Ali on the Run Show

"I have this insatiable need to find out how good I can be. I just want to see how fast I can run and what I can accomplish. If I can make an Olympic team, if I can win the New York City Marathon. And just daring to try is what fills me with so much purpose in my daily life. Anytime I have an obstacle, I'm like yeah, but nothing else fires me up more than clawing my way back to fitness."

Steph Bruce returns to the Ali on the Run Show today! Steph is a professional runner for HOKA NAZ Elite in Flagstaff, AZ, and today, we're catching up to hear how Steph's running has been going in the past year. Steph talks about the disappointment of finishing sixth at last year's U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and about how she grieved that outcome. She talks about resiliency, and about "writing her own running obituary" after tough races. And she talks about recovering and returning to the sport she'll always love. Steph offers an update on her recent plantar fasciitis injury, which forced her to drop out of The Marathon Project in December (spoiler: she's back to running 90-mile weeks!), and talks about her plans for the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials this summer, where she'll be racing the 10K. Plus, she talks about being a role model in the sport, about what the pandemic has been like as a mom of two young boys (Riley and Hudson), and about why she thinks people follow professional runners.

SPONSOR: AJC Peachtree Road Race — Register for this year's race today at ajc.com/peachtree.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How was your run today, Steph? (2:55)
• Running as a team sport vs. individual pursuit (6:45)
• What it was like re-living the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials through A Time and A Place, and what the aftermath of that race was like (8:35)
• Reflecting on the earliest days of the pandemic (20:00)
• On the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, and Steph's love for the 10K (25:20)
• Competing at the Sunset Tour 10K and the Marathon Project in 2020, and the Plantar Fasciitis injury that came next (31:15)
• On being a role model in this sport (37:45)
• Steph talks about writing her own "running obituary" (41:30)
• Steph shares her ultimate running dreams and goals, and what's next (47:00)
• Why do people follow professional runners? (53:40)
• An update on how Steph's mom — who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer last year — is doing (1:00:10)
• What does GRIT mean to Steph right now? (1:03:15)

What we mention on this episode:

Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show

Steph & Ben Bruce on Episode 206 of the Ali on the Run Show

A Time and A Place

Follow Steph:

• Instagram @stephrothstein
• Twitter @steph_rothstein
• Facebook
• Blog
• YouTube

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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• Join the Facebook group
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Listen & Subscribe:

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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 it a lot, like what do I want to add to this sport? What do I want to add to my life, and what do I want my legacy to be? And I feel like it would be a hollow journey if I didn't try to use my platform to spread a good message to make change."

Gabriela DeBues-Stafford is having one heck of a year so far. In her debut season training and competing with the Bowerman Track Club, the Canadian professional middle-distance runner and 2016 Olympian has run — and won — two races already, including the 3000m at the Prickly Pear Invitational (where she also ran a personal best), and the 1500 at the Texas Qualifier in Austin (where she generously donated her winnings to Austin Mutual Aid). And Gabriela is doing all of this having joined the team during the pandemic, and while dealing with a Graves disease flare. On this episode, Gabriela shares her experience with a chronic autoimmune disease, and explains how it has affected her running over the years. She talks about training with the Bowerman team (and Coach Shalane!), and about being the first Canadian woman to break four minutes in the 1500. Gabriela is currently the Canadian record holder in the mile, the 1500, and the 5K — so what will it take for her to make Canada's Olympic team this year? She explains the Canadian qualifying process, and assures us that things are looking good for her heading into the 2021 Olympic Games. Plus, she talks about being queer, about proposing to her now-husband, Rowan, and about their love story.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about Gabriela's hair (3:00)
• How Gabriela's feeling at the start of the 2021 season (8:25)
• Gabriela's experience with Graves Disease (11:30)
• On running that 4 x 1 mile workout after the Prickly Pear Invitational race (24:30)
• Why Gabriela donated her winnings to storm relief efforts after the Texas Qualifier (25:45)
• On being an outspoken advocate (30:25)
• Gabriela explains the Canadian Olympic team qualifying process (38:20)
• What it was like competing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio (44:45)
• On what it takes to be a professional runner in Canada (47:00)
• Why Gabriela left Scotland to join Bowerman Track Club (51:15)
• How Gabriela met her now-husband, Rowan (1:00:00)
• All about training with Coach Shalane Flanagan (1:07:20)

What we mention on this episode:

Austin Mutual Aid

Follow Gabriela:

• Instagram @gabrielastafford
• Twitter @gstafford13

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 terrifying. But I think that's a good thing."

This week on the job, we're headed to the courtroom! Catherine McNamara is a public defender in Massachusetts — a job she says is often mischaracterized and misunderstood. So she's here to clear things up. Catherine talks about what makes her work hard, stressful, important, and rewarding, and talks about what it's like in the courtroom. She also talks about developing the confidence needed to be a litigator and trial attorney.

SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 the most popular club that no one wants to join."

Welcome to the monthly edition of Ramblings on the Run with Ali and Matt! This month, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Trials podcast — and I catch up on how our running is going, share what we're loving right now, and talk about what we're excited about. And then, we have a little March Madness fun — with a twist. It's the "Ramblings on the Run Fictional 5K," and we've got brackets!

What we mention on this episode:

Millennium Running

Natural Born Heroes by Christopher McDougall

You're Wrong About podcast

Follow Matt:

• Instagram @rambling_runner
• Rambling Runner podcast

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Being able to come to work as my whole self. Being able to be out. Being able to appear on camera in drag. Hopefully for those of you that are out there listening, if you work at a company or a place where you cannot be yourself — and I know you need to make the money — it is not worth it. It is not worth it to stifle that magic. You will slowly die inside. Go work for a place where you can be Mara every single damn day. Let your freak flag fly and be who you wanna be. We are too advanced in this society to be squandering any time on not being able to be ourselves."

Growing up in Rhode Island, Matty Maggiacomo had a tumultuous — and at times traumatizing — relationship with sports and coaches. But today, he's a fitness instructor on the world's largest streaming platform. On this episode, Matty talks about how he rediscovered fitness later in life, and how he got the job teaching treadmill and strength classes at Peloton. He talks about his dreams of being on TV, including how he made those dreams come true right out of college, and why that dream came to a screeching halt on an assignment one day. Plus, Matty talks about his sexuality and about coming out, and about the importance of letting his "freak flag fly" at work — which means we get to hear from Mara Thonner, Matty's treadmill-running alter ego, and about what it's like teaching a live class for thousands in full drag! Matty is a true joy, and this conversation is long, fun, and filled with hefty doses of both laughter and inspiration.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On taking time off (9:15)
• How Matty would describe his Peloton classes (11:00)
• Getting to know Young Matty (15:45)
• All about the NBC Page program, and working in live television (22:30)
• How Matty got the job at Peloton (34:45)
• How you learn to be a Peloton instructor (39:15)
• On the magnitude of it all (49:35)
• MARA joins the show! (54:20)
• On the Peloton family, and how Matty feels about his colleagues (1:02:15)
• Matty shares his most memorable Peloton memory thus far (1:06:30)

What we mention on this episode:

Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show

Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show

Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show

Veneno

It's a Sin

"The Original Jess Sims Scare"

Follow Matty:

• Instagram @mattymaggiacomo
• Twitter @mattymaggiacomo

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 definitely not like Suits. It's way more like The Office."

