Ali on the Run Show

682. Emily Oster, 3:17 Marathoner

"Whenever we do something that we really invest in and that’s hard — and that we’re not sure we can do — it’s a reminder of the ‘we can do hard things’ aspect. And I’ll always get to say that I did this."

Emily Oster is an economist, a professor at Brown University, and a best-selling author of books including Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm. And she just made her marathon debut at the California International Marathon (CIM), where she finished in 3 hours 17 minutes and 39 seconds. In this conversation, Emily talks about her decision to run 26.2 miles (which she twice swore she would never do, during her first and second appearances on the Ali on the Run Show), about working with coach Kaitlin Goodman and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun, and about her race-day experience.

FOLLOW EMILY: @ProfEmilyOster

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN 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.
The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN.

What you’ll get on this episode:

Emily’s evolution as a runner, and why she made the decision to run a marathon this year (2:00)
Why Emily decided to start working with coach Kaitlin Goodman, and why they chose the California International Marathon (4:40)
On choosing a “fast” race course (18:00)
What Emily learned from working with sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun (21:10)
What Emily’s CIM training was like (25:40)
On pre-race nervous, training stressors, and race goals (37:30)
The road to the start line (45:00)
Emily’s highs and lows from CIM 2023 (48:45)
What it was like becoming a marathoner for the first time (1:01:05)

Follow Ali:

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

enDecember 14, 2023

681. Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton Instructor & New York City Marathoner

"For the first time in my entire life, I was in awe of myself. I was in awe of what I’d accomplished. The marathon was a love letter to myself. For the first time, seeing myself the way other people see me. For the first time, truly recognizing my courage and my power."

The first time Tunde Oyeneyin was on the Ali on the Run Show, she insisted she wasn't a runner. Now, three years and many miles later, the Peloton instructor, best-selling author, and Access Hollywood guest correspondent admits she has fully embraced the runner life. And as of last month, she's officially a marathoner. In this conversation, Tunde talks about her decision and motivation to run this year's New York City Marathon, and about why she chose to keep her goal a secret. She shares stories from race day, talks about how those 26.2 miles changed her life and the way she coaches her Peloton classes, and explains the impact the finish line has had on her and how she sees herself.

FOLLOW TUNDE @tune2tunde

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order.
Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024.

What you’ll get on this episode:

How Tunde feels about becoming a marathoner (1:45)
“Do you get it now or are marathons overhyped?” (5:30)
Will Tunde run another marathon? (9:40)
When and why Tunde decided to run the New York City Marathon (10:30)
How —after keeping it a secret — the world found out Tunde was running the marathon (13:50)
Tunde’s approach to marathon training (17:45)
What Tunde remembers most about race morning (24:50)
How the marathon changed how Tunde sees herself (32:30)
Tunde breaks down the last few miles of the marathon (38:45)
How a woman named Mandy saved the day (47:15)
What surprised Tunde the most about this experience (50:30)
What Tunde’s excited for right now (55:00)

Follow Ali:

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

enDecember 07, 2023

680. Randi Zuckerberg, Marathoner & Ultramarathoner

"I am so grateful for the professional experiences that I’ve had, and so grateful for the incredible men in my life. But I feel like I’ve been the supporting character in my own life. I’m always 'Mark Zuckerberg's Sister' or 'Brent's Wife' or 'So-and-So’s Mom.' Every achievement — even though I’m proud of it — is qualified by someone else. The moment I got to break the tape at the half marathon was the first moment in my entire life where I felt like the main character."

Randi Zuckerberg is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, host of "Randi Zuckerberg Means Business" on SiriusXM Radio, a TV and theater producer, and a mom of three living in New York City. And yes, her last name is Zuckerberg. Randi is Mark Zuckerberg's sister, and was one of the first employees at Facebook. (She's credited with creating Facebook Live!) But "Mark Zuckerberg's Sister" isn't how Randi wants to be defined, and she has officially entered her Main Character Era — thanks to running. In this conversation, Randi talks about her journey to becoming a marathoner and an ultramarathoner, and recounts her days at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (she ran a 3:34:54, earning herself a Boston Qualifying time) and then, two weeks later, her first 50-miler.

