Ali on the Run Show

"The last couple years have been so hard. I've been through so many ups and downs that I'm like, 'There is nothing in a race that I can experience that is worse than what I've just gone through.'" Watch out, ultra world: Molly Seidel has arrived! The Olympic bronze medalist has officially moved from the marathon to the mountains. Molly just completed the Black Canyon 100K, where she finished fourth and earned a golden ticket entry to this summer's 100-mile Western States Endurance Run. Earlier this year, Molly made her ultra debut at the Bandera 50K, where she won the race outright, beating the first male finisher by six minutes. Her 4:09:39 broke a course record that had stood since 2012. In this conversation, Molly breaks down her day at Black Canyon, and talks about how she's feeling about this new-to-her adventure.  FOLLOW MOLLY @bygolly.molly SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. IN THIS EPISODE: How Molly's feeling post-Black Canyon 100K (1:40) What's making Molly happy today (3:15) Molly reflects on a tough day at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, where she pulled out of the race at mile 18 (6:00) Molly's recap from the Bandera 50K in January, which she won outright (9:00) Why Molly decided to run the Black Canyon 100K (13:30) What Molly needed from her crew (26:45) Molly's Black Canyon 100K race report (29:45) Molly's highs and lowest from the day (50:30) How Molly is feeling about running Western States in a few months (53:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 want to be part of making people care. My hope is that my enthusiasm for the sport as a fan of the sport comes through in my calls." Even if you don't know his face, you definitely know his voice: Paul Swangard is here! Paul, a lifelong resident of Eugene, OR, is known as the Voice of Hayward field, where he's the longtime in-stadium announcer at the University of Oregon. He's an Emmy-award winning member of the NBC sports talent team, where he is an analyst and does play-by-play for track and field and distance events including the Olympics, World Championships, US National Championships, Millrose Games, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Diamond League meets, and more. He also does the world feed broadcasts for the New York City and Boston Marathons. Paul is a professor in the School of Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon, he's a sought-after media consulstant and strategic advisor for brands in running and beyond, and he is one of the best to ever get on the mic.  FOLLOW PAUL @paul_swangard SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. Click here to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! In this episode: What is making Paul happy today? (3:00) What Paul hopes his University of Oregon students take from his classes and his teachings (5:40) Paul's road to Hayward Field — and the microphone (13:25) What it was like working World Championships in 2022 at Hayward Field (24:05) Paul explains his role on any given NBC broadcast (31:55)\ Paul's most meaningful memories on the mic (37:15) What makes a broadcast a success? (47:30) On getting nervous before going on air (56:50) What Paul wishes the viewers at home understood about a race broadcast (59:25) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"So we kissed, and then we spent every day after that together."  They're one of running's greatest power couples: Deena and Andrew Kastor are here for Love on the Run Week! In this conversation, the Olympic bronze medalist and the esteemed coach talk about how they met, how long they waited to call each other, and who made the first move. Today, Deena and Andrew live in Mammoth Lakes, CA, with their daughter, Piper.  FOLLOW DEENA @deenakastor FOLLOW ANDREW @coachkastor SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Running can feel pretty isolating. It's a very individual sport. But she's in it with me every single day. It makes me feel very special. She really cares about what I'm trying to do." Welcome to Love on the Run 2026! We're kicking off Valentine's Week with Utah-based high school sweethearts Mica Rivera and Adam Wood. Mica and Adam are content creators and marathoners who were on the same high school track team, went to separate colleges to run (her to Utah State University, him to Brigham Young University), and are now married and running together for a living. Adam just ran a marathon PR at CIM, finishing in 2:16:58. And Mica, who is coached by Ed Eyestone, made her 26.2-mile debut at The Marathon Project in December (paced by Adam!), where she ran 2:31:35. FOLLOW MICA & ADAM @thewoodsrun SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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!

