Ali On The Run Show

"There’s nothing I can do, so I might as well not wallow about it, and I might as well just find something else to make me happy for the moment."   Emma Coburn is a two-time Olympian, eight-time U.S. steeplechase champion, world champion, and world silver medalist. On this episode, Emma — who runs for New Balance and is Vice President of the Athletics Association — talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her training and her livelihood. She's honest about the financial hit professional athletes will take during this time, and shares her take on the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How Emma is finding happiness right now (3:40) All about Emma’s nightly Instagram Lives (7:15) What Emma’s training has been like, both before and since hearing about the Olympics being postponed (10:45) How COVID-19 has direct

"I run on pure stress and adrenaline."   Kelly McKnight is an orthopedic surgery resident — a real-life Callie Torres from Grey's Anatomy! — in Sioux Falls, SD. On this episode, the second in the On the Job series, Kelly talks about what her job entails, what the schooling is like, how she survives grueling 80-hour weeks on her feet, and how running fits in. She also talks about why only six percent of orthopedic surgeons are women — and why she's passionate about bringing that number way up.   Follow Kelly: Instagram @kellynicolemck   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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, 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!

"I know I wasn’t a favorite, but I felt that if a door opened, I was fully ready to sprint through it."   When Kaitlin Goodman, a 2:32 marathoner who runs for adidas and the Boston Athletic Association, arrived at the start line of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, she felt fit, strong, and ready to race. Kaitlin was ranked 29th in the field of more than 500 women, and she was in Atlanta to be at the front of the race. But just half a mile into the 26.2-mile run, Kaitlin fell, and in an instant, her dreams of finishing at the top of the field were shaken. On this episode, Kaitlin vividly recounts what the day was like for her. (Warning: This one is a tear-jerker.) At the end of the episode, Kaitlin — who holds a master's in public health from Brown University and is a consultant in the field — shares what she wishes everyone understood about the current state of the world and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE 

"It’s really a lesson in humans and human activity."   Welcome to the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Every Tuesday for the next seven weeks, we'll meet cool women with interesting, fascinating, unique, badass jobs. They'll talk about how they got into their respective fields, what their jobs entail, why their work matters, and why they've pursued their passions. Plus, they're all runners, so they'll talk about how running fits into their busy lives. First up: Rachel Dewan. Rachel is an archaeologist who spends her summers in Greece, digging for artifacts and studying ancient cultures from 4,000 years ago. (The Minoan culture, specifically.) It's her job to dig up material culture and try to make sense of it all. On this episode, she talks about what, exactly, it means to be an archaeologist (she's not Ross from Friends!), what it's like on a dig, and what being on a dig actually means.   Inspired? Me, too! This November, Rachel will be leading a trip combining both her passions: running and arc

"I’m not going to throw a pity party. I’m celebrating this day. I was a part of history."   It's so hard to believe it’s been nearly a month since we were all in Atlanta for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials — truly the good old days! And I want to keep remembering and celebrating those days. Andrea Toppin is a chiropractic student and elite marathoner for Oiselle who trains with the Minnesota Distance Elite — and she didn’t have the race of her dreams that day in Atlanta. On this episode, Andrea shares her story, opens up about the tough decision to DNF at the Trials, and talks about her outlook moving forward. (Spoiler: One race does not define you as a runner or as a human!)   What you’ll get on this episode: Andrea recaps her race at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (7:10) What’s next for Andrea? (39:30)   What we mention on this episode: Anita Perez on Episode 218 of the Ali on the Run Show LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN   Follow Andr

“I viewed myself as a runner my whole life. That was my main identity. And so when I started considering the possibility that that might be taken away from me, I just felt this grief I didn’t even know how to handle yet, of who are you if you’re not a runner?”   Even if you don't know Dr. Jacqueline Alnes by the name, you definitely know her work. She's the woman behind the "tiny art" paintings you've seen all over Instagram featuring inspiring women from within the running community. (You can buy her prints on Etsy here!) Jacqueline is a creative writing professor in Pennsylvania, and on this episode, she opens up about the neurological disorder that left her passing out on the run as a Division-I athlete in college — and talks about how she came back and rediscovered her love for running.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Why Jacqueline is training to r

"It’s almost like I was running away from what had happened."   Anita Perez just might be one of the most inspiring, hardworking, dedicated women you'll ever meet. She's a 2:39 marathoner (who also runs a 1:17 half marathon), a single mom to two kids, and a middle school special education teacher. She's kind and caring, and she works her butt off in every facet of her life (including waking up at 3 AM to get her workouts in). On this episode, she talks about what it was like running at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials last month, compares that to her experience running the 2016 Trials, and opens up about the years in between. She talks about her mom passing away after a short and devastating bout with cancer, and opens up about how that affected her running. It's a powerful, poignant episode.   Thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! The Atlanta Track Club is proud to host the AJC Peachtree Road Race — the largest 10K in the world! — every year on the F

