206. Love on the Run Week with Steph & Ben Bruce

“It was this weird moment of knowing I was on the precipice of my entire life being about to change. And that was terrifying. The moment I had been the most scared of my entire life was about to come, but somehow I would be OK.” Theodora Blanchfield is the creator of the blog Preppy Runner — formerly Losing Weight in the City — and is a social media maven, digital content strategist, writer, and marathoner living in New York City. On this episode, she talks going from overweight and unhappy to losing 50 pounds to eventually running seven marathons and more than 30 half marathons. Plus, she opens up about the past year, which involved losing her mother to ovarian cancer and exploring the grief process that followed. Here’s what you’ll get in this episode: • How Theodora got into blogging & her career story (3:00) • How Theodora kicked off her fitness and weight-loss journey — including the game-changing bet she made with her mom (5:30) • Exactly what helped Theodora lose 50 pounds (14:40) • When and how Theodora’s blog, Losing Weight in the City, became popular (16:00) • How Theodora got her start in digital media — and what that actually means (18:00) • What happened when Theodora landed her dream job (20:45) • How Theodora started running — and eventually running marathons (21:00) • Why Theodora left her dream job, and what she’s up to now (24:45) • Theodora’s story about her mom passing away from ovarian cancer last year (27:20) • The grief process (50:15) • The role running and therapy played during the grief process (54:30) What We Mention on this Episode: Preppy Runner: https://preppyrunner.com/ Daily Burn: https://lp.dailyburn.com/201701/index.html American University: https://www.american.edu/ Campaigns & Elections: https://www.campaignsandelections.com/ New York Sports Club: https://www.newyorksportsclubs.com/ Woman’s Day: http://www.womansday.com/ TCS New York City Marathon: https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/ Theodora’s 2017 New York City Marathon recap: https://preppyrunner.com/2017/11/2017-nyc-marathon-recap/ Uplift Studios: https://www.upliftstudios.com/ United Airlines NYC Half: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2018/united-airlines-nyc-half “Moments to Hold Onto” via Preppy Runner: https://preppyrunner.com/2017/09/moments-to-hold-onto/ Meggie Smith on Episode 27 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/05/11/ali-run-show-episode-27-meggie-smith-md-chief-resident-ob-gyn-nyu-langone-medical-center/ Dan’s Papers: http://www.danspapers.com/ New York Junior League: https://www.nyjl.org/ The Crown: https://www.netflix.com/title/80025678 Follow Theodora: Instagram @theodorable: https://www.instagram.com/theodorable/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preppyrunner/ Twitter @tblanchfield: https://twitter.com/tblanchfield Blog: https://preppyrunner.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

1 Helmi 20181h 10min

“I went on this amazing trip, and I thought everything would change. But your problems don’t just go away because you run away. They will follow you anywhere until you fix them.” This episode got a little heavy. Last Friday night, over a bottle of Pinot Grigio, Brian and I sat down to catch up, since it’s been just about a month since my life-changing “CAli on the Run” trip. What started out as a conversation about learning to be more present turned into the most honest, most scared, and most raw I’ve ever been on this show. This episode is on the heavier side for me, and I seriously debated even releasing it. But why not do something that feels a little scary? And scary, right now, is sharing all this brutal honesty with the world. So here we go! (Plus, listener Q&A!) Here’s what you’ll get in this episode: • “The Story of Last Monday” & lessons on being present (3:00) • All about the amazing gift I gave Brian for his birthday — and why he returned it (10:00) • What it really means to be Ali on the Run lately (11:40) • “I don’t know what I wanna be when I grow up” (16:10) • Ali starts to cry (21:13) • “What are you curious about?” (25:30) • On success, and what it meant growing up vs. what it means now (30:40) • Ali cries again (31:10) • Fear and failure (32:15) • The single biggest challenge in our marriage right now (39:00) • On inspiration (45:40) • Brian reflects on his dad’s legacy (52:00) • Listener Q&A (56:50) What We Mention on this Episode: CAli on the Run: My 7-Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/18/california-coast-road-trip-itinerary/ “Making It Count”: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/04/making-it-count/ Ali’s Bermuda trip: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2018/01/17/bermuda-triangle-challenge-2018-recap/ Orangetheory Fitness: https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/ Dance Spirit: http://www.dancespirit.com/ Mia Michaels on Episode 35 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/06/08/ali-on-the-run-show-mia-michaels/ Ali’s New Year’s Resolutions: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2018/01/04/2018-new-years-resolutions/ 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/ Brian on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/04/06/ali-on-the-run-show-episode-17-brian-cristiano/ Brian on Episode 47 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/11/22/ali-run-show-episode-47-brian-cristiano-newport-pie-run-turkey-trot/ Brian on Episode 52 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/21/ali-run-show-episode-52-brian-cristiano-ali-feller-solo-travel/ Follow Brian: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldceo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldceo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/boldceo Growing BOLD: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc0OV-7Bct-i1h_7a7pXA-A BOLD Worldwide: http://www.boldworldwide.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