SPONSORS:

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

How Randi is feeling a few days after running her first 50-miler, and all about her run today (2:05)
Randi reflects on running the New York City Marathon (5:50)
Randi shares her Turkey Trot plans, and what her family is like on race day (9:15)
Meet “Brandi” (12:20)
When — and why — Randi became a runner (15:05)
On being “too old” to become a runner (21:00)
Randi talks about why running the New York Mini 10K changed her life — and got her to run a marathon (28:35)
How Randi became the main character in her own life (32:30)
All about Randi’s New York City Marathon training (40:10)
The power of group exercise classes, and how Randi fits fitness into her life (51:40)
Randi recaps her race at the 2023 New York City Marathon (53:50)

Follow Ali:

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

enNovember 30, 2023

679. My 2023 New York City Marathon Weekend Recap

"I am not going up on that stage crying, but I don’t want to dismiss this moment! I want to take this all in and I want to feel this. It was an incredibly powerful thing."

It was a New York City Marathon to remember. I had the privilege of getting to be a part of the international, ESPN, and ABC7 broadcasts on race day. I hosted a live show with Ellie Kemper. I ran the Dash to the Finish Line 5K. I was the race announcer at the TCS Run with Champions youth race. It was all the best. This is my exhaustive recap of every step.

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order.
Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Click here to register for the 2024 races, taking place May 25, 2024. Registration opens December 1 at 9 AM ET.

What you’ll get on this episode:

All about my roles at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (2:05)
Wednesday: the drive to NYC and the phone calls we made along the way (17:45)
Thursday: a long morning run, the Run with Champions, and Titanique (27:00)
Friday: a star-studded group run ending at a church, a broadcast team meeting, and an unforgettable live show with Ellie Kemper (36:10)
Saturday: the Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K and a day full of production meetings (52:50)
Sunday: New York City Marathon day! (1:03:30)

Follow Ali:

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

enNovember 22, 2023

678. Run Your Way with Elle Purrier St. Pierre

"So many people asked me if I was going to keep running. And it’s like, to me it’s just a ridiculous question. You have a kid, what, you have to give up your whole career? I just needed a little bit of time!"

She's back! After giving birth to her first child, a son, Ivan, in March, Elle Purrier St. Pierre made her return to racing in September at the Fifth Avenue Mile. In this conversation, she talks about what postpartum running has looked like, about what's next for her, and about what life on the dairy farm looks like these days.

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

What you’ll get on this episode:

How Elle’s day is going so far (2:20)
What is Elle training for right now? (5:15)
An update on farm life (7:40)
On returning to racing at the 2023 Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15)
How Elle has navigated nursing Ivan and returning to high-mileage training (25:50)
Elle’s thoughts on the “never-perfect” time to have a baby as a professional athlete (30:55)
What it’s like watching the women’s 1500 from the sidelines (34:15)
How motherhood has changed Elle’s relationship with running (38:25)
On racing as her “old self” vs. “new self” (43:20)
Elle’s message to fellow new moms (47:15)

FOLLOW ELLE: @elleruns_4_her_life

Follow Ali:

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

enNovember 09, 2023

677. LIVE with Ellie Kemper

You know her (from The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). You love her (because she's funny and genuine). She's a marathoner. Ellie Kemper returns to the Ali on the Run Show — LIVE! We had the most fun recording this episode in front of a 600-person audience at Lavan in New York City. From marathon memories and running reflections to bathroom stories and spelling bee traumas, this one covered it all. We had the best time, and we hope you love it, too.

Thank you to everyone who attended the show and made it so fun and special (those shirts!), and to New Balance for making it so magical (seriously, those shirts!). Let's do it again sometime, yeah?

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite — and Ellie's favorite! — shoe!)

Follow Ali:

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

enNovember 07, 2023

676. Sara Vaughn's 2023 Chicago Marathon Race Recap

"I'm already dreaming about the next one."