"Sometimes you've just gotta be a little bit fearless." The last time Roisin Willis was on the Ali on the Run Show, the "fastest high schooler in American history" at the time was fresh off earning a gold medal in the 800m at the USA Track and Field U20 Outdoor Championships, and was headed to Stanford University. (Listen to that episode here.) Now, the middle-distance runner is wrapping up her time at Stanford — and she's gone pro! The two-time NCAA 800m champion opted to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of signing a professional contract with New Balance, and she just made her pro racing debut with a stellar indoor season. In this conversation, Roisin talks about racing at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (she ran and won the 800m), at Boston University (she ran 1:57.97, becoming the first American woman to break 1:58 indoors, and breaking the American record in the event), and at the Millrose Games (she won the 600m). She also talks about her struggles with mental health during her time at Stanford, and about the tools that helped her through the hardest days. Plus, a peek at what's next. (First: midterms!) FOLLOW ROISIN @roisin.willis SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: Where in the world is Roisin Willis? (3:00) What it's like being a professional athlete as a senior in college (4:30) On being in a sweet spot with running right now, and where Roisin wants to improve (8:50) The athlete Roisin looks up to most in the sport — and all about the first time they met (11:30) What's making Roisin happy today (14:55) Roisin's key takeaways from the short but sweet 2026 indoor season (16:35) What it was like making her professional debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (18:45) Why Roisin decide to race the 800m at BU six days later — and how she broke the American record in the indoor 800m (22:50) How Roisin approached racing the 600m at the Millrose Games, which she also won (27:45) Why Roisin decided to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of going pro, and what that process has looked like (33:20) Roisin talks about making it through the dark days, and about the tools that helped her find the sunshine again (46:00) What's next for Roisin on the run and off? (1:01:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Your person doesn't need you to be perfect. They just need you to be there and show up, and bring as much positivity and lightheartedness as possible. There are going to be times when it gets really heavy and hard, and if you can bring a little levity, a little humor, it goes a long way." On December 30, 2025, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for my ninth round of chemotherapy. This time around, I was joined by my dear friend Seema Mack, who is president and CEO of KidsVax, a mom (to Sloane, 8, and Reese, 5), a wife, and an amazing friend. This is our [way too long] recap from the day at the infusion center, plus the story of how we met, and a bit about what makes Seema "The Magic Maker." SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released New Balance 1080 v15. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"This seems like a no-brainer. There's this company that really values what we're doing, and they don't really want to change that. All they want to do is find a way to support us." Professional middle-distance runner Sinclaire Johnson returns to the Ali on the Run Show today — this time as a HOKA-sponsored athlete. Sinclaire is the American record holder in the mile on the track and on the roads, both of which she set last year, in addition to making two 2025 world teams and running multiple personal bests. After spending her entire career thus far as a Nike athlete, Sinclaire is excited about big changes ahead with HOKA. In this conversation, she talks about why she made the sponsor switch now, and what that means for her home base, her coaching (she's coached by fiancé Craig Nowak; listen to their Love on the Run episode here), and her next steps. Sinclaire will kick off her indoor season — in her new racing kit! — this weekend at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.  FOLLOW SINCLAIRE @sinclairejohnson SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: What's making Sinclaire happy today (2:20) What Sinclaire's watching right now (6:00) An update on wedding planning (7:35) Why Sinclaire decided to sign with HOKA this year after a long career as a Nike-sponsored athlete (13:05) Recapping Sinclaire's year of big changes and reflecting on her coaching change in 2025, from Union Athletics Club's Pete Julian to fiancé Craig Nowak (28:30) Sinclaire's "big training risks" from 2025 (34:40) Sinclaire's "failures" from 2025 (35:50) Sinclaire's biggest successes in 2025 (40:05) How 2025 was a year of growth for Sinclaire (52:15) How Sinclaire is feeling heading into her indoor season opener at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she'll be racing the mile (55:00) Sinclaire's hopes, dreams, and plans for 2026 (59:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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'm a firm believer that there are more good people than bad. No matter what, I believe that." Hope Walz is a runner who works the night shift at a homeless shelter in Bozeman, MT. She is also the daughter — and running buddy — of Minnesota governor Tim Walz. This conversation was recorded the day after Governor Walz, Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 presidential election, announced that he wouldn't be seeking reelection in Minnesota. Hope talks about what that day (which started with a run, of course) was like from her vantage point. She talks about growing up in a political family and about the role running has played throughout her life, including on the campaign trail with her family in 2024. Plus: a very