For Victoria Asikis, grocery shopping is the best. As a lawyer working in regulatory compliance for food and beverage products, strolling the aisles is basically doing market research. And on this episode, we learn what, exactly, a food lawyer does. (It's pretty fascinating stuff!) Victoria lives in Ottawa, Ontario, where she is a part of the advertising and product regulatory group at Gowling WLG, a large multinational law firm. She spends her days making sure that every word, statement, or claim on a food, beverage, or natural beauty product (like your favorite cereal box, bag of granola, or chemical-free face wash) is true and accurate. She is also the Communications Director for the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers' Association. And turns out, it's really cool work! Victoria is so passionate about what she does — and you'll be able to tell within the first two minutes of this conversation!

SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Having a baby is not the end of your running goals and dreams."

Welcome back to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about running after having a baby, podcasting behind-the-scenes, getting into freelance writing, stroller recommendations, and my real thoughts on Taylor Swift's folklore vs. evermore. Enjoy!

If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you!

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

What I mention on this episode:

Episode 174: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Ali on the Run Show

Emilia Benton on Episode 340 of the Ali on the Run Show

Molly & Izzy Seidel on Episode 341 of the Ali on the Run Show

Uppababy Vista stroller

Thule Urban Glide II jogging stroller

Colugo Compact stroller

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 comes a certain time that you just need a break. You're human. You don't have to feel great all the time. It's OK to be in touch with your feelings and say, 'I don't feel great, and I'm going to take five days off.' It's fine!"

Blanca Grinkovitch is a 20-time marathoner, Ironman, lululemon ambassador, director at New Jersey treadmill studio Juma Fit, and mom of twin boys. She runs a 3:07 marathoner and a 1:29 half-marathon, and today, in her fifties, she's running stronger and healthier than ever. On this episode, Blanca talks about how she has stayed happy and healthy on the run for decades at a time. She has boundless energy and excellent advice, and you're going to love her!

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Blanca's advice for how she is stronger than ever in her fifties (5:00)
• Did Young Blanca envision this future for herself in the fitness industry? (10:00)
• Blanca reflects on her first race in Central Park (14:45)
• How Blanca met her husband, and what their first date (a 17-mile run) was like (19:00)
• How running changed after having twins (24:00)
• On start line imposter syndrome (30:15)
• What running looks like for Blanca right now (35:50)
• Blanca's advice for jumping out of bed in the morning (40:50)
• What "Coach Blanca" is like (45:00)

What we mention on this episode:

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Follow Blanca:

• Instagram @bgrinkfit

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 should feel like they have a real say in the decisions that impact their everyday lives."

Beth Huang says community organizing is on her mind 24/7. As the Director of the Massachusetts Voter Table voting rights organization, it's her life's mission to get everyone everywhere (starting in Massachusetts!) registered to vote and showing up to vote. Beth and the MA Voter Table don't care how you vote — it's a nonpartisan organization — they just want you to have answers so you know how to register, how to get to the polls (no easy task in 2020!), and how to stay active in your own community. On this episode, Beth explains how they actually do this. She talks about the importance of caring about your local community, and about why it's not just the big elections every four years that matter. The MA Voter Table is especially focused on BIPOC communities, and on creating a more equitable and even playing field. This episode is a great reminder about the importance of civic access (that everyone who wants to vote can vote), civic engagement (that everyone who can vote does vote), and civic responsibility.

SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 order for me to light the world on fire — I am going to do amazing things in Tokyo — I'm going to train smart, I'm going to stay out of trouble, and I'm going to stay injury free. Because I believe in my heart that even four months of training, I am going to be super fit and I'm going to have an amazing race in Tokyo. I just hope that my body is in tune with my mind. Because I know in my mind that even though I just had a child, that's not going to be a barrier. I'm not going to make excuses. My child is going to be the motivation for me, and I know I have what it takes to succeed in Tokyo."

Aliphine is back! Back on the run (!!!), and back on the Ali on the Run Show. The last time Aliphine Tuliamuk — the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion — was on the show, she was eight months pregnant, readying to give birth to a baby girl. And now, that baby girl is here: Zoe was born on January 13, 2021, and on this episode (her first postpartum podcast interview!), Aliphine reflects on her pregnancy, on giving birth, and on the first few weeks of new motherhood. She also talks about her careful and calculated return to running, as she prepares to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics representing Team USA. Aliphine is open, honest, and holds nothing back.

SPONSOR: AJC Peachtree Road Race — Register for this year's race today at ajc.com/peachtree.

What you'll get on this episode:

• The advice Aliphine received as she prepares for her return to running (5:30)
• Reflecting on pregnancy, labor, and delivery (7:45)
• Aliphine's post-birth scare (24:55)
• On having a support system (30:15)
• What has surprised Aliphine most about new motherhood (39:15)
• Raising a child in the U.S. vs. Kenya (42:25)
• Aliphine talks about her deliberate and careful return to running and training (50:30)
• Aliphine talks about watching A Time and A Place, and looks back at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials experience (1:00:50)
• On finding support within the professional women's running community (1:09:20)

What we mention on this episode:

Aliphine Tuliamuk on Episode 315 of the Ali on the Run Show

A Time and A Place

Follow Aliphine:

• Instagram @aliphine
• Twitter @aliphineT

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The only person who can make you feel good about yourself is yourself. You really have to feel confident in who you are and what you bring to the table, and know that you're enough. That's your foundation."

Ask any Peloton devotee about instructor Olivia Amato, and you'll probably hear the same phrase over and over: "She's a real-life Energizer Bunny." Olivia is one of the few Peloton instructors who can "do it all" — she teaches on both the bike and the treadmill, and teaches strength classes. (Her core classes will leave your entire body quivering.) But Peloton wasn't always the plan for Olivia. Though she was super sporty growing up, a guidance counselor suggested she pursue a career in finance. So when Olivia graduated high school, that's exactly what she did: went to college and then went on to Wall Street, where she worked in sales and trading. Though she thrived in the fast-paced, high-stress environment, she hated it. It wasn't her passion. She loved fitness, and as soon as she had her "a-ha" moment, that's where she headed. She got certified, got hired at a spin studio and a boxing studio, and was suddenly teaching 30 classes a week. Today, though, Olivia has found happiness, true joy, and balance as a Peloton instructor. On this episode, she talks about dealing with burnout, what to do when you realize you're not happy and need to pivot, and how she's built her confidence over the years. ("And I'm still working on it," she assures.)

Peloton friends, join the fun — add the #FriendsofAliOTR tag to your profile so we can cheer each other on and swap high fives!

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Olivia's take on being a "real-life energizer bunny" (4:50)
• Getting to know Young Olivia (9:00)
• On pursuing a career in finance (12:45)
• How Olivia broke into the fitness industry, and how she got the job at Peloton (18:25)
• All about Olivia's Breakthrough Runs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the programming at Peloton (29:00)
• On teaching in an empty room during the pandemic (40:40)
• What don't we know about Olivia Amato? (45:15)
• On the evolution of Olivia (49:00)
• Is there pressure to look a certain way in the fitness industry? (54:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show

Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show

M61 Skincare

Follow Olivia:

• Instagram @oamato

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I used to be a morning person. I'm not a morning person anymore!"

Liz Lemon was always destined to do two things: run and help people. Liz (and yes, she gets a lot of 30 Rock references thanks to her name) comes from a family that runs and practices medicine, so it's no surprise that Liz would do the same. She's a night shift nurse in the emergency room at a hospital in California (though she's currently on leave on account of a broken hand), while also pursuing her master's degree in nursing education. When she's not in the ER, Liz is on the run: She's a 3:44 marathoner, 1:29 half-marathoner, and 17:54 5K runner. On this episode, Liz talks about what it's really like working the front lines in a hospital (and she insists that despite what we see on Grey's Anatomy, "people aren't really hooking up in the break rooms"), explains what her days and nights really look like, and shares some of her most memorable stories from the hospital.

SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Once I started to believe in myself and believe I was faster — which is the power of the mind — I started showing it."

Ce'Aira Brown wants you to know that she's still running. She's still training (alongside Ajeé Wilson), and she's still staying true to her "talk less, grind more" mentality. (And when she's not on the run training for the 800m or 1500m, she's on the runway, modeling.) On this episode, Ce'Aira — who is a former NCAA All-American and 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier who formerly trained with Frank Gagliano and now runs professionally for Hoka One One — talks about her running journey and her career. So why don't people think she's running? Because you're pretty unlikely to see a lot of running "content" on her Instagram feed. But Ce'Aira promises, she's more in it than ever. In honor of International Women's Day, she talks about the women who inspire her, and she talks about being a role model herself. She explains why, after running a 2:02 season opener in Austin two weeks ago, she's "not satisfied, but hungry," talks about the power of positivity and hard work, and talks about how she's built mental strength and confidence.

SPONSOR: Hoka One One. Check out Hoka's just-released Mach 4 at your local JackRabbit store, or by visiting jackrabbit.com.

Follow Ce'Aira:

• Instagram @ceairachristine_

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The worst thing you can do is count yourself out."

Last year, Molly Seidel ran her first marathon — at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, where she finished second and earned herself a spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team. And she'll be the first to tell you that she wouldn't have gotten to that start line without her #1 fan: her sister, Izzy. Now, one year later, Molly is a professional runner for Puma, training for the 2021 Olympics, and Izzy is her self-appointed hype girl. On this episode, the Seidel sisters — who are roommates in Boston — talk about what their family was like growing up, and about how their lives have changed since the Trials. Plus, they talk about the importance of "the pursuit of fun" in everything they do, and share their experiences with the comparison trap, imposter syndrome, and building confidence. (Pro tip: Having a hype girl helps!)

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

What you'll get on this episode:

• Which of Molly's races has been the most challenging? (4:30)
• How Molly's feeling after her 68:29 half-marathon PR (and race win!) in Atlanta last weekend (8:50)
• All about Molly's attitude when it comes to racing (11:00)
• On getting the call that the 2021 Olympics are happening (!!!), and what her training will look like leading up to Tokyo 2021 (18:20)
• Is Molly moving to Flagstaff? (25:30)
• Looking back at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and what that day was like for the Seidels (35:40)
• Molly and Izzy talk about their childhood and what growing up together was like (43:30)

What we mention on this episode:

Izzy on Episode 236 of the Ali on the Run Show

Molly's slow mile

Follow Molly:

• Instagram @bygolly.molly

Follow Izzy:

• Instagram @isabelseidel

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I kind of spiraled into this years-long cycle of trying to constantly seek improvement in my times and not give myself a break when I really needed it."

If you've read an article about running in the past few years (which, who hasn't?), you've probably read something by Emilia Benton. Emilia is a freelance journalist (we talk a lot about her transition to going freelance after working in the magazine industry, and about why she's so much happier on her own) and is a regular contributor at Runner's World, Self, Women's Health, Shape, Popsugar, Prevention, Verywell, Fast Company, and more. On this episode, Emilia talks about making her freelance dreams come true and about the stories she's proudest of, and shares the one publication that's still on her writing wish list. Plus, Emilia — who lives in Houston, TX, with her husband, Omar, and their dog, Astro — shares her running story. She explains how she's gone from dreaming of one day running a two-hour half-marathon to recently running a sub-1:40 half, and talks about her Boston Qualifying dreams. She talks about developing a strong mental game, offers her thoughts on being a woman of color both in running and in publishing, and talks about being a twin! (Hi Carla!)

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• A day in the life of a freelance journalist (6:00)
• Why Emilia loves being freelance, and what the career is really like (9:40)
• Emilia shares her earliest experiences with racism growing up (28:20)
• Emilia's best advice for making a scary career move (34:00)
• Emilia reflects on her childhood growing up in Houston, Arizona, and Portland (38:15)
• How Emilia found running (41:00)
• On "learning to chill out on the run" (47:25)

What we mention on this episode:

I Learned to Chill Out During Marathon Training. Here's What Happened. by Emilia Benton for Runner's World

"11 BIPOC Runners Speak Out About Running & Race," by Emilia Benton for Runner's World

Ben Chan on Episode 277 of the Ali on the Run Show

"How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Social Justice & Race," by Emilia Benton for Women's Health

The Brown Ambition podcast

Mandi Woodruff on Episode 276 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Emilia:

• Instagram @emmiemarieb
• Twitter @emmiemarieb

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"A lot of science is about asking questions. It's OK to not understand something. And it's OK that it's hard. That understanding comes in just being curious. We don't have all the answers, but we know how to go about looking for them."

Welcome to Season 4 of the On the Job series! This season, you'll hear from seven women with cool, unique, interesting careers. We'll learn about the jobs we see on TV — lawyers and nurses and astronauts, oh my! — and we'll honor some frontline heroes, including an emergency room nurse and a middle school special education teacher. But first, we're going to space, with real-life rocket scientist Lynn McGrew! Lynn is a NASA aerospace engineer based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, and on this episode, she talks about the moment she fell in love with space ("For the first time, in the middle of the country, I saw this band of stars across the sky, and I was just fascinated by it. What is this magical view overhead? I was absolutely stunned, and so curious," she says.), explains how she broke into the competitive field, and talks about her decades-long involvement working on the Mars rovers in the jet propulsion laboratory ("JPL"), including the Phoenix, the Curiosity, and, most recently, the Perseverance. Plus, she talks about how running and cycling fit into her life.

SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 want to do, whether it's to write a book or to run a marathon, you have to be brave enough and bold enough to start to say that out loud. It's the only way you can begin to own it and then to understand how to make it happen. You have to put it out there."

When Meaghan B Murphy was first on the Ali on the Run Show in January 2019, she casually mentioned maybe kind of sort of wanting to write a book someday. Fast forward two years, and someday is today: Meaghan's debut book, Your Fully Charged Life, is officially on bookshelves! (Congratulations, Meaghan!) On this episode, Meaghan is back to talk about what it's like being a newly-published author. She talks about the getting-published process, and talks about what it was like writing a book during a pandemic with three kids (plus a dog!) at home while also navigating a promotion and new job as editor in chief of Woman's Day magazine. Meaghan talks about being terrified of getting Covid — and then getting it, and getting really sick, two weeks before she was set to record the audio version of her book. And of course, we talk about the book itself — what it is, what it isn't, and why Meaghan insists on putting everything through a "fun filter." If you loved hearing from Meaghan the first time she was on the show, you'll love this update from the most upbeat (but not toxically positive!) person on the planet.

CLICK HERE to buy Your Fully Charged Life: A Radically Simple Approach to Having Endless Energy and Filling Every Day with Yay!

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about the getting-published process (8:20)
• What is Your Fully Charged Life — and what is it not? (22:45)
• Which parts of the book were easiest and most challenging to write (29:30)
• Why Meaghan wanted to include the current events in the book (40:30)
• How to own an apology (46:45)
• Why Meaghan no longer says "little kids, little problems — big kids, big problems" (50:15)
• Meaghan's experience with Covid-19 (53:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Meaghan Murphy on Episode 113 of the Ali on the Run Show

Meaghan on the Today show

Follow Meaghan:

• Instagram @meaghanbmurphy
• Twitter @meaghanbmurphy
• Off the Gram podcast

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"There's a lot of uncertainty, and getting better at that has taken a lot of practice."

