Ali On The Run Show

"Right on Hereford, left on Boylston. It is the place to be. It’s special every time." We are just 24 days away from the 127th 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 17. 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. Jack Fleming 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, headlined by the fast

"It comes to a point where you are so tired and you’re just constantly irritable. And I was not prepared for that!" The last time professional distance runner Erika Kemp was on the Ali on the Run Show, the six-time collegiate All-American and multiple-time USATF national champion was on a racing hot streak, earning multiple regional and national titles and earning wins from the 5K up to the 20K. Erika has had a hugely successful career since going pro in 2018 and signing with the B.A.A. High Performance team and adidas — but, she says, she hasn't yet had that breakout, defining performance. Might it be just around the corner? With a new team, new coach, and new sponsor, Erika is about to take on her longest challenge yet. She's now a Brooks Running-sponsored athlete, she's being coached by Kurt Benninger (Molly Huddle's husband!), and she's gearing up to make her 26.2-mile racing debut at the Boston Marathon next month. In this conversation, Erika talks about all of her recent life changes, shares how she'

"From this day forward, I will say that I'm a runner." In 2004, I was a freshman at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. That's when I met Scott Wormser. We bonded immediately over our shared loves for musicals, New York City, and chocolate lava cakes. We did fun things together, like hosting the annual Mr. Quinnipiac competition, helping plan the senior week festivities for our graduating class, and being orientation leaders for the incoming freshmen classes. We were always laughing, always having fun — and definitely not ever running. Fast-forward to today, and here we are, nearly 20 years later: two marathoners. We still love musicals, NYC, and lava cakes, but these days, Scott and I are more likely to be talking about our next races or our favorite Peloton instructors. Scott got into running just a few years after I did, and has gone on to complete many half marathons and the 2016 New York City Marathon. For him, running isn't about a pace or a place — it's his me time, his release, his favorite way

"There are definitely stars who make $500,000, a million dollars a year. If someone is breaking world records, they are getting paid." It's a series! Welcome to "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!" I've worked in the running industry in some capacity for roughly a decade now, and as much as I've immersed myself, there's still so much I don't know or understand. So if I, a relative industry insider, am still confused about things like shoe contracts, drug testing, waterfall starts on the track, and the Diamond Leagues, surely I'm not alone. I put out the ask — What's something you don't understand or have always wanted to ask about the running industry? — and the responses came pouring in with great questions. So today, former professional runner and founder of The Lap Count (and track and field's biggest fan and hype guy) Kyle Merber is here to answer all of your questions about the business of running. Sponsorships and appearance fees and "OK but who actually pays coaches?" and NDAs, oh my! SPONSOR:

"What is my why? It’s just to give myself a shot. I’ve run six marathons. I feel like one of them went really well. And I felt the urge to try something fun and give myself a challenge and see what I’m capable of." Hello from the halfway point in my Eugene Marathon training! I'm seven weeks into my training with seven weeks to go until I line up for my seventh marathon. A few weeks ago, my coach and my sports dietitian joined me on the show to talk about what it's been like working together in this pursuit. Today, it's just me, talking about why I'm doing this. Why now? Why the marathon, seven years after my last attempt? What am I hoping to get out of all of this? In addition to sharing a bit about my history with the 26.2-mile distance, I'm also talking about my key takeaways from the past seven weeks, and sharing what I hope to gain throughout this process. (Come run with me! There's a half marathon option, too! Use code ONTHERUNEUGENE to save on your registration.) SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to