"I wasn't there as a runner. I wasn't there as a sister, a mother...I was there as a fan of the sport, and as a supporter of so many of these women. And in a very different way I found my own 'I belong,' and it was realizing I am bringing something to the running community."   It's a solo episode! On this episode, I reflect on my experience traveling to Atlanta to watch the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. (To read more about the weekend, check out this post.)   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What I mention on this episode: Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta Track Club LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Sarah Cummings, Kaitlin Goodman, Amanda Nurse, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, & Jenny Donnelly LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN Veronica Jackson & Alex Bernardi, Olympic Trials Qualifiers Veronica Jackson &

In honor of International Women's Day, I sat down with an all-star panel of smart, inspiring women — Abby Bales, Rozalynn Frazier, Kelly Hogan, and Henna Rustami — to talk about everything from periods, nutrition, and diversity in running to the whys behind why we started running and why we keep running.   Thank you to New Balance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show. Go to newbalance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order of $100 or more. Happy shopping!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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, 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!

"I am here to try and find the best version of myself." —Sarah Cummings   "I am here because running makes me feel the most alive." —Kaitlin Goodman   "I’m here because I found running later in life, and it felt like it fed my soul." —Amanda Nurse   "My why is Gabe Grunewald." —Ladia Albertson-Junkans   "I’m here because running feels like home. And because despite years of subpar performances and giving up on myself, I had people who didn’t, and I’m very grateful for that." —Jenny Donnelly   It was a tremendous honor and privilege to host a live show at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Expo in Atlanta, GA, with five former Ali on the Run Show guests and Trials runners: Sarah Cummings, Kaitlin Goodman, Amanda Nurse, Ladia Albertson-Junkans, and Jenny Donnelly. This was an inspiring, uplifting, at times emotional conversation about goals, the running community, choices and sacrifices, and each woman's "why."   Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahccummings   Follow Kaitlin: Instagram @runnerkg Twitter @runner

"This showed me I can make more dreams — because apparently they come true!" —Veronica Jackson   Last week, we heard from U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifiers, friends, and former training partners Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi. This week, they're back to recap their respective races in Atlanta. (Spoiler: Veronica finished 63rd and Alex ran a personal best!)   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How Veronica and Alex were feeling three days after running the Trials (2:30) Breaking down the early miles of the race (7:25) On the crowds and the spectators (13:45) Alex and Veronica talk about what it was like seeing each other during the race (20:10) Veronica talks about experiencing pre-race anxiety the day before the race (24:00) What it was really like being in Atlanta (32:25)   What we mention on this episode: Veronica on Alex on Episode 211 of the A

This is the first of several post-U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials episodes coming your way this week. It was such an honor to co-host a live show after the race alongside Carrie Tollefson and Meb Keflezighi — in front of a 400-person audience! After an inspiring opening speech by UCAN President and CEO Shoba Murali and a few remarks from Meb, we recapped the race with Carrie (who was the official race announcer) and Meb (the official race starter). Then, we welcomed seven UCAN athletes — Sarah Sellers, Taylor Ward, Dawn Grunnagle, Tyler Pennel, Andrea Toppin, Anita Perez, and Jocelyn Todd — who shared their stories from the day. Some had breakthrough races (a PR for Sarah Sellers!), while others had challenging days on the course. All of their stories were honest, uplifting, and relatable, and I'm so grateful for everything they shared.   Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, ch

Welcome to the second edition of a new monthly series on the Ali on the Run Show: Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt. Every month, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Olympic Trials show — and I will come together to talk about running industry news, our own running, and things we’re loving right now, and to answer listener questions about running and podcasting. It’s something new we’re trying, so let us know what you think and what you want more (or less!) of. On this episode, it's all about Trials talk. We share our excitement for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, talk about our predictions about what might happen while admitting none of us really have any idea, and answer listener questions about podcasting.   What we mention on this episode: Superhero Muffins Publix Atlanta 5K Peter Bromka on Road to the Olympic Trials Lou Serafini on Road to the Olympic Trials Sarah Ibbetson @runningbcba on Instagram (2:45.01 series) "In Celebrating Local Olympic Hopefuls, W