Welcome to the second episode in the new monthly "Ask Ali" series — where you call in with your questions, and I answer them. This time around, we're covering everything from motherhood and going on family fun runs to how I maintain a positive attitude with a chronic illness (or do I?). I talk about the art of interviewing, finding a therapist, what it would be like if I hosted an "Ali on the Run" race, and, naturally, I offer up some hot takes on Broadway Shows, Center Stage, and The Greatest Showman.

If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you!

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

What I mention on this episode:

Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show

Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show

"All About the Peloton Treadmill," via Ali on the Run

Subscribe to Fast Women

Rachel Gersten on Episode 198 of the Ali on the Run Show

Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo on Episode 245 of the Ali on the Run Show

The Idea of You

Bravey by Alexi Pappas

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Millennium Running

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
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• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"People don't know what you go through or the feelings you have if you don't express and you don't talk about them. People can have all of these assumptions about you, but unless you verbalize what's really going on in your mind, they will never know."

When it comes to running, India Cook is passionate about sharing her story — but it's not about her, she'll tell you. It's about making sure other runners in the community feel seen, heard, and welcome on the run. India is a two-time marathoner and 15-time half-marathoner from Atlanta, GA, and she's a content creator and storyteller (and former semi-professional cheerleader, which, yes, we talk about on this episode!). India is the co-host of The Run Duo podcast and hosts the Miles From India YouTube channel. She's also an RRCA-certified run coach. On this episode, India talks about racing in the Covid-19 era, shares her thoughts on what it means to be a brand ambassador in 2021, and talks about what it has been like being a BIPOC public figure in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• What it's been like participating in "low-risk races" during the pandemic (6:15)
• Looking back at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta (12:00)
• India talks about her childhood and how running entered the picture (16:45)
• All about The Run Duo podcast and the evolution of the show (27:00)
• All about "Miles with India" on YouTube (40:00)
• India's thoughts on being a running brand ambassador in 2021 (46:00)
• All about Coach India (55:00)

What we mention on this episode:

"Racing During the Covid-19 Pandemic" via Miles From India

BLACK LIVES MATTER via The Run Duo

Follow India:

• Instagram @i_of_endigo_runs
• Miles From India YouTube
• The Run Duo

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I got to be a little brother and a big fan."

Happy Valentine's Day, and welcome to the final day of Love on the Run Week on the Ali on the Run Show! Today, we're wrapping things up with the best-loved brothers in running: Meb and Hawi Keflezighi. On this episode, Meb and Hawi talk about their childhoods, share stories of emigrating to the U.S. from Eritrea, and talk about their brother-turned-professional relationship (Hawi is Meb's agent). At the end of this week, I hope this series has made you laugh, smile, and feel the love!

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

Hawi Keflezighi on Episode 263 of the Ali on the Run Show

Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden

LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN

You Can Run a Marathon with Meb Keflezighi

Run to Overcome by Meb Keflezighi

Follow Meb:

• Instagram @runmeb
• Twitter @runmeb
• Facebook

Follow Hawi:

• Instagram @hawimanagement
• Twitter @hawisports

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Best buds for life."

On the surface, sisters Sarah and Marisa Cummings seem like they could be twins. Both were competitive ice skaters and valedictorians of their respective graduating high school classes. They each went on to attend Princeton University, where they each ran on the cross-country team. Then, though three years apart, they each moved to New York City to pursue jobs in the finance industry and to run for the New York Athletic Club. But to know Sarah and Marisa is to know that they aren't identical, they swear. On this episode, Sarah and Marisa talk about their sisterly bond, and about how they've supported each other over the years.

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

Sarah Cummings on Episode 215 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Sarah:

• Instagram @sarahccummings

Follow Marisa:

• Instagram @marcummings

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"That was the kicker: Matt said, 'If the dog doesn't like you, you have to go.'"

One day, in Flagstaff, AZ, professional runner Matt Llano walked into a local coffee shop where Brannon Harbur was working. That first day they met, they talked for hours — long after Brannon's shift had ended. They agreed to meet up for a first date of sorts, at a group run. Fitting, for a professional runner. But Brannon wasn't a runner. Still, he showed up, because he was interested — in Matt, not in running. Brannon went on to run 10 miles (alongside Stephanie Bruce), getting to know Matt in the process. They've been together every day since then. Today, Matt is a professional runner for Under Armour and Dark Sky Distance, and Brannon is the Chief Experience Officer of Mental Performance at HYPO2. On this episode, they talk about how running factors into their relationship today, and about the time Brannon tried to teach Matt about accounting while on a long run. (It…didn't go well.) Plus, they talk about meeting each other's families, share their coming out stories, and talk about being LGBTQ+ role models in the running community and beyond. They live together in Flagstaff with their two dogs.

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

Follow Matt:

• Instagram @mattllano

Follow Brannon:

• Instagram @brannonharbur

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 this was going to be an epic friendship."

Welcome to the fastest friendship on the track: Kori Carter and Ajeé Wilson join Love on the Run Week today! Kori is a world champion 400m hurdler, and Ajeé is a U.S. record holder in the 800m (both indoor and outdoor). On this episode, they talk about how they met and immediately bonded both on the track and off.

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

USATF Instagram Live

Follow Kori:

• Instagram @thekorimonster

Follow Ajeé:

• Instagram @ajeelenee

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
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• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I just looked over at her and said, 'We should be something.'"

She's a 2:43 marathoner and Olympic Marathon Trials finisher, and he's "not a huge runner" who runs a 2:51 marathon: Meet Starla Garcia and Fredis Benitez from Houston, TX! Starla (a returning favorite on the Ali on the Run Show) is a registered dietitian, and Fredis is a marketer and designer, and they bonded immediately over a shared love for music. On this episode, Starla and Fredis, who have been dating since 2016, talk about creating boundaries in a relationship, about not playing games, and about how Starla knew she liked him when he said he likes vegetables!

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

Starla Garcia on Episode 200 of the Ali on the Run Show

Starla Garcia on Episode 257 of the Ali on the Run Show

"Why Are American Women Running Faster Than Ever?" via The New York Times

Follow Starla:

• Instagram @starla_shines
• Twitter @starla_shines
• The Healthy Shine

Follow Fredis:

• Instagram @fredis_b

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"We took each other's dreams seriously, which is always a fun thing in a friendship."

It's Day 2 of Love on the Run Week, and today we're celebrating long-distance friendship. On this episode, professional runners Alexi Pappas and Mary Cain talk about their bond, which started because of running (they met at a track meet!), but quickly grew because of something so much deeper. They highlight the importance of strong, supportive adult friendships; talk about why they try not to "squeeze too tight;" and explain how they support each other from across the country.

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

Alexi Pappas on Episode 296 of the Ali on the Run Show

Alexi Pappas on Episode 163 of the Ali on the Run Show

Bravey by Alexi Pappas

"Mary Cain and Alexi Pappas Both Suffered in Silence. Then They Saved Each Other." by David Alm for Runner's World

"I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike." via New York Times Op-Docs

"I Achieved My Wildest Dreams. Then Depression Hit." via New York Times Op-Docs

Follow Alexi:

• Instagram @alexipappas
• Twitter @alexipappas
• Facebook

Follow Mary:

• Instagram @runmarycain
• Twitter @runmarycain

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It's not that we don't disagree or we don't challenge each other, because that's a really important part of it. We definitely challenge each other and we're always growing, but I feel like we're constantly growing in a similar direction, and that's why it works so well."

Welcome to Love on the Run Week! This year, we're celebrating all different types of love leading up to Valentine's Day — seven days, seven episodes, seven love stories, including couples, best friends, and siblings. First up: a sweet dose of romance with one of running's fastest couples. On this episode, Jenny and Jason Simpson talk about how they met and fell in love amidst backyard BBQs, Olympic debuts, and "Jason's smooth moves."