"I’m telling myself I’m going to crush it. I think that’s something I used to shy away from — the Midwesterner in me, saying, 'I’m just going to do my best.' But no. Let’s crush it!" Last year, running and strength coach Jess Movold came on the Ali on the Run Show for an honest and vulnerable conversation about her experience running through pregnancy. She was 21 weeks along with her first baby. No one could have predicted or planned for what happened next: Jess gave birth to her son, appropriately named Battle, just five weeks later, at 26 weeks and 2 days into her pregnancy. Battle spent 167 days in the NICU. Jess and her husband, Kyle, spent 167 days visiting their son, holding him, navigating life as new parents — and then having to go home each night without their baby. (More on that journey in this episode.) Fast-forward to today, and Jess, Kyle, and Battle are thriving! Battle is about to celebrate his first birthday. He's happy, healthy, and always growing! Kyle ran his first marathon in New York C

"I’m really good at making sure others understand that not only are they athletes — look at the definition and tell me that doesn’t describe you! — but also telling people they are runners. I just decided, 'Listen, that’s what I am.' If you run, if you jog, I don’t care what it is, you’re a runner. And you’re an athlete! Own that. Once you own it, you will really see a lot of weight lifted off of you. Then you realize, you’re not out here for anybody else. You’re out here for you." Kristian Mines represents all of the best qualities you'll find within the running community. She radiates joy, positivity, and energy. She started running in her forties, she completed her first marathon in Chicago last year, and she's a proud back-of-the-pack athlete. Where Kristian feels she really shines, though, is as a "voluncheerleader." She's on a quest to volunteer at all six World Marathon Majors (she's done three so far!), and she cares deeply about making sure every runner feels celebrated at their respective finish

"I’m better when I know that people are counting on me." Ever watched a professional track race and wondered why there were certain runners out front controlling the pace and then dropping out (intentionally) around the halfway mark? Pacers — or rabbits — have a very important job on race day, even if it means finishing the event with a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) next to their results. In this conversation, professional New Balance athlete, Olympian, and 1500m specialist Cory McGee returns to the Ali on the Run Show for a Rabbiting 101 lesson. After dealing with both illness and injury at the end of last year, Cory — who lives in Boulder, CO, where she trains with Team Boss — decided to spend her indoor season focusing on helping others achieve their dreams on the track. Today, she explains how pacers get their jobs, whether they are paid positions, and what the rules are for rabbits. (And answers the often-asked question: Can a rabbit go on to win a race?) Plus, she shares what's on her 2023 racing calendar,

"I’m not here to do gotcha journalism. I’m not trying to get the scoop, I’m not trying to break news. I’m just trying to offer a platform to showcase the stories of these athletes, professional or otherwise, to share their stories, and for them to have fun. I want this to be fun for them. And I hope you enjoy it along the way!" Welcome to the first Ask Ali episode of 2023! These episodes will hit the podcast once a month, sometimes with a guest host, sometimes responding to listener voicemails, and sometimes just flying solo. That's what today is: a solo-sode (is that a thing? can it be?) answering questions about running, podcasting, and more. CALL IN: 617-446-3966 SPONSOR: 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. Running-Related Questions 2:00: What is your favorite post-race meal? 2:40: Tips for tr

"I really believe that if you do a good job with the process, the outcome is gonna take care of itself. The time is gonna take care of itself." I'm running the Eugene Marathon on April 30. I've run six marathons, but my most recent one was nearly seven years ago. So, it's been a while! And while, sure, muscle memory is a thing, I wanted to enlist some help with the process this time around. Enter Coach Kaitlin Goodman, founder of Running Joyfully, and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun. Together, they're not just helping me get to the start line healthy and the finish line happy — they're teaching me a lot along the way, and ensuring I'm enjoying the process (which I really, really am!). In this conversation, you'll get to hear all about what it means to run my way right now, including what's going great, what's still a mystery, and where I feel I'm falling a little short. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!)

