Ali on the Run Show

"You really let it loose, and then kinda black out, and then all of a sudden you're a bronze medalist."

We've got The Goose! Yared Nuguse isn't just one of the fastest men in the world — he's also one of the most loved, and in this conversation you'll quickly see exactly why. Yared is a professional runner who is sponsored by On and specializes in the 1500m and the mile. (He has dreams of running a mile world record.) Here, we're talking about how winning Olympic Bronze this summer in the 1500m in Paris changed Yared's life, and about what he's been up to since. Plus, the World Indoor Silver Medalist (in the 3000m) and two-time Zurich Diamond League champion (in the 1500m) talks about his love for his pet tortoise, Tyro, and Taylor Swift. Living for the hope of it all, indeed!

FOLLOW YARED @yaredthegoose

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In this episode:

• What the off-season looks like for Yared, and how he reflects on the 2024 racing season (2:00)
• Yared's take on all that 1500m trash talk (4:55)
• What it was like having two American men on the 1500m podium (12:30)
• Has life changed since becoming an Olympic medalist? (16:00)
• The Yared Effect (17:40)
• Yared's passion for orthodontia (19:40)
• Yared's running lately (26:05)
• Yared Nuguse, Ryan Crouser, and the art of Olympic pin collecting and trading (27:15)
• TAYLOR SWIFT TALK! (33:15)
• All about Tyro (52:20)
• On Olympic dreams — or lack thereof — and what Yared still wants to do (57:30)

Follow Ali:

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"Sometimes a short build up can do a miracle. So I'm hoping for the miracle in Chicago!"

In a stacked field of elite runners, Betsy Saina is absolutely one to watch at this weekend's Chicago Marathon. Betsy is a 2:19 marathoner — a time that makes her the third-fastest American woman marathoner (behind Emily Sisson and Keira D'Amato). She's a 2016 Olympian who competed in the 10,000m, and she's the 2024 USATF 25K Champion and women-only American record holder in that distance. She's a three-time NCAA champion who ran at Iowa State University, and she currently lives and trains primarily in Kenya. In this conversation, Betsy — who is a mom to three-year-old Kalya — talks about how she's feeling heading into the Chicago Marathon. She talks about the fall earlier this year that derailed her training and set her back several weeks, and about how she's come back from a DNF at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Plus, whether or not she's planning to go for an American Record in Chicago, what it's like training alongside Joyciline Kepkosgei, and more.

Running Chicago? Here's everything you need to know.

FOLLOW BETSY @sainabetsy

SPONSOR:

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Betsy was feeling a few weeks before the Chicago Marathon, and what motherhood looks like lately (2:40)
• What Betsy's Chicago Marathon training has looked like, and all about the fall that derailed the first few weeks (6:25)
• Is Betsy targeting the American record in Chicago? (10:50)
• How Betsy feels about the taper (19:15)
• On racing alongside training partner Joyciline Jepkosgei, and what Betsy thinks she can run in Chicago (21:30)
• Betsy looks back on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, and how she reflects on that day (26:20)
• Why Betsy is running this year's Chicago Marathon, after being shut out of the professional field in 2023 (30:15)
• When and why Betsy started running (32:00)
• Betsy, one week later (38:30)
• What will make Chicago a success? (43:30)
• Betsy's advice for first-time marathoners, and for marathoners chasing big dreams (45:40)

Follow Ali:

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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 looked like a fainting goat at mile 20."

Logan Aldridge just might be the real-life human version of a golden retriever. But as charming and funny and lovable as he may be, Logan isn't afraid to kick your butt and make you sweat. Logan is a Peloton instructor who is best known for his adaptive classes.

When Logan was 13, he was wakeboarding with his family and the rope around his arm became entangled in the boat's propeller. It cut through all of Logan's arm muscles, down to the bone. His left arm — and he was a lefty at the time — had to be amputated.

Remarkably, Logan never let this keep him down. He relearned how to do everything with his right arm and hand, and went on to become "The Strongest One-Armed Man on Earth."

Most recently, Logan became a marathoner! He ran the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and is currently training for this year's New York City Marathon.

FOLLOW LOGAN @loganaldridge

SPONSOR:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Logan's New York City Marathon training is going (2:45)
• Why Logan wanted to run a marathon (6:20)
• On finding community in the marathon (9:30)
• How Logan learned how to run a marathon (11:30)
• On having time goals for a first marathon, and how Logan's first marathon — the 2023 Chicago Marathon — played out (16:00)
• What Logan learned about himself in the process of becoming a marathoner (25:40)
• Logan's advice to this year's Chicago Marathon runners (30:45)
• How Logan is approaching his New York City Marathon training (38:20)
• When Logan shifted from being obsessive about fitness goals to wanting to enjoy the process (43:45)
• How Logan got his job at Peloton (47:30)
• On being a daredevil — and what Logan hasn't done (59:00)
• What's top of mind for Logan now, a month out from the New York City Marathon (1:02:45)

Follow Ali:

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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!

Welcome to Ask Ali, LIVE at the 2024 Akron Marathon! I spent this past weekend in Akron, OH, as one of the start and finish line announcers at the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay, and got to do a live show at the race expo — with a twist. This time, I was the one being interviewed! Join Jasen Sokol and me (and some wonderful question-asking audience members) for this fun getting-to-know-you-better conversation covering running, cancer, motherhood, and so much more.

Follow Ali:

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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!

"Remember the entire journey, because it's very special."

It's almost time for the 46th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13, and this episode is packed with all the information you need before you head to the start line. (And yes, you really should plan to get there two hours early. We'll explain why!) The elite fields are stacked (Bates! D'Amato! Saina! Chepngetich! Hall! Rojas! Rooker! Frisbie!), and they'll be followed by tens of thousands of runners en route to 26.2-mile glory. Get ready. Get psyched. And get that Goose Island at the finish!

Planning to tune in from home? Here's how to watch.

SPONSORS:

• Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

In this episode:

• Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year's race (5:00))
• How to get in, how to watch, and how Chicago is committed to sustainability (31:00)
• What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (37:00)
• Chris "Coach Worm" Wehrman and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (48:00)
• All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:17:40)

Follow Ali:

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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 felt like the riskiest choice I could make, but it changed the whole trajectory of my life and I feel so grateful."

Lauren Peterson's list of professional contacts is wildly impressive. As a political speechwriter and strategist, she has worked for and with President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and President Biden. She's the New York Times best-selling co-author of Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead, with former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, and is currently working on her next book, This Will All Be Worth It, about LGBTQ+ family building. In this conversation, Lauren shares her most memorable stories from the campaign trails and Air Force One, to her encounters and interviews with Barack, Michelle, and more. And, of course, Lauren is a runner and marathoner. She talks about running through the best of times, the worst of times, and the most stressful times. Lauren lives in New York City with her wife and their son, Remy.