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order!

What we mention on this episode:

Jenny Simpson on Episode 268 of the Ali on the Run Show

Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Jenny:

• Instagram @trackjenny
• Twitter @trackjenny
• Facebook

Follow Jason:

• Instagram @jasonfordesign

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Maybe we place too much emphasis on the idea of what other people think a runner is."

After having her third baby, Erin Azar wasn't feeling like herself. So one day — having never run before — she decided to go outside and run a mile. From there, she committed to running a mile a day for 30 days straight, documenting her journey along the way. The result: Erin went viral on TikTok, with her first running video amassing more than one million views overnight. And when her mile-a-day month was up, she leveled up, and decided to train for and run her first marathon. Then, when said marathon was canceled due to the pandemic, she ran it anyway: virtually, and mostly alone. Erin is super honest about the realities of running being hard, especially for new runners. This is an inspiring, fun conversation for runners who are new to the sport and ones who have been doing it for decades.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Where the nickname "Mrs. Space Cadet" came from (3:45)
• Erin shares her running story (8:30)
• What did Erin feel was missing from the running industry? (13:45)
• How it felt when Erin's first running video jumped to one million views on TikTok — overnight (16:00)
• Why Erin decided to go all-in and train for a marathon (28:00)
• What it was like running a marathon for the first time — virtually (36:00)
• Why Erin decided to get a coach, and why she thinks other new runners can benefit from having one, too (38:00)
• Erin's advice for first-time virtual marathoners (46:45)
• What does a day in the life of Erin look like? (49:15)
• Erin's message to anyone who doesn't feel seen or represented in the running community (52:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Erin skiing

Follow Erin:

• Instagram @immrsspacecadet
• TikTok @mrs.space.cadet

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 energy is your most valuable resource. How do you make sure you're spending it on things that actually make a difference?"

As the Chief People Officer at Hubspot, it is Katie Burke's job to take care of people. So when your job is other people — whether at work or at home — how do you take care of you? On this episode, Ali on the Run Show favorite Katie Burke shares 10 practical, tactical, super important ways to make sure your needs are met. And this isn't a fluffy self-care pep talk about reading before bed or taking baths on the weekend. This is about learning to play offense in your own life. (Look at me, using sports references!) Plus, Katie talks about why you should make a "worry list," offers her own take on the over-used phrase "self-care," and explains why this advice is especially important now. (For more, read Katie's just-published post, "Taking Care of You," here.)

SPONSOR: Rise Run Retreat. Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your Rise Run Retreat Virtual Retreat registration. Registration for this month's Virtual Retreat opens February 8.

What we mention on this episode:

"Take Care of You" by Katie Burke

Katie Burke on Episode 252 of the Ali on the Run Show

Katie Burke on Episode 84 of the Ali on the Run Show

Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brené Brown with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout

The Idea of You

Anti-Racism Daily newsletter

The Energy Project

Follow Katie:

• Instagram @katieburke16
• Twitter @katieburke
• LinkedIn

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Find what makes it fun for you."

Welcome to this month's edition of Ramblings on the Run with Ali and Matt, where Rambling Runner host Matt Chittim and I catch up on running, industry news, and our current favorite things. On this episode, we answer listener questions ranging from how we met and became friends to our best advice for new runners.

What we mention on this episode:

Bravey by Alexi Pappas

Alexi Pappas on Episode 296 of the Ali on the Run Show

Ask Ali!

"ZACH" by Billy Yang

Dinée Dorame on The Morning Shakeout

Grounded Podcast with Dinée Dorame

Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 of the Ali on the Run Show

Kamilah Journét on Episode 323 of the Ali on the Run Show

Running Realized

Follow Matt:

• Instagram @rambling_runner
• Rambling Runner podcast

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"He said, 'If you want to see your son grow up, you need to make these changes.' Done. That's all I needed to hear."

The Mirnavator is here! Mirna Valerio is a sponsored athlete, ultra runner, best-selling author (check out her book, A Beautiful Work in Progress), trained opera singer (yes, she sings on this episode!), mother, educator, activist (she leads diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops for brands including Nike and Burton), and speaker. She has appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Rich Roll podcast (twice!), she trained Will Smith for a half marathon, and she was named 2018 Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. She's also arguably one of the most influential women in running today. On this episode, Mirna talks about how she became "The Mirnavator," explains what it was like when her blog, Fat Girl Running, went viral in 2015, and what life has been like ever since. Plus, she shares her core values, offers an exercise for how can all discover our own values, and talks about her exciting new projects (a novel! a podcast!).

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Mirna sings! (Plus, why and how she recently sang for Nigel Barker) (7:00)
• What's making Mirna happy today? (15:40)
• On having an impact (23:00)
• Did Young Mirna envision this future for herself, as a sponsored athlete? And how did a health scare in 2008 lead to where she is today? (26:00)
• On going viral (45:00)
• How Mirna ended up training Will Smith for a half marathon (56:30)
• What hasn't Mirna done? (1:10:10)
• Mirna's advice for identifying your core values (1:14:00)

What we mention on this episode:

"REI Presents Mirna Valerio, Ultra Runner"

Mirna Valerio on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Follow Mirna:

• Instagram @themirnavator
• Twitter @themirnavator

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"My goal is to indulge my own curiosity and hopefully pique yours as well."

Welcome to the new monthly series on the Ali on the Run Show: Ask Ali! On these episodes, I'll be answering your questions, whether they're funny, silly, or serious. First up: running with Crohn's disease, tackling the comparison trap, sports bras, podcasting, my thoughts on the dance industry and whether I see dance in Annie's future, and, uh, a hypothetical zombie apocalypse.

If you want to be part of a future "Ask Ali" episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever's on your mind! I can't wait to hear from you!

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

EMBED

What I mention on this episode:

lululemon Enlite Bra

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"The idea that someone would try to take me down a notch really just adds fuel to my fire."

Last week, Outside magazine published a piece called "Tracksmith Made Running Culture Something You Can Buy." On this episode, the ever-inspiring Kamilah Journét — who is both a 4:51 miler and Tracksmith's marketing manager — is here to offer her response to that piece. Plus, Kamilah talks about running collegiately at UC San Diego, and reflects on times when she didn't love running. She talks about rediscovering her love for running (pro tip: her love returned when she made it about something bigger than herself!), and about the role running plays in her life right now. Before coming to Tracksmith, Kamilah worked at Hoka One One and Patagonia, so she also offers her take on how running and outdoor brands are approaching diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2021, and whether she sees progress being made in the industry.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Kamilah's reaction to that Outside magazine piece (4:45)
• All about the Tracksmith Fellowship (19:15)
• On women supporting women in the industry (23:30)
• The role running plays in Kamilah's life right now (30:00)
• Where Kamilah's competitive side came from, and how running has evolved for her over the years (35:20)
• On working in the running and outdoor industries (43:30)

What we mention on this episode:

Your Black Teammate

Kamilah's Instagram response to Outside magazine's piece

Tracksmith Fellowship

Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 of the Ali on the Run Show

Lee Glandorf on Episode 240 of the Ali on the Run Show

Veronica Jackson on Episode 211 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Kamilah:

• Instagram @kamilahjournet
• Twitter @milahjournet

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I went on this journey of constantly proving to people that I could do everything they could do. Because I knew I could!"

