Ali On The Run Show

"What matters most to me is talking about athletes, especially female athletes, in the way that I would want someone to ask me questions. I want someone to respect me as a whole person and dig a little bit deeper and learn about who I am and what I have to give beyond the typical rote questions we hear over and over again."   Dana Giordano is a professional middle-distance runner for the B.A.A. and adidas. She's a 4:34 miler and 15:47 5K runner who ran track and cross-country at Dartmouth College and hopes to compete at the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials. In April, Dana added another line to her impressive resume: host of the More Than Running podcast. Dana enters the running podcast space with an inside look at the sport. On this episode, she talks about relatability on the track, inspiration on the run, and how she wants to see the industry improve. She also offers her take on how to make running more accessible, and talks about why it's so important to share women's stories and celebrate other women

"I was nervous. But it was the kind of nervousness that really drove me to work as hard as possible, be as persistent as possible, and as thorough as possible."   Hawi Keflezighi is one of the greatest agents in running and track and field. As the founder and CEO of HAWI Management, Hawi and his team represent 30 athletes including Alexi Pappas, Nikki Hiltz, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and, of course, Hawi's brother, Meb Keflezighi. On this episode, Hawi talks about how — and why — he started his agency when he was still in law school, and explains what, exactly, agents do. He talks about being one of 11 siblings, and shares his family's story of emigrating from Eritrea to the United States. Hawi, who lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two kids, talks about what the American Dream means to him, and talks about why integrity is so important to him. There's a reason the Keflezighis are some of the best-loved people in sports, and this conversation is a perfect example of that.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsori

"Once you have enough of these uncomfortable conversations, you do start to pick up on new ways of going about it and asking different questions. It’s never going to end. Being uncomfortable is just part of it, and you welcome it, and do it over and over and over again to get better."   Welcome to the second episode in the four-part "On the Record" series, talking with fellow running podcasters about their work, their takes on the state of the running industry, and their roles within it. We kicked things off last week with Alysia Montaño, Molly Huddle, and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas — the hosts off Keeping Track — and this week, Chris Chavez is here! In addition to being a full-time writer for Sports Illustrated, Chris is also the host of the Citius Mag podcast, and co-host of the Runners of NYC podcast (alongside former Ali on the Run Show guest Leigh Anne Sharek). He's an important, well-respected voice in the running community, and on this episode, Chris talks about what it means to be an influencer in the ru

"Stop negotiating with yourself. Be like a little kid again and jump into the pool. Don’t stick your foot in to check out the temperature. Don’t think you have to have the right bathing suit on. Jump in the pool."   It's safe to say Jess Sims is one of the most popular fitness instructors in the country. As a Peloton instructor, Jess is known for her no frills, no BS, no gimmick approach to working out. She's the real deal, and she's passionate about helping people feel their best every day. And though Jess says she never dreamed about being a fitness instructor, let alone a global superstar with a massive platform, being an educator has always come naturally to her. On this episode, Jess shares her road to Peloton fame, which started by teaching not in fitness studios, but in classrooms: Jess did Teach for America, and taught kids in Houston, Harlem, and Massachusetts. Jess also talks about the a-ha moment that led her from her role as a principal to one on the podium, and explains why, at first, she actuall

"It doesn’t matter if I’m a man or a woman. It just matters how I do my job. That responsibility I’m given is based on how I’ve done in the past, and how well they think I’m going to do in the future."   Welcome to the final episode in the On the Job series! Today, we are wrapping things up with United States Air Force Colonel Shelly Mendieta, who is the Vice Wing Commander of the 39th Airbase Wing in Incirlik, Turkey. As the #2 in command, Col. Mendieta is responsible for more than 3,500 military, civilian, and contractor personnel on base. She's also a Weapons System Operator in the F-15E fighter plane, having logged more than 2,400 flight hours! On this episode, Col. Mendieta talks about what it's really like flying those planes — which women weren't even allowed to fly when she first enlisted in the Air Force — and what it's like serving the country and being stationed overseas. She also talks about how being a runner makes her better in the air, and shares her take on being a woman in the military.   Tha

"I’m not afraid to have the uncomfortable conversations. Does it mean I feel comfortable? No! And I need my allies. I need my friends to say what I’ve been saying." —Alysia Montaño   Welcome to the first episode in a new four-part series, where I'll be talking with fellow running podcast hosts about how they view the current state of the running industry and their roles within it. We're kicking things off with Alysia Montaño, Molly Huddle, and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas, the hosts of Keeping Track! As current and former professional athletes, these three incredibly accomplished women offer a unique lens on the sport. They are mothers, businesswomen, authors, and important voices in running and beyond. On this episode, we talk about how Keeping Track came to fruition, and discuss representation in the running community.   Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order.   What you’ll get on this epis