"The only reason this was my goal is because it was her goal. I only have this dream because she was crazy enough to dream it first." —Veronica Jackson   Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi are among the 500+ women who will be running the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon this weekend in Atlanta, GA. They're longtime training partners, and on this episode, they talk about the power of running friendships, and the effects your best running friends can have on your goals. Today, Alex and Veronica live in separate cities — Veronica in Boston where she's an attorney at the Partners Healthcare Hospital System, and Alex in New York City, where she's a research associate at a nonprofit — but we got together in person to record this episode (after they finished their 20-miler, of course).   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How Alex and Veronica were feeling two weeks ou

"It’s a pretty misunderstood lifestyle. Unless you’re in it, you don’t really have a clue what it’s like to do it or why you would do it, because it’s so much work. But the people who have a passion for it would never change that."   Earlier this month, Elle Purrier won the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City. In the process, she set a new American record in the indoor mile (4:16.85), broke a 37-year-old record, ran an 8-second personal best time, and ran the second fastest indoor mile in history. On this episode, Elle, who runs for New Balance, talks about that day, and reflects on her indoor season before she begins training for outdoor season — and the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials. She also talks about growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont, and how that impacted her work ethic.   Thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to atlantatrackclub.org to sign up for this weekend's Publix Atlanta 5K, where you can finish in the same sp

"I’m an open book. I have no shame about anything I have gone through or felt."   Andrea Barber — perhaps best known as Kimmy Gibbler on Full House and the Netflix revival Fuller House — is back on the Ali on the Run Show! And this time, she's a published author! Andrea's first book, Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again, came out late last year, and it's a hit. (I'm not just saying this because Andrea is a friend: This book is fantastic.) Full Circle isn't a salacious Hollywood memoir or tell-all. It's real and it's honest, and in it, Andrea shares her story in a raw, visceral way. On this episode, Andrea and I catch up on what's new in her life — including why her home is filled with thousands of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, what it was like wrapping the fifth and final season of Fuller House, and where she's at with running right now — and we talk about some of my favorite parts of the book, including her uncensored stories about depression, anxiety, and divorce.   Thank you to AfterShokz

"Change always takes time, and the battles that Adam and I have chosen to fight have just taken time. We’ve learned to be patient and to think less about ourselves and more about the future."   Happy Valentine’s Day! We're celebrating here on the Ali on the Run Show with the fifth and final episode of Love on the Run Week — and we're wrapping things up with the Gouchers! Kara and Adam Goucher have been married for 19 years. On this episode, we have an open and honest conversation about their struggles with infertility and how it affected their marriage, Kara's time as a Nike-sponsored athlete who was suspended without pay during her pregnancy and postpartum period, and why they've decided to be outspoken activists in the industry. They talk about developing thicker skin, how speaking out has impacted their relationship, and about why they're so passionate about clean sport.   Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off yo

"It showed Pat my worst side, and what I’m like when I’m not my happy self."   Gwen Jorgensen won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in the triathlon, and then decided she wanted to trade in the bike and the swim for a while to see how she could fare as a professional distance runner. Today, Gwen trains with the Bowerman Track Club, and is gearing up to compete at the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 5K and 10K. And her husband, Pat Lemieux, will be by her side every step of the way. Pat was a professional cyclist, but he decided to put his career aside so he could fully support Gwen in hers. On this episode, they talk about that decision, and what it looked like then vs. now. Gwen and Pat live in Portland, OR, with their son, Stanley.   Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.)   What you’ll ge

"He doesn’t do these grand gestures — he just shows up for me every single day."   Love on the Run Week continues! From the Leers to the Lindens — to the Bruces! Today, professional marathon runners Steph and Ben Bruce are here to talk about what makes them Team Bruce. They talk about what it's like when Ben is pacing Steph on the run, like at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, and open up about the impact having their two sons (Riley and Hudson) has had on their careers and their marriage. Steph and Ben live in Flagstaff, AZ, where he is an assistant coach and she competes for NAZ Elite.   Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.)   What you’ll get on this episode: How Steph and Ben met (2:45) How Ben proposed to Steph (12:00) What makes Steph and Ben a great team (17:15) On resentment (25:00) Reflecting on r

“It’s competitive…in a healthy way!”   It's Love on the Run Week on the Ali on the Run Show! First we heard from Aisha Praught and Will Leer, and today it's the Linden's turn. On this episode, we hear from 2018 Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden and her Ironman and entrepreneur husband, Ryan.   Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.)   What you’ll get on this episode: How Des and Ryan met (2:15) How important is running in their relationship? (8:30) Des and Ryan reflect on some of the biggest moments in their careers and how they affected their relationship (15:50) How Ryan and Des support each other and celebrate their wins (21:30) Who’s the better spectator? (29:55) When one person’s career is thriving and the other’s isn’t (34:00) How Des is feeling leading up to the Olympic Trials (38:20) Th