When Lacey Henderson was just nine years old, she was diagnosed with soft-tissue cancer in her leg. After trying a series of experimental treatments — none of which ultimately worked — Lacey underwent above-the-knee amputation surgery, just before her tenth birthday. Today, Lacey is a Paralympic long jumper competing at the highest level, and she'll be the first to tell you that she is so much more than her disability. (She also, on this episode, talks about that word, "disability," and reflects on why it's not quite her favorite word.) Lacey is happy, joyful, and tough, and this conversation covers everything from ableism, discovering disabled sport, and having tough conversations on the street to cheerleading and American Girl dolls.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On being diagnosed with cancer at nine years old (7:30)
• Lacey reflects on the day she had her leg amputated (10:30)
• On life after amputation (17:40)
• Lacey's experience with "disability denial" (25:30)
• How Lacey found running after amputation (34:45)
• On overcoming "verbal constipation" (51:00)
• Where Lacey is at with running right now (56:45)

What we mention on this episode:

AfterShokz "Be Open" conversation

Follow Lacey:

• Instagram @laceyisyourfriend
• Twitter @lacesyourfriend
• Facebook

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 what I'll take away from this sport is the resiliency it built in me. No matter what else life throws at me, I'll know how to keep moving forward and fighting through it."

The last time Sara Hall was on the Ali on the Run Show, she had just placed second — with the finishing kick seen around the world — at the elite-only London Marathon. This time, she's fresh off running the elite-only Marathon Project — and this time, she took the win. In December, Sara won the Marathon Project with an 89-second personal best time of 2:20:32. She fell short of her goal that day, which was to run an American Record, besting Deena Kastor's 2:19:36. On this episode, Sara talks about what it felt like to miss that goal, but to still have an incredible day on the run. She offers an honest take on running your best time ever but not feeling satisfied. (Relatable!) Plus, she explains what it felt like attempting to run a 5:19 pace for 26.2 miles, gives a look back at her greatest 2020 takeaways, and talks about her goals for the 2021 Olympic Track and Field Trials.

SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order! (Sara Hall's fuel of choice!)

What you'll get on this episode:

• On running better than ever at 37 (3:35)
• Recapping the Marathon Project (9:15)
• What does 5:19 pace feel like? (24:00)
• Which was more fun: London or the Marathon Project? (28:50)
• Memories from mile 20 (34:30)
• How it felt when the American Record started slipping away (40:30)
• What is Sara proudest of? (50:10)

What we mention on this episode:

Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show

Calum Neff on Episode 318 of the Ali on the Run Show

The Run Free podcast with Ryan Hall

Follow Sara:

• Instagram @sarahall3
• Twitter @sarahall3
• Facebook

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I want every runner when they listen to this show to be reminded that regardless of your pace, your distance, how often you run, when you run — you're a runner. I want you to know that even if you don't see yourself in every episode, in every conversation — I see you. I see you in this community. I value you. I couldn't do this without you. I will do my very best to make sure these conversations remain inclusive in every way possible."

In 2020, I released 126 episodes of the Ali on the Run Show with 133 different guests. I welcomed five new sponsors (goodr, Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, Gatorade Endurance, and Atlanta Track Club), and maintained a strong partnership with longtime sponsors (AfterShokz, UCAN, and New Balance). In addition to the Thursday conversations, there was a steady stream of fun series options to choose from: Love on the Run, On the Job, Feel-Good Fridays, Ali & the Experts, What's New With You, and On the Record. I launched a Patreon page, built a community there, and happily hosted three live shows, one of which was virtual. With more than 2.5 million downloads, 2020 was a good year for this show, at least by the numbers.

But it wasn't easy. The state of the world forced me to do a lot of reflection, and to commit to serious changes on the show. I acknowledged — uncomfortably at times! — my own role in the running industry's problems with racism and representation. I wrestled with how to pivot the show and these conversations once the pandemic hit.

On this episode, I'm taking a look back at the last year for the Ali on the Run Show, including sharing some key takeaways from last month's podcast listener survey. And, ultimately, I'm looking forward so I can continue to do my best to make the Ali on the Run Show a place where all runners are seen, heard, welcomed, and represented.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Reflecting on the Ali on the Run Show in 2020, by the numbers (3:00)
• The Ali on the Run Show in 2020, beyond the numbers (15:30)
• On navigating how to talk about a pandemic on the podcast last March (21:00)
• On addressing systemic racism and Black Lives Matter on the Ali on the Run Show in 2020 (24:45)
• 2020 on the personal front (30:00)
• Looking back at my 2020 goals and how they played out (35:00)
• Sharing responses from the Ali on the Run Show Listener Survey (41:50)
• Looking forward to 2021 (1:00:31)

What I mention on this episode:

Ali on the Run Show Episode 199: My 2020 Visions, Plans, Hopes, & Dreams

Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show

Chris Heuisler on Episode 265 of the Ali on the Run Show

Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show

Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 given up on myself so many times. And now this time, I'm so determined to get over this hump. I don't want to give up on myself again. That's what gets me out the door these days."

Emma Abrahamson is the definition of a content creator: The former University of Oregon cross-country runner has an insanely popular YouTube channel with 69,000 subscribers, a combined Instagram following of more than 80,000 on her @onecrazedfoodie account and her personal one, hosts the Convos Over Cold Brew podcast, and recently released the Crazed Foodies e-book. By sharing her own stories, Emma has become a strong role model for the next generation of runners. She's known for her authenticity, her humor, and of course, her yummy recipes. On this episode, Emma talks about her road to running industry fame, and offers her honest, vulnerable takes on mental health, body image, and confidence. She talks about her transition from college athlete to "real person," and talks about what it's like being in a family of runners (she's one of three sisters, all of whom are sub-5:00 milers!).

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Emma got started as a content creator (5:45)
• The pressure that comes with living online (12:00)
• On developing thick skin and responding to negative feedback or criticism (14:30)
• On being a role model (16:30)
• Emma talks about body confidence (20:20)
• How Emma got into covering races and track meets on YouTube (27:45)
• All about Emma's triathlon training (37:20)
• What keeps Emma going on tough days? (52:50)

What we mention on this episode:

"4 Women Runners Explain Why It's Important to Embrace Your Body As It Changes," via Runner's World

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole

Zwift

Follow Emma:

• Instagram @emmaabrahamson
• Instagram @onecrazedfoodie
• Convos Over Cold Brew podcast
• YouTube

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I was just like, my three girls are at home cheering for us, yours are right here. There's so much love for us right now. We've just gotta go. Let's do it for them."

Last weekend, Calum Neff became known as "Green Shorts Guy" at The Marathon Project in Arizona. Calum was one of several pacers assigned to help Sara Hall run a 2:19 marathon in hopes of setting a new American record. And Calum more than earned the very important role: He's a lifelong runner with four Guinness World Records to his name, three of which are stroller running records that he's earned with each of his three daughters in tow. (A 2:31 marathon with his oldest daughter, a 1:11 half with his middle, and a 31:43 10K with his youngest.) On this episode, Calum passionately talks about his love for this sport, about how he trained (with 102-mile weeks!) and mentally prepared for his duties at The Marathon Project, and what it's like balancing running with family life and a full-time job at an energy technology company. Next up for Calum: attempting the Canadian national 50K record.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Calum's best piece of stroller running advice (5:15)
• Was running The Marathon Project about the training journey or about race day? (10:00)
• How Calum got the job as a pacer, and what his training was like leading up to race day (12:50)
• On imposter syndrome and the mental side of training and racing (24:15)
• On meeting Sara Hall for the first time (27:30)
• On communication during the race (38:00)
• What's next for Calum? (48:50)
• Calum's post-race recap (55:45)
• "The art of pacing" (1:00:20)

What we mention on this episode:

The CIM Olympic Trials Qualifying Time Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show

Thule Glide Performance Jogging Stroller

Thule Urban Glide II Jogging Stroller

Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show

Keira D'Amato on Episode 305 of the Ali on the Run Show

Michael Gervais' "Finding Mastery" podcast

Follow Calum:

• Instagram @calneff

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"It was incredibly scary to leave my home country, my family, and fly overseas to a place I knew nothing about. I knew no one there. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. I just knew I was following my dream and following my heart."

