Ali On The Run Show

"Do your own training. Get in your own routine. Don't compare yourself to what everyone else is doing and posting everywhere. Have confidence in what you're doing." —Mary Johnson Mary Johnson is a USATF Level-1 certified coach and the founder of Lift, Run, Perform. On this episode, she answers listener questions about coaching, strength training, and that crucial build-up to race day. Thank you to Strava for sponsoring Ali & the Experts Week! CLICK HERE and use code ONTHERUN to get one month FREE with your purchase of a Strava Summit subscription.   What you’ll get on this episode: General coaching questions and personal questions (4:00) Cross training and strength training Q&A (14:10) Running-specific advice (22:20) Race-related questions (41:10) What we mention on this episode: Ranfone Training Systems Nike Vomero Nike Pegasus Allie Kieffer Follow Mary: Instagram @itsamarython Twitter @itsamarython Blog Lift, Run, Perform Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog

"I’ve always been about working hard and going after things that you are excited about and passionate about and working your ass off. That’s the only way to make it happen. No one else is going to make it happen for you." —Anna Kaiser You may know Anna Kaiser as the creator, founder, and CEO of the dance cardio brand AKT. Maybe you've taken — and barely survived — her class, either in person or with AKT On Demand. Or maybe you recognize her from her professional dance days, performing on the Fame tour and dancing in the best movie ever, Enchanted. Or, let's be honest, maybe you know her as Kelly Ripa's workout BFF, or as the woman credited for keeping Shakira in shape.  On this episode, Anna talks about going from a wannabe opera singer in Zurich to an entrepreneur on the brink of opening 300 studios nationwide. She shares the mistakes, missteps, and challenges she's faced along the way, talks about why she wanted to improve upon the boutique fitness industry, and opens up about how becoming a mom two years a

"I said I want to be the best. But at what?" —Bree Branker Baby Bree Branker dreamed about growing up and becoming a professional dancer. By 19, after attending a performing arts high school, she'd made that happen, as a Rockette and on Broadway in West Side Story, Spamalot, Memphis, and Big Fish. But by her early twenties, everything changed. Bree finally accepted the nagging hip dysplasia that had been plaguing her body for years — even getting her fired from her dream job at Cirque du Soleil — and found fitness instead. On this episode, Bree, now one of New York City's top trainers and a Wilhelmina model, opens up about the mental side of injury, the state of the fitness industry, and what it's like navigating the New York City boutique fitness scene. She talks about her Instagram pet peeves, luck, determination, a cross-country move, and why she was "a terrible Rockette." Plus, she shares why she got turned down for a SoulCycle audition, what terrified her as a Flywheel instructor, and why she's current

"Running made me better for our relationship outside of running. It gave me something to give to myself." —Matt Powers I love running and I love love, so what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a live show talking love on the run?! I had a blast hosting this live show with two of NYC's greatest running couples: Matt Powers and Candice Huffine (he's an entrepreneur and she's a supermodel — NBD), and Alex Salazar and Krissa Cetner ("that couple" that got married at mile 6 of the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2017!). The crowd was amazing (THANK YOU to everyone who came!), and we had the best time talking about the role running plays in our relationships, whether or not we're competitive on the run, and of course, what it's like getting married in the middle of a race. We also covered very serious issues, like the gross things we do as runners, sweaty underwear, snot rockets, and more. Prepare to LOL and "awwwwww." Thank you to the New York Road Runners Virtual Valentine's Duo 5K for sponsoring

"Motherhood, for me, over the past three and a half months, has involved a lot of waves. I’ve ridden them and at times I’ve been drowning. Other times I'm treading water and managing to stay afloat, no matter how exhausted I’ve been. And other times, I’ve been getting along like I actually know how to swim! Right now, though, in this very moment, I’m on the drowning side of things." It's been a tricky week. So this is a quick check-in to say hi, and to [kind of] explain why I just didn't get it together to get a "real" episode out this week. Forgive me? Thanks! There's a lot of good stuff to come on the Ali on the Run Show — I just need to take a few deep breaths first!   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 y