FOLLOW LAUREN @lcollinsp

SPONSOR:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

In this episode:

• How Lauren describes her job (5:30)
• On "ego" in speechwriting (7:50)
• How Lauren got into politics (10:30)
• What it was like meeting — and working with — the Obamas (22:40)
• What it was like flying on Air Force One (28:40)
• How Lauren became a speechwriter (31:15)
• The first time Lauren heard one of her speeches being delivered (38:00)
• The speeches Lauren most loves to write (48:00)
• Why Lauren started running (55:10)
• How running changed Lauren's relationship with food and her body (1:02:00)
• Running around the time of the 2016 election (1:04:50)
• Lauren's decision to have a baby, and what that meant for running and her career (1:09:00)
• What Lauren's days look like right now (1:21:45)

Follow Ali:

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• Support on Patreon
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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!

"Sometimes you need to just shut your brain off and run."

At this time last year, Karissa Schweizer was undergoing foot surgery. Then, as she mounted her comeback heading into an Olympic year, she faced another setback: a femoral stress fracture. But as we know, the comeback is always greater than the setback, and Karissa proved that by racing both the 5000m and the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on her home turf at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, making the team in both distances. She went on to finish in the top 10 in both events at the Paris Olympic Games. Karissa's season didn't end there: She went on to race the 5000m at the Zurich Diamond League, she raced (and won!) the Fifth Avenue Mile, and she ran a season's best in the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Now, the two-time Olympian, Nike-sponsored athlete, and longtime Bowerman Track Club member is back in Oregon for some much-deserved downtime, and back on the Ali on the Run Show to catch us up on all of it.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Where in the world is Karissa Schweizer? (2:40)
• How Karissa approaches her training breaks (4:30)
• High school nerves vs. Olympics nerves (7:30)
• How Karissa's body is feeling after a big season of racing, and how she approached her comeback after multiple injuries (9:50)
• On having the confidence to line up at the Trials (20:25)
• What Karissa's training was like this year (22:00)
• How Karissa has handled the changing landscape of the Bowerman Track Club over the past few years (26:40)
• Karissa's experience at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (30:45)
• "Is Karissa Schweizer a miler?" (37:25)
• How Karissa is processing her season (44:00)
• Karissa's advice for improving your running confidence (49:40)
• What's intriguing right now? (54:10)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
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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 was so afraid of being vulnerable, and afraid of having to look at other people and say what was going on. But when I did…it was the most incredible experience of my entire life."

In December 2019, life was good for Kate Greene. She had a good job in Boston, she had just completed her first half marathon, and her New York-based family was planning a trip to visit for the holidays. Her younger brother, Ryan, who had struggled with drug addiction since they were young, was finally doing well. Kate and Ryan celebrated his birthday together over FaceTime. Everything was falling into place. Then, Ryan died of a heroin overdose.

In this conversation, Kate talks about processing such a tremendous loss, and about leaning into running during that time. She explains how Ryan's death became the catalyst in getting her to run her first marathon, and about how getting involved with The Herren Project is what saved her when she needed it most. (Kate first heard about The Herren Project on the Ali on the Run Show. She went on to run the 2022 Boston Marathon for The Herren Project, and raised $14,000 for the organization in the process.) Plus: Kate talks about psychic mediums, rebirthdays, "Sad Week," and more.

FOLLOW KATE @k8greene

SPONSOR:

• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order.

In this episode:

• Kate's history as a runner, and what her childhood was like (3:20)
• What Kate's work is like as a marketing director for a law firm in Boston (17:00)
• When, how, and why Kate got back into running in adulthood (18:25)
• All about Kate's little brother, Ryan (23:00)
• How Kate learned about addiction, and how to support someone dealing with addiction issues or mental health struggles (27:25)
• What it was for Kate to process her brother's death during the holiday season, heading into the pandemic (29:20)
• Why Kate decided to join a grief group — and run a marathon (36:30)
• Kate's decision to see a psychic medium in the wake of Ryan's death (43:25)
• What Kate's Boston Marathon training was like, and how her thoughts about grief evolved throughout the process (48:15)
• What it means to celebrate a "rebirthday" (58:15)
• Kate's experience running the 2022 Boston Marathon (1:01:30)
• Why Kate runs now (1:10:50)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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 a champion for love. I root for love. I am a delusionally optimistic lover of love stories and romantic comedies and love songs."

Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from business and life lately to Summer House, Sex and the City, and Emily in Paris Season 4. (OK, and some running talk mixed in.)

SPONSORS:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
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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'm an Olympian, and will forever be an Olympian, no matter what I do in years to come. It's a very fulfilling thing. To be able to achieve it this early — it takes a lot of pressure off for years to come."

Two years ago, Juliette Whittaker became one of the fastest high school girls in American history, and only the second girl to break two minutes in the 800 meters. Now, in the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Stanford University, Juliette is an Olympian. (An Olympic finalist, to be exact. Juliette finished 7th in the 800m Final.) Juliette was on the Ali on the Run Show a few weeks ago, after she earned her spot on Team USA by finishing third in the women's 800m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Now, she's back, talking all things Paris Olympics, including what it was like staying in the athlete village, what the highest and lowest points were from the races and beyond, and where she decided to get her Olympic rings tattoo.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Juliette is feeling after the Olympics, and how she processes her races (1:55)
• Juliette's favorite memory from the Paris Olympics (5:30)
• The ever-present dissatisfaction of being a professional athlete (11:45)
• Juliette's Olympic rings tattoo (13:35)
• On being back at Stanford for the school year — as an Olympian (17:00)
• Juliette's low point from Paris (24:30)
• What it was like getting to experience the Olympics with Juliette's sister, Bella (26:50)
• Juliette's Olympics expectations (31:20)
• Juliette recaps each round of the 800m at the Olympics (33:15)
• On being the only member of Team USA to advance to the 800m Final (50:30)
• All about the 800m Final and the Closing Ceremonies (56:30)

FOLLOW JULIETTE @jwhittaker22

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I have zero expectations. I'm ranked 60-plus. But I think I have a good shot at being top 10 in the world, and maybe even having a shot at a medal. Those were my own expectations and my own pressure. Good expectations, and good pressure. It started as, 'We made it, we checked the box, we got to the Olympics!' But it quickly transitioned to, 'Oh, let's see what we can do. Let's swing for the fences.'

When Clayton Young lined up at the start of the Paris Olympic Marathon, he had thousands of fans cheering him on. Sure, he had his friends and family — including his wife, Ashley — in Paris. But because Clayton and Ashley so meticulously documented the build from the Trials to Paris in a docu-series, they gained legions of new fans and followers along the way.