"You're the one. If you want to do something...you're the one that's going to do it."   My greatest wish for my daughter is that she never lacks confidence. Some people are born with it, but for others, cultivating confidence takes work — it's like a muscle that has to be flexed repeatedly in order to get stronger. Claudia Thompson is the president of Claudia Connects, a personal and professional training, development, and networking events company, and on this episode, she shares all her best tips and tricks for building your own confidence. She shares her own confidence journey, reflecting on being a Black woman — her mom is from Jamaica and her dad is from Panama — in predominantly white spaces. She also talks about practicing vulnerability, and explains how confidence in life will help us all on the run.   Feel-Good Fridays on the Ali on the Run Show are brought to you by UCAN. Click here and use code ONTHERUN25 for 25% off your first UCAN order. Returning UCAN fans can use code ONTHERUN for 15% off.   Wh

"Sustainable changes happen over months of time. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of it it takes you a long time. When you come out of it and you do the work and you’re gentle on yourself and you’re looking for progress over perfection, you’re going to be so much happier because you got to know yourself so much better."   Starla Garcia is back on the Ali on the Run Show! Starla is a registered dietitian (and Olympic Marathon Trials runner!) and is the founder of The Healthy Shine, a sports nutrition consulting practice in Houston, TX. On this episode, Starla answers listener questions about nutrition, fueling on the run, sugar addictions, protein, disordered eating, and what she wants everyone to know and understand about fad diets and buzzwords like "keto," "intermittent fasting," and "macros."   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: Starla Garcia on Episode 200 of the Ali on the Run

“I loved science. I had a biology teacher who was a bit of a mentor of mine in high school and I said, ‘I really think this is what I want to pursue!’ And he said, ‘There’s actually not a place for women in science.’ But I never lost sight of my passion.”   When Vikki Spruill was growing up, she loved science and, in particular, ocean life. But she was told that "women didn't have a place in science." Today, Vikki is President & CEO of the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA, so it's safe to say she found her place in science. On this episode, Vikki talks about how she got the job and what her days are like, both before and during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. To date, the aquarium has been closed for 16 weeks, and Vikki talks about the plans they're putting into place for when the doors do reopen. Plus, she talks about what it's really like running a huge cultural institution that's home to 20,000 animals, 200 employees, and more than 1.5 million visitors every year.   Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsor

Welcome to this month's edition of Ramblings on the Run with Ali and Matt. This month, Matt and I catch up and share how things are going on the run, and then we talk about what we're each loving and are excited about right now. Then, we do a twist on the On the Job series, asking each other questions about our respective careers in podcasting.   What we mention on this episode: Don't Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller "Influence in the Time of Social Injustice" via Be There in Five Aliphine Tuliamuk on Instagram Courtney Carter on Episode 251 of the Ali on the Run Show The Mina Kimes Show That's What She Said with Sarah Spain   Follow Matt:  Instagram @rambling_runner Rambling Runner podcast Road to the Olympic Trials podcast   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

"He made an assumption that I didn’t speak English and that’s why he didn’t speak to me. I remember feeling so hurt. Things like that happened to me all the time, being the first and only to do a lot of these distance events on the road racing circuit. And I feel like it was so hurtful. We are the epitome of the American Dream."   A few weeks ago, Peyton Thomas was on the Ali on the Run Show. We talked about Peyton being the fourth-fastest U.S.-born Black female marathoner, which prompted the question: Who's the fastest? That person is Samia Akbar. In 2006, Samia ran a 2:34 at the New York City Marathon, finishing 12th and earning the aforementioned title, which still stands. On this episode, Samia shares her running story, including how her dad instilled in her a love for running, how she went to American University on a full running scholarship, and how she spent seven years as a professional runner sponsored by Reebok. Today, Samia lives in Virginia and is a Global Marketing Manager for New Balance.   Than

"We are obviously a business and we need to sell running shoes to make money, but I feel a very big obligation to be that hub of the community and be that leader and driver to connect people and to help out others."   Steph Blozy is the owner of Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford, one of the leading run specialty stores in the country. Steph is so much more than a running store owner, though: She's truly a community builder and leader, and on this episode, she talks about how she's built such a strong, supportive community in Connecticut. (Her "special sprinkle of magic," she calls it.) Steph's road to running store ownership wasn't a straight one: She got her start as a meteorologist! Click here to hear more from Steph and about how she's adapted during the pandemic both personally and on the job.   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 Ali:

"What opportunities does this open up that didn't exist before? How can I adapt my leadership style and how I show up to adapt to that opportunity? Rather than cringing and thinking about the worst case, think about the upside and opportunity that comes with this change."   If I could hire any human on this planet to be in charge of my life and make all my decisions for me, that person would, without a single doubt, be Katie Burke. Katie is the Chief People Officer at HubSpot, and is a returning favorite guest on the Ali on the Run Show. (Check out her first two episodes here and here.) On this episode, Katie offers advice for anyone who is thinking about life going "back to normal" — or finding a new normal — and might be struggling to figure out what comes next. Katie talks about how to find your passion, and what to do when you're faced with the overwhelming sense of wanting to change your life and change the world, but you're not sure where to start. Where do work and passion intersect? How can you stay i