Dominique "Dom" Scott was born and raised in South Africa, but by the time she hit high school, she knew she wanted to move to the United States to pursue a collegiate runner career in the NCAA. And that's precisely what she did. Despite having never visited, Dom packed her bags and moved to the States, where she attended the University of Arkansas. The rest, they say, is history. Dom went on to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, and earned herself a sponsorship with adidas. Today, she lives in Colorado where she is a member of Joe Bosshard and Emma Coburn's "Team Boss." On this episode, Dom talks about moving to the U.S., joining the Bosshard group, and creating "The Dom Squad."

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Why everyone listening should get out for a run today (4:40)
• Did Young Dom envision a future as a professional runner? (5:55)
• How Dom ended up at University of Arkansas (16:20)
• On coming to the United States and what that was like (20:25)
• How Dom went pro (32:55)
• Dom's road to the 2016 Olympics (36:05)
• On being a dual citizen (39:30)
• Dom's hopes for the 2021 Olympic Games (44:30)
• All about The Dom Squad (48:45)
• Dom talks about joining Team Boss in Colorado (56:45)
• What Dom's running and training are like right now (1:02.50)

What we mention on this episode:

Emma Coburn on Episode 224 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emma Coburn on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emma Coburn on Episode 60 of the Ali on the Run Show

Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 204 of the Ali on the Run Show

Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show

Laura Thweatt on Episode 228 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Dom:

• Instagram @domscottrunsa

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 made the most out of a hard year. And what we did this year is going to pay off."

Earlier this year, four-time NCAA champion Dani Jones decided to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility at the University of Colorado in the pursuit of going pro. She signed with an agent — Hawi Keflezighi — and joined Joe Bosshard and Emma Coburn's training group, "Team Boss." And today, Dani has an exciting announcement to share: She's officially a fully sponsored professional runner, having just signed with New Balance. On this episode, Dani talks about what it's really like going pro (particularly during this pandemic year); talks about training alongside women like Emma Coburn, Aisha Praught Leer, Cory McGee, and Dominique Scott; and divulges her biggest hopes and dreams on the run.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How it feels to be a sponsored professional athlete (3:30)
• How Dani's training has changed since joining Team Boss (7:00)
• On Dani's decision to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in order to go pro (9:10)
• What it's really like going pro (11:30)
• Why Dani chose to sign with Hawi Keflezighi and HAWI Management (14:30)
• Did Young Dani always plan to go pro? (16:40)
• On joining Team Boss (30:25)
• How Dani's feeling looking to 2021 (39:30)

Follow Dani:

• Instagram @dani.joness

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 the happiest that I have ever been in my life. It's coming together like I always wanted."

It's been a really good year for Aliphine Tuliamuk. In February, the professional runner for Hoka One One's NAZ Elite team won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, earning herself the top spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon team. But before she heads to Tokyo in 2021, Aliphine has one very big job: have a baby! Last week, Aliphine announced to the world that she is pregnant and due with a baby girl in January. On this episode, Aliphine talks about what the past eight months have been like, what it was like revealing her big secret, and why she didn't want to wait to have a baby. She talks about the values she hopes to instill in her daughter, Zoe, and explains how raising a child in the U.S. differs from how she was raised in Kenya.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about Aliphine's pregnancy and how she kept a secret for eight months (4:00)
• On announcing her pregnancy to the world (7:00)
• On always wanting to be a mom (10:30)
• Aliphine talks about the values that were imparted on her growing up in Kenya, and the ones she wants to pass down to her daughter (20:00)
• Why Aliphine and her partner, Tim, chose the name Zoe (21:50)
• The advice Aliphine's teammates have offered as she prepares to become a mom (27:00)
• "I'm going to light the world on fire" (31:00)

What we mention on this episode:

"Time to Pick Up Your Crown"

"Aliphine Tuliamuk: Pregnant and Training for the Olympics," by Erin Strout for Women's Running

Follow Aliphine:

• Instagram @aliphine
• Twitter @aliphineT

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"On pretty much any run, you're going to look silly or terrible at some point."

We're closing out Feel-Good Fridays for 2020 with lots of laughs — at least that's the goal! This week, Emily Halnon returns to the show to answer a few silly questions, and then to help read and share listener-submitted stories about their (your!) funniest or most embarrassing running stories. (Two themes: getting lost and, well, pooping.)

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

What we mention on this episode:

Ali on the Run Show Episode 308: Feel-Good Friday, Funniest Hits Edition

Subscribe to Trail Mix

Emily Halnon on Episode 1 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emily Halnon on Episode 85 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emily Halnon on Episode 267 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emily Halnon on Episode 273 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Emily:

• Instagram @emilysweats

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"When you put it in your head that you belong, it's incredible how you allow yourself to succeed."

Today, by very popular demand, Jonathan Cane and Nicole Sin Quee make their Ali on the Run Show debuts — together! Jonathan ("Coach Cane") is the founder of City Coach Multisport and author of Triathlon Anatomy, and Nicole ("NSQ") is a math teacher at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx and is a former duathlon national champion. They are parents to nine-year-old Simon, and they are two of my all-time favorite people. Coach Cane was my very first running coach, and both Jonathan and Nicole have played pivotal roles in my life on the run and beyond. (Fun fact: Coach Cane was the officiant at Brian's and my wedding!) On this fun and lighthearted episode, Jonathan and Nicole talk about how they met, how we met, and how being competitive athletes factors into their relationship. Nicole talks about how she learned to get her head in the game, and we talk about how she helped me discover my best self on the run. They talk about why they're passionate about introducing triathlon to young kids in underserved areas, and share their dreams about making triathlon more diverse and inclusive. Longtime Ali on the Run followers will love this one!

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• "Who's more competitive?" (5:10)
• How Jonathan and Nicole met (16:00)
• How Jonathan and Nicole found out Brian and I were secretly dating (28:30)
• Jonathan talks about the most rewarding part of being a coach (31:30)
• How Nicole worked on her mental strength on the run, plus advice for how to thrive (42:30)
• All about the fun events Jonathan and Nicole like to organize and take part in (51:30)

Follow Coach Cane:

• Instagram @coachcane
• Twitter @realcoachcane

Follow Nicole:

• Instagram @sinquee

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"My legacy?! I'm just trying to get through today."

It's the perfect mashup: Feel-Good Fridays meets Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt! On this episode, Matt Chittim and I cover everything from 90s sleepover culture to our biggest dreams and regrets. Something for everyone — including a new "nosy questions" segment!

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

What we mention on this episode:

Millennium Running

New England Half Marathon recap

Manchester City Half Marathon recap

"The Bubble of a Dream" by Peter Bromka

IG Live with Aliphine Tuliamuk

Follow Matt:

• Instagram @rambling_runner
• Rambling Runner podcast

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I said to Robin in my interview, 'If I get this job, part of my mission will be to tell people to dream and to dream big, and to dream bigger, and to dream often.' Because if this could happen for me, a daughter of immigrant parents, girl who struggled with her weight, girl who struggled with her confidence…to be one of the faces of one of the largest companies in the world, the largest connected fitness platform in the world… If I can say that that was my story, then anything can happen for any person at any time."