Clayton earned his spot on Team USA by finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February, just seconds behind teammate Conner Mantz. In Paris, they did it again, finishing seconds apart at the Olympic Marathon on that grueling, hilly, scenic tour of the city. Conner finished eighth, and Clayton ran 2:08:44, landing him in ninth place. And somewhere around those hills, we saw the mid-race low five between teammates, garnering a collective "awwww" from the viewers at home.

An even cuter duo than the training partners: Clayton and his wife Ashley, who is known on Instagram as "Feed Your Runner," and is tasked with fueling Clayton's 120-mile training weeks. In this episode, we get to hear about how Ashley and Clayton support each other, and about what it looks like to be in a partnership where you're chasing big dreams and making choices and sacrifices in pursuit of greatness.

Clayton and Ashley have two daughters, they live in Utah, and their next big [family] trip will be to New York this fall, when Clayton will race his third marathon of the year at the TCS New York City Marathon.

FOLLOW CLAYTON @_clayton_young_

FOLLOW ASHLEY @feedyourrunner

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I wanted to change the world just like she had."

Kate Gunderson — best known online as "The Plane Kate" — is living a real-life Top Gun...kind of. (She'll explain!) Kate is a flight test engineer (a literal woman in STEM!), a former NASA engineer, and a nine-time marathoner with a 3:18 personal best. In this conversation, Kate explains what her role entails, what it's like being in flight test school, and how she handles being a woman in a very male-dominated industry (she's the only woman in her program!). She offers advice on improving your confidence, on speaking up when you're "the only," and on chasing your biggest dreams. Plus, all about her first flight, what it took to run a massive personal best, and whether or not she still dreams of heading into space someday.

FOLLOW KATE @theplanekate

SPONSOR:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Top Gun vs. real life, and what Kate's first flight was like (2:30)
• On being a woman in a male-dominated industry (7:25)
• When Kate knew she wanted to pursue a career in space (10:10)
• How Kate made her dreams come true (14:50)
• On life in test pilot school (30:15)
• How Kate met her soon-to-be husband (46:15)
• What's the dream now? (52:30)
• How — and why — Kate became a runner (58:05)
• What it took to run a 3:18 marathon (1:01:20)
• On doing the right thing, even when it's hard (1:05:55)
• Kate's advice for beating imposter syndrome (1:10:30)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"It's like everything you've been working for coming true in one moment."

Today in 2024 Paris Olympic Games recap episodes: marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm! Dakotah earned her spot on Team USA by finishing third at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon in February, and now, she finally got to run those 26.2 miles (or 42.1 kilometers, as she learned) through Paris, and can officially call herself an Olympian.

Dakotah finished 12th at the Olympic Marathon, and was the top American woman in the race, running 2:26:44. In this episode, we get to hear all about the race, including what it was like leading the Olympic Marathon, and what it was like getting engaged at the finish. Plus, what's next: Dakotah announced this week that she will be running the TCS New York City Marathon in just 11 weeks.

SPONSORS:

• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Dakotah is feeling post-Paris, and all about her decision to run the New York City Marathon in just 11 weeks (2:00)
• If Dakotah hasn't had her breakthrough yet, what would that look like? (8:20)
• Dakotah's Paris expectations vs. reality (10:00)
• All about the boy on the sidelines (16:50)
• Why this race was "bittersweet" for Dakotah (19:40)
• How watching the men's marathon impacted Dakotah's race plan (23:45)
• The pre-race camaraderie between Dakotah, Emily, and Fiona (28:30)
• What it was like racing the Olympic Marathon — and why the first 10K was so "chaotic" (33:20)
• On leading the Olympic Marathon (36:10)
• How Dakotah felt on the hills (39:00)
• Dakotah's advice for getting through the low points of a race (42:40)
• What the final miles of the race were like for Dakotah (47:30)
• The finish line proposal! (50:30)
• The immediate perks of being an Olympian (55:40)
• How Dakotah chose what to wear for the marathon (1:02:30)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I knew it was going to be incredible. I knew it was going to be such a fun and crazy experience. But it was an experience of a lifetime. There's no other way to describe it. I just had so much fun. One of my goals was to soak it all in and have fun, and I really did that."

Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the tenth time — and this time, officially, as an Olympian. Nikki finished seventh in the 1500m Final at the Paris Olympic Games, and in this episode, they give us the full scoop about what it was like being at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, living in the athlete village, and competing at the Stade de France. Let the 2024 Paris Olympic Games recap episodes begin!

FOLLOW NIKKI @nikkizhiltz

SPONSOR:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Nikki is feeling post-Olympics (2:40)
• Nikki's Olympic expectations vs. reality (4:25)
• All about that moment between Nikki and Tara Davis-Woodhall, and Nikki's take on the Team USA camaraderie at the Games (9:10)
• What it was like in the athlete village (17:50)
• Nikki's thoughts on how the final played out (28:45)
• On feeling loved and supported at the Olympics and beyond (39:00)
• Nikki answers listener questions (40:45)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"Everyone's doing their dream, you know? There are people who are winning, and that's their dream. There are people who, just being there, that's their dream. Hearts are being broken. It feels like you're on that most emotional day of your period for two weeks."

Michelle Wolf is best known for her work as a stand-up comic. (Earlier this year, she wrote Kim Kardashian's bit for Netflix's Tom Brady roast.) But runners know: She's one of us. Michelle is an ultramarathoner and track and field super fan. (She even worked with Hayward Magic at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, OR.)

In this episode, Michelle returns to the Ali on the Run Show to kick off all things 2024 Paris Olympic Games. We're recapping our viewing experiences and most memorable moments as two of running's most eager cheerleaders.

SPONSORS:

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I remember watching the New York City Marathon on TV and just saying, 'One day, I want to do that.' I'm watching it, and I'm like, 'They're superheroes! How do they do that?!'"

Sam Ryan is WABC 7's Emmy Award-winning sports anchor and reporter. The New York City-based mom of two spends her days talking baseball, football, and hockey on live TV — but her favorite day on air is when she gets to co-anchor WABC's New York City Marathon coverage. Sam is an 11-time marathoner who has worked at ESPN, ABC Sports, CBS, and the MLB Network. She has covered the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Little League World Series, Monday Night Football, and the Home Run Derby. (I was fortunate to get to work with Sam at the 2023 New York City Marathon and at this year's New York Mini 10K!)

FOLLOW SAM @samryanabc7

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• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
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What you'll get on this episode:

• Sam's best on-the-job celebrity encounters (4:30)
• What Young Sam was like, and how she found her way to sports journalism (8:35)
• "I'm nervous all the time" (15:20)
• A day in the life of a sports reporter (20:00)
• How Sam pursued a travel-filled career and motherhood (26:50)
• On being a woman in a male-dominated industry (31:40)
• Sam's advice for being more comfortable on live television (34:50)
• Sam's most memorable "live on TV" moments (41:15)
• On co-anchoring the New York City Marathon broadcast for WABC7 (45:00)
• How — and why — Sam became a runner (51:25)
• Why Sam decided to run her first marathon at 44 years old (57:55)
• Sam's decision to get her master's degree in English Literature (1:04:30)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"The energy is just so palpable. Even though it's the crack of dawn, we are all abuzz and going. You have to be able to get it going."

