Ali on the Run Show

"I think it would shock a lot of people to see just how hard I go for The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music. That yodeling, wow." Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from life lately and health stuff to the pros and cons of working for myself, what I'm watching lately, the music that got me through 2024, and so much more. SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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’re so much more than just somebody who has survived cancer. And also...you’re somebody who has survived cancer! Figuring out that new identity is an interesting thing to navigate." At 28 years old, Christine Thorn Fischer was a happy, healthy, elite-level steeplechasing, elementary school teacher. Then, she found a lump in her breast. Christine was diagnosed with stage four invasive ductal carcinoma — breast cancer — that spread to her spine and sacrum. Suddenly, instead of dreaming about her next race on the track, Christine was undergoing intense treatment including eight rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. In this conversation, Christine — who is married to professional marathoner Reed Fischer — talks about her diagnosis and the days, weeks, and months that followed. She talks about her experience with scalp cooling to preserve her hair during treatment, about the worst day of her life, and about what it was like learning that she might die within a few years.  Not only did Christine get a "no signs of disease" report from her most recent scans, she is living. Christine is officially back on the run, and just ran her first marathon — the TCS New York City Marathon — a few weeks ago, conquering the course in 3:09:52 FOLLOW CHRISTINE @c_thorn31 SPONSORS:  Volvo Cars: Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Christine reflects on running the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon (5:45) On being a “cancer survivor” (11:40) What Christine was needing when she went on a Boarding for Breast Cancer retreat (13:50) All about Christine’s breast cancer diagnosis and the days, weeks, and months that followed (19:45) Christine recounts the worst day of her life (34:00) Christine’s advice on how to support someone going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment (44:50) What Christine recalls as the hardest parts of her cancer journey (50:00) Christine’s decision to do cold capping during chemotherapy (59:40) On reaching the light at the end of the cancer tunnel (1:07:45) How Christine’s perspective on fear has changed over the past two years (1:16:20) Why Christine wanted to run the New York City Marathon after completing cancer treatment (1:17:50) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 am healthily afraid of the marathon. It looks very painful!" Emma Grace Hurley made a lot of big life changes this year. She moved from Atlanta to Indianapolis. She changed sponsors. She changed teams. And this weekend, it all paid off, as Emma Grace made her 13.1-mile debut at the Indy Monumental Half Marathon, finishing in 1:08:26, setting a course record, and winning the race by nearly two minutes. After a long season filled with second- and third-place finishes, this was Emma Grace's first big career win. In this conversation, the Asics-sponsored professional distance runner and member of Heartland Track Club talks about her approach to this year, her big dreams for next year, and what she plans to do about all of her Marathon FOMO. SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. In this episode: How Emma Grace is feeling after making her half-marathon debut (2:40) On Emma Grace’s decision to make her half debut (6:10) Emma Grace’s goals and hopes for her first half (13:30) What it felt like to win the Indy Monumental Half Marathon (27:10) Emma Grace’s third-place finish at the Abbott Dash to the Finish 5K (30:30) Why Emma Grace loves to race, and which events top her highlight reel from the year (35:15) Emma Grace talks about all of the big life changes she’s embraced over the past year (45:30) A day in the life of Emma Grace Hurley (53:20) What Emma Grace was like as a kid, and how she got into running (57:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"We go to bed too late, we wake up too early, we don’t eat enough, and we have an awesome time." It was a New York City Marathon to remember. It was one of the best weekends of my life, and certainly the greatest weekend of my career. I hosted two live shows (one with Gabby Thomas and New Balance at Carnegie Hall, and one at Volvo Studio Manhattan with Keira D'Amato), I was on the ESPN and ABC broadcasts on race day, and I was on top of the world the entire time. This is my exhaustive recap of every step. SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Friday: the Carnegie Hall live