"People have to start looking at what’s going on globally, but also locally. What does your running club look like? Who do the people you run with look like? What are the books you read? Who are they by? These individual decisions and choices that we make all come together and change the landscape."   You probably know Courtney Carter by her Instagram moniker: EatPrayRunDC. Both on- and offline, Courtney's work has a major impact on the world. The 10-time marathoner is a former practicing lawyer who now leads diversity initiatives at a large law firm in Washington, DC, and she was recently named Oiselle's Advisor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. On this episode, Courtney talks about what that means, what her vision is for both Oiselle and the running community at large, and shares her own running story and 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: Why it was a good day for Co

"Music literally changes peoples’ lives. It really has the ability to uplift people, especially during today’s times. That’s a really powerful thing, and that, to me, is success. Beyond the sales and the accolades and the awards — being able to create positive change through music."   As Senior Vice President of Marketing at Atlantic Records, Grace Kim James works pretty much 24/7. On this episode, she talks about breaking into the music business, and what it's really like working for the number one label in the U.S. She talks about working closely with artists including Lizzo and Missy Elliott, and recalls that fateful day in the dining hall at NYU where it all started. There's glitz, glamour, and long, late nights on set or "at the club" — and somehow in between all that, Grace has trained for and run eight marathons.   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 p

"Now more than ever is the time to learn how to be a leader for ourselves, and to learn how to handle a pivot — and thrive."   Welcome to the second episode in a four-part series called Feel-Good Fridays. (Be sure to check out the first episode, too, with therapists Jor-El Caraballo and Rachel Gersten.) These short episodes are intended to leave you feeling lighter, better, more optimistic — whether temporarily or for the rest of your life. These conversations with experts are meant to be uplifting without being fluffy or delusional. Today, running coach and 3:13 marathoner Jess Movold is here to talk about how to find meaning, purpose, and motivation on the run right now. She talks about how to connect to your "why" as a runner, and offers up some fun workouts to add to your routine. (Warning: death by burpees!)   Feel-Good Fridays on the Ali on the Run Show are brought to you by UCAN. Click here and use code ONTHERUN25 for 25% off your first UCAN order. Returning UCAN fans can use code ONTHERUN for 15% off

I was honored when UCAN asked me to host a conversation with five running industry leaders and experts called "The Next Step Forward: The Future of Running." This conversation is about how we get back on our feet and on the run in a post-pandemic world, and you'll hear some really eye-opening insights about what's happening now in the running community, and where we go from here. Enjoy hearing from Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray, renowned running coach Greg McMillan, super-agent Hawi Keflezighi, professional runner Sarah Sellers, and Steph Blozy, owner of Fleet Feet West Hartford.   This conversation is brought to you by UCAN. Click here and use code ONTHERUN25 for 25% off your first UCAN order. Returning UCAN fans can use code ONTHERUN for 15% off.   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 Al

"There is nothing we will not do for this team."   Mary Kate Shea — or "MK," as she's known to the fastest marathoners in the world — is the senior director of endurance marketing for John Hancock, the title sponsor of the Boston Marathon. Every year, it's Mary Kate's job to woo, recruit, and get the best distance runners to come run the historic Boston Marathon. On this episode — which we recorded at the beginning of May, before the 2020 race had been officially canceled — Mary Kate talks about how, exactly, she puts together the 50-person pro field every year. She talks about the first thing she said to Desiree Linden after Des won the 2018 race, explains what she says is the most stressful part of her job and her entire year, and shares lots of stories about everyone's favorite elites. But don't think Mary Kate is just watching this race from the media center: She says the fastest way from Hopkinton back to Boston is by foot, which is why, after she checks the elites in and gets them on their way, she join

"I grew up riding around in a cargo van filled with bologna sandwiches and handing them out under bridges and in parks."   Ross Altenbaugh is the executive director at Flagstaff Shelter Services, the largest emergency shelter in Northern Arizona. Since 2014, Flagstaff Shelter Services has permanently housed more than 500 individuals and families, which Ross says is the goal — to find permanent housing for those who need it most. Ross is a remarkable human, an in addition to the important work she does at the shelter, she's also a mom to two boys and, of course, is a runner. On this episode, she talks about how her own childhood — and her mom's — led her to this line of work, and talks about the emotional component of working in shelter services.   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 Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join

"It's not so much what you're doing — it's why are you doing it?"   Welcome to the first episode in a four-part series called Feel-Good Fridays. These short episodes are intended to leave you feeling lighter, better, more optimistic — whether temporarily or for the rest of your life. These conversations with experts are meant to be uplifting without being fluffy or delusional. We're kicking things off with Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo, licensed therapists and co-founders of Viva Wellness, a private therapy practice in New York City. In just 20 minutes, Rachel and Jor-El will help us all breathe a little easier. They bust some common self-care myths, and offer tangible advice on how we can all take better care of ourselves right now. (And, if nothing else, "eat some pie.")   A great, and I think very relevant quote to take away from this episode: "This isn't the Feelings Olympics. Your feelings are valid. They're real. They mean something to you. Perspective is important, but don't let that stop you fr