The next time you're watching the Today Show and you see the anchors eating or drinking something delicious, that's the work of Katie Stilo. As Today's food stylist and culinary producer, it's Katie's job to prepare segments, write scripts based on guest-submitted recipes, cook those recipes (often from world-renowned chefs), and artfully arrange all the food and tablescapes on screen. Plus, she's often on camera, whipping up masterpieces for Savannah, Hoda, Al, Craig, Carson, and the crew. In this conversation, Katie talks about her Emmy Award-winning career, and about the road to landing her dream job. She also talks about becoming a runner two years ago. Katie's goal to see if she could finish a 10K turned into seeing if she could finish a half marathon, which turned into seeing if she could go sub-2:00 in the half marathon. (Spoiler: She did, running a 39-minute half-marathon personal best at this year's Brooklyn Half.) Katie is currently training for this year's TCS New York City Marathon.

FOLLOW KATIE @katie.stilo

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On *not* being in Paris for the Olympics with the Today team (2:30)
• What, exactly, Katie's job entails (8:00)
• On cooking for the Today anchors and feeding their preferences (15:45)
• Katie's most memorable live television bloopers and mishaps (17:50)
• How Katie got her dream job (27:00)
• How Katie became on-air talent for Today (43:45)
• Katie's favorite Today guests (49:00)
• What it was like being a food stylist for M&Ms (51:45)
• How, when, and why Katie became a runner (53:25)
• How Katie is feeling at the start of New York City Marathon training (1:01:10)

Follow Ali:

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"I live in constant duality now."

We're taking a break from the Trials recaps and Olympics episodes to catch up. Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (where I'm @aliontherun1).

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• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order.

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"Of course making the Olympic team would be amazing, but it's not going to define who I am. It's not an end-all-be-all for me."

When Jess McClain lined up at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, she did so as an under-the-radar, unsponsored, self-coached athlete — and she finished fourth, becoming the official Team USA Alternate in the marathon. Just a few weeks ago, Jess competed in the 10,000m at the U.S. Track & Field Trials, this time as a Brooks Running-sponsored (still self-coached) one to watch — and, again, she finished fourth! In this conversation, Jess talks about being a two-time fourth-place finisher at the Trials, and about how she reflects on each race. She breaks down the 10,000m race, talks about how life has changed since the Marathon Trials in February, and shares what's next.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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"I went there to do a job, and that was to make the team."

New Balance Boston's Elle Purrier St. Pierre lined up at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials a total of five times — each time as the fastest-seeded athlete in the field. In this episode, Elle talks about racing the impressive 5000m and 1500m double, and making Team USA in both. She talks about the last-minute decision to race the 5000m, and the decision not to compete in the 5000m at the Olympics. Plus, her musings on motherhood, getting her first postpartum period at the Trials, and what it will take to medal in Paris.

SPONSOR:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Who is getting more post-Trials attention: Elle or Ivan? (1:55)
• What it's like competing at the Olympic Trials with a one-year-old (6:10)
• How Elle is feeling two weeks after the Trials (9:25)
• Elle's decision to double at the Trials, and why she won't double in Paris (10:30)
• How Elle was feeling heading into the Trials, and her take on pressure (15:00)
• Elle talks about racing the 5000m first round and Final — and getting her first postpartum period in the midst of it all (20:10)
• What it was like winning the 5000m Final and making her second Olympic team (34:15)
• How Elle recovered between the 5K and the 1500m (36:40)
• Elle's mindset for the 1500m, and how the rounds played out (40:50)
• Elle recaps the 1500m Final (47:20)
• Elle's take on the recent 1500m times around the world (58:15)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"That's always my goal: to win. And I always think I can. I have the belief."

Emily Mackay is a World Indoor Championships bronze medalist. She's a 3:55.90 1500m runner. And she's going to the Olympics! Emily just raced the 1500m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, where she finished second, ran a huge personal best, and earned her spot on Team USA for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris. In this episode, the New Balance Boston athlete returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about how the rounds played out, how she finished so strong in that final, and what life has been like since.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Emily is feeling on the Trials, what it's like being a 3:55 1500m runner, and how making the Olympic team compares to making the World Indoor team (1:40)
• What it was like rewatching the 1500m Final (9:55)
• On running 3:55 to make Team USA (15:10)
• The race plan, and how Emily stays calm when the plan doesn't go accordingly (21:40)
• What happened after the Final (30:40)
• How Emily was feeling heading into the rounds (33:45)
• All about that Semi-Final (37:10)
• Emily breaks down the day of the 1500m Final (42:00)
• What's next for Emily (1:04:00)

Follow Ali:

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"When I crossed the line, I was in so much shock. I kept having to check the board to make sure I was reading it right!"

Juliette Whittaker is a college student who just finished third in the Women's 800m race at the Olympic Track and Field Trials, and will be going to Paris later this summer to represent Team USA at the Olympics. A college student. Going to the Olympics. In this conversation, the Stanford University junior (who has an NIL deal with On) returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about what it took to make Team USA in a very dramatic final.

SPONSOR:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• When Juliette started dreaming about becoming an Olympian (2:55)
• What it's like becoming an Olympian alongside Juliette's sister, Isabella, and what life has been like since the Trials (6:00)
• How Juliette is feeling now (16:00)
• What it was like arriving in Eugene before the Trials, and all about the first round of the Women's 800m (19:45)
• All about the Semi-Final, where Juliette finished fourth (24:20)
• How Juliette prepared for the 800m Final (32:00)
• Juliette breaks down the 800m Final (38:50)
• The aftermath (52:50)

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"Oh my god, I'm going to the Olympics!"

Weini Kelati came into the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials as the American Record Holder in the half marathon, and as the only athlete in the women's 10,000m field with the Olympic Standard. She was the one to watch — and for good reason. In a thrilling finish, the Flagstaff-based Under Armour athlete won the race and earned her spot on Team USA for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris. In this episode, Weini talks about her confidence going into the race, about her preference for fast races over slow ones, and about what life has been like since making her first Olympic team.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• What's next for Weini Kelati? (2:15)
• How Weini is feeling post-Trials (5:00)
• What it was like competing at Hayward Field, where so much has happened for Weini (8:30)
• On being the one to watch, and being the only athlete in the field with the Olympic Standard (13:50)
• What it was like having Weini's high school coach at the race (19:45)
• How confident Weini was feeling heading into the 10,000m final (22:00)
• What it was like walking onto the track at Hayward Field (31:10)'
• On having the confidence to compete on the world stage (38:10)
• The team processing experience (40:10)
• What training will look like between now and the Olympics (48:00)
• How it feels to achieve the ultimate American Dream (51:00)
• Weini's advice for how to improve your confidence (54:15)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"I don't need to know I'm going to do it, but I need to be open to the idea that I can do it."

