Ali On The Run Show

Brynn Fessette O’Neill is a physical therapist at Finish Line Physical Therapy in New York City — in fact, she’s my physical therapist! On this episode, Brynn talks about how she became a physical therapist and shares her advice for anyone considering a similar career path. She talks about the three things runners should be doing every single day to stay healthy and injury-free, dishes on the difference between her male and female patients — spoiler, she says women are way tougher — and discusses the most common injuries and issues she sees in athletes. This is a must-listen for runners! Stuff We Mention on the Show: Finish Line Physical Therapy: http://finishlinept.com/ Coach Cane: https://www.instagram.com/coachcane/ San Diego Half Marathon: http://sdhalfmarathon.com/ Team in Training: http://www.teamintraining.org/ New York City Marathon: http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/ Philadelphia Marathon: http://philadelphiamarathon.com/ United Airlines NYC Half: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2017/united-airlines

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching lately, so on this episode, I’m sharing something my yoga teacher read to me once called “Stop Waiting.” It’s about how we need to stop waiting for life to happen to us, and instead need to be the ones in control, taking action, and igniting a fire in our own lives. I totally lived this way in my teens and twenties when I was in pursuit of my dream job as editor in chief of Dance Spirit magazine. I got that job — yay! — but in the years since I moved on have found myself living more cautiously and less intuitively. That all stops now. Time to channel 16-year-old Ali by making bold declarations, pursuing big dreams, forgetting about what other people think, and taking back control of my happiness. Follow Ali: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliontherun1 Blog: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/13333410 Thank you for listening to and supporting the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying t

Michele Gonzalez, best known as NYC Running Mama, is a Staten Island-based mother, runner, marathoner, Ironman, and Instagram superstar. On this episode, Michele and I talk about how she’s feeling as she gets ready to run the Boston Marathon, what her training has been like, and what she did differently this time around. Michele also talks about her time at West Point and in Iraq (she served three times overseas and trained for a marathon on her base!), how she found running and ran through her pregnancies, what her daily diet is like, and what her life is like as a full-time working mom to two cute boys, AJ and Ryan. Plus, she talks about how she actually makes those daily 4 AM workouts happen, how she handles social media pressure, and what her big goals are for the future — on the run and beyond. Stuff We Mention on the Show: Boston Marathon: http://www.baa.org/ Michele’s New York City Marathon recap: http://www.nycrunningmama.com/2016/11/14/2016-nyc-marathon-race-recap/ Michele’s coach, Mary Johnson: http

Words can be powerful! On this episode, I talk about the mantras, quotes, and phrases that get me through tough runs and hard times. From Broadway lyrics to single words, these are my go-to thoughts for when things get difficult. Things I Mention on This Episode: Hamilton cast album: https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Original-Broadway-Recording-Explicit/dp/B0135P6PZA Rachel Platten, Fight Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc Brian Cristiano on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/17-relationship-q-a-with-brian-cristiano/id1204523870?i=1000384070320&mt=2 Bethany Lyons: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyalyons/ Project Start: https://www.instagram.com/psyougotthis/ Candice Huffine on Episode 11 of the Ali on the Run Show: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/11-candice-huffine-model-runner-founder-project-start/id1204523870?i=1000382698209&mt=2 Project Start on FOX: http://www.fox5ny.com/good-day/215494645-video Keltie Knight: https://www.instagram.com/kelt

We’re mixing things up on this episode to dish out some serious realness, openness, and honesty. Brian Cristiano is the founder and CEO of BOLD Worldwide, a sports advertising agency in New York City. He’s also my husband, so on this episode, Brian and I take turns asking each other “anything we want.” This hour was totally unscripted and it gets a little deeper than I had anticipated. The topics ended up ranging from where we see ourselves in 10 or 20 years to the things that make us happiest in life, our hopes for our future children, and the people who have had the most profound impacts on our lives. Plus, Brian talks about his father’s unexpected death and how it affected his outlook on life, and shares some really valuable career and life advice. Stuff We Mention on the Show: Brian on Episode 2 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/03/01/episode-2-brian-cristiano-married-someone-crohns-disease/ Meet Brian: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/09/28/meet-my-handsome-friend/ Our en

