weeks, and in this episode she talks about why she's intrigued by the distance, and what she hopes to accomplish in 13.1 miles. Plus, her reflections on her first injury-free year since 2019, what it's like being a full-time runner and content creator (subscribe to her YouTube channel and get this girl to 100K!), and her advice on how to be a better downhill runner on the trails. SPONSORS:  The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Why Allie doesn't run on Sundays (2:25) What Allie can share about her 2025 racing calendar (7:45) Allie's goals for her half marathon debut (16:45) All about Allie's decision to sign with Oiselle (19:45) Allie's goals for 2025 (24:00) Allie's advice for how to be a better trail runner (25:45) What it took to have an injury-free year for the first time in five years (31:20) How Allie sees the business of running (38:40) How Allie learned to reframe failure (48:30) What Allie would say to her 16-year-old self, and her future self (50:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Take away the paces. Take away the expectations. And approach every single interval or every single mile like you're listening to your body and understanding that this isn't an exterior thing you're doing for someone or to achieve something. It's you inside, and that's all that matters." It's been a hard year and a half for Nell Rojas. The Nike-sponsored professional athlete had a speedy ascent in the world of marathoning. She won the 2019 Grandma's Marathon, and was the top American woman at the 2021 and 2022 Boston Marathons. In this conversation, Nell explains what's been going on with her mind and body recently. She talks about where her fitness is at these days, and about her spring marathon plans. (This just in: Nell will, in fact, be racing this year's Boston Marathon.) Plus: Nell's takeaways from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, her foray into voice lessons, and her story about "the most nervous she's ever been." Nell — a running coach herself, with more than 50 athletes on her current roster — lives in Boulder, CO, where she is coached by her father, Ric Rojas. SPONSOR:  St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville: Register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 mile, KiDSROCK, or Doggie Dash, all taking place April 26–27, 2025 in Music City, USA! Use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off your Saturday race registration.    In this episode: Nell's take on New Year's Resolutions (2:00) How Nell spends her days — and what her ideal date entails (4:00) What Nell's loving right now (9:45) All about Nell's workout today (15:45) An update on Nell's health (17:30) How Nell is feeling on the run (33:10) What Nell is excited about right now (37:10) Nell's takeaways from the 2024 Marathon Trials (41:45) Why Nell decided to take singing lessons (44:40) The one exercise Nell says all runners should be doing, and Nell's advice to all spring marathoners (48:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There will be more sunshine. You just keep going. It's not always going to suck. I promise." It's tradition: Happy New Year, and welcome to the annual State of the Ali on the Run Show episode! In this solo episode, I'm recapping 2024 — the personal highs and lows, the professional highs and lows, and the beauty and chaos in between all of it. Last year, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 23 million downloads. There were 92 episodes of the show with 63 guests (40 first-timers, and 33 recurring and returning guests), plus 14 solo episodes. (The guest with the most podcast appearances in 2024: Nikki Hiltz, of course!) THANK YOU for being here for the rollercoaster ride. Let's have some fun in 2025! (Admittedly, I forgot to record the section of this episode that is, traditionally, "My goals for the year." Should I take that as some kind of sign?) SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), including the new Mocha + Caffeine gel and the Chocolate gel. (My dream!) Then, use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: The 2024 Ali on the Run Show by the numbers (2:20) My 2024 personal and professional highlight reel (22:20) Revisiting my 2024 goals (57:20) Looking forward on the Ali on the Run Show (1:02:00) The 2025 Ali on the Run Show mission statement (1:10:35) Answering listener questions about the show — and more (1:13:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

I love you. I appreciate you. In this short solo episode, I'm wishing you the happiest holidays and reflecting a bit. I'm delighted to report that I'm heading into 2025 with a renewed sense of self, and a lot of joy, happiness, and peace. I wish the same for you. And if you're not there right now, that's OK. The sun will come out tomorrow, next week, next month, next year — whenever you're ready for it. You've got this. (You're doing great!) SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), including the new Mocha + Caffeine gel and the Chocolate gel. (My dream!) Then, use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I mean, it's Taylor Swift Girlhood 101." Lee Glandorf is a lifelong athlete. The former Yale University rower turned marathoner has also had a lifelong passion for fashion. So it makes perfect sense that Lee's latest endeavor is the launch of The Sweat Lookbook, a weekly newsletter that covers the intersection of sports and style. In this conversation, Lee shares her 2024 hits and misses, from BFF-inspired twinning sets at road races to surprising collaborations between big brands. Plus, she talks about how running — and fashion — have factored into her life during her recent pregnancy and now, with a six-month-old boy (Casper!) at home. (Listen to Lee's first episode of the Ali on the Run Show here.) FOLLOW LEE @leeglandorf SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: Lee offers a life update, on the run and beyond (4:00) Lee's experience running during pregnancy and postpartum (7:20) Why Lee decided to launch The Sweat Lookbook newsletter (11:00) Lee's favorite fashion-forward athletes to follow (17:00) If you could represent any brand, based solely off their pro kits, who would you choose? (22:00) What Lee sees as the emerging trends in running (25:15) Why are we still putting removable pads in sports bras?! (29:30) The evolution of major marathon weekend programming and activation culture (32:40) Why is everything so expensive? (41:00) Lee's take on run crew culture, and the intersection of run crews and fashion (44:00) The biggest fashion hits and misses of 2024 (46:25) Lee's current running outfit of choice (59:25) Lee's Running Outfit: New Balance RC Short 3" Tracksmith Strata Short Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer Everyone Watches Women's Sports Tee Sports Romance hat Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If we can move from a place of fear to a place of curiosity — from a place of resisitance to a place of learning — we'll get a lot farther. We'll enjoy the process a lot more if we can be in the space of learning and curiosity rather than fear and resistance." Fan favorite Emily Saul returns to the Ali on the Run Show to hold all of our hands as we navigate end-of-year stress and navigate new-year anxieties. 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. FOLLOW EMILY @emilysaulboston SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: Why you should listen to Emily's advice (6:20) Emily's advice for how to handle end-of-the-year anxiety, and the comparison trap of it all (11:00) Why Emily says we all need to get off the "hedonic treadmill" (23:45) How to approach goal setting in the new year (32:45) "I'm afraid to push myself too hard" (43:10) "It's cold and dark and I can't get myself up and out the door" (1:07:50) Emily on the Ali on the Run Show: Beyond the Run with Emily Saul, Marathon Mentality Q&A Part I Beyond the Run with Emily Saul, Marathon Mentality Q&A Part II Beyond the Run with Emily Saul, Marathon Mentality Q&A Part III LIVE at the Boston Marathon with Emily Saul & Anoush Arakelian Beyond the Run with Dr. Ian Nurse & Emily Saul Emily Saul, Co-Leader of November Project Boston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I couldn't be just an observer or a reader. I had to be this person that could see everything and find the story." Emily Palmer's work is intense. As an investigative crime reporter who has worked for the New York Times and People Magazine, and whose work has appeared in the Boston Globe, ProPublica, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, Emily has spent a great deal of time at crime scenes, in courtrooms, and even in Mexico with members of El Chapo's cartel. In this conversation, Emily talks about how and why she has pursued a life of crime — covering crime, that is. She explains her approach to how she does her job, talks about the importance of empathy, and gets into the role running plays during her most exhausting and overwhelming work days. *Content warning: This episode includes stories and descriptions of violence, including violence against women and children.* SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), including the new Mocha + Caffeine gel and the Chocolate gel. (My dream!) Then, use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: What running looks like for Emily right now, one month post-NYC Marathon (3:20) What Young Emily was like (11:10) How Emily became an investigative crime reporter (16:15) What it's like being called to a crime scene (24:20) On feeling unsafe on the job (36:00) Investigative journalism vs. true crime (40:15) The stories Emily is proudest of (45:30) On being a "criminal apologist" (1:07:40) Emily's shout-out on Brooklyn Nine-Nine (1:13:15) How, when, and why Emily became a runner (1:15:40) Emily's hopes, dreams, and goals on the run and at work (1:21:00) For more from Emily: Emily's first piece for the New York Times Emily's first New York Times byline Emily's Carlos Vega story for the New York Times Emily's profile of El Chapo's wife (and what she calls her favorite story) Emily's People magazine cover story Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I felt really relieved and happy and proud, and just so thankful that I took a chance on myself and chose to keep believing in myself." Sara Hall just ran her fourth — and fastest — marathon of 2024. At the Valencia Marathon, Sara ran 2:23:45, smashing her own American Masters Marathon Record by three minutes, and finishing tenth overall. From the Marathon Trials to Boston to Chicago to Valencia, today Sara returns to the Ali on the Run Show for a year-end reflective. Plus, what Sara's excited about in 2025. SPONSORS:  Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: Where in the world is Sara Hall? (2:20) How Sara is feeling after running four marathons this year (5:00) What it took for Sara to run her fastest marathon of the year (17:00) How Sara regained her strength and confidence after the Boston Marathon (22:15) Sara reflects on the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon (30:30) Sara's favorite memories from the 2024 Boston Marathon (32:40) How Sara remembers the 2024 Chicago Marathon (34:10) Why Sara wanted to run the 2024 Valencia Marathon (36:45) What's next for Sara? (48:20) All about Coach Sara (51:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We all have fears in life. We all have things that hold us back from doing some really cool stuff. But I kept reminding myself, 'Meghann, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. You can hear those fears, but you're going to push them aside and you're going to figure this out.'" Fan favorite sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun returns to the Ali on the Run Show today for her 2024 in review, including the highs (London!), the lows (none come to mind!), the group runs (O-H-I-O!), and the completion of her Abbott Six-Star journey.  FOLLOW MEGHANN @featherstonenutrition SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I hope that through my work, people saw my life." With a legendary 14-year career on the track and on the roads, professional 1500m runner and miler Jenny Simpson decided earlier this year that she was ready to retire. After spending 2024 diving into the world of marathoning, Jenny announced that she would run the TCS New York City Marathon as her final professional race.  Then, after crossing the finish line in 2:31:54 and settling onto the couch with a bowl of ice cream (Blue Bell mint chocolate chip), Jenny got an invitation — and an immediate jolt off that couch. Instead of heading into retirement, Jenny embarked on The Great World Race, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.   Up next: Jenny and Jason (and their two dogs) are packing up the Winnebago and spending the next year on a 50-state Run USA tour. In this supersized, two-hour episode, Jenny talks about all of it, and shares her reflections on her legacy in the sports. FOLLOW JENNY & JASON'S RUN USA TOUR @JENNYANDJASONRUNUSA AND ON YOUTUBE. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Jenny is feeling after a 10-marathon year (2:20) Jenny's decision to race the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and to make it her last professional race (8:30) What Jenny hopes her legacy will be (14:55) Jenny recaps her New York City Marathon (23:10) On getting the invitation to run The Great World Race, just days after finishing the New York City Marathon (53:30) "It's as hard as you think it is" (1:02:10) Jenny recaps each day of The Great World Race (1:05:50) What's next for Jenny Simpson? (1:46:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm living the dream, being who I am, truly and authentically. I can't complain at all. It's not even work." Tiara Williams is a self-proclaimed "little track nerd." The creator, journalist, broadcaster, and in-stadium announcer is the host of "Real Talk with Tee," and she's become a fan and athlete favorite for her genuine and insightful post-race interviews (that often involve dancing and laughing). Whether she's behind the mic, behind the camera, on the mic, or on camera, Tee brings a lightness to her reporting that puts athletes at ease. In this conversation, the former heptathlete talks about her passion for the sport and its athletes, and about how she has built "Real Talk" to what it is today, including stints at multiple World Championships, the 2024 Paris Olympics, international Diamond League meets, Athlos, and more. Plus, what it's like being one of the only Black women in the mixed zone, and where Tee hopes to go from here. FOLLOW TEE @_realtalkwithtee SPONSORS:  Volvo Cars: Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: What Tee was up to at The Running Event, and how she describes her job and role in the running industry (2:10) On staying authentic while building a career and brand (4:00) All about Tee's childhood, what she was like growing up, and how she got into running and sports (4:45) How Tee got started in sports journalism (11:20) The evolution of Real Talk with Tee (18:50) What it was like interviewing Shericka Jackson at the Paris Olympics, and what it was like seeing that interview in Sprint Season 2 (27:10) How Tee has found her way in the mixed zone (29:30) On being intimidated by certain athletes (47:10) What's next for Tee? (51:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I think it would shock a lot of people to see just how hard I go for The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music. That yodeling, wow." Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from life lately and health stuff to the pros and cons of working for myself, what I'm watching lately, the music that got me through 2024, and so much more. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You're so much more than just somebody who has survived cancer. And also...you're somebody who has survived cancer! Figuring out that new identity is an interesting thing to navigate." At 28 years old, Christine Thorn Fischer was a happy, healthy, elite-level steeplechasing, elementary school teacher. Then, she found a lump in her breast. Christine was diagnosed with stage four invasive ductal carcinoma — breast cancer — that spread to her spine and sacrum. Suddenly, instead of dreaming about her next race on the track, Christine was undergoing intense treatment including eight rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. In this conversation, Christine — who is married to professional marathoner Reed Fischer — talks about her diagnosis and the days, weeks, and months that followed. She talks about her experience with scalp cooling to preserve her hair during treatment, about the worst day of her life, and about what it was like learning that she might die within a few years.  