show with Gabby Thomas, a delicious dinner at Nobu, and a sleepover with Keira D’Amato (3:40) Saturday: a morning run in Central Park, a Volvo live show with Keira, an afternoon of broadcast rehearsals — sort of — and an evening of arm wrestling with friends (36:00) Sunday: the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, and a fun night out (1:00:00) Monday: time to go home (1:34:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 is where the magic happens." It's an Ali and Keira live show! (The fourth Ali and Keira D'Amato live show, if you're keeping track!) Thank you so much to Volvo Cars USA for hosting us in their gorgeous Manhattan studio space for some fun, some silliness, some singing, and some sandwiches, and thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun morning the day before the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.  SPONSOR: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 to trick myself into believing that I could win a gold medal." Career highlight. Life highlight. Welcome to Ali on the Run Show LIVE with Gabby Thomas, presented by New Balance, held at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, two days before the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. (What a big sentence!)  Gabby Thomas is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and an Olympic silver and bronze medalist. She's a 200m specialist with a Harvard University degree in Neurobiology and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas. She is one of the starts of the Netflix documentary Sprint, and Sprint Season 2, out next week. Gabby was the grand marshal at this year's New York City Marathon, and, allegedly, she makes a great salad. Biggest THANK YOU to the New Balance team (Kristen, James, Sean, Summer, and so many more), the Mirror team, and the team at Carnegie Hall. This live podcast audio was recorded by Noriko Okabe. The pre-show musicians (enjoy the opening rendition of "Shake It Off!") were Mikhail Romanov and Galina Romanova. FOLLOW GABBY @gabbythomas SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I race in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 do everything that I do as if I literally, truly love it." Rad Lopez grew up in the Bronx. He was raised by a single mom who "didn't have much," but who made magic happen for her children every day. Rad used to work at a gym in the Bronx — cleaning toilets, towels, and locker rooms, not coaching or training — and would look out at the runners on New York City Marathon day. He said one day, that would be him. Spoiler: check! Today, Rad Lopez is a Peloton instructor and Nike-sponsored athlete who made his 26.2-mile debut last year at the Chicago Marathon. He was intrigued enough that he ran his second marathon, the New York City Marathon, one month later. This weekend, Rad will run the TCS New York City Marathon for the second time. In this episode, he talks about how training has gone, about his "victim vs. underdog" mentality, and about why you should do things scared. FOLLOW RAD @radichell SPONSORS: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. In this episode: “How did today’s run go, Rad?” (2:25) Rad recaps his day at the Bronx 10 Mile (3:50) Rad’s take on the running community (6:25) Why Rad wanted to run this year’s TCS New York City Marathon (8:35) What Rad’s marathon training has been like (11:00) Rad’s history with the NYC Marathon (13:30) How Rad became a runner (19:00) Why Rad wanted to run his first marathon (21:45) Rad remembers his first marathon finish line (32:00) Rad’s goals for this year’s NYC Marathon (35:10) What Rad’s childhood was like (42:45) Where Young Rad found inspiration, and the difference between a victim mentality and an underdog mentality (50:00) How Rad got the Peloton job (55:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"At a marathon finish line — especially this marathon finish line — you see the best of humanity." Every year on the first Sunday of November, more than 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers, and two million spectators will descend on the five boroughs for one reason: the TCS New York City Marathon. This episode is your unofficial guide to the iconic 26.2-mile race. Two and a half jam-packed hours of New York City Marathon-related information. And this episode isn’t just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating. As for my New York City Marathon love affair: This race is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, Valentine’s Day, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I’ve run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station in Brooklyn. In 2017, I cheered on “First and Fifth,” and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a “fancy” (you know, the nice kind!) finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. After