Ali On The Run Show

“There’s an excitement to each of the races for sure, and it’s great to see your times and know you’ve run your fastest 800 or mile, and that’s huge. That always feels good… But I definitely don’t feel the same pride. It’s different.”   Cory McGee is a professional runner for New Balance. She specializes in the 1500m distance, and lives in Boulder, CO, where she trains with “Team Boss,” under the coaching of Joe Bosshard and alongside powerhouse women including Emma Coburn, Aisha Praught Leer, and Laura Thweatt. Despite 2020 playing out in a way no one intended or planned for, Cory is still having a fast year on the run. In a series of intra-squad competitions and small meets, she has run personal bests and broken records. But on this episode, she gets honest about whether those races carry the same weight and the same amount of pride as “regular” races. She also talks about her earliest days as a runner (including fun stories from her time living in Athens during the 2004 Olympics, when her dad was working s

“When I ran that 2:32 in January, it really made me realize that ‘dream big’ is not just dream big, it’s dream huge, because you have no idea of what you’re capable of.”   Speedy Beatie is back on the Ali on the Run Show this week! Beatie Deutsch is a 2:32 marathoner and mother of five who made her Ali on the Run Show debut on Episode 158. This time around, we’re catching up with Israel’s National Marathon Champion to find out how she shaved 10 minutes off her marathon time, and to learn more about her calls to the International Olympic Committee to change the date of the 2021 Olympic Marathon so it doesn’t fall on the Sabbath. She offers an update on her goal to represent Israel in the Olympics, and talks about what the pandemic has been like in Israel.   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 Beatie: Instagram @marathonmother Twitter @marathonmother1 Facebook   Follow Ali: In

“I was in a world I could never have imagined — and I completely broke.”   Andrea Wagner had a meteoric rise to running success. She first leaned into running to cope with the stress of working at the Pentagon in the wake of the September 11 attacks in 2001. She ran her first marathon with a one-and-done mindset, finishing in 4:35 and insisting she would never do it again. (Famous last words!) More than a decade later, Andrea was a mom of two in a bad marriage, again turning to running to cope. She ran more marathons — but this time around, she was winning them. In 2014, she won the Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon, and then went on to finish the Chicago Marathon in 2:41, earning herself an Olympic Trials qualifying time. She signed with Oiselle. She garnered the strength to leave her marriage after 10 years. And then, she lined up at the start of the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. But after 14 miles, she stopped running. She was done. Done with that race, and done running competitively. On this episode, Andre

“I’ve never been so tired in my life. No amount of having babies or opening businesses or anything set me up for this. Those first three months, I’ve never experienced anything so difficult in my entire life. But I just kept going.”   Welcome to the What’s New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! For the next six weeks, I’ll be catching up with past guests to see what they’ve been up to since the last time we talked. And we’re kicking things off with the indomitable Rachel Wyman! Rachel first appeared on Episode 166 of the show, where she talked about her life as a bread baker, single mom of three, owner of Montclair Bread Company, and race director for two of New Jersey’s most popular races. On this episode, Rachel offers an update about what life for a small business owner has been like during the pandemic, and reflects on the bike accident that shattered her pelvis, and how far she’s come in the two years since the accident. (Spoiler: She ran a marathon last fall and earned a Boston Qualifying time!

“I keep showing up so that people know that a Pakistani Muslim woman can be a marathoner. But just because I am there doesn’t mean the work is done.”   Aisha Qamar cares deeply about her community and the people around her. She earned her master’s in public health at Columbia University, and has used that degree to learn more about and to give back to people in need. She volunteers with South Brooklyn Mutual Aid, delivering food to her neighbors in New York City, and on this episode, Aisha explains how delivering supplies on the run has brought meaning back to her running during the pandemic. She talks about finding her people and making friends when she didn’t think she belonged in the running community, and she talks about being a Muslim woman, and explains what running looks like when she is fasting during Ramadan. Aisha is on the Global Womxn Run Collective steering committee, she runs a 3:02 marathon, and she is on a mission to make sure every runner knows that you do, in fact, belong.   Thank you to Af

"I think the biggest thing with grief is knowing that some days you’re gonna be drowning and unable to breathe, and I think I’ve had 12- to 24-hour cry-fests where you literally feel like you’re going to suffocate or die of dehydration. But it does end eventually. And then you take that deep breath and drink a glass of water and look outside and the world is still there. And you can keep going. Just having the hope to keep going is the most important."   Justin Grunewald is a doctor, ultra runner, and avid chaser of FKTs. He's happiest running up mountains in pursuit of running the fastest known time on any given trail. (So far in 2020, Justin has run more than 15 FKTs — two of which he did since we recorded this episode!) In addition to his many accomplishments, both professionally and on the run, Justin is perhaps best known as husband to the late Gabe Grunewald, who passed away last year after a long and arduous battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer. On this episode, Justin shares what he's l

