Ali On The Run Show

This week, I am thrilled to welcome to the Ali on the Run Show my dear friend — and everyone’s favorite running blogger — Janae Baron! Before we get to that, please join me in congratulating Janae and her family on the arrival of their newest member, Skye, born December 9! Janae, of course, is the beloved personality behind the popular Hungry Runner Girl blog. Janae is a super speedy runner who lives in Utah with her husband, Andrew, their kids (Brooke, Knox, and now Skye!), and their dog, Beretta. Janae was nearly 37 weeks pregnant when we recorded this episode and, as always, was just as sweet, positive, and bubbly as she is on the internet — plus, she was willing to get super honest about everything. Throughout the episode, Janae and I chat about her struggles with amenorrhea, dating after divorce, running before, during, and after her pregnancies, how negative comments really make her feel, and both the beautiful and challenging parts of raising a blended family. She opens up about how she actually makes

Abby Bales is the founder of Reform Physical Therapy, which is all about keeping pregnant and postpartum women healthy, active, and injury-free during and after pregnancy. On this episode, Abby explains what exactly that means, why it’s so important — and often overlooked — and what women need to understand about returning to exercise after pregnancy. (Because spoiler, it’s a lot more in depth than just waiting six weeks after birth and then jumping back in.) As someone who isn’t pregnant, has never been pregnant, and has no children, I had loads of questions for Abby, and she was game to answer all of them. She even walked me through the proper way to do kegel exercises! But this episode isn’t just about pelvic floors. Abby and I also talk about her history with Ulcerative Colitis (we’re IBD sisters!), her relationship with running before, during, and after her own pregnancies, and what it’s like being an entrepreneur and mom of two. Stuff We Mention on this Episode: 16 Handles: http://16handles.com/ Crohn’s

Sally Bergesen is the founder and CEO of Oiselle, a women’s athletic apparel company now celebrating its 10th year in business. On this episode, Sally shares the “oh shit” and “oh no” moments that led her to create Oiselle, and talks about why it’s so important to her that she and her company empower women. She talks about Oiselle’s decision to start sponsoring professional athletes, including Kate Grace, Lauren Fleshman, and Kara Goucher, and shares the career opportunity that gave her a pit in her stomach and made her “want to throw up.” She also opens up about some of Oiselle’s more controversial moments like “LogoGate,” her opinion of “The Swoosh” (that’s Nike, of course), and her take on the state of influencer marketing. Stuff We Mention on this Episode: Oiselle: https://www.oiselle.com/ Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show with Kara Goucher: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/10/25/ali-run-show-episode-43-kara-goucher/ University of Oregon: https://uoregon.edu/ Lauren Fleshman: http://asklaurenfleshm

Three years ago, my now-husband Brian Cristiano and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41—a 7:44 minute per mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. Here’s a dramatic retelling of how his race went, plus a very special Thanksgiving-themed Sprint to the Finish. (This episode was basically sponsored by three Abita Brewing Company beers and two shots of Patron—all for Brian.) Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Stuff We Mention on the Show: Brian on Episode 2 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/03/01/episode-2-brian-cristiano-married-someone-crohns-disease/ Brian on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/04/06/ali-on-the-run-show-episode-17-brian-cristiano/ Newport Pie Run: https://raceroster.com/events/2017/13663/32nd-annual-pie-run Prospe

Shalane Flanagan may have won this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, but the next American to cross the line was Allie Kieffer, who finished in 2:29. Not only did Allie nab a 26-minute personal best time that day, she was also the fifth place overall finisher. Not bad for a self-coached, unsponsored runner from Buffalo, NY! On this episode, Allie talks about every aspect of her groundbreaking race, from the injury that almost kept her from lining up at the start — but that ultimately led to the strong race she had — to her mental state before, during, and immediately after the race. She explains how what was once her greatest fear — running the race alone — ended up being the greatest gift, and breaks down how she managed to negative split a tough course, passing a handful of runners in that final 10K. Allie talks about how — and why! — she set the world record for the fastest indoor marathon last year (that’s 211 loops around a 200-meter indoor track, by the way), and opens up about the tremendous and tragi