announcing at the finish and at the Finish Line After Dark in 2019, 2021, and 2022, last year I made my NYC TV debut. I joined the broadcast talent team as a reporter on the international feed, and was featured on the WABC7 local broadcast. This year: They're putting me on TV again! In addition to hosting two live shows during New York City Marathon weekend, on race day I'll be part of the ESPN2 and WABC7 broadcasts as a finish line reporter, and I'll return to the finish line for the 3–5 PM broadcast on ABC. Let’s have some fun! SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), including the new Mocha + Caffeine gel and the Chocolate gel. (My dream!) Then, use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: TCS New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about why he’s excited for this year’s TCS New York City Marathon (5:15) Pre-race questions: how to get in, how to handle feeling overwhelmed by logistics, and how to watch this year’s race (28:30) What you need to know about getting to the start line in Staten Island, and what to do once you’re there (36:30) What to know about the New York City Marathon course (59:20) New York City Marathon course strategy (and a pep talk!) with Peloton instructor and 2:32 marathoner Becs Gentry (1:12:40) Welcome to the New York City Marathon finish line — and what happens once you cross it (1:54:00) What to know about spectating at the New York City Marathon (1:59:00) You did it! Now what? (2:05:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 kept picturing kindness and all these people that I knew would show up for me, and I wanted to show up for them. And for you. And for myself, frankly." I returned to Chicago for the second time, and it was awesome. In this episode, I'm recapping all of the action from Chicago Marathon weekend, including the Abbott Chicago 5K, the New Balance live show, and, of course, race day. Plus, all the social stuff, an architecture tour, and a meaningful moment on the lakefront. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the Abbott Chicago 5K in the SC Elite v4!) In this episode: All about my role at this year’s Chicago Marathon (1:30) Thursday: travel day! (8:50) Friday: a morning walk and run, a meaningful lakefront encounter, a press conference, an architecture tour, and a girls night (14:00) Saturday: the Abbott Chicago 5K and a live show with Emily Birthday Girl Sisson, Emma Coburn, and Joe Bosshard (36:50) Sunday: Chicago Marathon day! (57:30) Monday: homeward bound (1:19:15) Listener Q&A (1:21:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 hate to admit it, but I’m already kinda looking forward to the next one." Matthew Centrowitz is best known as the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the men's 1500m. But that's not what we're talking about today! Today, Matt makes his Ali on the Run Show debut in the wake of making his marathon debut! Matt ran the Chicago Marathon as an official pacer, and this is his official race recap. Matt paced a group of American women including Keira D'Amato, Betsy Saina, and Emma Bates, ultimately finishing in 2:24:36. In this episode, Matt shares all, from the pre-race meetings and logistical learnings to what exactly happened at 37K. (Up next for Matt: Dad Mode! His wife is pregnant and they are expecting their first child next month.) FOLLOW MATT @mgcentro SPONSORS: VOLVO CARS: New sponsor alert! Click here to get an exclusive offer on a Volvo purchase or lease. (I'm completely obsessed with the XC90!) UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Matt is feeling post-marathon (2:30) How Matt celebrated his 35th birthday (4:00) In summary: How was Matt’s first marathon? (6:35) Matt talks about all the pre-race logistics (11:25) How Matt ended up training for — and running — a marathon (28:00) How Matt got the job of Chicago Marathon Pacer (41:45) What the start line was like (48:00) The pressure of pacing (53:15) How Matt’s race played out (56:20) On the camaraderie of American women distance runners (1:03:30) How Matt felt after the race (1:18:10) What’s next for Matt (1:23:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Both of us had that on our mind in the last lap of the Olympic 1500 Final: 'We’re not going to be going home empty handed today.'" Jessica Hull has had a heck of a year. The Australian middle-distance runner ran a massive personal best in the 1500 meters (3:50.83), won Silver at the Olympics in the 1500, broke the World Record in the 2000m, and, in total, earned 15 podium finishes during her racing season. In this conversation, Jess shares her highs and lows from the year, and talks about what it's like being part of the women's 1500m community right now. She talks about The Faith Effect, and about why lining up next to Faith Kipyegon is the best thing for the sport. Plus, what's