Sara Vaughn had a good, great, wonderful day at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. She ran a 2:23:24 — that's a three-minute personal best, and it landed her a 10th-place finish in the women's field. In this conversation, Sara breaks down everything from before, during, and after the race.

SPONSORS:

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

FOLLOW SARA @smevaughn

Follow Ali:

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

enNovember 03, 2023

675. Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon

"At a marathon finish line — especially this marathon finish line — you see the best of humanity."

Every year on the first Sunday of November, more than 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers, and two million spectators will descend on the five boroughs for one reason: the TCS New York City Marathon.

This episode is your unofficial guide to the iconic 26.2-mile race. Two and a half jam-packed hours of New York City Marathon-related information, just in time for the taper.

And this episode isn’t just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating.

As for my New York City Marathon love affair: This race is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I’ve run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station in Brooklyn. In 2017, I cheered on “First and Fifth,” and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a "fancy" (you know, the nice kind!) finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer.

After announcing at the finish and at the Finish Line After Dark in 2019, 2021, and 2022, this year I'm trying something a little different. I'm joining the broadcast talent team as a reporter on the international feed. I'll be interviewing runners at the start and finish lines, and then I'll join the ABC/ESPN2 broadcast team for more finish line coverage on the local broadcast (alongside Becs Gentry!).

Let's have some fun!

SPONSORS:

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

New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer talks about why he’s excited for this year’s TCS New York City Marathon — his first one at the helm of the organization (5:00)
Pre-race questions: how to get in, how to handle feeling overwhelmed by logistics, and how to watch this year’s race (34:40)
What you need to know about getting to the start line in Staten Island, and what to do once you’re there (43:50)
What to know about the New York City Marathon course (1:04:00)
New York City Marathon course strategy (and a pep talk!) with Peloton instructor and 2:32 marathoner Becs Gentry (1:18:00)
Welcome to the New York City Marathon finish line — and what happens once you cross it (2:02:20)
What to know about spectating at the New York City Marathon (2:07:40)
You did it! Now what? (2:13:30)

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 26, 2023

674. Molly Seidel’s 2023 Chicago Marathon Race Recap

"I love the chaos. That’s where I find the calm."

After a year and a half filled with injuries, setbacks, and struggles, Olympic bronze medalist Molly Seidel made her grand return to the marathon — and crushed it. Molly ran the Chicago Marathon in a personal best time of 2:23:07, finishing eighth overall and as the second American woman of the day. In this episode, she talks about the comeback, about race day, about having something to prove, and about a major weight being lifted. (For more, check out Molly's Chicago Marathon recap on YouTube.)

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (coming soon! you’ll just pay the cost of shipping!), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order.
The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN.

What you’ll get on this episode:

“Molly seems really good!” (2:30)
On expectations (4:00)
Molly shares her goals for the Chicago Marathon (6:30)
Molly’s favorite moment from the weekend (7:20)
On running with pacer Rory Linkletter — and running with pacers in general vs. all-out racing (12:45)
How Molly sees American distance women on the world stage (15:00)
The importance of the boyfriend/coach relationship (19:15)
On pre-race commitments, and how Molly has learned to manage her time and energy leading up to big races (21:30)
How Molly was feeling on race morning (27:15)
Molly breaks down her race at the Chicago Marathon (39:15)
Molly talks about when the race started to feel hard (44:30)
How Molly felt after crossing the finish line, and how she feels now (53:50)
Molly’s mindset approaching the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials (56:45)
“I think that is just my brain trying to be toxic” (59:50)
What Molly’s excited about right now (1:06:30)

Molly on the Ali on the Run Show:

On Returning to Racing in 2023, January 2023

Everything You Need to Know About the New York City Marathon, October 2022

Girl Talk with Molly Seidel & Anoush Arakelian, February 2022

LIVE with Molly Seidel, Olympic Bronze Medalist, August 2021

Molly & Izzy Seidel, March 2021

FOLLOW MOLLY @bygolly.molly

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 24, 2023

673. Run Your Way with Emily Sisson and Shane Quinn

"Pressure comes when things are going well."