Today, the Ali on the Run Show is going Gibbler! I am so excited to welcome Andrea Barber — best known as Full House’s wacky next-door neighbor Kimmy Gibbler — to the show. On this episode, Andrea dishes about all things Full House — including her favorite Kimmy moment, and yes, what John Stamos is really like. She opens up about what it was like growing up in Hollywood, what happened on the Full House set when the cameras weren’t rolling, and how she spent the 20 years between Full House’s finale and the resurgence of the Tanner family on Netflix’s spinoff Fuller House. (Spoiler: She got a college degree, a master’s degree, interned at the United Nations, and had two kids. NBD.) She also shares why she hates red carpets, and gets super honest about her history with anxiety and depression, and the postpartum depression she experienced after giving birth to her daughter. Today, Andrea lives in Orange County, CA, with her two kids (ages 13 and 10), and she’s a runner! She started running five years ago as a way

You are in for a treat today! On this episode, Chris Heuisler, the National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels and Resorts, shares his most embarrassing running story. Enjoy! Listen to more from Chris on Episode 6 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/03/01/episode-6-chris-heuisler-national-run-concierge-westin-hotels-resorts/

Kara Goucher is a professional distance runner with loads of podiums, medals, and titles under her Oiselle-sponsored belt. She lives in Boulder, CO, with her husband, Adam, and their 7-year-old son, Colt (plus their cat, Ellie, and their rescue pup, Freya), and we chatted as she was fresh off her annual Podium Retreat, which sold out in just 36 hours! On this episode, Kara talks about why the Podium Retreat is her proudest accomplishment, and opens up about the most defining—and most discouraging—moments of her running career. She talks about her decision to leave a 12-year Nike contract and sign with Oiselle, and very openly discusses what made her decide to become an outspoken advocate for clean sport. She shares how she feels about being called an “anti-doping whistle blower” and what it was like getting backlash and hate mail after coming forward with her allegations about her former team and coach. Plus, Kara talks about coming in fourth place at last year’s Olympic Trials, how she finally forgave hersel

I am thrilled to welcome Adidas-sponsored professional marathoner Neely Spence Gracey to the Ali on the Run Show! Neely lives in Boulder, CO, with her husband and their Vizsla, Strider. Neely was born to be a runner—literally. She was born on Marathon Monday while her dad was running the Boston Marathon. (He ran a 2:16:40 and finished in 19th place, and went on to make the 1992 Olympic team and become a world championship medalist.) On this episode, Neely talks about what it was like growing up in a running family—including the time she joined her grandma for a Turkey Trot and out-kicked her when the finish line came into view! She also shares what it was like being home-schooled for most of her life, and opens up about how running went from something she did because her parents did it to something she really discovered for herself. Neely made her marathon debut at the 2016 Boston Marathon, where she ran a 2:35:00 and finished ninth (and was the first female American finisher), and followed it up with a 2:34:

Danielle Cemprola is the blogger behind the popular blog “The T-Rex Runner.” She’s a passionate world traveler based in Greenville, SC, and she’s officially a Marathon Maniac: Danielle has run 51 marathons in 38 different states! On this episode, Danielle talks about her recent decision to become a foster parent (and admits that it was a certain TV show that made her finally commit), and gets super honest about the process of getting approved as a foster parent, what her biggest concerns were about foster parenting, and how her first placement with a five-year-old boy is going so far. She also shares the number one concern people constantly share with her about foster parenting. Plus, Danielle opens up about her history with anorexia and bulimia and talks about the realistic and challenging path to recovery, and she offers up honest and heartfelt advice for men and women who may be struggling with an eating disorder. And of course we talk about running and how Danielle went from an enthusiastic horseback ride