"Stay true to yourself. It gets really good on the other side, when you’re a good person and you follow your gut on who you want to be around and what you want to do with your life." —Julie Brazitis Julie Brazitis just might be the loveliest, kindest, most positive person you'll ever meet. She's a brand and creative lead at Google, a yoga instructor, a top-honors-earning graduate of Syracuse University, and a recovering perfectionist. On this episode, Julie talks about what it's like when you realize you're living the dream — but that it's someone else's dream. She talks about what it was like growing up as a competitive gymnast, and what happened when a severe spinal cord injury derailed her high-flying aspirations. She opens up about battling alopecia in high school and ulcerative colitis in college — and the mean girls she encountered along the way. Plus, she shares her running story: how she found running, why she loved running, and how she ultimately developed an unhealthy relationship with running.

“Know your value, and don’t allow other people to limit it, question it, or minimize it.” —Jen Lada Jen Lada is a reporter and host for ESPN. She's also a mom of two, is married to a fellow sports journalist, and is a multiple-time marathoner and triathlete. On this episode, Jen, who primarily covers college football, talks about how she got into sports journalism, how she got into running, and how she's thrived in a male-dominated industry. She shares her #metoo story, opens up about her two miscarriages, and talks about the challenges of being a working and often-traveling parent. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you’ll get on this episode: Did Young Jen dream of being on ESPN? (2:50) How Jen broke into sports journalism, and the unfortunate #metoo moment that started it all (10:10) How Jen met her husband, who is also a sports journalist, and her best advice for surviving a long-

“I never thought of myself as someone who was different.” —Tatyana McFadden Tatyana McFadden is one of the most decorated athletes on the planet. She's a 17-time Paralympic medalist, and she has won 24 World Marathon Majors. In 2013 alone, she won the Boston, Chicago, London, and New York City marathons. In 2015, she shattered the New York City Marathon record by 7 minutes and 20 seconds. But Tatyana wasn't born into success — she was born in Russia with Spina Bifida, a disease that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She spent the first six years of her life in an orphanage, crawling on her hands because she didn't have access to a wheelchair. At six years old, everything changed: Tatyana was adopted by Deborah McFadden, who at the time was the Commissioner of Disabilities for the Bush administration and happened to be at the orphanage on a business trip. Tatyana moved to the United States, was introduced to sports as a way to get strong, and by 15 was competing at the Paralympics. In addition to her out

"I felt broken. Physically. Emotionally. I had a complete breakdown. I felt like a broken human. I was so tired. Lifeless. And I finally Googled the one thing I hadn't really wanted to Google." In just a few days, Annie — my spankin' new daughter — will be three months old. That means I will have reached the end of what is commonly referred to as "the fourth trimester." That period postpartum when the baby still thinks its in the womb, and the mom is — I'm not sure what the mom is. But I know that for me, this fourth trimester has been tough. Trying. Exhausting. Emotional. Wonderful, amazing, monumental — but definitely hard. So on this solo episode, I talk about all of it: the pumping, the boob stuff, the expectations, the realities, and the truths. I talk about why I've been living in fear, and open up about what went down over the holidays, and how it ended with me Googling and really looking into postpartum depression. Plus, I talk about having help — thank god for help! — and answer listener questions. T

"The glass isn’t half empty. It’s not half full. It’s just refillable." —Meaghan Murphy Meaghan Murphy just might be the real-life Energizer Bunny. As executive editor at Good Housekeeping, Meaghan has her hands on every page of every issue every month (and fun fact: she gets monthly manicures to match the cover of each issue). Before coming to GH, Meaghan's career in publishing paralleled her life: as a teen, she worked at YM and Teen People. As a single twenty-something living in New York City, she worked at Cosmopolitan. When she started having kids, she spent nearly a decade as fitness director at Self. And now that she and her husband, three kids (ages 8, 6, and 5), and dog (Dempsey, a labradoodle!) have moved to a white-picket-fence house in the New Jersey suburbs, she's at Good Housekeeping. (She's also the Chief Spirit Officer of her town, Westfield — though she'll tell you it's called "Bestfield.") Meaghan is a giant ball of energy and positivity. (Case in point: She starts every day at exactly 5:03