Let the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials recaps continue! Today: Kate Grace, who just competed at her fourth Olympic Trials in the 800m. In this episode, Kate breaks down all the details from all three rounds of the 800, including her stressful-for-the-fans strategy for the first round, flying into the scoreboard at the line during the semi-finals, and what it was like being a part of that emotional final. Plus, Kate shares some big news about what's next.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Kate's feeling post-Trials (3:00)
• Kate's self-belief evolution (8:40)
• Kate's message to the athletes who didn't make Team USA (13:40)
• The races from the Trials that Kate is still thinking about, and what it was like watching her own races (16:45)
• All about the days leading up to the Trials (22:30)
• Kate recaps round one (27:30)
• Kate recaps the semi-final, her "round of death," and that tumble at the line (38:50)
• All about the 800m final (56:00)
• What's next for Kate Grace? (1:14:30)
• On celebrating "the moments" (1:22:00)

Follow Ali:

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"I like to go hard at these events, work myself to the bone, and bring people as much track and field content as they can take."

Few people love track and field more than Chris Chavez. In this episode, Chris talks about his experience at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials with Citius Mag. Chris and his team produced three live shows every day of the Trials, conducted countless mixed zone interviews, and acted as a nonstop hype machine for the duration of the event.

SPONSOR:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• What's next for the Citius Mag crew? (2:20)
• Citius's greatest hits from the Trials (14:15)
• How Citius books guests for the shows at the Trials (19:15)
• The races Chris is still thinking about after the Trials (25:40)
• On watching the races in person and from the mixed zone (29:20)
• The highest high from the Trials (37:45)
• …and the lowest low (48:30)
• Life at Citius Mag in the post-Kyle Merber era (51:20)
• Wedding planning, gifts from Kipchoge, and big dreams (54:10)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
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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 I crossed the finish line, it was definitely joy, but I think more than anything, it was relief."

Right before the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, we heard from fan favorite guests Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee. Nikki and Emma were headed into their events at the Trials with big dreams and goals. Emma wanted to make it to the 3000m Steeplechase final. And Nikki wanted to make Team USA in the 1500m. Today, Nikki and Emma return to the show to talk about how it all played out in Eugene. Nikki did, in fact, make Team USA in the 1500. And they didn't just make the team: Nikki won the whole thing. They cruised through the first round, won their heat in the semi-final, and then unleashed that signature Nikki kick to win the final in a personal best time of 3:55.33. Emma didn't end up making the Steeplechase final, but she certainly achieved her goal of being brave in the first round, even leading the race at one point. Next stop: Paris!

SPONSOR:

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

What you'll get on this episode:

• On Olympic rings tattoos and Instagram bios (2:40)
• What the past few days have been like for Nikki since winning the 1500m final at the Olympic Track and Field Trials (5:00)
• Nikki breaks down the final 100m of the 1500m final, and whether or not they think this was a flawlessly executed race (15:00)
• Emma talks about racing the 3000m Steeplechase (19:10)
• Emma's takeaways from competing at the Olympic Trials for the first time (32:15)
• Nikki recaps the first round of the 1500m (43:00)
• Nikki recaps the 1500m semi-final, which they won (47:05)
• Nikki recaps the 1500m final, which they also won! (51:50)
• The moment Nikki broke the tape (1:11:45)
• On getting to sign the Eiffel Tower (1:13:55)
• On allyship (1:19:10)
• All about the fun stuff Nikki gets to do now (1:22:30)
• What happens between now and Paris (1:26:05)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"It was a lot of firsts. I'll be 40 in a couple months, and it's not too often that you get firsts to that degree. It was a really cool experience to feel that."

Let the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials recaps begin! First up: Keira D'Amato, who just competed at her first Track Trials and finished 10th in the 10,000m. In this episode, Keira tells all, including where her mind and body were at heading into the race, how it all played out, and the fun people she saw along the way. She talks about her pre-race conversation with Parker Valby, shares some exciting updates about what's next, and talks about what it was like racing at Hayward Field for the first time.

SPONSOR:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"You get your medal outfit fitted for you, so when you are ideally on the stage, it looks perfect. And when I had it on and they were taking it in a little bit, I was like, 'I could do this. I could need this outfit.' And I really hope that I do."

Dakotah Lindwurm and Annie Frisbie are training partners, teammates, and best friends. And so far, 2024 has been good to Dakotah and Annie on the run. The Puma-sponsored Minnesota Distance Elite athletes are fresh off personal bests in both the 10K (at the New York Mini 10K) and the half marathon. In this conversation, we hear about their respective races (including Annie's win) at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. Annie shares what her racing calendar looks like for the rest of 2024, and Dakotah talks about how her training is going in preparation for the Paris Olympics later this summer, where she will represent Team USA in the marathon. Plus, how life has changed for Dakotah since finishing third at the Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, and what she's doing to set herself up for maximum success in Paris.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Dakotah is getting her workouts in — at the airport (3:00)
• What's next for Annie on the run, and which races Annie and Dakotah are still thinking about after the first few days of the Track and Field Trials (8:00)
• All about Dakotah's experience in Eugene for team processing (11:00)
• Dakotah and Annie recap their races at the New York Mini 10K (16:30)
• How Dakotah's life has changed since making Team USA in February (24:55)
• Annie and Dakotah talk about their respective races and personal bests and Annie's win! — at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (27:30)
• All about Annie's real marathon debut (34:55)
• Dakotah's approach to racing during her Paris build, and how she's setting herself up for maximum success at the Olympics (41:10)
• On Annie and Dakotah's "other" jobs (55:00)
• What Dakotah and Annie are excited about right now (58:50)

Follow Ali:

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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 was like, 'What if the worst thing happens and I don't make the team?' And then it happened, and my life was fine. And then on the other end of it, last year I won the whole thing, which was really unexpected and cool…and my life also didn't change. So I know that no matter what happens, I have a great life outside of this thing."

Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee return to the Ali on the Run Show as they both prepare to compete at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, OR. Nikki is hoping to make their first Olympic team in the 1500m, while Emma achieved her longtime goal to make it to the starting line of the 3000m steeplechase, and now has a new goal for the event. They talk about their coach/athlete/partner relationship, about how they're each feeling heading into the Trials, and about what they do to set themselves up for success on race day.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping on your entire order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Nikki and Emma are each feeling heading into the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials (2:45)
• What Nikki and Emma are packing for Eugene (7:30)
• Nikki's approach to the Trials and the pressure that comes with competing when you're at the top of your game (10:25)
• All about Emma's goal to qualify for the 2024 Trials (15:10)
• Nikki and Emma talk about their coach/athlete/partner dynamic (24:35)
• How Nikki and Emma set themselves up for success on race day (27:40)
• What it's been like being followed by a documentary crew (36:20)
• How Emma has approached her training (51:35)
• How Nikki approaches each round of competition (54:00)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I'm used to having to claw my way to prove myself to the people I need to prove myself to. But now, it's more of a mentality I have: Keep your head down. There's nothing glamorous about this sport. For me, it's all hard work, show up, showcase your fitness, and then go celebrate with the people who really care about you."

Amanda Vestri was the talk of the running scene last weekend, after her breakout road race at the New York Mini 10K. She finished fourth overall (Senbere Teferi won the race for the third year in a row), was the top American finisher, and ran 31:17 in a deep, star-studded field. In this conversation, the Syracuse University graduate and ZAP Endurance athlete talks about getting a huge confidence boost heading into the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials later this month where she'll race the 10,000m. Plus, why the 24-year-old likes racing with a chip on her shoulder, and her long-term plans and goals in this sport.

FOLLOW AMANDA @a_vestri

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Amanda is feeling after racing the Mini 10K in New York City (2:20)
• All about race morning (7:30)
• Amanda breaks down her race at the Mini 10K (10:20)
• On racing with a chip on her shoulder, and who Amanda looks up to in this sport (21:40)
• What it will take to make Team USA this year (28:45)
• On growing up with Olympic dreams (30:30)
• What Amanda was like as a kid, and how she became a runner (50:50)
• What training will look like between now and the Trials (53:50)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I'm trying to appreciate the peaks and the valleys — but there's a lot of beauty in the hillside, too."

Last year, Krissy Gear stormed on the steeplechase scene by taking the win at the 2023 USATF National Championships, earning her first national title and a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Budapest. Now, Krissy is gearing up for this summer's U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, and is officially one to watch in the 3000m steeplechase. In this conversation, Krissy talks about how she's feeling a few weeks out, about the pressure to perform when you're "one to watch," and about her passions off the track. Krissy lives in Flagstaff, AZ, and is a member of HOKA NAZ Elite.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Krissy's "work hard, play hard" mentality (5:00)
• Why Krissy became a runner (10:35)
• How Krissy ended up with HOKA NAZ Elite (17:40)
• Krissy reflects on her 2023 national title in the 3000m steeplechase (26:00)
• How Krissy is feeling with the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials looming (32:00)
• Eugene behind-the-scenes (42:50)
• On being one to watch at the Trials (48:40)
• What Krissy's relationship is like with the NAZ Elite women's marathoners (53:45)
• All about Krissy's many tattoos (58:05)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"I feel the most confident I've ever been."

Emily Mackay is having a heck of a year on the run! The Team New Balance Boston athlete earned a bronze medal at World Indoor Championships in the 1500m earlier this year, and has kicked off her outdoor season with strong performances including a personal best at the Prefontaine Classic, where she ran 3:59.76. In this conversation, Emily reflects back on her early running days, and shares why she dreamed of going pro with the NB Boston team (including teammates Elle Purrier St. Pierre and Heather MacLean) and coach Mark Coogan. She talks about the confidence it took to make that major move with 400m to go at World Indoor Championships, and about why that race was both a confidence-booster and a big learning experience. And, with the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials looming, Emily — who is absolutely one to watch in the 1500 — talks about the pressure to perform in an Olympic year.

FOLLOW EMILY @emily_mac7

SPONSORS:

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• What Emily's watching right now (3:00)
• What a day in the life of a professional middle-distance runner is like (6:10)
• All about Emily's 1500m personal best at the Prefontaine Classic (10:30)
• The confidence it took to make a major move at World Indoor Championships with 400m to go (15:00)
• Was that a breakthrough race for Emily? (18:40)
• The pressure to perform in an Olympic year (27:30)
• What it's like when your teammates are your competitors on race day, and how Emily ended up on Team NB Boston (31:10)
• How — and why — Emily became a runner (39:35)
• What training looks like right now, with the Trials on the horizon (42:05)
• What will it take to make the U.S. women's 1500m Olympic team? (46:25)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"I am scared of outer space, submarines, and remote research laboratories."

We're live with Emma Coburn for the fourth time, making this her eighth appearance on the Ali on the Run Show! In this conversation, recorded in front of a live audience at Smack Mellon in Brooklyn, NY, the day before the RBC Brooklyn Half, we cover Emma's ick factors, her season-ending injury and her outlook about being sidelined during an Olympic year, and her "Team Boss Superlatives."

SPONSOR:

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

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"I feel like life should be back to normal. And it's not!"

Welcome to the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half finish line! I was delighted to be one of the guests for a live recording of the Set the Pace podcast with host Becs Gentry. In this episode, I reflect a bit on my history with the Brooklyn Half, including why I wasn't able to run this year's race (more on that here), and then share the recording from the show with Becs and Release Recovery Foundation's Zac Clark.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Reflecting on the weekend in NYC, and my history with the Brooklyn Half (2:25)
• Set the Pace LIVE with Becs Gentry and Zac Clark (24:20)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"I remember being acutely aware that it was the worst day of my life up to that point, and the world was still going. People were out for runs in Central Park. People were going to the office. People were picking their kids up from school. It felt like everyone else's world kept turning and I was in purgatory."

It's been one year since I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS. Breast cancer. A diagnosis that rocked my world and changed my life. In this solo episode, I'm reflecting on the past year, including revisiting some of my notes and thoughts from one year ago, and sharing what happens next.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

What you'll get on this episode:

• A look back at some of my thoughts from one year ago (1:45)
• Listener Q&A (28:55)

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"It's processing all of these emotions that you have with things that you're anticipating you are not going to be able to see. Like my daughter is a year and a half at this point. Am I going to see her go to elementary school? And then of course you're Googling the results. It is awful."

One year after giving birth to her daughter, Anne Keane decided it was time to get back into a workout routine. On her quest to get active again, she felt a tightness in her sternum. What she hoped was nothing serious was stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. In this conversation, Anne talks about receiving and living with a scary diagnosis for which there is treatment, but no cure. She talks about finding running, and about becoming a three-time Boston Marathoner as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Anne is the SVP of client services at an agency where she "does really cool events with really cool people," she's a jewelry designer, and she's an absolute force.

FOLLOW ANNE @adjewelry

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• How Anne's Boston Marathon recovery has been going (2:40)
• How Anne introduces herself to people, and how she feels about being labeled a survivor, fighter, or warrior (10:15)
• How and why Anne became a jewelry designer (14:25)
• When Anne fits running and working out into her life (17:25)
• On receiving a life-altering diagnosis (19:00)
• On living in fear (34:05)
• How Anne became a runner — and marathoner (48:30)

Follow Ali:

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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!