Dr. Leah Lagos is a clinical sport and performance psychologist in New York City. On this episode, we talk about mind and body training, the evolution of sports psychology, and performance anxiety. Dr. Lagos explains why she thinks I’m “physiologically gifted” — and why that’s a good thing — and shares what Meb Keflezighi told her he was thinking during his historic 2014 Boston Marathon win. She also talks about how to mentally prepare yourself for a goal race, and how to bounce back if it doesn’t go the way you had hoped. (Spoiler: She doesn’t want you to dismiss your feelings of disappointment!) Plus, Dr. Lagos talks about exercise addiction and the role social media plays when it comes to athletes and mental health. Stuff We Mention on this Episode: Episode 22 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/04/25/ali-run-show-episode-22-body-issues/ Orangetheory Fitness: https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/ Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/ Martha Graham Dance Company: http://www.martha

Kelly Hogan is the Clinical Nutrition and Wellness Manager at the Dubin Breast Center at Mountain Sinai in New York City. It’s a long title—but it basically means she’s a super smart registered dietitian who wants to help people establish non-diet lifestyles. On this episode, she talks about what that means and how that idea helped her figure out her own food philosophy. Kelly also talks about how she became an R.D.—including how she made a major career change and went back to school while working full-time—and she shares a day in the life of her own diet. We play a game [I made up] called Wellness World Word Association, where Kelly offers up her take on everything from #cleaneats, cheat days, and the new documentary What the Health to Goop and apple cider vinegar, and Kelly breaks down the difference between an R.D., a nutritionist, and a health coach—plus what you should understand about each. Kelly is a also many-time marathoner, so we talk about where she’s at with running right now, how her relationship

Is this thing on?! It’s been a month since the last episode of the Ali on the Run Show, but I am so happy to be back. On this episode, I’m sharing where I’ve been, what’s been going on, and how I’ve been feeling throughout my latest Crohn’s disease flare. I also talk about the one thing I’ve been doing differently lately that I *think* may have to do with why I’ve started feeling better, and I talk about why I decided to take a social media break (which I highly recommend, by the way). It’s good to be back! Stuff I Mention on this Episode: Ali on the Run Show Episode 30: My Crohn’s Disease Story: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/05/23/ali-on-the-run-show-episode-30-my-crohns-disease-story/ Ali on the Run Show Episode 32: Crohn’s Disease Q&A: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/05/30/ali-run-show-episode-32-crohns-disease-qa/ Ali on the Run Show Episode 2: Being Married to Someone With Crohn’s Disease: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/03/01/episode-2-brian-cristiano-married-someone-crohns-disease/ An

We’re flipping the script today and I’m putting Lindsey Hein in the hot seat! Lindsey is a super speedy runner (she holds a 3:13 marathon PR and ran a 1:32 at the 500 Festival Mini Half Marathon a few weeks ago), a mom of three boys (Marshall, Louis, and Russell), and the host of the podcast I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein. (Lindsey’s podcast was the first one I ever listened to, and I was a guest on her show back in November!) This episode gets into everything, from the super personal stuff (like Lindsey’s decision to have a preventative double mastectomy, and her two miscarriages before having her first baby), to running (Lindsey was on the cover of Women’s Running magazine in 2014!), coaching, surviving life in a house of four dudes and a dog, and how she met her super sassy husband, Glenn. After three babies, a major surgery, and a pretty major injury, Lindsey has declared this “The Year of Lindsey!” Listen in to hear what that entails! Stuff We Mention on the Show: I Was a Guest on I’ll Have Another

Motivational phrases are meant to inspire us — but they sometimes kinda stink. Today I'm sharing the ones I'm just not digging, especially while I'm working my way through my latest Crohn's disease flare. Plus, I offer up my take on rest, recovery, and taking a break from social media, and share where I'm at physically, mentally, and emotionally right now. Stuff I Mention on this Episode: My Favorite Running & Life Mantras: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/04/11/ali-run-show-episode-18-running-life-mantras/ The Lessons I've Learned in My Thirties: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/05/02/ali-run-show-episode-24-lessons-ive-learned-thirties/ Global Running Day & Why I Run: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/06/06/ali-run-show-episode-34-global-running-day-run/ November Project: http://november-project.com/ Eugene Marathon: http://www.eugenemarathon.com/ Tracksmith: https://www.tracksmith.com/ NYRR New York Mini 10K: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2017/nyrr-new-york-mini-10k 2017 Airbnb Brook

