Ali On The Run Show

"What makes this my dream job is realizing that I can make a difference just by showing up, just by being a woman and a woman of color, and showing up in this space and holding this space and being proud of the work that I’m doing — knowing that we stand for something more than just running, and that we’re showing that as an athlete and as a running brand, you can stand for more than just the sport you do." Theresa Bradford just might have every runner's dream job: She's a sports marketing associate manager for Hoka One One, where she works with Hoka's 150 sponsored elite athletes. (Aliphine Tuliamuk! Steph Bruce! Kellyn Taylor!) On this episode, Theresa talks about getting her start working in Hoka's customer service department, and working her way up to her current position. (Pro tip: Ask for what you want!) She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like working in the running industry, and talks about the important work she's doing as part of Hoka's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

"Failing is your jumping off point. It’s not the end of the story — it’s the beginning. It’s one chapter in your story, and you have the whole rest of the book to change the outcome." Bree Koegel is an absolute delight. She's a former professional dancer turned fitness instructor, and is currently a trainer on the FitOn app. (She first appeared on the Ali on the Run Show on Episode 120. Check it out!) On this episode, Bree — a new mom to four-month-old Tuck! — closes out the Feel-Good Fridays series by talking about the importance of finding joy within, and explaining how, exactly, to do that. Plus, she talks about accepting failure and creating a HIIT routine for self-love. (Burpees optional. Modifications highly encouraged!) SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off! Follow Bree: Instagram @breekoegel Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify S

“I hope to make this feel like a sport that anyone can do, no matter who you are.” Courtney Dauwalter is one of the greatest ultra runners of all-time. She has won Western States, the Javelina Jundred, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), and the Moab 240-Mile Endurance Run, where she wasn’t just the first woman to finish, she was the overall winner, beating the second-place finisher by 10 hours. Most recently, Courtney was the U.S. winner of the last-man-standing-style Big’s Backyard Ultra. She ran 68 laps of a four-mile course for a grand total of 283.33 miles in 56 hours, 52 minutes, and 29 seconds. On this episode, Courtney recounts her race at Big’s, talks about her now-famous hallucinations along the way, and reflects on why we can always go further together. Plus, she talks about her attempt at running the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 500-mile Colorado Trail this summer, offers her take on failure, and shares her controversial Halloween candy hot takes. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftersh

"I’m never gonna be rich. But I do this because I love it." Ever wondered what it's like working inside an art museum? On this episode, 2:42 marathoner and Olympic Marathon Trials runner Danae Dracht takes us all inside the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, where she works as an archivist and cataloger. It's Danae's job to catalog artists' monographs and exhibition catalogs that have been published in multiple languages. (And no, she's not multilingual — but she explains how she makes sense of it all!) Danae explains what her job in information science entails, how she's making it work from home during the pandemic, and how she got the job at the Getty. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Danae: Instagram @danaedracht Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog S

"I was just telling myself, you’ve never been more ready." It was the kick seen 'round the world — and on this episode, we get to hear all about it! Today, Sara Hall is here, talking about her amazing finish at this year's unique London Marathon. Sara came in second place during the elite-only race, finishing in a personal best time of 2:22.01. Sara first appeared on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show with her husband (and coach!), Ryan, and this time around, she's offering updates on her training, her next race (The Marathon Project in December!), her family, and what it was really like being in "the bubble" in London. Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What’s New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order! Follow Sara:  Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen &

"Someone’s either a drain or a fountain. Start focusing on your fountains." Need a confidence boost? Not sure where to start? Perfect: You're in the right place! That's what Jenny Gaither does for a living. She's a confidence coach, founder of The Movemeant Foundation, creator of the Dare to Bare event, and a longtime SoulCycle instructor. On this episode, Jenny talks about learning to feel vulnerable when she's teaching, she advises on how to deal with toxic relationships (drains vs. fountains!), and she explains how to get started on your own journey to self-confidence. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off! Follow Jenny: Instagram @jennygaither Movemeant Foundation Dare to Bare 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

"You just have to keep going. Eventually things are going to be better." You probably know exactly who Amanda Basham is, even if you don't realize you know who she is: She's the fiery-red-haired professional ultra runner and endurance coach who has raced all over the world at some of running's most prestigious and most grueling events, including Western States, the TransRockies Run, and World's Toughest Mudder. In 2015 — her first year as a pro — she won the 50-mile USATF Trail Championships race. Not a bad start to a pro career. (Amanda is currently sponsored by Rabbit and Altra.) Right now, Amanda is training for a different kind of endurance sport: She's 27 weeks pregnant! On this episode, Amanda talks about how pregnancy is going, and shares whether or not she always knew she wanted to be a mom. She talks about meeting now-boyfriend Justin Grunewald, and talks about love after loss — including how losing her brother two years ago to a drug overdose has shaped her life and her relationships. SPONSOR:

“You know within your first six months whether it’s a lifestyle that you want to commit to.” When 3:14 marathoner Elyse Garza isn't logging miles on the ground, she's getting them in the air. As a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, Elyse says she's "living her dream" right now. On this episode, she talks about how she became a flight attendant, explains her ever-changing travel schedule, shares whether she's ever had to use the inflatable slide, and dishes about her biggest passenger pet peeves. (Hint: Stop poking the flight attendants!) Elyse lives in Sacramento, CA, is based out of San Francisco International Airport, and, fun fact, is afraid of heights! Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! What we mention on this episode: Julia Harrington on Episode 227 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Elyse: Instagram @milestomedals Follow A

“What grand treehouse can we make out of this wonderful pile of leaves and sticks that we’re given?” Alexi Pappas — who first appeared on Episode 163 of the Ali on the Run Show — is so much more than "just" a runner. She's a professional middle-distance runner turned marathoner: Alexi made her 26.2-mile debut at the 2018 Chicago Marathon, and ran her second marathon earlier this year in Houston, finishing in 2:34, which earned her a nine-minute PR and 10th place for the day, and was just one minute off the Greek national record. She's an award-winning writer and filmmaker: Alexi co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in Tracktown, and most recently co-wrote and starred in Olympic Dreams, the first non-documentary-style movie to be filmed at the Olympic Games. And now, she's a published author: Alexi's book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and other Big Ideas, is now available for pre-order. On this episode, Alexi talks about how her mom dying by suicide when Alexi was just four years old has shape

“If you have a voice and you can use it to help somebody else, then by golly, use it.”   For three full years, trainer Charlee Atkins — now the founder of the wildly popular workout app and digital platform Le Sweat TV — had to seriously psych herself up to teach indoor cycling classes every day. When you're a fitness instructor, you have to show up as your best self every time for your students. But what about when you're just not feeling it? On this edition of Feel-Good Fridays, Charlee talks about how she used to psych herself up, and what she's done to make sure she never needs to fake it until she makes it again. She offers advice for finding motivation when it's lacking, opens up about her own insecurities, and talks about how being bullied as a kid has helped her become a better, stronger person. Plus, tips for how to better communicate in our new all-digital-all-the-time world.   SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off!   Follow Charlee: Instagram @charleeatkins Facebo

“I used to think being vulnerable or authentic was weakness. Like, ‘Oh, don’t show that, don’t share your weaknesses.’ And then it’s like, wait a second, it’s the opposite. It takes great strength and bravery to live an authentic life.”   Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show! This time around, Nikki — a professional 1500m runner for adidas — talks about her decision to prioritize her mental health this year instead of focusing on the track, and talks about what it means to her to be authentic. She reflects on her hugely successful Golden Coast Track Club Virtual Pride 5K, and talks about the impact of watching members of the LGBTQ+ community using that race to come out to their loved ones. Plus, Nikki explains her decision to leave Golden Coast Track Club, offers an update on her new coach, and tells us all about her girlfriend, fellow runner Emma Gee.   What you’ll get on this episode: Nikki shares an update on her team affiliation and her coaching (3:25) Nikki’s decision to prioritize her mental

"It was important for me to pursue this dream and make it happen. I have this belief of, you can’t be what you can’t see. So if other young girls are not seeing women as leaders and women as physicians and women in high positions and important jobs, they may not think they can be there. That made it extra important for me to continue to pursue this dream."   Every day, we are bombarded with news about the Covid-19 pandemic. But an important part of that conversation that is often missing is, "What happens after I get Covid?" Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez is here to answer that critical question. Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, and she has developed a post-Covid recovery clinic to aid in the rehabilitative recovery of patients who have functional, mobility, and cognitive deficits after getting infected with the coronavirus. On this episode, Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez — who is a tw

“I’m an ideas person — but I’m also a doer.”   Alison Désir was one of the very first guests on the Ali on the Run Show. She first appeared on Episode 3, and in the three years since she was on this podcast, Alison, who is a mental health coach and is the founder of Harlem Run, has accomplished so much, changed the world in so many ways, and has become an incredibly important voice in the running community. On this episode, Alison offers updates on all facets of her life, including becoming a mother to her son, Kouri, last year; what her pregnancy, childbirth experience, and postpartum experiences were like; and what it has been like being a tireless activist, advocate, and fighter for social justice and human rights. She talks about being sponsored by Hoka One One and Oiselle, and offers updates on the Womxn Run the Vote Relay, during which 10,000 participants raised $300,000 for Black Voters Matter, and her own Meaning Thru Movement virtual tour. Plus, Alison shares an exciting announcement about her next g