"One of my favorite things to do when it gets hard is I ask myself the question, 'Is this the story you want to tell today?' I like that question because you can't hide from that question. You can finish a run and tell your friends, 'Oh my stomach was upset,' or, 'The weather or whatever.' But you can't lie to yourself. You know who you're choosing to be in those moments. And I like asking myself, 'Who do you want to be in those moments?' And I find that usually I want to be someone who pushes through hard stuff."

Emily Halnon is no stranger to the Ali on the Run Show. She was the show's very first guest, and she returned for her seventh appearance on the show with a very special conversation recorded in front of a live audience at the 2024 Eugene Marathon race expo, one week before her debut memoir, To the Gorge, is released to the world. (Get your copy here!) We talked about the book, about exploring grief through running, about pushing back on the praised notion of fearlessness, about how to make the most of our lives and the people in it, and so much more.

FOLLOW EMILY @emilysweats

SPONSOR:

• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

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"To have Long Live playing while I was standing on this stage feeling really proud of a show I had just done, and hugging so many of you, and feeling like we're in this together… Those moments are really magical to me, and they are the memories that I hope I have forever."

There's nowhere I'd rather be on the third Monday in April than at the Boston Marathon finish line! This year, I was honored to be asked back to perform a variety of roles in Boston. I was one of the start and finish line announcers at the Boston 5K and invitational miles, I hosted three live shows, I was one of the race announcers at the finish on Marathon Monday, and I was the finish line reporter for the world feed broadcast. It was a fun, rewarding weekend that included quality time with my favorite people, one of my all-time favorite live events, a million finish line hugs, an interview with Rob Gronkowski, and so much more.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Friday: the press conference, the Emma & Jenny live show, and the "manifestation walk" with Keira D'Amato (1:30)
• Saturday: the 5K, the miles, and the Oofos live show (20:25)
• Sunday: the New Balance live show, some quality time with Kara Goucher, and an afternoon of broadcast meetings (30:05)
• Marathon Monday: all the stories from the finish line, including friends' finishes, pro finishes, and GRONK (45:30)
• Tuesday: TURKEY STRIKE (1:07:00)
• Listener Q&A (1:14:15)

Follow Ali:

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"Whatever you need, I hope you got at least a little of it here today."

What an honor and a treat it was to get to host a live show the day before the 2024 Boston Marathon with 2014 champion Meb Keflezighi. In this conversation — recorded live at the New Balance headquarters — Meb talked about how he was feeling the day before running the race again, 10 years after his historic win the year after the bombings. He talked about officially becoming a New Balance athlete (!!!), about his hopes to run sub-3:00 (he finished in 3:08), and the impact his 2014 win had on him, his family, the city of Boston, and the running community.

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe. Meb ran the Boston Marathon in the SC Elite v4!)

Follow Ali:

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"It was dark there for a while!"

What a treat to get to sit down with Emma Bates and Jenny Simpson three days before the 2024 Boston Marathon. Emma talked about coming back from injury and lining up in Boston with the same confidence she had in 2023 (where she finished fifth), and Jenny talked about making another attempt at a marathon debut after having to drop out of the Olympic Marathon Trials. (Spoiler: Jenny Simpson is officially a marathoner now!) Plus: getting to know each other, discussing our deepest fears, some very easy trivia, and an ode to Des Linden.

SPONSORS:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order, and get a free travel bag with your purchase.
• Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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!

"If I have to wash and return your Tupperware, I am now super stressed. I am so worried about the Tupperware."

Let the Boston Marathon episodes begin! First up: a panel I moderated at the Oofos pop-up on Boylston Street called "Project Pink: Recover with Purpose." This panel was about running, about cancer, about hard stuff, and about resilience. We heard from Anne Keane, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, and was about to run her third Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Dr. Nancy Lin, the associate chief of breast oncology at Dana-Farber, talked about whether runners are the best or worst patients, and talked about where fundraising dollars actually go. Maureen Key, the senior manager of performance design at Exos, talked about the importance of recovery and mindfulness. And Christine St. Pierre, who has been doing the Pan-Mass Challenge for 18 years now as the captain of Team Duncan, was on hand to convince all of us that we can — and should — do whatever we set our minds to. Thank you to Oofos for having us, and for the longtime partnership and commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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 best way to relax at the starting line is to take a deep breath, and say, 'This is fun as hell.' Doesn't mean it's not scary! Doesn't mean it's gonna be easy! It's just fun as hell. And then go have some fun!"

Everyone's favorite "Ted Lasso of Running" returns to the Ali on the Run Show today for a pre-race pep talk! Coach Chris Bennett is Nike Running's Global Head Coach, and he's here to give it to you straight. He has advice on dealing with a bad race, tips for staying sane during the final days of taper, and a message for all of the soon-to-be marathoners. Whether you're making your 26.2-mile debut this spring, or you're chasing a big personal best, Coach wants you to celebrate, he wants you to race well, and, most importantly, he wants you to have an awesome time out there.

A haiku:

Coach Bennett is wise.

Listen and you'll run your best.

You are doing GREAT!

SPONSORS:

• New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Have you run yet today? (2:45)
• Coach Bennett's advice for dealing with a bad run (12:00)
• Are the marathoners OK? (21:10)
• Coach Bennett's pre-race pep talk for all the spring marathoners (26:50)
• Coach's advice for the first-time marathoner (30:20)
• Coach's advice for the PR chaser (34:30)
• How to set yourself up for success on race morning (40:00)
• How to turn a bad race around (47:30)
• What to do when you're in a running rut (1:02:10)
• What Coach Bennett has learned from the greats (1:09:30)

Follow Ali:

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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're leading alongside our community. The three of us made this happen, but there is so much wisdom, so much leadership, so much brilliance within our community. And so we always want to make it known that we want to continue to uplift that and really just show up and show out."

Abeo Powder has a magnetic energy. She's one of those people you'll meet and just want to be around every day. Abeo is the co-founder of the TrailblazHers Run Co., an all-female run crew in Boston, with a mission to empower and uplift women — especially BIPOC women — in the community. Emphasis on community: That's what Abeo is all about. In this conversation, Abeo talks about her lifelong relationship with running, and how it's evolved over the years. Today, in addition to her work with the TrailblazHers, she's the founder of Holistic with Hotfoot, where she takes a personalized approach to coaching. You're not just getting training plans with Abeo: You're getting guided meditations, playlists, and so much more.

FOLLOW ABEO @hotfoot___

SPONSORS:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
• Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action.