We were all new runners once! On this episode, Lucy Wallace and I look back on all the things we didn’t know or understand when we first started running, from shoes and sports watches to race etiquette. Here are a few highlights: At 4:30, Lucy says: “I Googled ‘shoes that are good for not running.’ The only thing I cared about was colors. I wanted them to be bright.” At 7:15, Ali says: “The only place on my body that hasn’t chafed is the little wrinkles in my forehead… The most emotional part of running is the post-run shower.” At 11:10, Ali says: “I woke up one morning in ninth grade and after all those years of wishing on the first star I see at night for boobs, I got them. Literally overnight.” At 15:10, Lucy says: “Shout-out to my dad for paying for my cell phone.” At 16:00, Ali says: “This seems like a good pre-race dinner because it only cost $1.99!” At 17:55, Lucy says: “I’m doing a service to this race course by listening to Justin Bieber’s entire Purpose album right now.” Things We Mention on the Sho

Page Williams is a California-based triathlete and Ironman, is the blogger behind Twenty-Six and Then Some, and is a senior marketing manager at LinkedIn. Before heading to LinkedIn, where she oversees digital and social media and paid media strategy for the company’s brand campaigns, Page worked at Nike, where she was part of the Access to Sport group, working on the Designed to Move initiative. Page is also a mom-to-be: She has a baby boy on the way who is expected to make his debut this summer. On this episode, Page and I talk about how she’s feeling heading into her third trimester, how her pregnancy has been going, and why she thinks her baby is going to be “a little Tyrannosaurus rex.” She also gets professional and shares the one question you should ask potential employers, her best advice for women who want to work in the tech industry or in Silicon Valley, and why you should always send business-related emails on your phone. Plus, we get into our takes on feminism and the piece of advice her dad shar

On this episode, I count down the top 10 races I’ve ever run, and I share a little bit about why I love each one so much. Check them out: Runner’s World Half & Festival The race: http://rw.runnersworld.com/rwhalf/ My 2014 recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2014/10/21/10-reasons-the-runners-world-half-marathon-festival-was-wonderful-plus-a-giveaway/ NYRR New York Mini 10K The race: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2017/nyrr-new-york-mini-10k My 2016 recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2016/06/13/nyrr-new-york-mini-10k-recap/ My 2011 recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/06/12/mini-10k-recap/ The North Wales Turkey Trot My 2016 recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2016/11/28/guest-ill-another-lindsey-hein/ Ragnar Relay Adirondacks The race: https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/adirondacks My 2014 recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2014/10/07/ragnar-relay-adirondacks-recap/ Manchester City Marathon The race: http://www.millenniumrunning.com/marathon My 2012 recap: http://www.alionth

Chris Mosier is a Hall of Fame triathlete and duathlete, and was called “The Man Who Changed the Olympics” by The BBC and New York Magazine. He’s a barrier-breaking Nike-sponsored athlete, who you may have seen in Nike’s commercials during the 2016 Rio Olympics. He’s a three-time Ironman, and was named Best Personal Trainer in the Northeast by Competitor Magazine in 2014. Chris was the first transgender athlete to be featured in the ESPN Magazine Body Issue, and was named Person of the Year by Outsports. In 2015, he became the first openly transgender man to make a men’s U.S. National Team when he qualified for the sprint duathlon team. He was also a catalyst for change in the International Olympic Committee Policy on transgender athletes. He’s also the vice president of program development and community relations for You Can Play and is an online coach for Daily Burn. Even though I’ve known Chris for years and consider him a very close friend, I asked a lot of the questions I’ve always had about what it mean

On this episode, my friend Lucy Wallace and I share some of our most vivid memories from each of our first half marathons. A few highlights… At 5:03, Ali says: “I definitely remember choking, gagging, and slightly dry-heaving on the side of the course because the water stop was not conducive to my running pace.” At 5:54, Lucy says: “It’s kinda like when I used to eat five Gushers at a time in third grade.” At 8:00, Lucy says: “I know that smart runners will tell you it’s important to train in all conditions—stick with your training plan no matter what. I did not do that.” At 11:25, Lucy says: “It is impossible to be lying on the ground at mile 10 of your first half marathon and then jump back into the race and expect to just be flying as you were all the way to the finish. It was painful. It was a struggle. I’m surprised actually and kind of offended the medics didn’t come over to look at me while I was in the grass on the side of the road. Don’t do yoga in the middle of a half marathon.” At 12:30, Ali says:

Even if you don’t know her name, you definitely know her face! Candice Huffine is a well-known model, represented by IMG Models, with a seemingly never-ending resumé. She has appeared in the pages of Vogue, W, and Glamour (and on the cover of Vogue Italia), has walked the runways at New York Fashion Week in shows for Christian Siriano, Sophie Theallet, and Prabal Gurung, starred in DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” music video, is in Target’s latest TV commercial, and was featured in Lane Bryant’s highly publicized “I’m No Angel” and “Plus is Equal” campaigns. She was also the first plus-size model to appear in the Pirelli Calendar. Candice is also a runner! She ran her first half marathon, the New York City Half Marathon, in 2016, and will be running it again this year to celebrate her one-year racing anniversary. Last year, Candice launched the Project Start initiative on Instagram, encouraging new runners to band together and empower each other. In November 2016, she appeared on the cover of Women’s Running magaz

On this episode, I share my roundup of the worst mistakes I’ve made since I started running in 2008. 10. Wearing the wrong size sports bra. My current favorite running bra is the Brooks UpLift Crossback: http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/uplift-crossback-sports-bra/300616472.030.html 9. Running that one time I had a fever. Ali on the Run post: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2012/03/09/i-ran-twice/ Follow Coach Cane: https://twitter.com/CityCoachMS 8. Not fully prioritizing my training. I’m happy to get the miles in, but I get really lazy when it comes to foam rolling, cross-training, and stepping up my nutrition game. 7. Getting way too emotionally invested in running and taking the hard runs hard. 2011 Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/12/06/rock-n-roll-las-vegas-half-marathon-recap/ 6. Being a slave to my Garmin and obsessing over data. My GPS watch: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/129397 “Why I Run Naked” for Fitness magazine: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com

Sarah Conklin is perhaps best known on the internet as the blogger behind “Once Upon a Lime.” She lives in Bend, OR, where she works for Picky Bars, the sports bar company founded by professional athletes Lauren Fleshman, Jesse Thomas, and Stephanie Bruce. Before that, she worked for Oiselle, the women’s athletic wear company, and was an avid marathoner. Now, after taking a bit of a break from the marathon distance, Sarah is back at it, training under Lauren Fleshman’s guidance. On this episode, we talked about everything from what a day in the life of a Picky Bars employee is like (bonus: it sometimes includes starting the day on the ski slopes) to failed Boston Qualifying attempts to getting a divorce in your twenties. Sarah was super open and honest, and offered up some great insights about relationships, growing up, and changing her perspective on running. Show Notes: Once Upon a Lime: https://oual.wordpress.com/ Picky Bars: https://pickybars.com/ Oiselle: http://www.oiselle.com/ 4:20: Emily Halnon on Epi

On this episode, I share my list of the top 10 people (and one dog!) who have had the most profound impact on my life since becoming a runner. Show Notes: 10. Bethany Lyons Follow Bethany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyalyons/ Lyons Den Power Yoga: http://lyonsdenpoweryoga.com/ Bethany Lyons on Ali on the Run: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/02/27/bethany-lyons-soulcycle/ 9. Emily Faherty Follow Emily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emfaherty/ November Project: http://november-project.com/ 8. Sara Beaney Follow Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabeaney/ 2016 New York City Marathon Recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2016/11/07/new-york-city-marathon-2016-recap/ 7. The Sweat Squad Kelly Hogan: https://www.instagram.com/kellyhoganrd/ Lindsay Kos: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaykos/ Meggie Smith: https://www.instagram.com/mbsthinks/ Susan Pass: https://www.instagram.com/susanruns/ Megan Harrington: https://www.instagram.com/meganireneh/ The Day I Felt Like a Runner b

Megha Doshi is the local marketing director for Strava, the social networking site for athletes. Before heading to Strava several years ago, Megha worked for Nike, where she was a member of the digital sport group at Nike. She’s a sub-three-hour marathoner and is currently training for the 2017 Boston Marathon. Megha runs 60–70 miles per week, and trains and races with the all-female Impala Racing Team in San Francisco. Megha and I talked about what a day in the life of a Strava employee is like, how she embodies the five core values at Strava, and how she works sweatworking into her busy — and endorphin-filled — schedule. Show Notes: Strava: https://www.strava.com/ Impala Racing Team on Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/2058 Impala Racing Team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpalaRacingTeam Working at Strava: http://blog.strava.com/careers/ Strava blog: http://blog.strava.com/ Strava art: http://www.bicycling.com/rides/art/become-strava-artist-these-gps-tips 18:00: Red Hook Crit: https://redhookcri