"I’ve had moments of exhaustion. I’ve had moments of frustration. I’ve had an overhaul across the board, personally and professionally. This year has been a rinse. If I was naming this chapter, it’s ‘Let it burn and reset.’ And instead of fighting all these things that are literally burning or closing down or going away or having an ‘I’m so over this attitude,’ I’ve tried to embrace every letdown, every frustration, everything that’s popped up."   Welcome back to Feel-Good Fridays on the Ali on the Run Show! This time around, we're getting a series of pep talks from the people who are living, breathing pep talks every day of their lives: professional fitness instructors. First up, Bethany Lyons, owner of Lyons Den Power Yoga in New York City and creator of the newly launched Lyons Den Digital platform, talks about how, in spite of what has in many ways been the worst year ever, is thriving. In February, one of Bethany's two studio locations burned down in a fire. In March, she had to close the other location

“I’m Chinese American. My parents emigrated here from Hong Kong for college. And stereotypical as it may be, it was like, you could be a doctor, you could be a lawyer, maybe you could go into business. That was my conception of what the possibilities were for your career, for most of my life growing up. Writing never entered into my mind.”   Christine Yu is an award-winning freelance journalist who covers sports, science, and women's health. She's a leading voice in the industry, and is a regular contributor for Runner's World, Women's Running, Outside Magazine, The Washington Post, Well+Good, Women's Health, and more. And soon, she'll officially be a published book author! Christine signed a book deal earlier this year, and is now hard at work on her book about the science behind women in sports, which will be out next year. On this episode, Christine talks about her writing process and about why she's passionate about diving into "taboo topics" instead of avoiding them. Christine lives in Brooklyn with her

“I am a believer in opportunity.”   It’s been a tough year for so many brands, individuals, and industries, and within the running industry, race companies have been hit particularly hard. On this episode, Michelle La Sala, president and founder of Blistering Pace Race Management, talks about her road to race directing, and explains how the pandemic has affected her business, which specializes in managing large-scale mass participation running events. Michelle’s clients include the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Big Sur International Marathon, and Napa Valley Marathon. Previously, she was race director for the California International Marathon (CIM) and was the volunteer coordinator for the L.A. Marathon. Michelle, a 31-time marathoner with a 2:59 personal best time, talks about what she’s doing to stay afloat right now, and offers her take on how we can all support our favorite races right now.   Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tr

“Doing the right thing is always the right thing.” Episode 13 of the Ali on the Run Show had a massive impact — one that hasn’t slowed in the more than three years since that must-listen episode aired. Today, Episode 13’s Chris Mosier, the transgender Hall of Fame triathlete and duathlete whom The BBC and New York Magazine called “the man who changed the Olympics,” returns to the show to catch up on what he’s been up to since we recorded that conversation. Chris talks about the progress we’ve made regarding transgender rights, and addresses the steps we’ve taken in the wrong direction. He also talks about his foray into race-walking, and shares what it was like competing at the race-walking Olympic Trials earlier this year. Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What’s New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order! What we mention on this episode: Chris Mosier on the Rich Roll Podcast Follow Chris: Instagram Facebook Twitter Str

“I ran out of anger. I ran because cancer was trying to stop me.”   In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today’s guest is Sue Fortier: an Ali on the Run Show listener, a mom of two, and a breast cancer survivor. On this episode, Sue shares her cancer story, which began when she was 37 and was training for two fall marathons. She felt some pain in her breast, which turned out to be breast cancer. Her life was immediately and forever changed. Sue, who works as a visiting nurse, underwent 16 weeks of chemotherapy treatment, followed by 25 rounds of radiation — a time she refers to as the most traumatic of her life. She talks about how and why she kept running through her treatment, and explains how her relationship with running and with her body have changed since her diagnosis.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the F

"I think everybody needs a good happily ever after." Welcome to Season 3 of the On the Job series! We're kicking things off this season with some love, lust, and intrigue: with USA Today best-selling romance novelist Kimberly Kincaid! In this conversation, Kimberly offers a peek at what it's like working in the billion-dollar romantic fiction industry. She talks about where she gets her inspiration (beware if you're in line in front of her at Starbucks!), about getting more than 100 rejections on the road to getting published, and about why scripting strong heroines is a must in her novels. And of course, she talks about what it's like writing steamy scenes and scintillating love stories for a living. Kimberly is currently working on her 32nd book. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Kimberly: Instagram @kimberlykincaidauthor Twitter @ki

“Real change is going to take time.”   Carolyn Su — the creator of @diversewerun — returns to the Ali on the Run Show today for the What’s New With You series. Carolyn first appeared on Episode 140 of the show, to talk about her own running story and to share why she created Diverse We Run. Today, she’s back with updates on how the account is grown, and on how she’s used her own voice over the past year. Carolyn is doing important work to help further the conversation about race within the running community, and she has deservedly been featured in Runner’s World and on several other running podcasts.   Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What’s New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order!   Follow Carolyn: Instagram @irunfortheglory and @diversewerun   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava   Listen & Subscribe: Appl