The American Record Holder and the Irishman return! Today on the Ali on the Run Show, Emily Sisson and Shane Quinn are here to talk about their respective experiences at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, where Emily ran a 2:22:09, finished seventh, and was the top American woman of the day — and Shane ate omelettes. While this didn't end up being the race Emily trained, hoped, and planned for — that darn side stitch! — both Emily and Shane agree that this was ultimately a good day. They share their top moments and memories from the weekend (spoiler: Rivers), talk about what's next (vacation, and then the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials!), and offer their thoughts on American distance women vs. the world. (For more LOLs, make sure you listen to this episode with Shane and Tony D'Amato.)

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 20, 2023

672. Meghann Featherstun, 2:49 Marathoner & Sports Dietitian

"This is just fun to me. We put so much pressure on the outcome of these races. We want to prove ourselves, prove we can run a certain time, and I understand all those feelings. But I just think if you truly love running and love to train, the goal race is a celebration of that."

Everyone's favorite graham cracker-loving sports dietitian returns to the Ali on the Run Show today — this time, as a 2:49 marathoner! In this conversation, Meghann Featherstun, owner of Featherstone Nutrition, talks about running a personal best at the Berlin Marathon, just days after her 40th birthday. She talks about the big feelings she was feeling around that 40th birthday, about her approach to training and racing (she's coached by former Ali on the Run Show guest Meaghan Murray), and about "giving it everything she has and hoping it's enough." (Check out Meghann's previous episodes here and here.)

SPONSORS:

Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration.
UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

“My marathon time is the least interesting thing about me” — Is that still true? (2:25)
Was Berlin a dream day? (3:55)
Meghann’s advice for dealing with a mid-race side stitch or cramp (6:50)
What did it take to become a 2:49 marathoner? (9:30)
How Meghann was feeling heading into race day (17:50)
Meghann’s tips for how to enjoy traveling for a marathon and run your best race (21:35)
On turning 40 (23:55)
How Meghann was feeling on race morning (28:00)
Meghann recaps her race at the 2023 Berlin Marathon (35:30)
Meghann’s approach to running a sub-2:50 marathon (45:50)
Is running easier for faster people? (49:55)
How Meghann celebrated her new PR (52:00)
Meghann recaps her trip to Chicago (55:45)
Meghann’s goals for the 2023 New York City Marathon (58:30)
What one thing can runners add to their lives to have the greatest impact on their running? (1:02:30)

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 19, 2023

671. Des Linden's 2023 Chicago Marathon Race Recap

"So much can happen in those last few miles."

It was a good day in Chicago for Des Linden: Not only did she run 2:27:35 to break the American Masters Marathon Record (previously held by Deena Kastor) by 12 seconds, she also had her puppy, Rivers, there for all the action. In this conversation — Des's 10th appearance on the Ali on the Run Show! — the 2018 Boston Marathon champion and two-time Olympian recaps her weekend at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, including the highs (Rivers), the lows (marathon math), the stories from the elite athlete technical meeting, and, of course, some thoughts on the forthcoming Emily in Paris Season 4.

SPONSORS:

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.
Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration.

What you’ll get on this episode:

Deep thoughts and hot takes on Emily in Paris Season 4 (2:40)
All about Rivers (10:45)
Des’s decision to go for the American masters marathon record (18:05)
Des reflects on her training, and how she was feeling heading into the race (26:35)
Chicago vs. NYC vs. Boston (30:45)
All about the elite athlete technical meeting in Chicago (35:15)
On Ryan’s role during marathon weekends (39:40)
What race morning is like for Des (42:15)
The race plan and pace plan (47:50)
Des breaks down how the race went (51:00)
Des talks about when the race started to get hard (1:00:05)
Hindsight: what Des would've done differently at this year's Chicago Marathon (1:06:25)
What's next for Des — on the trails, at the New York City Marathon, and beyond (1:14:00)

FOLLOW DES @des_linden

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 17, 2023

670. My 2023 Chicago Marathon Weekend Recap

"This weekend brought me back to life in a way that I didn't even realize I needed so badly."