“I knew things were going to unravel at some point… But looking back, I don’t know if I would’ve done things differently.” —Sarah Cummings Few people have a work ethic like Sarah Cummings. Sarah, a 2:34 marathoner, lives in New York City where she runs for the New York Athletic Club and is a two-time New York Road Runners Runner of the Year. Sarah works long hours in the finance industry in addition to running 100-mile weeks — sometimes include 20-mile run commutes! On this episode, Sarah — who is a former competitive figure skater who graduated with top honors from Princeton University — talks about coming back from a grueling hamstring injury to run an Olympic qualifying time at the California International Marathon. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you’ll get on this episode: Sarah recaps her 2018 CIM performance (2:30) Sarah reflects on her figure skating days and how she found running (7:00) Sarah

"I wanted to see if I could do it. And then once I did it, I wanted to see what else I could do." —Yosef Herzog For most people, 3:30 AM is the middle of the night. For Yosef Herzog, it's time to get to work. As stage manager for NBC's Today show, Yosef starts his day early. As a two-time marathon runner, he ends it late. Yosef is on set at NBC by 4:30 AM, leaves after the show wraps at 11 AM, and then runs in the evenings with Brooklyn Track Club. On this episode, he talks about making it all work, shares why he decided to leave his steady, well-paying career in finance to get into television, and opens up about his impressive 50-pound weight loss. Plus, he talks about what it's like working at the Olympics, and what it was like meeting the Obamas. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: All the moves that led Yosef to his job at Today, including the a-ha moment that made him rea

"Ask the tough questions. Who are you? Who aren't you? What do you want? What don't you want? Be so clear on who, what, where, when, how, why, and don't sacrifice any piece of that puzzle if you want to live a full life." —Olivia Young Olivia Young is the founder and creator of Box + Flow, a yoga and boxing studio in New York City. But her plan wasn't always to be a heavy-hitter in the fitness industry: Olivia, who grew up in Miami Beach, moved to New York City to attend culinary school and to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. She worked with celebrity chefs and made a name for herself in the restaurant world, all the while waking up crazy early to run, box, and do yoga. Those early-morning passions eventually manifested in what is now Box + Flow. On this episode, Olivia, who was recently named "the woman who is redefining how NYC works out" on the coveted PureWow 100 list, reflects on her career path, her business mistakes, her great successes, what she's afraid of, and what it means to "liv young

“I was like, ‘I need more friends, so I’m going to start running. Everyone looks like they’re having a good time — maybe I can have a good time!’” Jes Woods is always. smiling. And she has good reason to be as happy as she is! As a Nike Run Coach and Flywheel Sports studio manager in New York City, Jes is living a good life — one she carefully crafted herself after an eight-and-a-half year career in broadcast journalism. Jes is an ultra runner who has completed 16 ultramarathons, including four 100 milers. (Most recently, Jes ran the Javelina Jundred.) On this episode, Jes talks about how she went from TV to a life on the run. She talks about working for NBC during the Beijing Olympics, and what it was like being a runner and covering the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Plus, Jes opens up about a recent breakup and the effect it had on her running, talks about why she struggles not to get too involved with the athletes she coaches (she loves them too much!), and talks about the rewarding parts of her job and w

"I started considering the amazing potential outcomes instead of the worst possible ones." At some point last year, I realized my once stellar confidence had taken a major hit — so I took action. I started making big and small changes to help boost my self-confidence and to feel like a badass again. On this episode — another solo episode — I'm sharing the 11 things I've done to improve my confidence over the past year. I dare you to do at least one thing on this list today if you feel your confidence lacking. Don't wait. Do it today. Do it within the hour. You got this. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What I mention on this episode: Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show Dance Spirit magazine Episode 57 of the Ali on the Run Show Bethany Lyons on Episode 25 of the Ali on the Run Show Ali on the Run Show LIVE in San Diego Ali on the Run Show LIVE at NYRR RunnerCon Follow Ali: Instagram @alion