What you'll get on this episode:

• Abeo's run today, and her decision to put a pause on marathon training (3:00)
• All about Abeo's childhood, and how she found running (7:30)
• How Abeo's relationship with running has evolved over the years (14:30)
• Abeo's take on group run anxiety and intimidation, and why TrailblazHers Run Co. was born (20:00)
• The growth of the TrailblazHers community (28:30)
• What to expect at a TrailblazHers event (34:30)
• What to know about the 26.True marathon, taking place this weekend in Boston (37:55)
• Coach Abeo, and what she's all about (45:40)
• Abeo's message to nervous marathoners (52:10)

Follow Ali:

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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!

"Use all of your resources. If people are willing to help, let them help."

What's it like when you're one of the best coaches in the NCAA, and your daughter joins the team? And what's it like to be a high school senior vetting potential college running programs — and to have to decide whether or not to be a part of the program your mom is leading? In this Motherhood Mondays conversation, we're hearing all about the mom-daughter-coach-athlete dynamic, courtesy of NC State Head Women's Cross-Country Coach Laurie Henes and daughter and NC State alum Elly Henes. Laurie talks about how she approached coaching Elly, and Elly talks about the perks and challenges of being coached by her mom. Today, Elly is a professional adidas-sponsored runner who lives in Flagstaff, AZ, is coached by Mike Smith, and trains with Rachel Schneider Smith and Nikki Hiltz.

SPONSOR:

• adidas: Click here to check out the adiClub membership benefits, including 15% off and free shipping.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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"I really, truly, in the bottom of my heart want to keep doing this. But I need to figure out what my 'why' is in a more sustainable way rather than just 'I want to win another medal because everyone tells me I need to win another medal.'"

In 2020, Molly Seidel ran her debut marathon at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, finished second, and earned a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, she became an Olympic Bronze Medalist. The next few years included some highs — like running an American course record at the New York City Marathon — and a lot of lows, including injuries and mental health struggles. Last fall, Molly was on the upswing. She ran a personal best at the Chicago Marathon, which felt promising and encouraging heading into the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon. Then: a shattered kneecap. Molly had to withdraw from the Trials, which was a devastating blow for her and for fans alike. In this unfiltered episode, Molly talks about how she's doing now, and how she's been doing over the past few months. She talks about making her "50K debut," and about why she wishes it weren't a big deal. Plus, a few fun games, drug testing talk, and Molly's message to this year's Team USA marathoners.

SPONSOR:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about Molly's run today – and drug testing talk (2:00)
• All about Molly's 50K debut (8:55)
• All about Molly's "busted kneecap"(13:30)
• Molly plays "Never Have I Ever," PG version (16:00)
• What life on the run has been like since the Chicago Marathon (36:20)
• Molly's message to Fiona, Emily, and Dakotah as they get ready to head to Paris for the Olympic marathon (41:30)
• What the rest of Molly's year might look like on the run (48:35)
• Molly's plans for Boston Marathon weekend (53:40)
• Molly plays "Mollygories" (56:00)

Follow Ali:

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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!

"Right on Hereford, left on Boylston. It is the place to be. It's special every time."

We are less than two weeks away from the 128th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 15. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) am attempting to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), past champions Des Linden and Meb Keflezighi join to talk course strategy and to break down what it takes to succeed (and run a PR!) in Boston, and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun is here to give you some last-minute fueling advice. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it'll be a Boston to remember.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

What you'll get on this episode:

• B.A.A. director of brand and experiential marketing Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2024 (4:00)
• Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in, plus how to watch, the inside scoop on the Boston Celebration jackets, and more (29:50)
• 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi offers a Boston-specific pep talk (48:00)
• Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:15:00)
• A quick note from Ali (1:39:30)
• Sports dietitian and four-time Boston Marathoner Meghann Featherstun offers advice on Boston-specific fueling before, during, and after the race (1:45:45)
• 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:11:00)
• All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:41:30)
• A quick overview about spectating at the Boston Marathon, and final thoughts on all things Boston 2023 (2:48:00)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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 OK to prioritize time for happiness. Hard times will come. It's really important to know what happiness feels like to you so that when you're in those dark times, you know that happiness is real, you have hope for the future, and you can hold onto that — that you'll be happy again."

Her story captivated the nation: Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City and held captive for nine months. During that time, she was repeatedly raped and abused by her captors. Remarkably, Elizabeth has gone on to live a happy, healthy life. She's a mom of three, and she's a child safety activist and commentator for ABC News. She's also a four-time marathoner. In this conversation, Elizabeth talks about how she found running, the role it plays in her life today, and what the marathon means to her.

FOLLOW ELIZABETH @elizabeth_smart_official

SPONSORS:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
• Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action.

What you'll get on this episode:

• The role running plays in Elizabeth's life right now (4:30)
• Safety, fear, and running: Elizabeth's take (9:00)
• Why Elizabeth's story captivated the nation (13:00)
• Elizabeth's feelings on being a victim vs. a survivor (19:00)
• When life went "back to normal" for Elizabeth (23:30)
• How Elizabeth found running (30:00)
• Why Elizabeth decided to run a marathon (37:30)
• Why Elizabeth kept running marathons (49:10)
• What's next on the run for Elizabeth? (54:25)
• On running marathons vs. competing on The Masked Dancer (58:10)
• Elizabeth's message to fellow survivors (1:00:30)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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 will always show up and do my best, and try to maintain my integrity in the process. I don't always get it right. But I always try."

I ran the New York City Half. I had the best time. And today, I'm here to talk all about running my first 13.1-mile race since my breast cancer diagnosis in May 2023. Plus, answering listener questions about running, podcasting, and more.

SPONSORS:

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for free shipping.

What you'll get on this episode:

• My 2024 NYC Half recap (1:00)
• Running-related questions (43:30)
• Podcast-related questions (56:20)
• Cancer-related questions (1:02:00)
• Life questions (1:04:10)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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

"Des is the coolest one out of all of us, and she organized it. So of course if Des organizes a dog party, we're going to go to it... And I think if you went to the dog party, you had a good race."

She's the American Record Holder in the marathon, she just made her second Olympic team, and this weekend, she was in New York City for a live show all about doggy play dates, missing dogs, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, potential Olympic tattoo spots, being Emily in Paris, and so much more. Welcome Emily Sisson back to the Ali on the Run Show!

FOLLOW EMILY @em_sisson_

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the NYC Half in the SC Elite v4!)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
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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 have yet to meet a marg that is too spicy for me."

Emma Coburn is an Olympic bronze medalist, a World Champion, a world silver medalist, a 10-time U.S. champion, and a three-time Olympian. The New Balance-sponsored professional athlete returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the seventh time today to catch us up on how life has been since tearing her hamstring at World Championships last summer. (Spoiler: She's fit!)

FOLLOW EMMA @emmacoburn

SPONSORS:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
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• Support on Patreon
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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!