Not only did Christine get a "no signs of disease" report from her most recent scans, she is living. Christine is officially back on the run, and just ran her first marathon — the TCS New York City Marathon — a few weeks ago, conquering the course in 3:09:52 FOLLOW CHRISTINE @c_thorn31 SPONSORS:  Volvo Cars: Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Christine reflects on running the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon (5:45) On being a "cancer survivor" (11:40) What Christine was needing when she went on a Boarding for Breast Cancer retreat (13:50) All about Christine's breast cancer diagnosis and the days, weeks, and months that followed (19:45) Christine recounts the worst day of her life (34:00) Christine's advice on how to support someone going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment (44:50) What Christine recalls as the hardest parts of her cancer journey (50:00) Christine's decision to do cold capping during chemotherapy (59:40) On reaching the light at the end of the cancer tunnel (1:07:45) How Christine's perspective on fear has changed over the past two years (1:16:20) Why Christine wanted to run the New York City Marathon after completing cancer treatment (1:17:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am healthily afraid of the marathon. It looks very painful!" Emma Grace Hurley made a lot of big life changes this year. She moved from Atlanta to Indianapolis. She changed sponsors. She changed teams. And this weekend, it all paid off, as Emma Grace made her 13.1-mile debut at the Indy Monumental Half Marathon, finishing in 1:08:26, setting a course record, and winning the race by nearly two minutes. After a long season filled with second- and third-place finishes, this was Emma Grace's first big career win. In this conversation, the Asics-sponsored professional distance runner and member of Heartland Track Club talks about her approach to this year, her big dreams for next year, and what she plans to do about all of her Marathon FOMO. SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. In this episode: How Emma Grace is feeling after making her half-marathon debut (2:40) On Emma Grace's decision to make her half debut (6:10) Emma Grace's goals and hopes for her first half (13:30) What it felt like to win the Indy Monumental Half Marathon (27:10) Emma Grace's third-place finish at the Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K (30:30) Why Emma Grace loves to race, and which events top her highlight reel from the year (35:15) Emma Grace talks about all of the big life changes she's embraced over the past year (45:30) A day in the life of Emma Grace Hurley (53:20) What Emma Grace was like as a kid, and how she got into running (57:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We go to bed too late, we wake up too early, we don't eat enough, and we have an awesome time." It was a New York City Marathon to remember. It was one of the best weekends of my life, and certainly the greatest weekend of my career. I hosted two live shows (one with Gabby Thomas and New Balance at Carnegie Hall, and one at Volvo Studio Manhattan with Keira D'Amato), I was on the ESPN and ABC broadcasts on race day, and I was on top of the world the entire time. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Friday: the Carnegie Hall live show with Gabby Thomas, a delicious dinner at Nobu, and a sleepover with Keira D'Amato (3:40) Saturday: a morning run in Central Park, a Volvo live show with Keira, an afternoon of broadcast rehearsals — sort of — and an evening of arm wrestling with friends (36:00) Sunday: the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and a fun night out (1:00:00) Monday: time to go home (1:34:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This is where the magic happens." It's an Ali and Keira live show! (The fourth Ali and Keira D'Amato live show, if you're keeping track!) Thank you so much to Volvo Cars USA for hosting us in their gorgeous Manhattan studio space for some fun, some silliness, some singing, and some sandwiches, and thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun morning the day before the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.  SPONSOR: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I had to trick myself into believing that I could win a gold medal." Career highlight. Life highlight. Welcome to Ali on the Run Show LIVE with Gabby Thomas, presented by New Balance, held at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, two days before the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. (What a big sentence!)  Gabby Thomas is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and an Olympic silver and bronze medalist. She's a 200m specialist with a Harvard University degree in Neurobiology and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas. She is one of the starts of the Netflix documentary Sprint, and Sprint Season 2, out next week. Gabby was the grand marshal at this year's New York City Marathon, and, allegedly, she makes a great salad. Biggest THANK YOU to the New Balance team (Kristen, James, Sean, Summer, and so many more), the Mirror team, and the team at Carnegie Hall. This live podcast audio was recorded by Noriko Okabe. The pre-show musicians (enjoy the opening rendition of "Shake It Off!") were Mikhail Romanov and Galina Romanova. FOLLOW GABBY @gabbythomas SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I race in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I do everything that I do as if I literally, truly love it." Rad Lopez grew up in the Bronx. He was raised by a single mom who "didn't have much," but who made magic happen for her children every day. Rad used to work at a gym in the Bronx — cleaning toilets, towels, and locker rooms, not coaching or training — and would look out at the runners on New York City Marathon day. He said one day, that would be him. Spoiler: check! Today, Rad Lopez is a Peloton instructor and Nike-sponsored athlete who made his 26.2-mile debut last year at the Chicago Marathon. He was intrigued enough that he ran his second marathon, the New York City Marathon, one month later. This weekend, Rad will run the TCS New York City Marathon for the second time. In this episode, he talks about how training has gone, about his "victim vs. underdog" mentality, and about why you should do things scared. FOLLOW RAD @radichell SPONSORS: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. In this episode: "How did today's run go, Rad?" (2:25) Rad recaps his day at the Bronx 10 Mile (3:50) Rad's take on the running community (6:25) Why Rad wanted to run this year's TCS New York City Marathon (8:35) What Rad's marathon training has been like (11:00) Rad's history with the NYC Marathon (13:30) How Rad became a runner (19:00) Why Rad wanted to run his first marathon (21:45) Rad remembers his first marathon finish line (32:00) Rad's goals for this year's NYC Marathon (35:10) What Rad's childhood was like (42:45) Where Young Rad found inspiration, and the difference between a victim mentality and an underdog mentality (50:00) How Rad got the Peloton job (55:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"At a marathon finish line — especially this marathon finish line — you see the best of humanity." Every year on the first Sunday of November, more than 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers, and two million spectators will descend on the five boroughs for one reason: the TCS New York City Marathon. This episode is your unofficial guide to the iconic 26.2-mile race. Two and a half jam-packed hours of New York City Marathon-related information. And this episode isn't just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating. As for my New York City Marathon love affair: This race is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I've run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station in Brooklyn. In 2017, I cheered on "First and Fifth," and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a "fancy" (you know, the nice kind!) finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. After announcing at the finish and at the Finish Line After Dark in 2019, 2021, and 2022, last year I made my NYC TV debut. I joined the broadcast talent team as a reporter on the international feed, and was featured on the WABC7 local broadcast. This year: They're putting me on TV again! In addition to hosting two live shows during New York City Marathon weekend, on race day I'll be part of the ESPN2 and WABC7 broadcasts as a finish line reporter, and I'll return to the finish line for the 3–5 PM broadcast on ABC. Let's have some fun! SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), including the new Mocha + Caffeine gel and the Chocolate gel. (My dream!) Then, use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: TCS New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about why he's excited for this year's TCS New York City Marathon (5:15) Pre-race questions: how to get in, how to handle feeling overwhelmed by logistics, and how to watch this year's race (28:30) What you need to know about getting to the start line in Staten Island, and what to do once you're there (36:30) What to know about the New York City Marathon course (59:20) New York City Marathon course strategy (and a pep talk!) with Peloton instructor and 2:32 marathoner Becs Gentry (1:12:40) Welcome to the New York City Marathon finish line — and what happens once you cross it (1:54:00) What to know about spectating at the New York City Marathon (1:59:00) You did it! Now what? (2:05:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I just kept picturing kindness and all these people that I knew would show up for me, and I wanted to show up for them. And for you. And for myself, frankly." I returned to Chicago for the second time, and it was awesome. In this episode, I'm recapping all of the action from Chicago Marathon weekend, including the Abbott Chicago 5K, the New Balance live show, and, of course, race day. Plus, all the social stuff, an architecture tour, and a meaningful moment on the lakefront. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the Abbott Chicago 5K in the SC Elite v4!) In this episode: All about my role at this year's Chicago Marathon (1:30) Thursday: travel day! (8:50) Friday: a morning walk and run, a meaningful lakefront encounter, a press conference, an architecture tour, and a girls night (14:00) Saturday: the Abbott Chicago 5K and a live show with Emily Birthday Girl Sisson, Emma Coburn, and Joe Bosshard (36:50) Sunday: Chicago Marathon day! (57:30) Monday: homeward bound (1:19:15) Listener Q&A (1:21:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I hate to admit it, but I'm already kinda looking forward to the next one." Matthew Centrowitz is best known as the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the men's 1500m. But that's not what we're talking about today! Today, Matt makes his Ali on the Run Show debut in the wake of making his marathon debut! Matt ran the Chicago Marathon as an official pacer, and this is his official race recap. Matt paced a group of American women including Keira D'Amato, Betsy Saina, and Emma Bates, ultimately finishing in 2:24:36. In this episode, Matt shares all, from the pre-race meetings and logistical learnings to what exactly happened at 37K. (Up next for Matt: Dad Mode! His wife is pregnant and they are expecting their first child next month.) FOLLOW MATT @mgcentro SPONSORS: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Matt is feeling post-marathon (2:30) How Matt celebrated his 35th birthday (4:00) In summary: How was Matt's first marathon? (6:35) Matt talks about all the pre-race logistics (11:25) How Matt ended up training for — and running — a marathon (28:00) How Matt got the job of Chicago Marathon Pacer (41:45) What the start line was like (48:00) The pressure of pacing (53:15) How Matt's race played out (56:20) On the camaraderie of American women distance runners (1:03:30) How Matt felt after the race (1:18:10) What's next for Matt (1:23:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Both of us had that on our mind in the last lap of the Olympic 1500 Final: 'We're not going to be going home empty handed today.'" Jessica Hull has had a heck of a year. The Australian middle-distance runner ran a massive personal best in the 1500 meters (3:50.83), won Silver at the Olympics in the 1500, broke the World Record in the 2000m, and, in total, earned 15 podium finishes during her racing season. In this conversation, Jess shares her highs and lows from the year, and talks about what it's like being part of the women's 1500m community right now. She talks about The Faith Effect, and about why lining up next to Faith Kipyegon is the best thing for the sport. Plus, what's coming up for Jess, and why she decided to sign with Grand Slam Track. FOLLOW JESS @jessicaahull SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Jess is spending her off-season (2:30) How Jess was feeling at the end of her season (5:10) Jess talks about her preferred style of racing (8:30) Jess reflects on 2024 (12:00) Whether Jess feels pressure heading into 2025, and the advice she got from Ashton Eaton about how to handle pressure (14:00) What led to Jess's breakout year (20:05) On being the first Australian woman to medal in the 1500m (24:40) What Jess's homecoming was like after winning silver (29:35) On the wholesomeness of the women's 1500m (31:45) What it's like racing Faith Kipyegon (37:55) How Jess deals with pre-race nerves (45:50) Olympic rings tattoo talk (49:55) What's next? (52:20) Why Jess signed with Grand Slam Track (54:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