"Motivation is great when it’s there, but at the end of the day, it’s all about commitment."   Dr. Detling is back! I'm thrilled to wrap up the Ali & the Experts series with returning favorite Dr. Nicole Detling, mental performance coach and founder of Headstrong Consulting. Dr. Detling has a PhD in exercise and sports science with an emphasis in sports psychology, is the author of Don't Leave Your Mind Behind, and hosts the Becoming HeadStrong podcast. On this episode, Dr. Detling — who works with top athletes, Olympians, artists, and sports teams — answers listener questions about injuries, comebacks, emotions on the run, and how to prepare for race day.   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava   Liste

"If I want things to change, I have to keep on fighting. But I can’t be the only one."   If you've ever run a race in New York City, you know Ben Chan. He's the "leopard print short-shorts and cowboy hat guy," and he's a staple on the NYC running scene. On this episode, in addition to talking about his on-the-run fashion choices, Ben shares the story of how he found running at age 30, by way of donating a kidney to a friend in need. And Ben talks about his firsthand experiences with racism, many of which he's experienced recently, and on the run. Ben talks about being the son of immigrants and grandson of refugees, and offers his perspective on what it means to create "safe spaces" and "escapes" by way of running.   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!   What you’ll get on this episode: All about those amazing running outfits (6:30) How Ben got started running — and how donating a kidney factored in (19:

“Let’s talk about our deepest and darkest fears around money.”   This week on Ali & the Experts, we’re talking money with Mandi! Mandi Woodruff is the senior content director at Lending Tree, and is co-host of the Brown Ambition podcast. She worked as an editor and reporter on the personal finance beat at Business Insider and Yahoo Finance, and hosted both The Money Minute and The Payoff weekly web series. Plus, she’s been featured as an expert guest on Good Morning America, ABC News Tonight, CBS This Morning, NY1, and more. On this episode, Mandi answers listener questions about investing, buying a home, saving, student loans, and emotions around money.   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava   Listen & Subs

“You know when you’re not done yet. There were goals I wanted to accomplish, and I knew they were still in me. I just needed to keep going and see what I could do.”   In 2015, Rolanda Bell was living the dream. She had graduated from the University of Tennessee, where she was a member of the historic 2009 Women’s 4x1500m relay team alongside Chanelle Price, Phoebe Wright, and Sarah Bowman. Together, they broke the existing Penn Relays, National Collegiate, American, and world records — several of which still stand, 11 years later. She went on to run professionally representing Panama — a lifelong dream. But at the 2015 World Athletics Championship in Beijing, Rolanda was competing in the 3000m steeplechase when she went over the water barrier, and landed face-first on the way down. On this episode, Rolanda, who works in marketing for Hoka One One, talks about falling in love with running, going pro, and getting back up and finishing that race in Beijing. She talks about bouncing back, training with the NorCal

“Running isn’t canceled! You can still be improving during this time.”   Kaitlin Goodman is a 2:32 marathoner and four-time Olympic Trials qualifier who runs professionally for the Boston Athletic Association and adidas. Kaitlin — a frequent Ali on the Run Show guest and fan favorite — is incredibly versatile on the run. She has qualified for the Olympic Trials four times — in three different distances! (The 5K, 10K, and marathon.) And she’s a running coach with a master’s in public health. Kaitlin is the founder of Running Joyfully, where she coaches runners of all abilities. She’s also the founder of Safe on the Road, a nonprofit education and advocacy organization that promotes pedestrian and cyclist safety.   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontheru

"We as humans have the capacity to surprise ourselves with how much stronger we are than we think we are. You don’t get to make those discoveries unless you do something that challenges you to probe that question: Can I do this? Am I capable of this?"   The last time Emily Halnon was here, she talked about her big, brave, bold goal: to run the fastest known time (FKT) on the Oregon Pacific Crest Trail. And spoiler: She did it! And now, Emily is back to talk about how she ran 453 miles in 7 days, 19 hours, and 23 minutes. Along the way, Emily also raised more than $30,000 for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, in honor of her mother, Andrea — "AndyJHa" — who passed away in January after being diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. And a warning: This conversation may inspire you to go out and set your own big, brave, bold goals!   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones.   What you’ll get on this episode: How Emily feels now, a

“Have those conversations with yourself. Figure out, ‘What is it that I want? What is my goal, essentially?’ Kind of like running. What is your goal?”   Dr. Meggie is back! This week on the Ali & the Experts series, Dr. Meggie Smith, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Southern California specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, is here to answer listener questions about pregnancy, fertility, periods, birth control, and women’s health during the Covid-19 era.   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play   SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, plea