"And then somebody comes by, stops, looks me in the eye and goes, 'Wow! You can do it, buddy!' And it was in that moment I realized that I wasn't running. I also realized I wasn't jogging. I was barely walking. I looked down, and the tops of my shoes are scraping the ground — one slow movement after the next slow movement. And people genuinely thought I had a serious medical condition, and that I was being a hero and a trooper by getting out there." Three years ago, my now-husband, Brian Cristiano, and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41 — a 7:44 minute-per-mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. Here’s a dramatic retelling of how his race went. This is forever my favorite story. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy LOL-ing! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Sh

"It was like he was the deep breath, and I was the emergency barf bag." I had a baby! On this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest: Annie Leigh Cristiano. Annie was born on October 16, 2018, at 8:09 AM, clocking in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. On this solo episode, I'm talking about how the first month with Annie has gone, and how my expectations have compared to the reality. I talk about the challenges we've faced so far (breastfeeding, ugh), what Brian is like as a dad, how being selfish comes into play as a new parent, and how I'm adjusting to this new life of ours. Plus, answering listener questions and an update on all things Crohn's disease. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What I mention on this episode: Annie's Birth Story Pregnancy + Baby Q&A Ergo 360 carrier Lori & David Feller on Episode 71 of the Ali on the Run Show Ashley Fizzarotti on Episode 102 of the Ali on the Run Show Ali on the Run Sh

"I had already gotten so far, and I just wasn’t willing to look back. That involved pushing my comfort zone and doing something I maybe wasn’t the best at." —Emily Abbate Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, editor, and content creator, a certified personal trainer, a marathoner, and the host of the Hurdle podcast. On this episode, Emily talks about her own #hurdlemoment, and what it took for her to lose 70 pounds — no quick fixes or fad diets included. She talks about her impressive journalism career, and shares how she rebounded after being laid off — twice. Plus, she opens up about confidence and failure, and dishes out life lessons galore. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Was this the life young Emily Abbate saw for herself? (2:15) Emily shares her own hurdle moment, and opens up about how she lost 70 pounds and learned to love running (4:00) How Emily became a super suc

"When I think something is hard or challenging, I think of how I’m going to grow from it." —Stephanie Bruce Happy TCS New York City Marathon Week! The professional field is stacked this year, and among the top competitors is Stephanie Bruce, who trains and races with NAZ Elite and is sponsored by Hoka One One. Steph made her New York City Marathon debut in 2017 and finished in 10th — an impressive-on-paper result, but on this episode, Steph explains why she was disappointed with her finish. She opens up about her health struggles over the years, talks about how she's feeling going into this year's race, and gets super honest about "body stuff." Steph trains in Flagstaff, AZ, where she lives with her husband, Ben Bruce, and their sons Hudson and Riley. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Steph rehashes her Peachtree Road Race win (2:30) Why Steph decided to return to the New Yo

"I hope I’m always willing to be wrong, willing to learn, and able to get better." —Lauren Fleshman Lauren Fleshman is many things: She's a retired professional runner, a coach, the co-founder of Picky Bars, the co-creator of the Believe training journals, the creator of the Wilder retreat, one of the faces of Oiselle, a vocal USA Track & Field board member, a co-host of the Work, Play, Love podcast, wife to professional triathlete, and mom to Jude and Zadie. Phew! On this episode, Lauren talks about all of it, including her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, her honest thoughts on body image, and the real effect having kids had on her marriage. This is a fun, no-holds-barred conversation with one of the leading voices in the running industry. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: What takes up the majority of Lauren’s time right now (2:00) How Lauren became a professional