coming up for Jess, and why she decided to sign with Grand Slam Track. FOLLOW JESS @jessicaahull SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Jess is spending her off-season (2:30) How Jess was feeling at the end of her season (5:10) Jess talks about her preferred style of racing (8:30) Jess reflects on 2024 (12:00) Whether Jess feels pressure heading into 2025, and the advice she got from Ashton Eaton about how to handle pressure (14:00) What led to Jess’s breakout year (20:05) On being the first Australian woman to medal in the 1500m (24:40) What Jess’s homecoming was like after winning silver (29:35) On the wholesomeness of the women’s 1500m (31:45) What it’s like racing Faith Kipyegon (37:55) How Jess deals with pre-race nerves (45:50) Olympic rings tattoo talk (49:55) What’s next? (52:20) Why Jess signed with Grand Slam Track (54:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 never quite know what might happen at a live event, and this one took all kinds of twists and turns. From a snake-sitting story to a mid-show birthday cupcake singalong to two very special surprise guests, Ali on the Run Show LIVE in Chicago with Emily Sisson was one to remember. (Listen to our last live show here.) Biggest thanks to New Balance and Fleet Feet Chicago for making it all happen. FOLLOW EMILY @em_sisson_ SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite daily shoe, and I ran the Abbott Chicago 5K in the SC Elite v4!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Now that I’m free of that relationship, who am I now? I needed to know this new version of myself. So I started doing things I’ve always been like, 'Huh, maybe I want to try this, maybe I want to do that.' I was like, 'Why don’t I just give running a go?' I'd always see people in Prospect Park doing the loop, and I was always like, 'I want to be one of those people who’s doing that!'" Phoebe Robinson knows fun. She's a stand-up comedian, writer, producer, actress, and host and star of Two Dope Queens (the podcast and the show). She's the author of the best-selling You Can't Touch My Hair and Everything's Trash. And she moderated Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour in five different cities. So what's fun for Phoebe right now? Running, of course! In this episode, Phoebe talks about how and why she became a runner just one year ago. Phoebe ran her first marathon, the Boston Marathon, earlier this year, and is currently training for the New York City Marathon. Plus: Phoebe's takes on turning 40, her friendship with Bono, and Sex and the City.  FOLLOW PHOEBE @dopequeenpheebs SPONSORS: The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. In this episode: How it feels to be a marathoner (2:30) How it feels to have just turned 40 (4:00) What Phoebe is watching right now (16:00) What Phoebe used to want to be when she grew up (19:55) What hasn’t Phoebe done? (23:45) What it was like moderating Michelle Obama’s Becoming book tour (28:15) Phoebe talks running! (32:55) Phoebe looks back on her first half marathon (45:45) How becoming a marathoner has changed Phoebe’s life (51:05)] How running has worked its way into Phoebe’s work (57:15) Phoebe’s goals for the 2024 New York City Marathon (59:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 really let it loose, and then kinda black out, and then all of a sudden you’re a bronze medalist." We've got The Goose! Yared Nuguse isn't just one of the fastest men in the world — he's also one of the most loved, and in this conversation you'll quickly see exactly why. Yared is a professional runner who is sponsored by On and specializes in the 1500m and the mile. (He has dreams of running a mile world record.) Here, we're talking about how winning Olympic Bronze this summer in the 1500m in Paris changed Yared's life, and about what he's been up to since. Plus, the World Indoor Silver Medalist (in the 3000m) and two-time Zurich Diamond League champion (in the 1500m) talks about his love for his pet tortoise, Tyro, and Taylor Swift. Living for the hope of it all, indeed! FOLLOW YARED @yaredthegoose SPONSORS: The Eugene Marathon: Register for the Eugene Marathon (April 27, 2025) and save $10 with code ONTHERUN. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: What the off-season looks like for Yared, and how he reflects on the 2024 racing season (2:00) Yared’s take on all that 1500m trash talk (4:55) What it was like having two American men on the 1500m podium (12:30) Has life changed since becoming an Olympic medalist? (16:00) The Yared Effect (17:40) Yared’s passion for orthodontia (19:40) Yared’s running lately (26:05) Yared Nuguse, Ryan Crouser, and the art of Olympic pin collecting and trading (27:15) TAYLOR SWIFT TALK! (33:15) All about Tyro (52:20) On Olympic dreams — or lack thereof — and what Yared still wants to do (57:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Sometimes a short build up can do a miracle. So I’m hoping for the miracle in Chicago!" In a stacked field of elite runners, Betsy Saina is absolutely one to watch at this weekend's Chicago Marathon. Betsy is a 2:19 marathoner — a time that makes her the third-fastest American woman marathoner (behind Emily Sisson and Keira D'Amato). She's a 2016 Olympian who competed in the 10,000m, and she's the 2024 USATF 25K Champion and women-only American record holder in that distance. She's a three-time NCAA champion who ran at Iowa State University, and she currently lives and trains primarily in Kenya. In this conversation, Betsy — who is a mom to three-year-old Kalya — talks about how she's feeling heading into the Chicago Marathon. She talks about the fall earlier this year that derailed her training and set her back several weeks, and about how she's come back from a DNF at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Plus, whether or not she's planning to go for an American Record in Chicago, what it's like training alongside Joyciline Kepkosgei, and more. Running Chicago? Here's everything you need to know. FOLLOW BETSY @sainabetsy SPONSOR:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you’ll get on this episode: How Betsy was feeling a few weeks before the Chicago Marathon, and what motherhood looks like lately (2:40) What Betsy’s Chicago Marathon training has looked like, and all about the fall that derailed the first few weeks (6:25) Is Betsy targeting the American record in Chicago? (10:50) How Betsy feels about the taper (19:15) On racing alongside training partner Joyciline Jepkosgei, and what Betsy thinks she can run in Chicago (21:30) Betsy looks back on the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, and how she reflects on that day (26:20) Why Betsy is running this year’s Chicago Marathon, after being shut out of the professional field in 2023 (30:15) When and why Betsy started running (32:00) Betsy, one week later (38:30) What will make Chicago a success? (43:30) Betsy’s advice for first-time marathoners, and for marathoners chasing big dreams (45:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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 looked like a fainting goat at mile 20." Logan Aldridge just might be the real-life human version of a golden retriever. But as charming and funny and lovable as he may be, Logan isn't afraid to kick your butt and make you sweat. Logan is a Peloton instructor who is best known for his adaptive classes. When Logan was 13, he was wakeboarding with his family and the rope around his arm became entangled in the boat's propeller. It cut through all of Logan's arm muscles, down to the bone. His left arm — and he was a lefty at the time — had to be amputated. Remarkably, Logan never let this keep him down. He relearned how to do everything with his right arm and hand, and went on to become "The Strongest One-Armed Man on Earth." Most recently, Logan became a marathoner! He ran the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and is currently training for this year's New York City Marathon. FOLLOW LOGAN @loganaldridge SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (Emma Bates and I are both Otters!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order. IN THIS EPISODE: How Logan’s New York City Marathon training is going (2:45) Why Logan wanted to run a marathon (6:20) On finding community in the marathon (9:30) How Logan learned how to run a marathon (11:30) On having time goals for a first marathon, and how Logan’s first marathon — the 2023 Chicago Marathon — played out (16:00) What Logan learned about himself in the process of becoming a marathoner (25:40) Logan’s advice to this year’s Chicago Marathon runners (30:45) How Logan is approaching his New York City Marathon training (38:20) When Logan shifted from being obsessive about fitness goals to wanting to enjoy the process (43:45) How Logan got his job at Peloton (47:30) On being a daredevil — and what Logan hasn’t done (59:00) What’s top of mind for Logan now, a month out from the New York City Marathon (1:02:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