By some kind of miracle, I made it to the 2023 Chicago Marathon! Not to run it, though: I was in town (for the first time!) as one of the finish line announcers on race day. The whole weekend was a dream, from the first post-surgery run to the Abbott Chicago 5K (I ran it!) to the friendships and emotional moments to, of course, race day.

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALIUCAN for 20% off your next UCAN order.
Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 28, 2024) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN.

What you'll get on this episode:

What life looked like before heading to the 2023 Chicago Marathon (3:00)
All about Friday, including my first post-surgery run (!!!), the elite athlete press conference, walking Rivers (!!!), and the welcome reception (20:45)
Saturday: running Abbott Chicago 5K, trying to see The Bean, dim sum in Chinatown, and laughing late into the night (44:45)
Recapping Chicago Marathon race day, from the world records to the final finishers (1:02:30)
Listener Q&A (1:22:40)

Follow Ali:

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

enOctober 12, 2023

669. Everything You Need to Know About the Chicago Marathon

It's almost time for the 45th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 8, 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 (Sisson! Hassan! Linden! Bates! Seidel! Scaroni! Schär!), 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:

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

What you’ll get on this episode:

Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year’s race (2:20)
How to get in, how to watch, and how Chicago is committed to sustainability (28:20)
What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (35:35)
Chris Wehrman ("Coach Worm") and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (48:45)
All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:17:50)

Follow Ali:

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

enSeptember 29, 2023

668. Motherhood Mondays with Charlie Watson

"That was my overwhelming emotion: embarrassment."

Charlie Watson is a UK-based registered dietitian, marathoner, blogger, and mom. In this conversation, she talks about being diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome), a rare disorder that affects the female reproductive syndrome, and about how it affected her both as a teenager and, more recently, as an aspiring mom. She talks about her journey to motherhood via surrogate, including the IVF and egg-freezing process, finding and choosing a surrogate, and why pursuing motherhood via surrogacy is both an overwhelming decision and a privilege. Charlie is currently training for the Valencia Marathon.

SPONSOR:

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

FOLLOW CHARLIE @therunnerbeans

Follow Ali:

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

enSeptember 18, 2023

667. Lindsay Flanagan, Team USA Marathoner

"I went in with zero expectations — let’s see what happens! — and totally surprised myself."

Lindsay Flanagan just represented Team USA at the World Athletics Championship marathon in Budapest. She finished ninth, was the top American of the day, and is feeling psyched about how it all played out. In this conversation, the Asics-sponsored athlete and two-time member of Team USA recaps her experience at World Championships, including a lost luggage situation, what the crowds in Budapest were like, and how the whole race went down. (Fun fact: Lindsay's roommate was fellow Team USA marathoner Susanna Sullivan!)

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order.
goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order.
Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration.

What you’ll get on this episode:

On dealing with post-Budapest jet lag, marathon recovery, and wrapping up the 2023 racing season (3:55)
Lindsay’s approach to Orlando 2024 (8:45)
Lindsay reflects on running her “breakthrough” 2:24 at last year’s Gold Coast Marathon (10:30)
How Lindsay found out she made Team USA (12:15)
Lindsay’s stories from the World Championships marathon finish line (17:40)
All about the pre-race vibes, group texts, athlete lounges, and more (22:00)
How Lindsay was feeling the night before the marathon (32:00)
How Lindsay was feeling the morning of the race (35:00)
Lindsay breaks down her race at the 2023 World Athletics Championships marathon in Budapest (41:15)
On being satisfied and always wanting more (55:30)
What happened after Lindsay crossed the finish line (57:20)

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enSeptember 14, 2023

666. Run Your Way with Courtney Wayment

"It’s gotta be a little bit more than running."