If you're a Peloton fan, you know Tunde Oyeneyin. She's the ultra-inspiring makeup artist turned cycling superstar whose journey to podium fame has been filled with highs, lows, twists, turns, and a whole lot of passion, persistence, and manifestation. On this episode, Tunde shares that adventure, talking about everything from the weight-loss journey that led her to the fitness world, to how she saw her future play out during a flash vision one day, to how she — eventually! — got the job at Peloton. Plus, she reflects on that recent (iconic!) Beyoncé ride, on being a Black woman in the fitness industry in 2020, and on her poignant and powerful S.P.E.A.K. series.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about that iconic Peloton Beyoncé ride, and what it's like working at Peloton (3:30)
• What Young Tunde was like (8:30)
• Tunde shares her weight-loss story (12:20)
• How Tunde built her confidence (23:40)
• How Tunde became a makeup artist, and what that life was life (24:40)
• How Tunde got the job at Peloton (29:10)
• Tunde reflects on her earliest days at Peloton (49:20)
• On being a "celebrity" (54:45)
• Tunde talks about her Instagram series, S.P.E.A.K., and about the Peloton Speak Up ride (57:50)

What we mention on this episode:

Manifest Now

Follow Tunde:

• Instagram @tune2tunde

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

"You can do it, buddy!"

It's an Ali on the Run Show Thanksgiving tradition! Six years ago, my now-husband, Brian, and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41 — a 7:44 minute-per-mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. He had big dreams and big goals. Here's a dramatic retelling of how his race went. Happy Thanksgiving!

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"All the pain and all the isolation I have felt — it was all worth it for a moment like this."

Last year, runner and steeplechaser Emma Gee made history when she became the first openly out LGBTQ+ athlete at Utah's Brigham Young University — the university owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On this episode, Emma powerfully and honestly shares her story. She talks about growing up in a religious family — she's one of five children — in Colorado, and explains why she decided to attend BYU. She explains the school's honor code and how it affected her as a bisexual student on campus. And she shares her coming out story, including what it was like to be the first D1 athlete in BYU's 143-year history to be publicly out, and what it was like coming out to her friends, her teammates, her coach, and her family.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Emma talks about growing up in Colorado as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (7:20)
• All about the Brigham Young University Honor Code (9:30)
• Emma talks about exploring her sexuality and the realization that she was bisexual (11:50)
• Emma shares her coming out story (17:30)
• The impact coming out had on Emma's running (23:00)
• Emma talks about coming out to her family and to her coach and teammates (24:30)
• On sharing her story for Out Sports (31:55)
• How Emma's bishop reacted to her coming out (41:00)
• All about that kissing photo (50:00)
• Emma talks about her book! (57:15)

What we mention on this episode:

Nikki Hiltz on Episode 294 of the Ali on the Run Show

Nikki Hiltz on Episode 188 of the Ali on the Run Show

Nikki Hiltz on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show

"I am the only out LGBTQ athlete at BYU," by Emma Gee for OutSports

Myers-Briggs personality test

Common Ground

Follow Emma:

• Instagram @emma_gee1777

Follow Ali:

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"I need to laugh. I need to smile. I need to feel silly."

Welcome to Feel-Good Fridays, Season 3! This time around, honestly, I'm just feeling like keeping it light. Because we all know that 2020 has been a year. So for the next four weeks, my goal — my mission, should you choose to accept it — is to bring you something every Friday that will make you laugh, smile, or somehow feel lighter. I think we could all use a little levity right now. Today, we kick things off with a compilation episode: revisiting four of the Ali on the Run Show's happiest, funniest, laugh-out-loud-iest moments and conversations. Whether you're hearing these stories for the first time or revisiting them after a few years, I hope they bring you a giggle.

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!

Want to listen to the full episodes from the clips on this episode? Check 'em out:

1. Episode 12: Thoughts We Had During our First Half Marathons
2. Episode 77: Ali on the Run Show LIVE! featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden
3. Episode 44: Chris Heuisler's Most Embarrassing Running Moment
4. Episode 116: Jen Lada, ESPN Reporter

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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• Support on Patreon
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"It's gonna take a lot of work. It's gonna take a lot of discipline and a lot of patience and a lot of throwing spaghetti at the wall and it not sticking at all."

Natalie Mitchell just might be the most joyful runner on the planet. The always-smiling running coach, mom of three, and 12-time marathoner is perhaps best known by her Instagram moniker: "Nat Runs Far." On this episode, she talks about how she has shaved an hour off her marathon time (from a 4:06 debut to a 3:05), and shares her dreams to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials. She talks about setting goals, managing expectations, and taking necessary time off. And Natalie talks about her experiences as a Black woman runner, shares her secrets to a happy marriage, and talks about her latest endeavor with her husband Jerold, the launch of the Suite Run podcast.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Is Natalie happy and smiley all the time? (4:15)
• Natalie talks about her recent knee surgery and how recovery is going (5:45)
• How Natalie became a runner (11:45)
• On the transition from collegiate runner to real-life runner (18:30)
• How Natalie has chipped away at her marathon time, going from a 4:06 to a 3:05 (22:30)
• Natalie's next running goal (28:45)
• All about Coach Natalie (34:20)
• Natalie is a busy mom of three — when does she run? (37:40)
• Natalie's tips for a long, happy, joyful marriage (44:45)
• Natalie talks about her experience as a Black woman runner (49:45)
• All about the Suite Run podcast (59:30)

Follow Natalie:

• Instagram @natrunsfar
• Suite Run
• Suite Run podcast

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
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Listen & Subscribe:

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"Your teacher says you can't have a job where you're looking out the window all day — well that's exactly what I do!"

We're closing out Season 3 of the On the Job series today with Jenny Benjamin — a woman with her eyes on the skies! Jenny is an air traffic controller at Denver Centennial Airport in Colorado, and on this episode, she talks about why she loves her job so much. She explains how she and her team safely and efficiently move air traffic, and talks about why it's so important to be seamless behind the scenes. (Their goal, she says, is to stay out of the news!) She talks about the sacrifices she has to make as a mother who works long and oftentimes demanding hours, and explains how Ironman training fits into her schedule.

Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase!

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
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• Stitcher
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SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe 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 don't let it define you. A bad day is a bad day. You just suck it up, learn what you've gotta learn, and move on."

Keira D'Amato is perhaps best known as "The Running Realtor." She is a mom of two who works full-time as a real estate agent in Virginia — and she's a 2:34 marathoner. Though racing as we knew it was canceled in 2020, Keira's running this year has never been better or faster. In February, she ran a personal best at the Olympic Marathon Trials, and this summer, she ran a 5K time trial on the track in 15:04, beating her lifetime best by a full minute. Most recently, Keira won the Michigan Pro Half Marathon in 1:08.57, a 64-second personal best. And now: Keira wants to break the American 10-mile record in a women's-only race, which she'll attempt to do on November 23. On this episode, Keira reflects on her stellar year on the run, talks about being an unsponsored elite runner, and shares some spelling bee stories and Mamma Mia hot takes.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On running for fun (6:30)
• What it's like being a realtor right now (8:10)
• On mental toughness (12:00)
• Keira reflects on her 2:34 finish at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials (15:15)
• How Keira found her way back to running after college (19:00)
• Keira talks about her win at the Michigan Pro Half and about that 15:04 5K on the track this summer (28:00)
• Why Keira wants to break the American 10-mile record (44:00)
• How much is 2021 on Keira's mind right now? (54:15)
• On competing at such a high level — but being unsponsored (55:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Ali's "Birthday: Chill" playlist on Spotify

Ali's "Birthday: Fun & Upbeat" playlist on Spotify

Follow Keira:

• Instagram @keiradamato
• Twitter @KeiraDAmato

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Like the Facebook page
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• SoundCloud
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Google Play