You never quite know what might happen at a live event, and this one took all kinds of twists and turns. From a snake-sitting story to a mid-show birthday cupcake singalong to two very special surprise guests, Ali on the Run Show LIVE in Chicago with Emily Sisson was one to remember. (Listen to our last live show here.) Biggest thanks to New Balance and Fleet Feet Chicago for making it all happen. FOLLOW EMILY @em_sisson_ SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the Abbott Chicago 5K in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Now that I'm free of that relationship, who am I now? I needed to know this new version of myself. So I started doing things I've always been like, 'Huh, maybe I want to try this, maybe I want to do that.' I was like, 'Why don't I just give running a go?' I'd always see people in Prospect Park doing the loop, and I was always like, 'I want to be one of those people who's doing that!'" Phoebe Robinson knows fun. She's a stand-up comedian, writer, producer, actress, and host and star of Two Dope Queens (the podcast and the show). She's the author of the best-selling You Can't Touch My Hair and Everything's Trash. And she moderated Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour in five different cities. So what's fun for Phoebe right now? Running, of course! In this episode, Phoebe talks about how and why she became a runner just one year ago. Phoebe ran her first marathon, the Boston Marathon, earlier this year, and is currently training for the New York City Marathon. Plus: Phoebe's takes on turning 40, her friendship with Bono, and Sex and the City.  FOLLOW PHOEBE @dopequeenpheebs SPONSORS: The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. In this episode: How it feels to be a marathoner (2:30) How it feels to have just turned 40 (4:00) What Phoebe is watching right now (16:00) What Phoebe used to want to be when she grew up (19:55) What hasn't Phoebe done? (23:45) What it was like moderating Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour (28:15) Phoebe talks running! (32:55) Phoebe looks back on her first half marathon (45:45) How becoming a marathoner has changed Phoebe's life (51:05)] How running has worked its way into Phoebe's work (57:15) Phoebe's goals for the 2024 New York City Marathon (59:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You really let it loose, and then kinda black out, and then all of a sudden you're a bronze medalist." We've got The Goose! Yared Nuguse isn't just one of the fastest men in the world — he's also one of the most loved, and in this conversation you'll quickly see exactly why. Yared is a professional runner who is sponsored by On and specializes in the 1500m and the mile. (He has dreams of running a mile world record.) Here, we're talking about how winning Olympic Bronze this summer in the 1500m in Paris changed Yared's life, and about what he's been up to since. Plus, the World Indoor Silver Medalist (in the 3000m) and two-time Zurich Diamond League champion (in the 1500m) talks about his love for his pet tortoise, Tyro, and Taylor Swift. Living for the hope of it all, indeed! FOLLOW YARED @yaredthegoose SPONSORS: The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: What the off-season looks like for Yared, and how he reflects on the 2024 racing season (2:00) Yared's take on all that 1500m trash talk (4:55) What it was like having two American men on the 1500m podium (12:30) Has life changed since becoming an Olympic medalist? (16:00) The Yared Effect (17:40) Yared's passion for orthodontia (19:40) Yared's running lately (26:05) Yared Nuguse, Ryan Crouser, and the art of Olympic pin collecting and trading (27:15) TAYLOR SWIFT TALK! (33:15) All about Tyro (52:20) On Olympic dreams — or lack thereof — and what Yared still wants to do (57:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Sometimes a short build up can do a miracle. So I'm hoping for the miracle in Chicago!" In a stacked field of elite runners, Betsy Saina is absolutely one to watch at this weekend's Chicago Marathon. Betsy is a 2:19 marathoner — a time that makes her the third-fastest American woman marathoner (behind Emily Sisson and Keira D'Amato). She's a 2016 Olympian who competed in the 10,000m, and she's the 2024 USATF 25K Champion and women-only American record holder in that distance. She's a three-time NCAA champion who ran at Iowa State University, and she currently lives and trains primarily in Kenya. In this conversation, Betsy — who is a mom to three-year-old Kalya — talks about how she's feeling heading into the Chicago Marathon. She talks about the fall earlier this year that derailed her training and set her back several weeks, and about how she's come back from a DNF at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Plus, whether or not she's planning to go for an American Record in Chicago, what it's like training alongside Joyciline Kepkosgei, and more. Running Chicago? Here's everything you need to know. FOLLOW BETSY @sainabetsy SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: How Betsy was feeling a few weeks before the Chicago Marathon, and what motherhood looks like lately (2:40) What Betsy's Chicago Marathon training has looked like, and all about the fall that derailed the first few weeks (6:25) Is Betsy targeting the American record in Chicago? (10:50) How Betsy feels about the taper (19:15) On racing alongside training partner Joyciline Jepkosgei, and what Betsy thinks she can run in Chicago (21:30) Betsy looks back on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, and how she reflects on that day (26:20) Why Betsy is running this year's Chicago Marathon, after being shut out of the professional field in 2023 (30:15) When and why Betsy started running (32:00) Betsy, one week later (38:30) What will make Chicago a success? (43:30) Betsy's advice for first-time marathoners, and for marathoners chasing big dreams (45:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I looked like a fainting goat at mile 20." Logan Aldridge just might be the real-life human version of a golden retriever. But as charming and funny and lovable as he may be, Logan isn't afraid to kick your butt and make you sweat. Logan is a Peloton instructor who is best known for his adaptive classes. When Logan was 13, he was wakeboarding with his family and the rope around his arm became entangled in the boat's propeller. It cut through all of Logan's arm muscles, down to the bone. His left arm — and he was a lefty at the time — had to be amputated. Remarkably, Logan never let this keep him down. He relearned how to do everything with his right arm and hand, and went on to become "The Strongest One-Armed Man on Earth." Most recently, Logan became a marathoner! He ran the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and is currently training for this year's New York City Marathon. FOLLOW LOGAN @loganaldridge SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. IN THIS EPISODE: How Logan's New York City Marathon training is going (2:45) Why Logan wanted to run a marathon (6:20) On finding community in the marathon (9:30) How Logan learned how to run a marathon (11:30) On having time goals for a first marathon, and how Logan's first marathon — the 2023 Chicago Marathon — played out (16:00) What Logan learned about himself in the process of becoming a marathoner (25:40) Logan's advice to this year's Chicago Marathon runners (30:45) How Logan is approaching his New York City Marathon training (38:20) When Logan shifted from being obsessive about fitness goals to wanting to enjoy the process (43:45) How Logan got his job at Peloton (47:30) On being a daredevil — and what Logan hasn't done (59:00) What's top of mind for Logan now, a month out from the New York City Marathon (1:02:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Welcome to Ask Ali, LIVE at the 2024 Akron Marathon! I spent this past weekend in Akron, OH, as one of the start and finish line announcers at the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay, and got to do a live show at the race expo — with a twist. This time, I was the one being interviewed! Join Jasen Sokol and me (and some wonderful question-asking audience members) for this fun getting-to-know-you-better conversation covering running, cancer, motherhood, and so much more. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Remember the entire journey, because it's very special." It's almost time for the 46th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13, and this episode is packed with all the information you need before you head to the start line. (And yes, you really should plan to get there two hours early. We'll explain why!) The elite fields are stacked (Bates! D'Amato! Saina! Chepngetich! Hall! Rojas! Rooker! Frisbie!), and they'll be followed by tens of thousands of runners en route to 26.2-mile glory. Get ready. Get psyched. And get that Goose Island at the finish! Planning to tune in from home? Here's how to watch. SPONSORS: Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year's race (5:00)) How to get in, how to watch, and how Chicago is committed to sustainability (31:00) What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (37:00) Chris "Coach Worm" Wehrman and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (48:00) All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:17:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It felt like the riskiest choice I could make, but it changed the whole trajectory of my life and I feel so grateful." Lauren Peterson's list of professional contacts is wildly impressive. As a political speechwriter and strategist, she has worked for and with President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and President Biden. She's the New York Times best-selling co-author of Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead, with former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, and is currently working on her next book, This Will All Be Worth It, about LGBTQ+ family building. In this conversation, Lauren shares her most memorable stories from the campaign trails and Air Force One, to her encounters and interviews with Barack, Michelle, and more. And, of course, Lauren is a runner and marathoner. She talks about running through the best of times, the worst of times, and the most stressful times. Lauren lives in New York City with her wife and their son, Remy.  FOLLOW LAUREN @lcollinsp SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: How Lauren describes her job (5:30) On "ego" in speechwriting (7:50) How Lauren got into politics (10:30) What it was like meeting — and working with — the Obamas (22:40) What it was like flying on Air Force One (28:40) How Lauren became a speechwriter (31:15) The first time Lauren heard one of her speeches being delivered (38:00) The speeches Lauren most loves to write (48:00) Why Lauren started running (55:10) How running changed Lauren's relationship with food and her body (1:02:00) Running around the time of the 2016 election (1:04:50) Lauren's decision to have a baby, and what that meant for running and her career (1:09:00) What Lauren's days look like right now (1:21:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Sometimes you need to just shut your brain off and run." At this time last year, Karissa Schweizer was undergoing foot surgery. Then, as she mounted her comeback heading into an Olympic year, she faced another setback: a femoral stress fracture. But as we know, the comeback is always greater than the setback, and Karissa proved that by racing both the 5000m and the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on her home turf at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, making the team in both distances. She went on to finish in the top 10 in both events at the Paris Olympic Games. Karissa's season didn't end there: She went on to race the 5000m at the Zurich Diamond League, she raced (and won!) the Fifth Avenue Mile, and she ran a season's best in the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Now, the two-time Olympian, Nike-sponsored athlete, and longtime Bowerman Track Club member is back in Oregon for some much-deserved downtime, and back on the Ali on the Run Show to catch us up on all of it. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Where in the world is Karissa Schweizer? (2:40) How Karissa approaches her training breaks (4:30) High school nerves vs. Olympics nerves (7:30) How Karissa's body is feeling after a big season of racing, and how she approached her comeback after multiple injuries (9:50) On having the confidence to line up at the Trials (20:25) What Karissa's training was like this year (22:00) How Karissa has handled the changing landscape of the Bowerman Track Club over the past few years (26:40) Karissa's experience at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (30:45) "Is Karissa Schweizer a miler?" (37:25) How Karissa is processing her season (44:00) Karissa's advice for improving your running confidence (49:40) What's intriguing right now? (54:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I was so afraid of being vulnerable, and afraid of having to look at other people and say what was going on. But when I did…it was the most incredible experience of my entire life." In December 2019, life was good for Kate Greene. She had a good job in Boston, she had just completed her first half marathon, and her New York-based family was planning a trip to visit for the holidays. Her younger brother, Ryan, who had struggled with drug addiction since they were young, was finally doing well. Kate and Ryan celebrated his birthday together over FaceTime. Everything was falling into place. Then, Ryan died of a heroin overdose. In this conversation, Kate talks about processing such a tremendous loss, and about leaning into running during that time. She explains how Ryan's death became the catalyst in getting her to run her first marathon, and about how getting involved with The Herren Project is what saved her when she needed it most. (Kate first heard about The Herren Project on the Ali on the Run Show. She went on to run the 2022 Boston Marathon for The Herren Project, and raised $14,000 for the organization in the process.) Plus: Kate talks about psychic mediums, rebirthdays, "Sad Week," and more. FOLLOW KATE @k8greene SPONSOR:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order. In this episode: Kate's history as a runner, and what her childhood was like (3:20) What Kate's work is like as a marketing director for a law firm in Boston (17:00) When, how, and why Kate got back into running in adulthood (18:25) All about Kate's little brother, Ryan (23:00) How Kate learned about addiction, and how to support someone dealing with addiction issues or mental health struggles (27:25) What it was for Kate to process her brother's death during the holiday season, heading into the pandemic (29:20) Why Kate decided to join a grief group — and run a marathon (36:30) Kate's decision to see a psychic medium in the wake of Ryan's death (43:25) What Kate's Boston Marathon training was like, and how her thoughts about grief evolved throughout the process (48:15) What it means to celebrate a "rebirthday" (58:15) Kate's experience running the 2022 Boston Marathon (1:01:30) Why Kate runs now (1:10:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am a champion for love. I root for love. I am a delusionally optimistic lover of love stories and romantic comedies and love songs." Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from business and life lately to Summer House, Sex and the City, and Emily in Paris Season 4. (OK, and some running talk mixed in.) SPONSORS:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm an Olympian, and will forever be an Olympian, no matter what I do in years to come. It's a very fulfilling thing. To be able to achieve it this early — it takes a lot of pressure off for years to come." Two years ago, Juliette Whittaker became one of the fastest high school girls in American history, and only the second girl to break two minutes in the 800 meters. Now, in the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Stanford University, Juliette is an Olympian. (An Olympic finalist, to be exact. Juliette finished 7th in the 800m Final.) Juliette was on the Ali on the Run Show a few weeks ago, after she earned her spot on Team USA by finishing third in the women's 800m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Now, she's back, talking all things Paris Olympics, including what it was like staying in the athlete village, what the highest and lowest points were from the races and beyond, and where she decided to get her Olympic rings tattoo.  What you'll get on this episode: How Juliette is feeling after the Olympics, and how she processes her races (1:55) Juliette's favorite memory from the Paris Olympics (5:30) The ever-present dissatisfaction of being a professional athlete (11:45) Juliette's Olympic rings tattoo (13:35) On being back at Stanford for the school year — as an Olympian (17:00) Juliette's low point from Paris (24:30) What it was like getting to experience the Olympics with Juliette's sister, Bella (26:50) Juliette's Olympics expectations (31:20) Juliette recaps each round of the 800m at the Olympics (33:15) On being the only member of Team USA to advance to the 800m Final (50:30) All about the 800m Final and the Closing Ceremonies (56:30) FOLLOW JULIETTE @jwhittaker22 SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I have zero expectations. I'm ranked 60-plus. But I think I have a good shot at being top 10 in the world, and maybe even having a shot at a medal. Those were my own expectations and my own pressure. Good expectations, and good pressure. It started as, 'We made it, we checked the box, we got to the Olympics!' But it quickly transitioned to, 'Oh, let's see what we can do. Let's swing for the fences.' When Clayton Young lined up at the start of the Paris Olympic Marathon, he had thousands of fans cheering him on. Sure, he had his friends and family — including his wife, Ashley — in Paris. But because Clayton and Ashley so meticulously documented the build from the Trials to Paris in a docu-series, they gained legions of new fans and followers along the way.  Clayton earned his spot on Team USA by finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February, just seconds behind teammate Conner Mantz. In Paris, they did it again, finishing seconds apart at the Olympic Marathon on that grueling, hilly, scenic tour of the city. Conner finished eighth, and Clayton ran 2:08:44, landing him in ninth place. And somewhere around those hills, we saw the mid-race low five between teammates, garnering a collective "awwww" from the viewers at home.  