special guest pops into the Zoom room! FOLLOW HOPE @hopewalz SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: What's making Hope happy today (3:50) What it was like running with dad Tim Walz the day he announced he wouldn't be seeking reelection as governor of Minnesota (5:35) What Hope's relationship with the news is like, and how she protects her peace online (10:00) Hope's role in big family decisions, and her earliest memories of being raised in a political family (12:25) How Hope manages public scrutiny toward her family and herself (20:45) How Hope found out her dad would be running alongside Kamala Harris as the vice presidential nominee in the 2024 election (22:05) "My dad's here if you wanna say hi!" (26:15) What it's like when your dad runs for Vice President of the United States (27:45) What it's like having a Secret Service detail (34:40) On the run on the campaign trail (37:10) How Hope maintains hope in an increasingly intense, scary, and divided world (40:30) Why running is a privilege, and why Hope wanted to talk about that publicly (43:30) Hope's take on the running community, and how running first came into her life (46:15) How Hope is feeling after her dad's big announcement (56:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon 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 needed you all to know that I was drowning, and I was scared." It's tradition: Happy New Year, and welcome to the annual State of the Ali on the Run Show episode! In this solo episode, I'm recapping 2025: the personal highs and lows, the professional highs and lows, and the beauty and chaos in between all of it.  Last year, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 25 million downloads. There were 82 episodes of the show with more than 70 guests (32 first-timers, and 38 recurring and returning guests), plus 11 solo episodes and six live shows. (The guest with the most podcast appearances in 2025: Cousin Jackie!) Thank you for being her for the rollercoaster ride that was 2025, and for sticking around to see what 2026 has in store. This show may have my name in the title, but none of this exists without all of you. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this community. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sale, happening now! In this episode: The 2025 Ali on the Run Show by the numbers (2:25) My 2025 personal and professional highlight reel — and lowlight reel (36:25) My key 2025 takeaways (1:05:45) Revisiting my 2025 goals (1:18:40) Looking forward on the Ali on the Run Show (1:23:35) The 2026 Ali on the Run Show mission statement (1:41:30) Answering listener questions about the show and beyond (1:44:05) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 think there are a lot of athletes out there that are just so scared to show who they truly are and what they like because of their teammates and their coaches. And they're trying to get to the next level, and they're like, 'Oh well, if I like this then I'm not gonna get to the next level.' It's actually the opposite. You're probably gonna play better if you show who you truly are, because you're more free." Everyone loves Jackson Olson. The Savannah Bananas infielder is on a mission to make baseball more fun — and he's doing just that. Jackson has made a name for himself playing Banana Ball, which is like the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. The exhibition-style games include full-on performances with choreography, lip syncing, and walk-ups designed to delight the sold-out stadium crowds. In this conversation, Jackson talks about his road to the Bananas, and his road to becoming a runner. This fall, Jackson ran his first race — the Disney Wine & Dine 5K — and now he's training for a 10K in January while figuring out how running fits into his busy baseball season. Plus, talking Taylor Swift, Disney World, and how Jackson found his voice and his confidence.  FOLLOW JACKSON @jacksonolson_ SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! In this episode: On identifying as a runner (2:40) Jackson shares the journey to his first 5K, and his impressions of the running community (5:00) Why Jackson turned down an offer to go pro out of college (13:55) How Jackson learned to embrace his Disney-loving Swiftie side (20:40) How Jackson became a Savannah Banana (29:30) All about the theatrics behind the Bananas, including how Jackson pulled off his "Life of a Showgirl" walkup the day after The Life of a Showgirl was released (34:45) What it was life living out a childhood dream: playing at Yankee Stadium (43:25) Taylor Swift talk! (48:30) Will we see Jackson on Dancing With the Stars? (58:00) How Jackson is feeling heading into this season with the Bananas (1:02:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 felt your hands on my back. And I needed them." I love you. I appreciate you. In this short solo episode, I'm wishing you the happiest holidays and reflecting a bit. This year, for me, was at times wonderful and filled with joy. But mostly, I will remember 2025 as the year my breast cancer recurred and spread, reentering my life as a Stage IV, incurable diagnosis. Here's where I'm at — and what I wish for you — as we close out this year. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 run with all dogs, any dogs." Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell is the North America running events manager for New Balance. She is the New York Road Runners partnership lead, so she works super closely with the NYRR team on events including the New York City Half, the Fifth Avenue Mile, and, of course, the New York City Marathon. So, Lauren has a super fun job. She also does something really amazing every Monday and Friday morning: She runs with shelter dogs. Twice a week, every week, no matter the weather, Lauren goes to her local animal shelter to take the dogs for runs. Over the past two years, Lauren has logged more than 500 miles with dogs who need homes. In 2025 alone, she ran with 33 unique breeds. In this conversation, Lauren, who has run more than 40 marathons, talks about how she became an animal lover, and how she ended up volunteering at the Animal Rescue League down the street.  