887. Re-Run: The 2019 CIM OTQ Pacers
"We put ourselves on the line to help other people accomplish their dreams, and that was pretty freaking awesome."
It's another Throwback Thursday, and this time we're going back to December 2019 for one of my all-time favorite episodes. At the 2019 California International Marathon (CIM), 72 women ran faster than 2 hours 45 minutes, officially qualifying to run the 2020 Olympic Trials in the marathon. Leading several dozen of those women were Menso de Jong, Chris Stehula, and Ken Rakestraw — the official sub-2:45 pace group leaders. None of them had ever run a 2:45 marathon before. This is their story.
(This is such a lovely, wholesome conversation with three men who took their roles at CIM that year incredibly seriously, and who had the utmost respect for the women in the field chasing their biggest goals. The women who ran with Menso, Chris, and Ken spoke so highly of them after the race, and I was delighted to get to interview all three of them together.)
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- 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.
- New Balance: For a limited time only, click here and use code TEAMALI for up to 25% off your next New Balance order! (Offer valid through May 31, 2026.)
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"We put ourselves on the line to help other people accomplish their dreams, and that was pretty freaking awesome."
It's another Throwback Thursday, and this time we're going back to December 2019 for one of my all-time favorite episodes. At the 2019 California International Marathon (CIM), 72 women ran faster than 2 hours 45 minutes, officially qualifying to run the 2020 Olympic Trials in the marathon. Leading several dozen of those women were Menso de Jong, Chris Stehula, and Ken Rakestraw — the official sub-2:45 pace group leaders. None of them had ever run a 2:45 marathon before. This is their story.
(This is such a lovely, wholesome conversation with three men who took their roles at CIM that year incredibly seriously, and who had the utmost respect for the women in the field chasing their biggest goals. The women who ran with Menso, Chris, and Ken spoke so highly of them after the race, and I was delighted to get to interview all three of them together.)
SPONSORS:
- 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.
- New Balance: For a limited time only, click here and use code TEAMALI for up to 25% off your next New Balance order! (Offer valid through May 31, 2026.)
Follow Ali:
SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!
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