An even cuter duo than the training partners: Clayton and his wife Ashley, who is known on Instagram as "Feed Your Runner," and is tasked with fueling Clayton's 120-mile training weeks. In this episode, we get to hear about how Ashley and Clayton support each other, and about what it looks like to be in a partnership where you're chasing big dreams and making choices and sacrifices in pursuit of greatness.  Clayton and Ashley have two daughters, they live in Utah, and their next big [family] trip will be to New York this fall, when Clayton will race his third marathon of the year at the TCS New York City Marathon. FOLLOW CLAYTON @_clayton_young_ FOLLOW ASHLEY @feedyourrunner SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I wanted to change the world just like she had." Kate Gunderson — best known online as "The Plane Kate" — is living a real-life Top Gun...kind of. (She'll explain!) Kate is a flight test engineer (a literal woman in STEM!), a former NASA engineer, and a nine-time marathoner with a 3:18 personal best. In this conversation, Kate explains what her role entails, what it's like being in flight test school, and how she handles being a woman in a very male-dominated industry (she's the only woman in her program!). She offers advice on improving your confidence, on speaking up when you're "the only," and on chasing your biggest dreams. Plus, all about her first flight, what it took to run a massive personal best, and whether or not she still dreams of heading into space someday. FOLLOW KATE @theplanekate SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: Top Gun vs. real life, and what Kate's first flight was like (2:30) On being a woman in a male-dominated industry (7:25) When Kate knew she wanted to pursue a career in space (10:10) How Kate made her dreams come true (14:50) On life in test pilot school (30:15) How Kate met her soon-to-be husband (46:15) What's the dream now? (52:30) How — and why — Kate became a runner (58:05) What it took to run a 3:18 marathon (1:01:20) On doing the right thing, even when it's hard (1:05:55) Kate's advice for beating imposter syndrome (1:10:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's like everything you've been working for coming true in one moment." Today in 2024 Paris Olympic Games recap episodes: marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm! Dakotah earned her spot on Team USA by finishing third at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in February, and now, she finally got to run those 26.2 miles (or 42.1 kilometers, as she learned) through Paris, and can officially call herself an Olympian. Dakotah finished 12th at the Olympic Marathon, and was the top American woman in the race, running 2:26:44. In this episode, we get to hear all about the race, including what it was like leading the Olympic Marathon, and what it was like getting engaged at the finish. Plus, what's next: Dakotah announced this week that she will be running the TCS New York City Marathon in just 11 weeks. SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Dakotah is feeling post-Paris, and all about her decision to run the New York City Marathon in just 11 weeks (2:00) If Dakotah hasn't had her breakthrough yet, what would that look like? (8:20) Dakotah's Paris expectations vs. reality (10:00) All about the boy on the sidelines (16:50) Why this race was "bittersweet" for Dakotah (19:40) How watching the men's marathon impacted Dakotah's race plan (23:45) The pre-race camaraderie between Dakotah, Emily, and Fiona (28:30) What it was like racing the Olympic Marathon — and why the first 10K was so "chaotic" (33:20) On leading the Olympic Marathon (36:10) How Dakotah felt on the hills (39:00) Dakotah's advice for getting through the low points of a race (42:40) What the final miles of the race were like for Dakotah (47:30) The finish line proposal! (50:30) The immediate perks of being an Olympian (55:40) How Dakotah chose what to wear for the marathon (1:02:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I knew it was going to be incredible. I knew it was going to be such a fun and crazy experience. But it was an experience of a lifetime. There's no other way to describe it. I just had so much fun. One of my goals was to soak it all in and have fun, and I really did that." Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the tenth time — and this time, officially, as an Olympian. Nikki finished seventh in the 1500m Final at the Paris Olympic Games, and in this episode, they give us the full scoop about what it was like being at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, living in the athlete village, and competing at the Stade de France. Let the 2024 Paris Olympic Games recap episodes begin! FOLLOW NIKKI @nikkizhiltz SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: How Nikki is feeling post-Olympics (2:40) Nikki's Olympic expectations vs. reality (4:25) All about that moment between Nikki and Tara Davis-Woodhall, and Nikki's take on the Team USA camaraderie at the Games (9:10) What it was like in the athlete village (17:50) Nikki's thoughts on how the final played out (28:45) On feeling loved and supported at the Olympics and beyond (39:00) Nikki answers listener questions (40:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Everyone's doing their dream, you know? There are people who are winning, and that's their dream. There are people who, just being there, that's their dream. Hearts are being broken. It feels like you're on that most emotional day of your period for two weeks." Michelle Wolf is best known for her work as a stand-up comic. (Earlier this year, she wrote Kim Kardashian's bit for Netflix's Tom Brady roast.) But runners know: She's one of us. Michelle is an ultramarathoner and track and field super fan. (She even worked with Hayward Magic at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, OR.) In this episode, Michelle returns to the Ali on the Run Show to kick off all things 2024 Paris Olympic Games. We're recapping our viewing experiences and most memorable moments as two of running's most eager cheerleaders. SPONSORS: Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I remember watching the New York City Marathon on TV and just saying, 'One day, I want to do that.' I'm watching it, and I'm like, 'They're superheroes! How do they do that?!'" Sam Ryan is WABC 7's Emmy Award-winning sports anchor and reporter. The New York City-based mom of two spends her days talking baseball, football, and hockey on live TV — but her favorite day on air is when she gets to co-anchor WABC's New York City Marathon coverage. Sam is an 11-time marathoner who has worked at ESPN, ABC Sports, CBS, and the MLB Network. She has covered the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Little League World Series, Monday Night Football, and the Home Run Derby. (I was fortunate to get to work with Sam at the 2023 New York City Marathon and at this year's New York Mini 10K!) FOLLOW SAM @samryanabc7 SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: Sam's best on-the-job celebrity encounters (4:30) What Young Sam was like, and how she found her way to sports journalism (8:35) "I'm nervous all the time" (15:20) A day in the life of a sports reporter (20:00) How Sam pursued a travel-filled career and motherhood (26:50) On being a woman in a male-dominated industry (31:40) Sam's advice for being more comfortable on live television (34:50) Sam's most memorable "live on TV" moments (41:15) On co-anchoring the New York City Marathon broadcast for WABC7 (45:00) How — and why — Sam became a runner (51:25) Why Sam decided to run her first marathon at 44 years old (57:55) Sam's decision to get her master's degree in English Literature (1:04:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The energy is just so palpable. Even though it's the crack of dawn, we are all abuzz and going. You have to be able to get it going." The next time you're watching the Today Show and you see the anchors eating or drinking something delicious, that's the work of Katie Stilo. As Today's food stylist and culinary producer, it's Katie's job to prepare segments, write scripts based on guest-submitted recipes, cook those recipes (often from world-renowned chefs), and artfully arrange all the food and tablescapes on screen. Plus, she's often on camera, whipping up masterpieces for Savannah, Hoda, Al, Craig, Carson, and the crew. In this conversation, Katie talks about her Emmy Award-winning career, and about the road to landing her dream job. She also talks about becoming a runner two years ago. Katie's goal to see if she could finish a 10K turned into seeing if she could finish a half marathon, which turned into seeing if she could go sub-2:00 in the half marathon. (Spoiler: She did, running a 39-minute half-marathon personal best at this year's Brooklyn Half.) Katie is currently training for this year's TCS New York City Marathon. FOLLOW KATIE @katie.stilo SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: On *not* being in Paris for the Olympics with the Today team (2:30) What, exactly, Katie's job entails (8:00) On cooking for the Today anchors and feeding their preferences (15:45) Katie's most memorable live television bloopers and mishaps (17:50) How Katie got her dream job (27:00) How Katie became on-air talent for Today (43:45) Katie's favorite Today guests (49:00) What it was like being a food stylist for M&Ms (51:45) How, when, and why Katie became a runner (53:25) How Katie is feeling at the start of New York City Marathon training (1:01:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I live in constant duality now." We're taking a break from the Trials recaps and Olympics episodes to catch up. Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (where I'm @aliontherun1). SPONSOR:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Of course making the Olympic team would be amazing, but it's not going to define who I am. It's not an end-all-be-all for me." When Jess McClain lined up at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, she did so as an under-the-radar, unsponsored, self-coached athlete — and she finished fourth, becoming the official Team USA Alternate in the marathon. Just a few weeks ago, Jess competed in the 10,000m at the U.S. Track & Field Trials, this time as a Brooks Running-sponsored (still self-coached) one to watch — and, again, she finished fourth! In this conversation, Jess talks about being a two-time fourth-place finisher at the Trials, and about how she reflects on each race. She breaks down the 10,000m race, talks about how life has changed since the Marathon Trials in February, and shares what's next. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I went there to do a job, and that was to make the team." New Balance Boston's Elle Purrier St. Pierre lined up at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials a total of five times — each time as the fastest-seeded athlete in the field. In this episode, Elle talks about racing the impressive 5000m and 1500m double, and making Team USA in both. She talks about the last-minute decision to race the 5000m, and the decision not to compete in the 5000m at the Olympics. Plus, her musings on motherhood, getting her first postpartum period at the Trials, and what it will take to medal in Paris. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: Who is getting more post-Trials attention: Elle or Ivan? (1:55) What it's like competing at the Olympic Trials with a one-year-old (6:10) How Elle is feeling two weeks after the Trials (9:25) Elle's decision to double at the Trials, and why she won't double in Paris (10:30) How Elle was feeling heading into the Trials, and her take on pressure (15:00) Elle talks about racing the 5000m first round and Final — and getting her first postpartum period in the midst of it all (20:10) What it was like winning the 5000m Final and making her second Olympic team (34:15) How Elle recovered between the 5K and the 1500m (36:40) Elle's mindset for the 1500m, and how the rounds played out (40:50) Elle recaps the 1500m Final (47:20) Elle's take on the recent 1500m times around the world (58:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"That's always my goal: to win. And I always think I can. I have the belief." Emily Mackay is a World Indoor Championships bronze medalist. She's a 3:55.90 1500m runner. And she's going to the Olympics! Emily just raced the 1500m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, where she finished second, ran a huge personal best, and earned her spot on Team USA for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris. In this episode, the New Balance Boston athlete returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about how the rounds played out, how she finished so strong in that final, and what life has been like since. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: How Emily is feeling on the Trials, what it's like being a 3:55 1500m runner, and how making the Olympic team compares to making the World Indoor team (1:40) What it was like rewatching the 1500m Final (9:55) On running 3:55 to make Team USA (15:10) The race plan, and how Emily stays calm when the plan doesn't go accordingly (21:40) What happened after the Final (30:40) How Emily was feeling heading into the rounds (33:45) All about that Semi-Final (37:10) Emily breaks down the day of the 1500m Final (42:00) What's next for Emily (1:04:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When I crossed the line, I was in so much shock. I kept having to check the board to make sure I was reading it right!" Juliette Whittaker is a college student who just finished third in the Women's 800m race at the Olympic Track and Field Trials, and will be going to Paris later this summer to represent Team USA at the Olympics. A college student. Going to the Olympics. In this conversation, the Stanford University junior (who has an NIL deal with On) returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about what it took to make Team USA in a very dramatic final. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: When Juliette started dreaming about becoming an Olympian (2:55) What it's like becoming an Olympian alongside Juliette's sister, Isabella, and what life has been like since the Trials (6:00) How Juliette is feeling now (16:00) What it was like arriving in Eugene before the Trials, and all about the first round of the Women's 800m (19:45) All about the Semi-Final, where Juliette finished fourth (24:20) How Juliette prepared for the 800m Final (32:00) Juliette breaks down the 800m Final (38:50) The aftermath (52:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Oh my god, I'm going to the Olympics!" Weini Kelati came into the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials as the American Record Holder in the half marathon, and as the only athlete in the women's 10,000m field with the Olympic Standard. She was the one to watch — and for good reason. In a thrilling finish, the Flagstaff-based Under Armour athlete won the race and earned her spot on Team USA for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris. In this episode, Weini talks about her confidence going into the race, about her preference for fast races over slow ones, and about what life has been like since making her first Olympic team. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: What's next for Weini Kelati? (2:15) How Weini is feeling post-Trials (5:00) What it was like competing at Hayward Field, where so much has happened for Weini (8:30) On being the one to watch, and being the only athlete in the field with the Olympic Standard (13:50) What it was like having Weini's high school coach at the race (19:45) How confident Weini was feeling heading into the 10,000m final (22:00) What it was like walking onto the track at Hayward Field (31:10)' On having the confidence to compete on the world stage (38:10) The team processing experience (40:10) What training will look like between now and the Olympics (48:00) How it feels to achieve the ultimate American Dream (51:00) Weini's advice for how to improve your confidence (54:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I don't need to know I'm going to do it, but I need to be open to the idea that I can do it."  Let the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials recaps continue! Today: Kate Grace, who just competed at her fourth Olympic Trials in the 800m. In this episode, Kate breaks down all the details from all three rounds of the 800, including her stressful-for-the-fans strategy for the first round, flying into the scoreboard at the line during the semi-finals, and what it was like being a part of that emotional final. Plus, Kate shares some big news about what's next. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Kate's feeling post-Trials (3:00) Kate's self-belief evolution (8:40) Kate's message to the athletes who didn't make Team USA (13:40) The races from the Trials that Kate is still thinking about, and what it was like watching her own races (16:45) All about the days leading up to the Trials (22:30) Kate recaps round one (27:30) Kate recaps the semi-final, her "round of death," and that tumble at the line (38:50) All about the 800m final (56:00) What's next for Kate Grace? (1:14:30) On celebrating "the moments" (1:22:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I like to go hard at these events, work myself to the bone, and bring people as much track and field content as they can take." Few people love track and field more than Chris Chavez. In this episode, Chris talks about his experience at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials with Citius Mag. Chris and his team produced three live shows every day of the Trials, conducted countless mixed zone interviews, and acted as a nonstop hype machine for the duration of the event.  SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: What's next for the Citius Mag crew? (2:20) Citius's greatest hits from the Trials (14:15) How Citius books guests for the shows at the Trials (19:15) The races Chris is still thinking about after the Trials (25:40) On watching the races in person and from the mixed zone (29:20) The highest high from the Trials (37:45) …and the lowest low (48:30) Life at Citius Mag in the post-Kyle Merber era (51:20) Wedding planning, gifts from Kipchoge, and big dreams (54:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When I crossed the finish line, it was definitely joy, but I think more than anything, it was relief." Right before the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, we heard from fan favorite guests Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee. Nikki and Emma were headed into their events at the Trials with big dreams and goals. Emma wanted to make it to the 3000m Steeplechase final. And Nikki wanted to make Team USA in the 1500m. Today, Nikki and Emma return to the show to talk about how it all played out in Eugene. Nikki did, in fact, make Team USA in the 1500. And they didn't just make the team: Nikki won the whole thing. They cruised through the first round, won their heat in the semi-final, and then unleashed that signature Nikki kick to win the final in a personal best time of 3:55.33. Emma didn't end up making the Steeplechase final, but she certainly achieved her goal of being brave in the first round, even leading the race at one point. Next stop: Paris! SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: On Olympic rings tattoos and Instagram bios (2:40) What the past few days have been like for Nikki since winning the 1500m final at the Olympic Track and Field Trials (5:00) Nikki breaks down the final 100m of the 1500m final, and whether or not they think this was a flawlessly executed race (15:00) Emma talks about racing the 3000m Steeplechase (19:10) Emma's takeaways from competing at the Olympic Trials for the first time (32:15) Nikki recaps the first round of the 1500m (43:00) Nikki recaps the 1500m semi-final, which they won (47:05) Nikki recaps the 1500m final, which they also won! (51:50) The moment Nikki broke the tape (1:11:45) On getting to sign the Eiffel Tower (1:13:55) On allyship (1:19:10) All about the fun stuff Nikki gets to do now (1:22:30) What happens between now and Paris (1:26:05) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was a lot of firsts. I'll be 40 in a couple months, and it's not too often that you get firsts to that degree. It was a really cool experience to feel that." Let the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials recaps begin! First up: Keira D'Amato, who just competed at her first Track Trials and finished 10th in the 10,000m. In this episode, Keira tells all, including where her mind and body were at heading into the race, how it all played out, and the fun people she saw along the way. She talks about her pre-race conversation with Parker Valby, shares some exciting updates about what's next, and talks about what it was like racing at Hayward Field for the first time. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You get your medal outfit fitted for you, so when you are ideally on the stage, it looks perfect. And when I had it on and they were taking it in a little bit, I was like, 'I could do this. I could need this outfit.' And I really hope that I do." Dakotah Lindwurm and Annie Frisbie are training partners, teammates, and best friends. And so far, 2024 has been good to Dakotah and Annie on the run. The Puma-sponsored Minnesota Distance Elite athletes are fresh off personal bests in both the 10K (at the New York Mini 10K) and the half marathon. In this conversation, we hear about their respective races (including Annie's win) at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. Annie shares what her racing calendar looks like for the rest of 2024, and Dakotah talks about how her training is going in preparation for the Paris Olympics later this summer, where she will represent Team USA in the marathon. Plus, how life has changed for Dakotah since finishing third at the Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, and what she's doing to set herself up for maximum success in Paris. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Dakotah is getting her workouts in — at the airport (3:00) What's next for Annie on the run, and which races Annie and Dakotah are still thinking about after the first few days of the Track and Field Trials (8:00) All about Dakotah's experience in Eugene for team processing (11:00) Dakotah and Annie recap their races at the New York Mini 10K (16:30) How Dakotah's life has changed since making Team USA in February (24:55) Annie and Dakotah talk about their respective races and personal bests  and Annie's win! — at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (27:30) All about Annie's real marathon debut (34:55) Dakotah's approach to racing during her Paris build, and how she's setting herself up for maximum success at the Olympics (41:10) On Annie and Dakotah's "other" jobs (55:00) What Dakotah and Annie are excited about right now (58:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was like, 'What if the worst thing happens and I don't make the team?' And then it happened, and my life was fine. And then on the other end of it, last year I won the whole thing, which was really unexpected and cool…and my life also didn't change. So I know that no matter what happens, I have a great life outside of this thing." Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee return to the Ali on the Run Show as they both prepare to compete at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, OR. Nikki is hoping to make their first Olympic team in the 1500m, while Emma achieved her longtime goal to make it to the starting line of the 3000m steeplechase, and now has a new goal for the event. They talk about their coach/athlete/partner relationship, about how they're each feeling heading into the Trials, and about what they do to set themselves up for success on race day. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order. What you'll get on this episode: How Nikki and Emma are each feeling heading into the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials (2:45) What Nikki and Emma are packing for Eugene (7:30) Nikki's approach to the Trials and the pressure that comes with competing when you're at the top of your game (10:25) All about Emma's goal to qualify for the 2024 Trials (15:10) Nikki and Emma talk about their coach/athlete/partner dynamic (24:35) How Nikki and Emma set themselves up for success on race day (27:40) What it's been like being followed by a documentary crew (36:20) How Emma has approached her training (51:35) How Nikki approaches each round of competition (54:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm used to having to claw my way to prove myself to the people I need to prove myself to. But now, it's more of a mentality I have: Keep your head down. There's nothing glamorous about this sport. For me, it's all hard work, show up, showcase your fitness, and then go celebrate with the people who really care about you." Amanda Vestri was the talk of the running scene last weekend, after her breakout road race at the New York Mini 10K. She finished fourth overall (Senbere Teferi won the race for the third year in a row), was the top American finisher, and ran 31:17 in a deep, star-studded field. In this conversation, the Syracuse University graduate and ZAP Endurance athlete talks about getting a huge confidence boost heading into the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials later this month where she'll race the 10,000m. Plus, why the 24-year-old likes racing with a chip on her shoulder, and her long-term plans and goals in this sport. FOLLOW AMANDA @a_vestri SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: How Amanda is feeling after racing the Mini 10K in New York City (2:20) All about race morning (7:30) Amanda breaks down her race at the Mini 10K (10:20) On racing with a chip on her shoulder, and who Amanda looks up to in this sport (21:40) What it will take to make Team USA this year (28:45) On growing up with Olympic dreams (30:30) What Amanda was like as a kid, and how she became a runner (50:50) What training will look like between now and the Trials (53:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I'm trying to appreciate the peaks and the valleys — but there's a lot of beauty in the hillside, too." Last year, Krissy Gear stormed on the steeplechase scene by taking the win at the 2023 USATF National Championships, earning her first national title and a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Budapest. Now, Krissy is gearing up for this summer's U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, and is officially one to watch in the 3000m steeplechase. In this conversation, Krissy talks about how she's feeling a few weeks out, about the pressure to perform when you're "one to watch," and about her passions off the track. Krissy lives in Flagstaff, AZ, and is a member of HOKA NAZ Elite.  SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Krissy's "work hard, play hard" mentality (5:00) Why Krissy became a runner (10:35) How Krissy ended up with HOKA NAZ Elite (17:40) Krissy reflects on her 2023 national title in the 3000m steeplechase (26:00) How Krissy is feeling with the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials looming (32:00) Eugene behind-the-scenes (42:50) On being one to watch at the Trials (48:40) What Krissy's relationship is like with the NAZ Elite women's marathoners (53:45) All about Krissy's many tattoos (58:05) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I feel the most confident I've ever been." Emily Mackay is having a heck of a year on the run! The Team New Balance Boston athlete earned a bronze medal at World Indoor Championships in the 1500m earlier this year, and has kicked off her outdoor season with strong performances including a personal best at the Prefontaine Classic, where she ran 3:59.76. In this conversation, Emily reflects back on her early running days, and shares why she dreamed of going pro with the NB Boston team (including teammates Elle Purrier St. Pierre and Heather MacLean) and coach Mark Coogan. She talks about the confidence it took to make that major move with 400m to go at World Indoor Championships, and about why that race was both a confidence-booster and a big learning experience. And, with the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials looming, Emily — who is absolutely one to watch in the 1500 — talks about the pressure to perform in an Olympic year. FOLLOW EMILY @emily_mac7 SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: What Emily's watching right now (3:00) What a day in the life of a professional middle-distance runner is like (6:10) All about Emily's 1500m personal best at the Prefontaine Classic (10:30) The confidence it took to make a major move at World Indoor Championships with 400m to go (15:00) Was that a breakthrough race for Emily? (18:40) The pressure to perform in an Olympic year (27:30) What it's like when your teammates are your competitors on race day, and how Emily ended up on Team NB Boston (31:10) How — and why — Emily became a runner (39:35) What training looks like right now, with the Trials on the horizon (42:05) What will it take to make the U.S. women's 1500m Olympic team? (46:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am scared of outer space, submarines, and remote research laboratories." We're live with Emma Coburn for the fourth time, making this her eighth appearance on the Ali on the Run Show! In this conversation, recorded in front of a live audience at Smack Mellon in Brooklyn, NY, the day before the RBC Brooklyn Half, we cover Emma's ick factors, her season-ending injury and her outlook about being sidelined during an Olympic year, and her "Team Boss Superlatives." SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I feel like life should be back to normal. And it's not!" Welcome to the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half finish line! I was delighted to be one of the guests for a live recording of the Set the Pace podcast with host Becs Gentry. In this episode, I reflect a bit on my history with the Brooklyn Half, including why I wasn't able to run this year's race (more on that here), and then share the recording from the show with Becs and Release Recovery Foundation's Zac Clark.  SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping. What you'll get on this episode: Reflecting on the weekend in NYC, and my history with the Brooklyn Half (2:25) Set the Pace LIVE with Becs Gentry and Zac Clark (24:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I remember being acutely aware that it was the worst day of my life up to that point, and the world was still going. People were out for runs in Central Park. People were going to the office. People were picking their kids up from school. It felt like everyone else's world kept turning and I was in purgatory." It's been one year since I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS. Breast cancer. A diagnosis that rocked my world and changed my life. In this solo episode, I'm reflecting on the past year, including revisiting some of my notes and thoughts from one year ago, and sharing what happens next. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. What you'll get on this episode: A look back at some of my thoughts from one year ago (1:45) Listener Q&A (28:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's processing all of these emotions that you have with things that you're anticipating you are not going to be able to see. Like my daughter is a year and a half at this point. Am I going to see her go to elementary school? And then of course you're Googling the results. It is awful." One year after giving birth to her daughter, Anne Keane decided it was time to get back into a workout routine. On her quest to get active again, she felt a tightness in her sternum. What she hoped was nothing serious was stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. In this conversation, Anne talks about receiving and living with a scary diagnosis for which there is treatment, but no cure. She talks about finding running, and about becoming a three-time Boston Marathoner as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Anne is the SVP of client services at an agency where she "does really cool events with really cool people," she's a jewelry designer, and she's an absolute force. FOLLOW ANNE @adjewelry SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Anne's Boston Marathon recovery has been going (2:40) How Anne introduces herself to people, and how she feels about being labeled a survivor, fighter, or warrior (10:15) How and why Anne became a jewelry designer (14:25) When Anne fits running and working out into her life (17:25) On receiving a life-altering diagnosis (19:00) On living in fear (34:05) How Anne became a runner — and marathoner (48:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!  