FOLLOW LAUREN @fithy07 SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: All about Lauren's run today — with Atlas the German Shepherd! (2:15) How Lauren became a dog lover (6:10) How running with the dogs fits into Lauren's training (14:45) When and how Lauren became a runner (18:30) Lauren's history with the New York City Marathon (26:20) What Lauren's days look like at New Balance (34:05) Lauren's racing and running goals right now (43:45) Why Lauren takes her daughter to the Fifth Avenue Mile every year (46:50) Lauren's advice for running with dogs (59:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 had this sense of nostalgia, of we're going to look back on this as something special. We all felt a little bit of something magical going on." She's come a long way, baby! Jenny Grimshaw returns to the Ali on the Run Show, this time as a 2:32 marathoner. Jenny just ran four-minute personal best at the California International Marathon, qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials with room to spare. This is the same Jenny who spent years trying to break three hours. The Jenny with a long history of race anxiety. The Jenny who dropped out of CIM in 2022. In this episode, Jenny, a mom to two young kids who lives in San Francisco and works full-time, talks about how she made that 2:32:50 happen, and how she has kept chipping away at her marathon time and enjoying herself along the way. Jenny also has the BRCA1 gene: She had a preventative prophylactic double mastectomy a few years ago, and will have her ovaries removed next year.  FOLLOW JENNY @jenny_gshaw SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sale, happening now! In this episode: Jenny's snapshot moment from CIM 2025 (2:50) All about Peninsula Distance Club, and the power of female friendships (5:20) How Jenny fits running and training into her days, and on learning to get over mom guilt (10:00) How being a mom has made Jenny a better runner (15:15) What it felt like to run a 2:32 marathon (17:40) How Jenny reacted when, at six weeks postpartum, she learned that the Trials standards had changed from 2:45 to 2:37 (21:10) On running 2:36 at the London Marathon this year — before the OTQ window opened for 2028 (25:50) How Jenny has navigated big running dreams and family planning (27:40) The decision not to run this year's Chicago Marathon, and why Jenny chose to do CIM instead (30:20) How Jenny knew it was going to be a special day at CIM (34:20) What it felt like standing on the CIM start line, and Jenny's goals for the day (38:30) What happens when the CIM finish line clock hits 2:37 (50:00) What's next for Jenny on the run (51:10) How Jenny is feeling about needing to have her ovaries removed as a result of having the BRCA1 gene (55:15) Jenny's advice for people who have big goals and dreams and are feeling stuck (58:20) All about Jenny's job at Equip, which provides virtual eating disorder treatment (1:00:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"You prioritize your life for the people who mean the most to you. And that's how it's been since day one for us." Two days before Thanksgiving, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for my eighth round of chemotherapy. This time around, I was joined by my college roommate and one of my favorite people of all-time, Danielle "Dee" Mastronardi. This is our recap from the day at the infusion center, with a whole lot of detours for stories [we probably shouldn't be sharing] from our college days.  SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. The Eugene Marathon: Register now for the Eugene Marathon or Half Marathon, taking place April 26, 2026. Use code ONTHERUN for $10 off. (These races will sell out, so register ASAP!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"If they come up with a Dancing with the Stars and it's Dancing with the Podcast Hosts, and it's tap dancing, put me in, coach." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're tackling cancer stuff, running stuff, work stuff, and more. SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's massive Black Friday sale, in effect now! In this episode: Cancer questions (1:40) Motherhood questions (18:40) Running questions (23:20) Work questions (29:35) Grab bag questions (49:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Running the marathon and doing two Broadway shows in the same day — I've never felt more New York than that day." Did you hear about the man who ran the 2025 New York City Marathon and then went on to star in two performances of Wicked on Broadway that same day? That man is Jordan Litz, who is currently starring as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. He's the longest-running Fiyero in Wicked history, having performed the role more than 1,500 times. And two of those times were immediately after he crossed the finish line at his first marathon, the New York City Marathon. In this conversation, Jordan talks about how he pulled off this tremendous physical and mental feat — and how it felt to run 26.2 miles and then get through "Dancing Through Life," twice! FOLLOW JORDAN @litzjordan SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! In this episode: How Jordan is feeling post-NYC Marathon, and why he wanted to run a marathon and perform in two Wicked shows in one day (2:35) What it was like being spoofed on Saturday Night Live the night before the marathon (5:30) Jordan's snapshot moment from Sunday, November 2 (7:30) What it's like starring in Wicked right now (14:00) How, when, and why Jordan — a former competitive