"I always have to remind myself that a race is gonna be really hard!" Surely when Alicia Keys sang "this girl is on fire," she was referring (preemptively) to On Athletics Club's Alicia Monson. In 2021, Alicia became an Olympian in the 10K. In 2022, she represented Team USA at World Championships, again in the 10K. And just two months into 2023, the unstoppable streak continues: Alicia just broke the indoor 3000m American Record at the Millrose Games in New York City. Alicia lives and trains in Boulder, CO, where she is coached by Dathan Ritzenhein. In this conversation, she talks about training with OAC, about the team culture, and about why seemingly every member of the team is killing it right now. She also talks about how she has learned to stay focused, stay relaxed, and stay energized during races and hard workouts. (Check out this video for a perfect example.) And if you've ever thought you can't relate to the pros, rest assured, Alicia is one of us: Her on-the-run music of choice is The Greatest Sh

"They said, 'Deirdre, think of where you were when you signed up for this, and where you are now. And just enjoy this moment.' And so I turned off the music, and I just enjoyed the serenity of running at night, thinking of my dad next to me, thinking of the person I was when I signed up for this, and who I am now. And I crossed that finish line and absolutely fell apart in the best way possible. It’s something I’ll never, ever forget." You probably remember Deirdre Keane: the pediatric ICU nurse from New York City who was featured on Humans of New York, talking about how losing her dad (an avid runner) to cancer inspired her to become a marathon runner. Today, Deirdre returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about her latest, most intense challenge to date: completing the World Marathon Challenge. Earlier this month, Deirdre ran seven marathons in seven days on seven different continents — and was the fastest woman to do so. In this conversation (perfect for your next long run!), she talks about everythi

"I was mortified! Like, I’ve literally told everyone he’s my boyfriend, and he hasn’t told his friends about me! They don’t know who I am!" Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating as we always do on the Ali on the Run Show: with a whole lot of love! This year, it's Emily Infeld and Max Randolph's time to shine. Emily is a Nike-sponsored professional athlete and member of Team Boss, coached by Joe Bosshard. Max is a longtime Nike-employee and self-described "Professional Wife Supporter," making his podcast debut! In this conversation, we hear about Emily and Max's first meeting (fittingly, they met at a cross-country meet), and the long road to their first real date. Plus, how Max proposed, Emily and Max's advice for making a long-distance relationship work (this applies to all kinds of relationships), what Max is like when Emily is racing, and what's next on Emily's racing calendar. And hey, whether you celebrate today or not, know that one thing is for sure: I love you. SPONSOR: Tracksmith: New cu

"I’m not the type of athlete who likes to go to the track, come home, and watch Netflix or play video games until the next run, and then rinse and repeat. I will go crazy trying to do that. A lot of people enjoy that and think they have to do that in order to get the success that they are working toward — that they have to give up every other part of their life that isn’t running related. And I’ve always pushed back on that. I don’t think it’s this either/or situation. I think there’s an 'and.' You just have to figure out the right 'and' blend." Colleen Quigley is affectionately known as "Steeple Squigs" — a play on her last name, combined with what has always been her greatest passion: competing in the steeplechase. The Florida State University alum rose to fame within the professional track and field ranks by becoming a Nike-sponsored Olympian who trained with the Bowerman Track Club. At the end of 2020, Colleen announced her departure from both Nike and BTC, and in May 2021, she signed with new sponsor

"I have this memory of someone saying to me, 'Oh you’re a runner.' And I was like, 'Oh, I’m not a runner!' 'But you run a lot!' 'Oh! Yeah! I guess I am a runner. I guess that has happened! That’s a part of who I am!'" She's a two-time marathoner. A mom of three. A humanitarian and global health advocate. An author. A New Yorker. And she's a former First Daughter of the United States of America. Chelsea Clinton is here! Today on the Ali on the Run Show, Chelsea shares the story of how — and why — she started running. She talks about what she thought of her dad's running habit during their time in the White House, when he would famously go for runs accompanied by the Secret Service. She talks about becoming a runner while attending Stanford University, and about her relationship with the word "runner." And she talks about becoming a marathoner at the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, including what her training was like (she used a training plan she found online!), how she felt about those weekend long runs,