Chris Heuisler is the National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels and Resorts. He has every runner’s dream job — traveling the country to meet runners and hear their stories — and he beat out more than 1,100 applicants to get the gig. Chris and his team of concierges make sure runners staying at Westin Hotels know where to run — they’ll even run with you! — and they’ll hook you up with free New Balance gear to borrow during your stay. Chris, a former Equinox trainer and actor, also racks up some serious miles in the air: 100,000 per year, in fact, traveling to various Westin Hotels across North America to be on-hand for race weekends at Rock ‘n’ Roll events. Chris is also a super speedy runner (and sub-3:00 marathoner) on a quest to run a marathon in all 50 states. (He’s completed 20 states so far.) Chris — or “Uncle Huggy Bear,” as his family calls him — currently lives outside Boston with his wife, Rachel, and their two kids. Show Notes 3:00: Run Westin Program: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/about/move-

Alice Saunders is the creator of Forestbound, a Boston-based company that makes and sells canvas and leather bags made from historic textiles. Alice is also a super speedy runner and marathoner. She started running later in life, and now boasts some pretty serious PRs, including a 3:19 marathon and a 1:37 half marathon. In this episode, Alice and I talk about how she created Forestbound, why she started running (for a good cause!), and our unathletic pasts — including our best strategies for skipping out on the mile during gym class in fifth grade. (Plus a few hot takes about important things like pineapple pizza.) We’re also hosting a giveaway with this episode! One lucky listener will win Alice’s famous ESCAPE Canvas Utility Bag. (You’re going to want this bag. It’s the best.) To enter, leave a rating and review on iTunes (http://apple.co/2kDx0zz) before Tuesday, February 21. I’ll pick a winner at random and will announce the lucky ESCAPE bag winner on next week’s episode. Show Notes Forestbound: http://www

John Honerkamp is a former Olympic Trials qualifier, a running coach, and one of the co-leaders of the November Project tribe in New York City. He boasts an impressive running history: He competed at the Olympic Trials in the 800 meters when he was still in college, and holds a 2:44 marathon PR. John worked for New York Road Runners for six years, where he helped create and develop the organization’s Virtual Trainer coaching and group training programs. John is currently a freelance running coach and consultant, and trains everyone from first-time runners to super competitive collegiate track and field athletes. (Fun fact: He’s also a comedian and performs with improv troupes!) Note: The audio for this episode is a little funky at times. We didn’t have a great internet connection while we were recording, so bear with us, and it’ll be fixed for the next episode! Show Notes: November Project: http://november-project.com/ New York Road Runners: http://www.nyrr.org/ New York Road Runners Virtual Trainer: http://w

Alison Desir is a runner, writer, and blogger, and is the founder of Harlem Run. She was the driving force behind the recent Run 4 All Women, a run from Harlem to Washington, D.C., that raised more than $100,000 for Planned Parenthood. Alison is also the creator of the Harlem One Miler, which is in its third year and will expand to Detroit, MI, later this year. Alison and I talked about how running helped her through a period of depression, how she created Harlem Run, which now boasts 250 people at its workouts, and what her plans and goals are for the Harlem One Miler. Follow Alison: Twitter: powderedfeet Instagram: powderedfeet Blog: http://www.powderedfeet.com Follow Ali: Instagram: aliontherun1 Twitter: aliontherun1 Blog: http://www.aliontherunblog.com 2:20: Harlem Run: http://www.harlemrun.com/ 3:30: Team in Training: http://www.teamintraining.org/ 4:00: Rock 'N' Roll San Diego: http://www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego/ 12:20: Follow Amir: https://www.instagram.com/alacrityamir/ 12:45: Follow Mary Arnold: h

Brian Cristiano is the founder and CEO of BOLD Worldwide, a sports advertising agency in New York City, and the host of the Sports Marketing Huddle podcast. He’s also my husband! So on this episode, we talk about what it’s like living with—and loving—someone with Crohn’s disease. I’ve had a few rough flares during our time together, so I picked Brian’s brain to get his perspective on what it’s like being on the other side of the bathroom door. Follow Brian: Instagram: briancristiano Twitter: brian_cristiano Sports Marketing Huddle podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-marketing-huddle/id1135417163?mt=2 BOLD Worldwide: http://www.boldworldwide.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram: aliontherun1 Twitter: aliontherun1 Blog: http://www.aliontherunblog.com Run for the Rabbit Announcement: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/04/22/im-running-for-the-rabbit/ Meet Brian: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/09/28/meet-my-handsome-friend/ 5:00: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America: http://www.ccfa.org/ 9:30: 20