swimmer — became a runner (19:30) Jordan's impressions of the running community (25:05) How Jordan met his now-wife, Julie (26:45) All about Jordan's NYC Marathon training (32:55) How Jordan spent the days before the race (38:20) Jordan recaps his race (44:00) What it was like going from the finish line to the Gershwin (53:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Running single-handedly saved me during this last year." Carl Radke is best known as a longtime cast member on Bravo's Summer House. Through nine seasons of the reality show, he's been open and honest about his mental health struggles and his history with drug and alcohol addiction. Carl got sober in 2021, and this year, he opened Soft Bar, a non-alcoholic bar and café in Brooklyn, NY, where he lives. His memoir, Cake Eater, comes out next month. And this month, Carl added another title to his resumé: marathoner! In this conversation, Carl talks about how he found running and the role running plays in his sobriety journey, and he shares every detail from his first 26.2-mile race at the 2025 New York City Marathon.  FOLLOW CARL @carlradke SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's 2025 Project Pink collection, where 10% of every purchase is donated to cancer research.  In this episode: How it feels to be a New York City Marathoner (1:50) On the fear of not finishing (11:30) Carl's history with the New York City Marathon (13:05) Carl's journey to becoming a runner (15:30) All about Carl's training (21:45) How Carl fit training into his busy life (26:55) Is a Soft Bar run club in the works? (32:35) How Carl spent the days leading up to the marathon (41:00) The stress of race morning (44:35) Carl's sights and sounds from the start line (52:45) Carl's high points from race day (1:00:45) What Carl wishes people understood about him (1:13:15) Carl's advice to first-time marathoners (1:16:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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 just feel like when I see injustice, at this point in my life, I have to call it out." Katie Couric has been my idol since I was in high school, and it's truly an honor to welcome her to the Ali on the Run Show! We recorded this episode in person together on the Monday after the 2025 New York City Marathon, at Katie's home on the Upper East Side. Katie is a journalist who is best known for her 15-year career on the Today Show. Today, she is the founder of Katie Couric Media, where she publishes a daily newsletter (Wake Up Call), and hosts the podcast Next Question with Katie Couric. She is the author of Going There, she's a mom of two, and she's an avid pickleball player who, despite my best efforts, will not be signing up for a marathon anytime soon! SPONSORS:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's massive Black Friday sale, in effect now! In this episode: Katie's day spectating the 2025 New York City Marathon (3:20) Katie's history with running, and how she stays active now (6:00) What it's like being Katie Couric in New York City (12:00) On Halloween, NYC trick-or-treating, and Taylor Swift (14:00) Everyone has a Katie Couric story (22:15) Katie reflects on her breast cancer diagnosis, and what her care looks like now (33:00) On "feeling very strongly about certain things" (55:00) Katie's take on The Morning Show (1:04:00) Katie looks back on some of the highest and lowest points of her career (1:08:15) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"Oh I'm hooked." Last weekend, Amanda Vestri made her much anticipated 26.2-mile debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. She ran 2:25:40, good enough for ninth place in the women's pro race and a strong showing for the marathon debutante. In this conversation, Amanda breaks it all down, including how training went, why she wanted to move to the marathon this year, what she wants to do next, and what it was like running through the five boroughs. Plus, Amanda shares her training, living, and coaching plans now that her longtime training group, ZAP Endurance, is disbanding.  FOLLOW AMANDA @a_vestri SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. In this episode: How Amanda is feeling post-NYC Marathon — and what's next (2:10) All about Amanda's new coach, and what's motivating to her in the marathon (10:00) Why the marathon, why now, and why New York? (12:45) Amanda's snapshot moment from the New York City Marathon (18:15) Amanda reflects on her first marathon training block and her goals for her marathon debut (19:15) How Amanda spent race weekend (24:10) How it felt standing on the New York City Marathon start line (31:15) Amanda's race plan (35:40) Amanda breaks down her race at the 2025 New York City Marathon (39:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!

"They play 'New York, New York,' and everyone goes crazy." It was another New York City Marathon to remember. It was one of the most rewarding weekends of my life and of my career. I hosted a live show with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at Jazz at Lincoln Center, I was on the ESPN and ABC broadcasts on race day, I interviewed Katie Couric for the Ali on the Run Show, and I was on top of the world the entire time. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: Friday: Annie's Halloween parade, the drive to NYC, a run in Central Park, a fancy sushi dinner, and a New Balance party (3:20) Saturday: a run in the park, cheering for the Dash to the Finish 5K, the Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone live show, and broadcast rehearsals (12:50) Sunday: the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! (38:45) Monday: a sleepless night, a run in the park with friends, and an interview with Katie Couric (1:00:00) Listener Q&A (1:18:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter 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!