"One of my favorite things to do when it gets hard is I ask myself the question, 'Is this the story you want to tell today?' I like that question because you can't hide from that question. You can finish a run and tell your friends, 'Oh my stomach was upset,' or, 'The weather or whatever.' But you can't lie to yourself. You know who you're choosing to be in those moments. And I like asking myself, 'Who do you want to be in those moments?' And I find that usually I want to be someone who pushes through hard stuff." Emily Halnon is no stranger to the Ali on the Run Show. She was the show's very first guest, and she returned for her seventh appearance on the show with a very special conversation recorded in front of a live audience at the 2024 Eugene Marathon race expo, one week before her debut memoir, To the Gorge, is released to the world. (Get your copy here!) We talked about the book, about exploring grief through running, about pushing back on the praised notion of fearlessness, about how to make the most of our lives and the people in it, and so much more. FOLLOW EMILY @emilysweats SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"To have Long Live playing while I was standing on this stage feeling really proud of a show I had just done, and hugging so many of you, and feeling like we're in this together… Those moments are really magical to me, and they are the memories that I hope I have forever." There's nowhere I'd rather be on the third Monday in April than at the Boston Marathon finish line! This year, I was honored to be asked back to perform a variety of roles in Boston. I was one of the start and finish line announcers at the Boston 5K and invitational miles, I hosted three live shows, I was one of the race announcers at the finish on Marathon Monday, and I was the finish line reporter for the world feed broadcast. It was a fun, rewarding weekend that included quality time with my favorite people, one of my all-time favorite live events, a million finish line hugs, an interview with Rob Gronkowski, and so much more. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping. What you'll get on this episode: Friday: the press conference, the Emma & Jenny live show, and the "manifestation walk" with Keira D'Amato (1:30) Saturday: the 5K, the miles, and the Oofos live show (20:25) Sunday: the New Balance live show, some quality time with Kara Goucher, and an afternoon of broadcast meetings (30:05) Marathon Monday: all the stories from the finish line, including friends' finishes, pro finishes, and GRONK (45:30) Tuesday: TURKEY STRIKE (1:07:00) Listener Q&A (1:14:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Whatever you need, I hope you got at least a little of it here today." What an honor and a treat it was to get to host a live show the day before the 2024 Boston Marathon with 2014 champion Meb Keflezighi. In this conversation — recorded live at the New Balance headquarters — Meb talked about how he was feeling the day before running the race again, 10 years after his historic win the year after the bombings. He talked about officially becoming a New Balance athlete (!!!), about his hopes to run sub-3:00 (he finished in 3:08), and the impact his 2014 win had on him, his family, the city of Boston, and the running community. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe. Meb ran the Boston Marathon in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was dark there for a while!" What a treat to get to sit down with Emma Bates and Jenny Simpson three days before the 2024 Boston Marathon. Emma talked about coming back from injury and lining up in Boston with the same confidence she had in 2023 (where she finished fifth), and Jenny talked about making another attempt at a marathon debut after having to drop out of the Olympic Marathon Trials. (Spoiler: Jenny Simpson is officially a marathoner now!) Plus: getting to know each other, discussing our deepest fears, some very easy trivia, and an ode to Des Linden. SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order, and get a free travel bag with your purchase. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If I have to wash and return your Tupperware, I am now super stressed. I am so worried about the Tupperware." Let the Boston Marathon episodes begin! First up: a panel I moderated at the Oofos pop-up on Boylston Street called "Project Pink: Recover with Purpose." This panel was about running, about cancer, about hard stuff, and about resilience. We heard from Anne Keane, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, and was about to run her third Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Dr. Nancy Lin, the associate chief of breast oncology at Dana-Farber, talked about whether runners are the best or worst patients, and talked about where fundraising dollars actually go. Maureen Key, the senior manager of performance design at Exos, talked about the importance of recovery and mindfulness. And Christine St. Pierre, who has been doing the Pan-Mass Challenge for 18 years now as the captain of Team Duncan, was on hand to convince all of us that we can — and should — do whatever we set our minds to. Thank you to Oofos for having us, and for the longtime partnership and commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research.  SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The best way to relax at the starting line is to take a deep breath, and say, 'This is fun as hell.' Doesn't mean it's not scary! Doesn't mean it's gonna be easy! It's just fun as hell. And then go have some fun!" Everyone's favorite "Ted Lasso of Running" returns to the Ali on the Run Show today for a pre-race pep talk! Coach Chris Bennett is Nike Running's Global Head Coach, and he's here to give it to you straight. He has advice on dealing with a bad race, tips for staying sane during the final days of taper, and a message for all of the soon-to-be marathoners. Whether you're making your 26.2-mile debut this spring, or you're chasing a big personal best, Coach wants you to celebrate, he wants you to race well, and, most importantly, he wants you to have an awesome time out there. A haiku: Coach Bennett is wise. Listen and you'll run your best. You are doing GREAT! SPONSORS:  New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Have you run yet today? (2:45) Coach Bennett's advice for dealing with a bad run (12:00) Are the marathoners OK? (21:10) Coach Bennett's pre-race pep talk for all the spring marathoners (26:50) Coach's advice for the first-time marathoner (30:20) Coach's advice for the PR chaser (34:30) How to set yourself up for success on race morning (40:00) How to turn a bad race around (47:30) What to do when you're in a running rut (1:02:10) What Coach Bennett has learned from the greats (1:09:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We're leading alongside our community. The three of us made this happen, but there is so much wisdom, so much leadership, so much brilliance within our community. And so we always want to make it known that we want to continue to uplift that and really just show up and show out." Abeo Powder has a magnetic energy. She's one of those people you'll meet and just want to be around every day. Abeo is the co-founder of the TrailblazHers Run Co., an all-female run crew in Boston, with a mission to empower and uplift women — especially BIPOC women — in the community. Emphasis on community: That's what Abeo is all about. In this conversation, Abeo talks about her lifelong relationship with running, and how it's evolved over the years. Today, in addition to her work with the TrailblazHers, she's the founder of Holistic with Hotfoot, where she takes a personalized approach to coaching. You're not just getting training plans with Abeo: You're getting guided meditations, playlists, and so much more. FOLLOW ABEO @hotfoot___ SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: Abeo's run today, and her decision to put a pause on marathon training (3:00) All about Abeo's childhood, and how she found running (7:30) How Abeo's relationship with running has evolved over the years (14:30) Abeo's take on group run anxiety and intimidation, and why TrailblazHers Run Co. was born (20:00) The growth of the TrailblazHers community (28:30) What to expect at a TrailblazHers event (34:30) What to know about the 26.True marathon, taking place this weekend in Boston (37:55) Coach Abeo, and what she's all about (45:40) Abeo's message to nervous marathoners (52:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Use all of your resources. If people are willing to help, let them help." What's it like when you're one of the best coaches in the NCAA, and your daughter joins the team? And what's it like to be a high school senior vetting potential college running programs — and to have to decide whether or not to be a part of the program your mom is leading? In this Motherhood Mondays conversation, we're hearing all about the mom-daughter-coach-athlete dynamic, courtesy of NC State Head Women's Cross-Country Coach Laurie Henes and daughter and NC State alum Elly Henes. Laurie talks about how she approached coaching Elly, and Elly talks about the perks and challenges of being coached by her mom. Today, Elly is a professional adidas-sponsored runner who lives in Flagstaff, AZ, is coached by Mike Smith, and trains with Rachel Schneider Smith and Nikki Hiltz. SPONSOR: adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I really, truly, in the bottom of my heart want to keep doing this. But I need to figure out what my 'why' is in a more sustainable way rather than just 'I want to win another medal because everyone tells me I need to win another medal.'" In 2020, Molly Seidel ran her debut marathon at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, finished second, and earned a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, she became an Olympic Bronze Medalist. The next few years included some highs — like running an American course record at the New York City Marathon — and a lot of lows, including injuries and mental health struggles. Last fall, Molly was on the upswing. She ran a personal best at the Chicago Marathon, which felt promising and encouraging heading into the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon. Then: a shattered kneecap. Molly had to withdraw from the Trials, which was a devastating blow for her and for fans alike. In this unfiltered episode, Molly talks about how she's doing now, and how she's been doing over the past few months. She talks about making her "50K debut," and about why she wishes it weren't a big deal. Plus, a few fun games, drug testing talk, and Molly's message to this year's Team USA marathoners. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: All about Molly's run today – and drug testing talk (2:00) All about Molly's 50K debut (8:55) All about Molly's "busted kneecap"(13:30) Molly plays "Never Have I Ever," PG version (16:00) What life on the run has been like since the Chicago Marathon (36:20) Molly's message to Fiona, Emily, and Dakotah as they get ready to head to Paris for the Olympic marathon (41:30) What the rest of Molly's year might look like on the run (48:35) Molly's plans for Boston Marathon weekend (53:40) Molly plays "Mollygories" (56:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Right on Hereford, left on Boylston. It is the place to be. It's special every time." We are less than two weeks away from the 128th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 15. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) am attempting to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), past champions Des Linden and Meb Keflezighi join to talk course strategy and to break down what it takes to succeed (and run a PR!) in Boston, and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun is here to give you some last-minute fueling advice. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it'll be a Boston to remember. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), 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: B.A.A. director of brand and experiential marketing Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2024 (4:00) Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in, plus how to watch, the inside scoop on the Boston Celebration jackets, and more (29:50) 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi offers a Boston-specific pep talk (48:00) Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:15:00) A quick note from Ali (1:39:30) Sports dietitian and four-time Boston Marathoner Meghann Featherstun offers advice on Boston-specific fueling before, during, and after the race (1:45:45) 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:11:00) All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:41:30) A quick overview about spectating at the Boston Marathon, and final thoughts on all things Boston 2023 (2:48:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's OK to prioritize time for happiness. Hard times will come. It's really important to know what happiness feels like to you so that when you're in those dark times, you know that happiness is real, you have hope for the future, and you can hold onto that — that you'll be happy again." Her story captivated the nation: Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City and held captive for nine months. During that time, she was repeatedly raped and abused by her captors. Remarkably, Elizabeth has gone on to live a happy, healthy life. She's a mom of three, and she's a child safety activist and commentator for ABC News. She's also a four-time marathoner. In this conversation, Elizabeth talks about how she found running, the role it plays in her life today, and what the marathon means to her. FOLLOW ELIZABETH @elizabeth_smart_official SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: The role running plays in Elizabeth's life right now (4:30) Safety, fear, and running: Elizabeth's take (9:00) Why Elizabeth's story captivated the nation (13:00) Elizabeth's feelings on being a victim vs. a survivor (19:00) When life went "back to normal" for Elizabeth (23:30) How Elizabeth found running (30:00) Why Elizabeth decided to run a marathon (37:30) Why Elizabeth kept running marathons (49:10) What's next on the run for Elizabeth? (54:25) On running marathons vs. competing on The Masked Dancer (58:10) Elizabeth's message to fellow survivors (1:00:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I will always show up and do my best, and try to maintain my integrity in the process. I don't always get it right. But I always try." I ran the New York City Half. I had the best time. And today, I'm here to talk all about running my first 13.1-mile race since my breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023. Plus, answering listener questions about running, podcasting, and more. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping. What you'll get on this episode: My 2024 NYC Half recap (1:00) Running-related questions (43:30) Podcast-related questions (56:20) Cancer-related questions (1:02:00) Life questions (1:04:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Des is the coolest one out of all of us, and she organized it. So of course if Des organizes a dog party, we're going to go to it... And I think if you went to the dog party, you had a good race." She's the American Record Holder in the marathon, she just made her second Olympic team, and this weekend, she was in New York City for a live show all about doggy play dates, missing dogs, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, potential Olympic tattoo spots, being Emily in Paris, and so much more. Welcome Emily Sisson back to the Ali on the Run Show! FOLLOW EMILY @em_sisson_ SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the NYC Half in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I have yet to meet a marg that is too spicy for me." Emma Coburn is an Olympic bronze medalist, a World Champion, a world silver medalist, a 10-time U.S. champion, and a three-time Olympian. The New Balance-sponsored professional athlete returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the seventh time today to catch us up on how life has been since tearing her hamstring at World Championships last summer. (Spoiler: She's fit!) FOLLOW EMMA @emmacoburn SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I hope I can normalize not hitting goals and being OK." We took our finest feathers and poppiest pink outfits to Richmond, VA. Welcome to Ali on the Run Show LIVE with Keira D'Amato! We played games — Never Have I Ever, Truth or Dare Jenga, and the classic Skeirragories — we laughed, we squatted, we chugged water, and we had an honest conversation about Keira's experience at the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials. Come for the community. Stay for the Meat Thing clip. (OK, maybe don't stay for the Meat Thing clip...) SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Records are always going to be broken, but medals are forever." Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the seventh time — and for the first time as a world championship medalist! Last weekend, Nikki took home the silver medal in the 1500m at World Indoor Championships, and today, we get to hear all about it. Plus a very special (and oh so wholesome) guest to kick off the episode. FOLLOW NIKKI @nikkihiltz SPONSORS:  New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. LISTEN HERE: EMBED What you'll get on this episode: Welcome Liz Hiltz to the Ali on the Run Show! (1:45) How it feels to be a World Indoor Silver Medalist (11:35) "This is my whole personality now" (14:10) The 1500m community, and what makes it so special right now (18:35) Nikki's reaction to watching the 1500m with their parents after the race (20:20) Nikki's race plan for the 1500m final (25:10) The significance of Nikki's "THEM" necklace (30:20) Why Nikki went for the win in the prelims (35:50) On watching Elle Purrier St. Pierre take home a gold medal the day before the 1500m final (39:40) How Nikki and Emily Mackay went from acquaintances to Team USA teammates and medalists (42:10) All about that race-day sore throat (45:35) From getting off the line to the finish line: How the race broke down (54:00) All about Nikki's role in the forthcoming Tracktown series debuting March 29 (1:01:35) What Nikki's into right now (1:05:15) A message on authenticity (1:09:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I think about when I was a kid and I would just go out and run hard and not worry about the result or what was the worst thing that could happen. I run my best when I run with the same mindset I had when I was 12." Jackie Gaughan qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials in her very first marathon. At 24 years old, she was the 18th-fastest qualifier in the field. (Her PR is a 2:27 from the 2023 Berlin Marathon.) In this conversation, Jackie talks about going from being an anxiety-riddled runner at Notre Dame to a four-time marathoner who finished 25th at the Trials. She talks about how running fits into her life as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, about her oldest daughter tendencies (she's the oldest of four), and about racing with a Jackie Mindset. FOLLOW JACKIE @jackie_gaughan SPONSOR:  New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: All about Jackie's run today (1:45) Jackie's decision not to run this year's Boston Marathon (2:45) What Jackie's job entails, and how she fits running in (5:00) How it felt going into the Trials as the 18th-fastest qualifier (7:00) What it means to run with a Jackie Mindset (8:00) How and why Jackie became a runner (9:35) On dealing with race-related and running-related anxiety (14:15) Why Jackie decided to move up to the marathon after college (16:10) What Jackie's Trials training was like (18:05) What it was like in Orlando leading up to the Trials (23:25) On making the decision to walk during the race (28:00) How Jackie got through the toughest parts of the race, and what the finish line experience was like (34:00) What running looks like for Jackie right now (38:00) What it means to run the Jackie Gaughan way (41:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Hands down, the most courageous thing I've ever done is walk into trying to get pregnant and walking through pregnancy after loss." Rachel Schneider Smith just might be the most-loved woman in the professional running world. Everyone adores her — and in this episode, it's easy to see why. Rachel is a HOKA-sponsored professional runner who competes in everything from the 1500m on the track to the half marathon on the roads. (Girl's got range!) She lives in Flagstaff, AZ, where she is coached by her husband, Mike Smith. In this conversation, Rachel talks about pregnancy after loss, and about the role running played during her grieving process in the wake of a miscarriage. She talks about returning to running and racing, and about how she's feeling heading into the USATF 15K Championships this weekend in Florida. FOLLOW RACHEL @rachschneid18 SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: All about Rachel's run today, and how her body feels returning to running after having a baby (2:25) Where Rachel finds her flow state (5:00) Rachel reflects on her performances at USA Indoor National Championships last weekend (6:00) On running with teammates in Flagstaff, and running with nose strips at USAs (11:45) Rachel's New Hampshire roots (14:20) What Rachel's return to racing has been like (16:40) Navigating life as a professional runner and mom (22:45) The sisterhood of professional runner moms (27:40) Rachel's experience with loss, and the role running played in her grieving process (30:25) Rachel's bout with skin cancer (38:00) What Rachel was like as a kid (45:30) Rachel's goals for the USATF 15K Championships (50:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I had the time of my life out there. I soaked it all in." So often, the fourth-place finisher at any given Olympic Trials is the most devastated of the day. The person who came closest to the podium, and was the first not to make the team. But at this year's U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, Jess McClain changed the narrative. The self-coached, unsponsored, agent-less runner shocked fans with her fourth-place finish and four-minute personal best, finishing in 2:25:46. In this conversation, Jess — who is the executive director of the Love Up Foundation and is a freelance marketing consultant — talks about how she made it happen. FOLLOW JESS @jesstonn SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping. Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. What you'll get on this episode: Jess's emotions a few days post-Trials (2:55) On Jess's approach to the Trials (4:45) Does Jess want a coach, an agent, a sponsor? (7:20) Jess's snapshot moment from the day (11:30) How the race played out (22:15) When Jess knew she was in fourth place (29:00) What it means to be the official Team USA alternate (30:40) How Jess trained for the Trials (36:20) On Jess's work with the Love Up Foundation (38:55) What Jess decided to wear on race day (44:15) How Jess found the confidence to go for it (50:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This was the happy ending to it all, to all the struggle. But that's life, right? It wasn't how the story ended. But believing it was kept me in it." Sara Hall just competed at her eighth Olympic Trials event. She went all-in for this one, hoping to make her first Olympic team. At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in Orlando, FL, Sara ultimately finished fifth — two spots short of earning a spot on Team USA. Her 2:26:06 finish broke the American Masters Marathon Record, and as she processes what it all means for her and her journey, Sara shares in this episode that there's so much to be proud of and grateful for. (And, after her eighth Trials, it's fitting that this is Sara's eighth appearance on the Ali on the Run Show!) FOLLOW SARA @sarahall3 SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: On Sara's recent car trouble, and how her body is feeling post-Trials (2:10) What Aliphine and Sara talked about on the start line (3:50) How serious was Sara's injury when she scratched from the Houston Half? (4:45) All about Sara's pre-race warm-up (7:15) Why Sara took off and threw her watch at mile 17 (9:30) Sara shares her proudest racing moments (12:20) On dealing with mid-race cramping (15:20) What's next? (22:00) Sara's first workout after the Trials (27:00) On breaking the Master's Record at the Trials (28:40) Sara's snapshot moment from the day (31:45) The race plan (40:35) How Sara processed and grieved this race with her family (40:20) On making the final turn toward the finish line (48:40) What it was like seeing training partner Makenna Myler at the finish (52:00) On never giving up on your dreams (53:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Going into this race, I was like, 'Top 10, that sounds like a really good goal. I can do that. Top 10.' And then when that race started, I was like, 'Holy crap, Top 10 is going to be so hard. This is the most talented group of women I have ever been surrounded by.' Everywhere I looked, I was like, 'You're amazing, you're amazing, you're incredible…' I felt honored to be among those women. I just look up to all these women around me." "Have kids and dreams." It's Makenna Myler's mantra (surely you've seen her post-race video that quickly went viral), and it's exactly what she's doing. The mom of two (10 months and 3 years old) just finished seventh at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, where she ran a personal best time of 2:26:14. Makenna went into the Trials hoping for a Top 10 finish, and wanting "to be a factor." In this episode, she talks about how she made it happen, about being coached by Ryan Hall, about doing workouts alongside Sara Hall, and about what it was like pumping with fellow Trials-running moms before the race. FOLLOW MAKENNA @benzmakenz SPONSORS:  New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: How Makenna processes her races (2:45) What it was like nursing and pumping during race weekend (5:00) All about Makenna's viral "Have kids and dreams" video (10:00) On imposter syndrome, being coached by Ryan Hall, and training with Sara Hall (13:10) What the start of the race was like, and the race plan Ryan gave Makenna beforehand (23:55) The last 10K (29:15) What Makenna and Ryan talked about after the race (45:30) Where Makenna plans to run next (51:00) Why Makenna shaved her head in high school (55:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"For all the speculators out there, there was no splitting the prize money, no talk about that beforehand, no 'You go first, I go second.' No 'Conner let me win in New Haven, so I have to let him win at the Trials.' It really just happened. I want to make that 100 percent clear. I wouldn't have it any other way. It was pure, raw emotion of enjoying the moment." It was the marathon finish we all couldn't stop talking about. At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, former Brigham Young University teammates and current training partners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young ran stride-for-stride every step of the way, until Conner broke the tape just ahead of Clayton. Together, they went 1-2 on the podium, securing their spots on Team USA for the Paris Olympic Games this summer. In this conversation, Conner and Clayton talk about the race, about training with coach Ed Eyestone, and about whether Clayton really "let" Conner win. It's Love on the Run meets Friendship Fest! FOLLOW CONNER @connermantz FOLLOW CLAYTON @_clayton_young_ SPONSOR: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: How Clayton, Conner, and Coach Eyestone wow feeling just a few days after the race (2:30) All about that now-famous Olympic Trials finish (3:30) The surge that got Conner to the finish (9:55) What Meb Keflezighi said to Conner and Clayton before the race (15:30) All about Conner and Clayton's relationships with fellow professional runner Jared Ward (16:50) How Conner and Clayton's families feel about their race results (20:15) On getting back on the run with the BYU crew (22:25) Conner and Clayton break down the race — starting with Conner's missed bottle (25:00) The post-race conversations Clayton and Conner had with Zach Panning, who led most of the race (34:35) The nerves of the Trials vs. the Olympics (40:50) The mid-race high five seen around the country (45:35) Clayton's decision to wear sunglasses to the press conference (50:25) How Conner and Clayton met (54:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Seeing how many people flew down to Florida on a random weekend in February to cheer for total strangers… How cool is that?!" I had the best weekend in Orlando at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon — running around Lake Eola with friends, attending the elite athlete press conference, hosting a Best Running Friends meetup, going on shakeout runs, and, of course, cheering for all of the runners during Saturday's race. This is my recap from the weekend. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Why I went to the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando (1:00) Friday: a morning run, wise words from Deena Kastor, the elite athlete press conference, an impromptu Best Running Friends meetup, a shakeout run, and a weird sushi dinner (9:00) Saturday: race day! (34:10) Final takeaways (51:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I knew months ago that was going to be my caption for that post!" Let the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon recaps begin! First up: Dakotah Lindwurm! The 28-year-old Puma-sponsored athlete who trains with Minnesota Distance Elite finished third at the Trials, running 2:25:31 and fulfilling a lifelong dream of earning a spot on Team USA. In this conversation, recorded just two days after the race (while on vacation in the Dominican Republic!), Dakotah talks about her 130-mile training weeks leading up to the Trials while working full-time as a paralegal. She talks about developing an unwavering confidence and belief in herself, shares her original race plan, and breaks down the race itself. Plus, what it was like racing with teammate and best friend Annie Frisbie, what the spectators in Orlando were like, and the mid-race move that makes her feel "icky." FOLLOW DAKOTAH @dakotahlindwurm SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"As runners, we all deserve to be at the start line — and at the finish line, winning races." Last month, Weini Kelati broke the American record in the half marathon, running 1:06:25 in Houston in her debut at the distance. Just a few days later, she ran — and won — the USATF cross-country championships. Weini's plan was never to be a record-breaking runner, though. Growing up in Eritrea, Weini was accustomed to walking — sometimes running — two hours to get to school each day, six days a week. Running on top of that? No thank you, she told her P.E. teacher. But somehow, she ended up on the school's track team, and at 17 years old, she was chosen to represent Eritrea at the Junior World Championships in Eugene, OR. The rest, as they say, is history. Weini intentionally missed her flight back home in favor of seeking asylum to stay in the U.S. and pursue a running career. She attended the University of New Mexico, where she became the most-decorated track and field athlete in the program's history, and she's been breaking records ever since. Weini lives in Flagstaff, AZ, where she is sponsored by Under Armour and trains with the Dark Sky Distance group. FOLLOW WEINI @weini_kelati SPONSOR: Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you'll get on this episode: What's next on Weini's racing calendar? (3:40) All about Weini's childhood (4:30) When — and why — Weini started running in elementary school (10:00) The trip to the U.S. that changed Weini's life forever (19:00) On acclimating to life in the U.S. (25:45) What it was like for Weini to go eight years without seeing her mother (30:00) Weini's college experience at the University of New Mexico (41:00) How Weini became a professional runner (45:00) Why Weini wanted to move up to the half-marathon distance (49:00) Weini's advice for first-time half-marathoners (55:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I wouldn't say I'm a favorite in a lot of peoples' eyes. But it's the Trials. We're here to select a team. So I'm going to go for it and see what happens." Happy Olympic Trials Week! This Saturday, the fastest distance runners in the U.S. will line up in Orlando, FL, racing for their chance to represent Team USA in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Among those runners will be Fiona O'Keeffe, making her debut at the distance. Fiona runs professionally for Puma, and trains with the Puma Elite coaches Amy and Alistair Cragg. Fiona qualified for the Trials by running a 1:11 half marathon, and now she's ready to see what she can do over the course of 26.2 miles. In this episode, Fiona talks about her training, about the advice Amy Cragg (who won the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials) has given her, and about her recovery from a staph infection in her ankle last summer. FOLLOW FIONA @fiona_okeeffe SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: Race week! Fiona shares how she's feeling just days away from the Trials (1:50) Was Fiona's plan to debut in the marathon at the Trials? (5:10) What Fiona's Trials training looked like, including her favorite and least favorite workouts (10:00) On pressure — internal and external (17:20) The ankle injury that sidelined Fiona last summer (18:45) Fiona's visualization plans, and what the week before the Trials entails (27:25) Why Fiona chose to train with Amy and Alistair Cragg (31:10) Noise vs. hype (34:20) All about the runners in Fiona's family (36:30) What it might look like to continue competing on both the track and the roads (41:50) Fiona's pre-race must-dos (44:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Put yourself in a position to get a yes, otherwise it's automatically a no." Need a little pep talk? A little boost? A gentle nudge, or some tough love? I've got all that and more today, with a roundup of the best advice listeners of the Ali on the Run Show have ever received. Plus, a short story about a time very recently when I took my own advice and "sent the email" — and it didn't work out the way I'd hoped. (It's OK!) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping. Pre-order To the Gorge, by Emily Halnon, here. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"You take what you have and make the most of it." Gabi Rooker was an anti-running competitive gymnast growing up. After college, she began working full-time as an internal medicine physician's assistant. Now, she's headed to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon as the eighth-fastest woman in the field. In this conversation, Gabi talks about her unconventional road to becoming a 2:24 marathoner. Gabi ran her first marathon in 2021 — a 2:56 finish at Grandma's Marathon in her home state of Minnesota — and in just two years progressed to a 2:24 finish at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Gabi is coached by her husband, Alex, and she just signed her first major sponsorship deal with Nike at age 36. The Trials are just 11 days away, and Gabi's name is one you should know. FOLLOW GABI @gabirooker SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: On being "one to watch" at this year's Olympic Marathon Trials, and what live has been like lately for Gabi (2:45) On the pressure and stakes of this year's Trials (6:00) How Gabi's life changed after the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and her thoughts on experience vs. newness (7:20) How Gabi feels about being the 8th-fastest woman lining up at the Trials (10:50) Gabi shares her goals for the 2024 Marathon Trials (12:20) Growing up Gabi: the life of a competitive gymnast (14:55) Gabi's introduction to running (23:00) How Gabi's husband, Alex, became her coach (29:30) All about Gabi's work as a physician's assistant (32:15) Why Gabi wanted to run a marathon (39:45) On signing with Nike, and moving to part-time PA work leading up to the Trials (48:30) The magic of the Mill City Running community (54:10) How Gabi is feeling a few weeks out from the Trials (57:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Chris Chavez has made a living out of being track and field's biggest fan and hype person. And when he's not obsessively covering the sport for Citius Mag, Chris is pursuing his own running goals. For the past several years, it's been no secret that Chris wanted to run a sub-3:00 marathon. This past weekend, that dream came true at the Houston Marathon, where Chris crossed the finish line in 2 hours 59 minutes and 12 seconds. This is his official race recap. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. FOLLOW CHRIS @chris_j_chavez Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"This is the race they're going to tell their grandkids about — that they took part in the race to pick the marathon team for the Olympics." We are just three weeks away from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon! On Saturday, February 3, the fastest distance runners in the country will line up in Orlando in pursuit of their Olympic dreams. To qualify for the Trials, women had to run a sub-2:37 marathon or a sub-1:12 half marathon, and men had to run a sub-2:18 marathon or a sub-1:03 half. The top three men and top three women will earn spots on Team USA. To answer all of your questions about the Trials — like what's the deal with the men having to unlock spots, and how are the roommates assigned? — we have media director for the local organizing committee Jay Holder (who was the press chief for the 2020 Trials in Atlanta). The men start at 10:10 AM ET, and the women start at 10:20 AM. The marathon will stream live on Peacock starting at 10 AM ET, and the taped broadcast airs on NBC at 12 PM ET. For more information (and to read all the athlete bios!), check out the official Trials website. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am not wired to do something halfway or to do something for fun. I don't know what that means. Fun for me is going as hard as possible." After nearly two highly-decorated decades of racing the 1500m and the mile, Jenny Simpson is upping the ante and the mileage. In just a few weeks, Jenny will make her marathon debut at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in Orlando, FL. In this conversation, Jenny talks about her decision to have a go at 26.2 miles, what she thinks of marathon training these days, how she's handling fueling, and whether or not she hopes the race comes down to a kick. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Quin D'Amato! Click here to buy Girl Scout Cookies from Keira D'Amato's daughter! What you'll get on this episode: All about Jenny's run today, and how she feels about returning to the track for workouts (2:35) Meet Barkley: Jenny's second dog! (5:55) On New Year's Resolutions and looking at life after competitive running (7:20) Jenny's high and low moments from 2023 (13:00) How Jenny's body is feeling during marathon training, and how she feels about training right now (17:00) On being a contender at the Trials (26:25) "Do you love marathon training?" (34:10) The important stuff: how Jenny plans to wear her hair for her marathon debut (42:50) How Jenny is approaching and handling fueling for marathon training and racing (45:15) "It's so top of mind to me: You are responsible for everything that goes in your body" (53:35) What Jenny doesn't want to happen on race day, and where she sees her strengths (57:25) How Jenny anticipates measuring success on race day (1:09:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I survived!" It's a tradition! Here on the Ali on the Run Show, we kick off every year with the annual State of the Show episode — a look at the past, present, and future of the podcast. In 2023, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 21 million downloads, and released 87 episodes with 75 different guests (34 first-timers, and 40 returning and recurring guests). So, what did we learn from 2023, and what's in store for 2024? Time to assess! SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), 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: The Ali on the Run Show by the numbers (2:30) My 2023 personal and professional highlights (15:40) Revisiting my 2023 goals (30:40) Looking forward on the Ali on the Run Show (35:00) The 2024 Ali on the Run Show mission statement (43:20) My 2024 goals (46:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"If you have that heart of a lion, you will get back there. You just have to have patience." It was a big year for Kara Goucher! Her book, The Longest Race, debuted and became a New York Times best-seller. She and Des Linden launched their podcast, Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara. She called dozens of exciting races as a distance analyst for NBC's track and field and marathon broadcasts. She continued navigating life on the run with runner's dystonia. And today, she's here to recap all of it with us. Plus, we take a look at some of the year's highlights in professional running. FOLLOW KARA @karagoucher SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: Kara attempts to sum up 2023 in one word (2:10) Kara looks back at the success of her book, The Longest Race (2:50) Kara's year on the run (9:00) Kara's year on the mic: Kara talks about becoming a podcast host, and what it's been like co-hosting "Nobody Asked Us with Des and Kara" with Des Linden (16:15) Kara's year on TV, and which races she enjoyed broadcasting the most (19:45) 2023 on the run, professionally: recapping the highlights from the year in professional running (26:45) The one rule Kara would love to implement in professional running (53:30) Kara's predictions for 2024 (1:04:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I felt like I was constantly treading water and barely staying afloat. It felt like I was stuck, as everything else just raged on. Time doesn't stop and the world doesn't stop. Everything doesn't stop just because you're having a hard time. There were days where I'd be at the grocery store, standing in line, and I wanted to scream, 'Don't you all know that I have cancer? Don't you know this is the hardest day of my life, and it's a normal day in your life?' It's the ultimate reminder that you never know what someone's going through. So be kind." At long last: the big, long, TMI-filled cancer episode. After being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, I've wanted to do regular check-ins on the podcast, but it's been a little daunting. One day last week, I finally felt up for chatting a bit. So in this episode, I'm talking about what life has looked like on the health front over the past seven months. I walk through my timeline from first lump (April 27) to mammogram and ultrasound (May 12) to biopsy (May 16) to diagnosis (May 19), followed by surgeries (double mastectomy July 3, reconstruction surgery August 30), chemotherapy (September 26, October 17, November 7, and November 27), and "now what?" Plus, answering listener questions and offering thoughts on how to support a loved one going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: "Notecard thoughts" from the past few months, including Annie as my anchor, and ruminations on being called a "fighter" and "warrior" (2:40) My timeline: from first lump to diagnosis, surgeries, chemotherapy, and beyond (12:10) On the treatment front: Now what? (1:01:00) Answering listener questions about all things cancer (1:08:50) LINKS: Pre-order To the Gorge, by Emily Halnon Ali vs. Breast Cancer GoFundMe Penguin Cold Caps ChappyWrap Minky Couture blanket Oofos slippers Stanley hand-held water bottle Nordstrom pajamas Zip-front bras Athleta zip-front bra The one-shoulder bodysuit (on major sale!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

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

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

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

"For the first time in my entire life, I was in awe of myself. I was in awe of what I'd accomplished. The marathon was a love letter to myself. For the first time, seeing myself the way other people see me. For the first time, truly recognizing my courage and my power." The first time Tunde Oyeneyin was on the Ali on the Run Show, she insisted she wasn't a runner. Now, three years and many miles later, the Peloton instructor, best-selling author, and Access Hollywood guest correspondent admits she has fully embraced the runner life. And as of last month, she's officially a marathoner. In this conversation, Tunde talks about her decision and motivation to run this year's New York City Marathon, and about why she chose to keep her goal a secret. She shares stories from race day, talks about how those 26.2 miles changed her life and the way she coaches her Peloton classes, and explains the impact the finish line has had on her and how she sees herself. FOLLOW TUNDE @tune2tunde SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024. What you'll get on this episode: How Tunde feels about becoming a marathoner (1:45) "Do you get it now or are marathons overhyped?" (5:30) Will Tunde run another marathon? (9:40) When and why Tunde decided to run the New York City Marathon (10:30) How —after keeping it a secret — the world found out Tunde was running the marathon (13:50) Tunde's approach to marathon training (17:45) What Tunde remembers most about race morning (24:50) How the marathon changed how Tunde sees herself (32:30) Tunde breaks down the last few miles of the marathon (38:45) How a woman named Mandy saved the day (47:15) What surprised Tunde the most about this experience (50:30) What Tunde's excited for right now (55:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am so grateful for the professional experiences that I've had, and so grateful for the incredible men in my life. But I feel like I've been the supporting character in my own life. I'm always 'Mark Zuckerberg's Sister' or 'Brent's Wife' or 'So-and-So's Mom.' Every achievement — even though I'm proud of it — is qualified by someone else. The moment I got to break the tape at the half marathon was the first moment in my entire life where I felt like the main character." Randi Zuckerberg is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, host of "Randi Zuckerberg Means Business" on SiriusXM Radio, a TV and theater producer, and a mom of three living in New York City. And yes, her last name is Zuckerberg. Randi is Mark Zuckerberg's sister, and was one of the first employees at Facebook. (She's credited with creating Facebook Live!) But "Mark Zuckerberg's Sister" isn't how Randi wants to be defined, and she has officially entered her Main Character Era — thanks to running. In this conversation, Randi talks about her journey to becoming a marathoner and an ultramarathoner, and recounts her days at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (she ran a 3:34:54, earning herself a Boston Qualifying time) and then, two weeks later, her first 50-miler. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you'll get on this episode: How Randi is feeling a few days after running her first 50-miler, and all about her run today (2:05) Randi reflects on running the New York City Marathon (5:50) Randi shares her Turkey Trot plans, and what her family is like on race day (9:15) Meet "Brandi" (12:20) When — and why — Randi became a runner (15:05) On being "too old" to become a runner (21:00) Randi talks about why running the New York Mini 10K changed her life — and got her to run a marathon (28:35) How Randi became the main character in her own life (32:30) All about Randi's New York City Marathon training (40:10) The power of group exercise classes, and how Randi fits fitness into her life (51:40) Randi recaps her race at the 2023 New York City Marathon (53:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I am not going up on that stage crying, but I don't want to dismiss this moment! I want to take this all in and I want to feel this. It was an incredibly powerful thing." It was a New York City Marathon to remember. I had the privilege of getting to be a part of the international, ESPN, and ABC7 broadcasts on race day. I hosted a live show with Ellie Kemper. I ran the Dash to the Finish Line 5K. I was the race announcer at the TCS Run with Champions youth race. It was all the best. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024. Registration opens December 1 at 9 AM ET. What you'll get on this episode: All about my roles at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (2:05) Wednesday: the drive to NYC and the phone calls we made along the way (17:45) Thursday: a long morning run, the Run with Champions, and Titanique (27:00) Friday: a star-studded group run ending at a church, a broadcast team meeting, and an unforgettable live show with Ellie Kemper (36:10) Saturday: the Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K and a day full of production meetings (52:50) Sunday: New York City Marathon day! (1:03:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"So many people asked me if I was going to keep running. And it's like, to me it's just a ridiculous question. You have a kid, what, you have to give up your whole career? I just needed a little bit of time!" She's back! After giving birth to her first child, a son, Ivan, in March, Elle Purrier St. Pierre made her return to racing in September at the Fifth Avenue Mile. In this conversation, she talks about what postpartum running has looked like, about what's next for her, and about what life on the dairy farm looks like these days. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: How Elle's day is going so far (2:20) What is Elle training for right now? (5:15) An update on farm life (7:40) On returning to racing at the 2023 Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15) How Elle has navigated nursing Ivan and returning to high-mileage training (25:50) Elle's thoughts on the "never-perfect" time to have a baby as a professional athlete (30:55) What it's like watching the women's 1500 from the sidelines (34:15) How motherhood has changed Elle's relationship with running (38:25) On racing as her "old self" vs. "new self" (43:20) Elle's message to fellow new moms (47:15) FOLLOW ELLE: @elleruns_4_her_life Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!