Courtney Wayment has been called one of the new "Steeple Queens" in the U.S. But is that a good thing? Does that add pressure? Expectation? Excitement? In this conversation, Courtney returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about making her second World Athletics Championships team in the 3000m steeplechase, and what it was like competing in Budapest this summer. She talks about making it to the final, and about what it feels like to have "a broken heart on the track." Courtney lives in Utah, where she's coached by former Brigham Young University coach Diljeet Taylor. This weekend, Courtney, who is sponsored by On, will head to Eugene, OR, to race at the Prefontaine Classic and Diamond League final.

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

FOLLOW COURTNEY: @courtsasport20

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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!

enSeptember 12, 2023

665. Emma Bates & Dom Scott, Team Boss Marathon Training Partners

"I bought a new house. And I also got a couple of goats."

It's marathon training season, baby! And today, we get to hear from training partners, teammates, and professional runners Emma Bates (making her seventh appearance on the Ali on the Run Show!) and Dominique Scott (returning for the third time!) as they gear up for their fall marathons. They talk about how they're feeling, what their runs together are like, and how coach Joe Bosshard is approaching their training. Plus, Emma's decision to pull back from sharing her training on social media, an introduction to Thelma and Louise, and some big fall marathon news from Dom!

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN 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.
goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order.

What you’ll get on this episode:

All about Dom and Emma’s run today (3:30)
What’s the hot gossip on the Team Boss runs? (6:30)
Dom announces her fall marathon! (9:35)
Emma shares her advice for how to thrive at the Chicago Marathon (11:55)
Intimidation vs. comfort on the starting line (15:25)
How coach Joe Bosshard is approaching training for both Dom and Emma (17:45)
How Dom and Emma are each feeling a month out from running 26.2 (23:10)
Emma talks about her decision to stop sharing her training publicly (26:20)
All about Emma’s new house — and Thelma and Louise! (32:40)
On mid-run bathroom stops (42:45)
Emma and Dom share their respective goals for their fall marathons (46:50)
What it’s like being a part of Team Boss in 2023 (53:45)
All about buns (1:04:00)

FOLLOW EMMA: @emmajanelbates

FOLLOW DOM: @domscottrunsa

Follow Ali:

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

enSeptember 08, 2023

664. Lindsay Walter, 52-Time Marathoner with Alopecia

"A bald head can mean so many different things."

Lindsay Walter is a 52-time marathoner, 4-time 100-mile finisher, and many-time 50K runner. Most recently, the 32-year-old running coach and freelance writer completed Six Days in the Dome: a multi-day, run-as-much-as-you-can event on an indoor track. (She ran 324 miles in the six-day span!) In this conversation, Lindsay recaps the race, and talks about what's next on the run. She also talks about living with alopecia universalis — a condition that caused her to permanently lose all of her body hair at just two years old. Plus, why she wore a wig for years — and what finally convinced her to ditch it for good.

SPONSORS:

UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN 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.
Vacation Races: Click here and use code ONTHERUN200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip, or code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon registration.

FOLLOW LINDSAY: @lindsayhannah3

Follow Ali:

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

enAugust 24, 2023

663. Run Your Way with Susanna Sullivan

"Celebrate the little victories. Believe that every brick you put down is building a wall."

Sometimes on the Run Your Way series, we hear from professional athletes who are going all-in on their running pursuits, smashing 100-mile weeks and competing at the highest level. Other times, the focus is on runners who are working full-time — even working multiple jobs — and managing additional responsibilities while fitting in running whenever they can.

Today: It's both. In this episode, we're hearing from professional runner and full-time sixth-grade math teacher Susanna Sullivan, who will be representing Team USA in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships next week. Susanna talks about how she fits it all in, what her students think of her running pursuits, and how she's feeling as she heads to Budapest. Plus, all about her first professional shoe sponsorship deal (she signed with Brooks earlier this summer), who she put on her roommate request form for World Championships, and so much more.

SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

FOLLOW SUSANNA: @susannasullivan4

Follow Ali:

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

enAugust 18, 2023