“I got to this point where I had to tell myself that I deserve to be there and I deserve to be on the starting line, and say, ‘You are good enough, you’ve put in the work, you’ve put in the training.’ My motto was ‘Just give it a go.’”   Rebecca Mehra is a professional middle-distance runner for Oiselle’s Little Wing team, where she’s coached by Lauren Fleshman. Earlier this year, Rebecca became a household name when she Tweeted about helping an elderly couple grocery shop at the onset of the pandemic — and that story went viral. Rebecca is an incredibly talented runner, but her life off the track is as compelling as her fast 1500m times. When she’s not running, Rebecca is involved in public policy: She’s the special assistant to the mayor in Bend, OR, and is the campaign manager for two local candidates. On this episode, Rebecca talks about going pro, getting political, going viral, and growing up in a biracial family (she’s the daughter of an Indian immigrant father and a Jewish mother from Long Island) in

"Our feelings are truly valid. Remember that the concerns that are leading to your struggles with anxiety and depression are valid and worthy of being talked about, gaining support, and being acknowledged."   Raise your hand if you're feeling anxious! (Mine are both raised.) Then you've come to the right place. On this episode — the second in the six-part Ali & the Experts series — NYC-based therapist Jess Thomas is here to answer listener questions about anxiety, depression, perfectionism, quarantine dating, and how to handle life during a pandemic. Jess, who is part of the Viva Wellness team, also talks about being new to therapy, and debunks all kinds of common mental health myths.   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon B

"Looking for technical solutions to people problems doesn’t work."   Welcome to the Ali & the Experts series! For the next six weeks, I'll be talking with six different experts who will be answering all of your questions. We're kicking things off today with a major career pep talk, courtesy of Laura Parrott. Laura, who lives in Detroit, MI, is currently the Head of People at Floyd. Before that, she spent eight years leading recruiting work at McKinsey, seven years working in people management and leadership development at Google, and, most recently, she was the lead for manager development programming at Hubspot. Laura is also a fitness instructor and is the founder of her own coaching company. On this episode, she answers questions about people challenges at work, including dealing with a difficult boss, networking during a pandemic, being laid off, and getting back into the workforce after taking time off to have children. A must-listen!   Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the A

"There’s always someone gunning for that spot. And if you’re off your game at all, they’re going to take it."   Jenny Simpson is the country's most-decorated female miler and 1500-meter runner. Case in point: She's a three-time Olympian, she won gold in the 1500 at the 2011 World Championships, she was the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal in the 1500 when she won bronze in Rio in 2016, and she's a two-time world silver medalist. She has won the Fifth Avenue Mile eight times, and her personal bests include a 3:57.22 1500 and a 4:16.1 road mile. On this episode, Jenny talks about how she and her husband Jason have been spending quarantine. She shares her thoughts on retirement (someday!), having a baby (someday!), and "waiting to be slow" (which may never happen!). But mostly, we talk about Truman, the dog Jenny and Jason adopted once the lockdowns started.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones.   What you’ll get

"There’s this possibility to live with this duality of life. You can both grieve and have a really, truly happy day. You can be really stressed and scared, and also be extraordinarily brave."   In January, the world truly lost one of the greatest lights and coolest women on the planet: Andrea Halnon, or as she's known around here, "AndyJHa." Emily Halnon was the very first guest on the Ali on the Run Show, and is one of my dear friends, and when her mom passed away after a 13-month battle with a rare uterine cancer, it was devastating. On this episode, Emily returns to the show to graciously and openly talk about her badass mom's amazing legacy, and what the grief process is like. She also talks about how she'll be bravely and boldly honoring that legacy starting this Saturday: By running 453 miles across the state of Oregon, from the California border to Washington, in an attempt to run the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail. In doing so, Emily is also raising money for the Brave Like Gabe F

"I won’t use my voice unless I can back up whatever argument I’m trying to make. But I’ve gotten increasingly more comfortable putting myself in those situations and taking a stance on something and then being able to back it up, whether it’s systemic racism, whether it’s diversity in the sport, whether it’s how we should be handling the pandemic right now as runners. We all have thoughts on those things. A lot of us are afraid to share those thoughts. Not all of us have platforms where we can share those thoughts and have it have an impact, and I am very cognizant of the fact that I do, and I want to make sure I’m using my platform for good in those ways and spurring up healthy conversation and debate."   Today, we wrap up the On the Record series with Mario Fraioli, host of The Morning Shakeout podcast and creator of The Morning Shakeout newsletter. Mario comes to podcasting with a background in journalism: He's a longtime sports writer and was the editor of Competitor magazine. On this episode, Mario talks

"That’s what I have now: I have hope."   A lot has changed for Chris Heuisler since the last time he was on the Ali on the Run Show. He turned 40! He's no longer the Global RunWestin Concierge. And he got sober. On this episode, Chris — for the first time publicly — talks about his past with alcoholism, and his journey to sobriety. (SO PROUD OF YOU, CHRIS.)   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones.   What we mention on this episode: Chris Heuisler, National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels Chris Heuisler’s Most Embarrassing Running Moment! Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden Des Linden on Finding Mastery Catching Up with Andrea Barber Andrea Barber AKA Full House‘s Kimmy Gibbler   Follow Chris: Instagram @chrisheuisler Twitter @runheuisler Brontosaurus L.A. EMAIL: chris.heuisler@gmail.com   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Fa