Ali On The Run Show

"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 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 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

"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-D

"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 Jas

“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

“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

“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 th

“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

"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 Sho

“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’

“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 can

“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 goa

“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 host

"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 (

“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:

“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% o

“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

"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

"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 &

“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.