Mia Michaels is a legendary choreographer and director. She’s best known from her time as a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, where her contemporary choreography earned her three Emmy Awards and household-name-level fame. But before Mia became a fan favorite, she had to fight to make a name for herself in the dance industry. On this episode, she talks about the struggle to break into the industry as a “bigger girl,” and says that when the dance world wouldn’t accept her the way she was, she went ahead and created her own world. And it worked! Mia is one of the dance industry’s top choreographers, and she’s pretty much done it all, from working with Madonna (which she hated) to choreographing Celine Dion’s wildly successful A New Day show in Las Vegas (which I obviously made her gush about). Mia has worked with (and “reinvented”) the Radio City Rockettes, choreographed the Broadway show Finding Neverland and the Rock of Ages film (where she became BFF with Tom Cruise), and had a featured r

Global Running Day is Wednesday, June 7! So on this episode, I’m talking about why I run, what I love about the running community, and why I sometimes miss being a new runner. I also share a bit more about my history with exercise addiction, and how I stopped being obsessed with running and instead started seeing it as something to do because I love my body, not because I hate it. Celebrate Global Running Day on June 7 by getting out for a run, whether it’s one mile alone or 10 miles with friends, and then let me know how it goes! Stuff I Mention on this Episode: Global Running Day: https://globalrunningday.org/ The Day I Finally Felt Like a Runner: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/05/25/the-day-i-finally-felt-like-a-runner/ An Ode to New Runners: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/06/29/an-ode-to-new-runners/ Why I Run Naked: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/run/why-i-run-naked-0/ Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon: http://www.runrocknroll.com/las-vegas/ 2011 Rock n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon recap: htt

I was so excited to record this episode with one of my favorite journalists, news anchors, and role models, Natalie Morales. Natalie is best known from her time on NBC’s Today show, where she was a national correspondent, news anchor, and co-host in New York City before moving on to become the show’s West Coast anchor. During her time at Today, Natalie covered everything from the Olympics, the Royal Wedding, the Chilean miner rescue, and President Obama’s inauguration to events like Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and the death of Pope John Paul II. Last year, Natalie — along with her husband, two sons, and rescue pup, Zara — traded city life for sunny Los Angeles, where she is currently the host of Access Hollywood and co-host of Access Hollywood Live. On this episode, Natalie talks about the most memorable story she covered during her time at the Today news desk, and opens up about why she chose to move to California. She talks about growing up in an Air Force family and moving around a lot, and shares

I've had Crohn's disease for 25 years, and there have been lots of ups, downs, and in betweens during that time. So while I'm no doctor, expert, or attending on Grey's Anatomy, I have figured out a few things that work for me and my particular illness. In this episode, I'm answering listener-submitted questions about my life with Crohn's, and I'm touching on everything from running, traveling, and dating with Crohn's disease to what happens when you just can't get to a bathroom in time. It may not be glamorous, but this is real life, people!

Dan Nevins is a yoga instructor and motivational speaker. He’s also a double amputee: Dan lost both his legs in an explosion while serving overseas in the Iraq War. In this episode, Dan talks about his time in the United States Army and the National Guard, shares the story of the explosion that took his legs, and opens up about his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder. He discusses what it was like going from being a competitive runner and athlete to adjusting to a life without legs, and he shares how yoga quite literally saved his life. His story is emotional and inspiring, and is a good reminder of the power of perseverance. Want to take class with Dan? He’ll be in New York City teaching a two-hour master class at Lyons Den Power Yoga on June 3 to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Go sign up! Stuff We Mention on the Show: Lyons Den Power Yoga: http://lyonsdenpoweryoga.com/ Baptiste Yoga: https://www.baptisteyoga.com/ Brian’s First Yoga Class: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2015/09/15/he