Welcome to Ask Ali, LIVE at the 2024 Akron Marathon! I spent this past weekend in Akron, OH, as one of the start and finish line announcers at the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay, and got to do a live show at the race expo — with a twist. This time, I was the one being interviewed! Join Jasen Sokol and me (and some wonderful question-asking audience members) for this fun getting-to-know-you-better conversation covering running, cancer, motherhood, and so much more. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Remember the entire journey, because it’s very special." It’s almost time for the 46th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13, and this episode is packed with all the information you need before you head to the start line. (And yes, you really should plan to get there two hours early. We’ll explain why!) The elite fields are stacked (Bates! D'Amato! Saina! Chepngetich! Hall! Rojas! Rooker! Frisbie!), and they’ll be followed by tens of thousands of runners en route to 26.2-mile glory. Get ready. Get psyched. And get that Goose Island at the finish! Planning to tune in from home? Here’s how to watch. SPONSORS: Sidekick: Click here to get 15% off any recovery tool. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: Chicago Marathon executive race director Carey Pinkowski talks about what to expect at this year’s race (5:00)) How to get in, how to watch, and how Chicago is committed to sustainability (31:00) What to know about getting to the start and navigating the athlete village (37:00) Chris "Coach Worm" Wehrman and Robyn LaLonde talk Chicago Marathon course strategy (48:00) All about the finish line experience and tips for spectating (1:17:40) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"It felt like the riskiest choice I could make, but it changed the whole trajectory of my life and I feel so grateful." Lauren Peterson's list of professional contacts is wildly impressive. As a political speechwriter and strategist, she has worked for and with President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and President Biden. She's the New York Times best-selling co-author of Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead, with former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, and is currently working on her next book, This Will All Be Worth It, about LGBTQ+ family building. In this conversation, Lauren shares her most memorable stories from the campaign trails and Air Force One, to her encounters and interviews with Barack, Michelle, and more. And, of course, Lauren is a runner and marathoner. She talks about running through the best of times, the worst of times, and the most stressful times. Lauren lives in New York City with her wife and their son, Remy.  FOLLOW LAUREN @lcollinsp SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. In this episode: How Lauren describes her job (5:30) On “ego” in speechwriting (7:50) How Lauren got into politics (10:30) What it was like meeting — and working with — the Obamas (22:40) What it was like flying on Air Force One (28:40) How Lauren became a speechwriter (31:15) The first time Lauren heard one of her speeches being delivered (38:00) The speeches Lauren most loves to write (48:00) Why Lauren started running (55:10) How running changed Lauren’s relationship with food and her body (1:02:00) Running around the time of the 2016 election (1:04:50) Lauren’s decision to have a baby, and what that meant for running and her career (1:09:00) What Lauren’s days look like right now (1:21:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

"Sometimes you need to just shut your brain off and run." At this time last year, Karissa Schweizer was undergoing foot surgery. Then, as she mounted her comeback heading into an Olympic year, she faced another setback: a femoral stress fracture. But as we know, the comeback is always greater than the setback, and Karissa proved that by racing both the 5000m and the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on her home turf at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, making the team in both distances. She went on to finish in the top 10 in both events at the Paris Olympic Games. Karissa's season didn't end there: She went on to race the 5000m at the Zurich Diamond League, she raced (and won!) the Fifth Avenue Mile, and she ran a season's best in the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Now, the two-time Olympian, Nike-sponsored athlete, and longtime Bowerman Track Club member is back in Oregon for some much-deserved downtime, and back on the Ali on the Run Show to catch us up on all of it. SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: Where in the world is Karissa Schweizer? (2:40) How Karissa approaches her training breaks (4:30) High school nerves vs. Olympics nerves (7:30) How Karissa’s body is feeling after a big season of racing, and how she approached her comeback after multiple injuries (9:50) On having the confidence to line up at the Trials (20:25) What Karissa’s training was like this year (22:00) How Karissa has handled the changing landscape of the Bowerman Track Club over the past few years (26:40) Karissa’s experience at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (30:45) “Is Karissa Schweizer a miler?” (37:25) How Karissa is processing her season (44:00) Karissa’s advice for improving your running confidence (49:40) What’s intriguing right now? (54:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!