"It was like the bell went off at that moment. And while I wasn’t the fastest or the most physical, I started. I put my foot down, and I started." Adina Crawford is a civilian supervisor for the Montgomery County Police Department. (A very intense, emotional job.) She's a yoga instructor. And she's a two-time marathoner who lives and breathes running. But that wasn't always the case! Growing up, Adina was more of a "sit on the sidelines in gym class" kind of girl. It wasn't until she was in her forties that she had a wakeup call, in the form of a tough-love conversation with her husband. She started running and, well, you know how the story goes. Now, at 58 years old, Adina has found her voice, her passion, and her purpose. This is her story. SPONSOR: goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order What you’ll get on this episode: What’s making Adina happy right now (4:10) What Adina’s childhood was like (7:00) What life looked like before Adina started running (10:45) How — a

"Never forget where you started. Nobody is born running a mile. We all have to work for it. So never forget those first few steps. Keep up the faith. And then one day, you’ll go out and you’ll feel like you’re flying." In her mid-thirties, Susie Chan was a cigarette-smoking single mom working as an exhibitions coordinator for art galleries and museums. The word "running" was definitely not a part of her vocabulary. But then, when her brother convinced her to run a half marathon with him, everything changed. Susie ran her first half marathon at 35, and she was hooked. Now, at 47, Susie is one of the best-known runners (and ultra runners!) in the UK. She has run some of the most grueling races in the world, including the 230K Jungle Ultra through the Amazon Rainforest, and the six-day Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert. She's an Abbott World Marathon Majors six-star finisher, and in 2016, she broke the world record for most miles run on a treadmill in a 12-hour period (68.54 miles!). Today, Susie is mo

"I never think that in a race. I never think, 'I’ve got this.' For better or for worse, I don’t ever feel like something’s done until it’s done." She's done it again! Earlier this month, Emily Sisson broke her own American record in the half marathon, running 1:06:52 at the Houston Half Marathon. She became the first U.S. woman to run under 67 minutes in the half marathon on a record-eligible course, and Emily now owns four out of six of the fastest half marathon times run by an American woman. (She is also the American record holder in the marathon!) In this conversation, Emily talks about the mental side of staying so strong during training and on race day. She shares how she avoids the comparison trap, and how she stays focused on what she can do vs. what her competition is capable of. Plus, what it was like racing alongside longtime training partner Molly Huddle, the secret to that finishing kick, and what the finish line media frenzy is really like. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balan

"I get rowdy with vodka." Des Linden is busy! She just launched a new podcast with Kara Goucher. Her memoir, Choosing to Run, comes out April 4. And she's gearing up for this year's Boston Marathon. But she's never too busy to indulge in a little plaisir coupable. (That's "guilty pleasure," in French.) In this conversation, Des offers updates on all of the above: what we can expect from the podcast, why she prefers being called Des over Desi, how she's feeling about her book release, and how Boston training is going. And then, in the second half of the episode, something a little different, a little silly, a little fun: gushing about the Netflix show Emily in Paris. (Spoilers aplenty!) Is Des an Emily, a Mindy, a Camille, or a Sylvie? Only one way to find out! (Which one are you?) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a free UCAN Edge Starter Pack, and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: Catching up with Des about her book, her podcast, her 2023 Boston M

"I got to the top and I was like, 'Wow.' Like so proud of myself. I have no idea how much I weigh relative to then. I do not care to see the difference in a photo between what I look like then and what I look like now. All I know is that I’m so happy with myself, I’m so proud of myself, and I feel so strong." Camila Ramón started running in elementary school. Not because she loved it. Not because it made her feel good. Not because she was on the track or cross-country teams. Camila started running at a young age because she thought she needed to lose weight. In this conversation, Camila talks about the pressure she felt and the comments she received about her body while growing up in Argentina, and later in Miami. She talks about how, as an adult and professional dancer, she rediscovered running, and this time it stuck. She found a community of like-minded runners, she started trail running in L.A., and she completed her first marathon (and earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time, which meant she then ran