25 Tammi 20181h 11min

“You should talk more and smile. It’s my favorite.” Susan Pass — best known on the internet as “Susan Runs” and as the blogger behind “Nurse on the Run” — is a 15-time marathoner who holds a 3:18 personal best time. Susan is currently in school to become a nurse anesthetist — a career path she decided on after majoring in dietetics and going on to nursing school, then working in a burn unit in New York City for 7.5 years. Here’s what you’ll get in this episode: • How Susan started running (4:05) • Susan’s history with injuries, surgeries, and a labral tear (6:11) • What the first run back after double hip surgery felt like (10:28) • Susan’s first marathon experience (11:55) • Susan’s current running goals (14:05) • How Susan became a nurse — and what she thought she wanted to do before deciding on nursing (14:30) • How Susan decided on a nursing specialty (16:00) • What it’s like working in a burn unit (22:25) • What it’s like working the night shift at a hospital (25:15) • Why Susan decided to go back to school and what her current 27-month program is like (28:10) • How Susan balances a demanding job and schooling with running (33:50) • Susan’s craziest nursing story (38:00) • What it takes to be a good patient (41:45) • Susan’s take on being an introvert (46:00) What We Mention on this Episode: Eugene Marathon: https://www.eugenemarathon.com/ TCS New York City Marathon: https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/ New Jersey Marathon: https://www.thenewjerseymarathon.com/ Susan’s 2013 New Jersey Marathon recap: http://www.susanruns.com/2013/05/08/2013-new-jersey-marathon-race-report/ Chicago Marathon: https://www.chicagomarathon.com/ Marine Corps Marathon: http://www.marinemarathon.com/ Hal Higdon Marathon Training Plan: http://www.halhigdon.com/ Boston Marathon: http://www.baa.org/ University of Maryland: https://www.umd.edu/ Rush University: https://www.rushu.rush.edu/ Burn Unit: Saving Lives After the Flames: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Unit-Saving-Lives-Flames/dp/0306814196 Au Bon Pain: https://www.aubonpain.com/ Mount Sinai: http://www.mountsinai.org/ Pura Vida: https://puravidaspa.com/ Big Sur International Marathon: http://www.bsim.org/ Follow Susan: Instagram @susanruns: https://www.instagram.com/susanruns/ Twitter @susanruns: https://twitter.com/susanruns Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurseontherun Blog: http://www.susanruns.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

18 Tammi 201856min

“I wanted to prove to everyone that all the sacrifices I’d made and dumb decisions I made were worth it.” Nick Symmonds was a professional track and field athlete for 12 years, specializing in the 800 meters. He made two Olympic teams — the first when he was just 22 years old — and represented Team USA in Beijing and London. Nick, who lives in Eugene, OR, and is the CEO of Run Gum, retired from professional racing last year, and is now a proud, self-professed “hobby jogger.” He made his marathon debut at the 2017 Honolulu Marathon, and is now training to break three hours in the 26.2-mile distance this spring. Here’s what you’ll get in this episode: — How Nick got into running (3:20) — When he realized he could make a career out of running and the life-changing training decision that launched his professional career (5:20) — Nick’s advice for mastering the 800m (8:45) — What it’s like competing at the Olympics (11:00) — When he was “the most nervous he’s ever been for a race” (12:35) — How Nick developed his mental strength and overcame “the rollercoaster of emotions” (14:00) — The sacrifices he made to become an Olympian (16:45) — How he made the decision to retire in 2017, and how he felt the day after his retirement (17:45) — Why he wanted to run a marathon (20:45) — Why he says the Boston Marathon pisses him off and “is B.S.” and that running it would be going against his core beliefs (26:00) — The Run Gum story (30:00) — What Nick sees as the biggest problems in professional track and field (35:00) — Nick’s take on doping in professional sports and lifetime bans (37:00) — The latest on Nick’s love life — plus how he ended up on a date with Paris Hilton (40:40) Follow Nick: Instagram @nicksymmonds: https://www.instagram.com/nicksymmonds/ Twitter @nicksymmonds: https://twitter.com/NickSymmonds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.symmonds/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXJQ2GQh4BoRuAEkteU0Wg Website: https://www.nicksymmonds.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

11 Tammi 201851min

“It’s easy as an athlete to know what your body is saying, but it’s very hard to listen to it.” Gwen Jorgensen is a professional triathlete, multiple-time world champion, and Olympic gold medalist. She represented Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she brought home the gold in the triathlon, and that same year, she made her marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. (She ran a 2:41, coming in 14th place overall.) So how do you follow a year like that? For Gwen and husband Patrick Lemieux, it meant welcoming their first child, Stanley, who was born in August 2017! It also meant declaring big, bold, exciting dreams: At the end of 2017, Gwen announced her goal to return to the Olympics in 2020, and to win another goal medal. But this time, she wants to do it as a marathoner. Gwen has officially begun her pursuit to chase her marathon dreams and compete at Team USA in the 26.2-mile distance. Gwen was a blast to talk to — I smiled the entire time! Here’s what you’ll get in this episode: — Gwen’s expectations vs. reality when it came to her pregnancy and returning to running after giving birth to Stanley. — Exactly how Stanley’s birth went down. (“I hope your listeners don’t mind details,” Gwen said before getting pretty graphic about the process!) — What motivated Gwen’s marathon decision. — How she got into triathlon. — Where she keeps her gold medal! — Why husband Patrick has been called “the secret to her success.” — Exactly how she plans to shave 20 minutes from her marathon time. — Her best advice for triathletes, including how to master tricky transitions. Stuff We Mention on this Episode: TCS New York City Marathon: https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/ Shalane Flanagan: https://twitter.com/ShalaneFlanagan Amy Hastings Cragg: https://www.instagram.com/hastyhastings/ “Happy Wife, Happy Life” via NBC Sports: http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/gwen-jorgensen-triathlon-husband-patrick/ “How This Pair of Ultra-Fit Athletes Makes It Work” via Runner’s World: https://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/how-this-pair-of-ultra-fit-athletes-makes-it-work “Why Patrick Lemieux Quit His Career to Support Wife Gwen Jorgensen” via Triathlete: http://www.triathlete.com/2016/05/features/why-patrick-lemieux-quit-his-career-to-support-gwen-jorgensen_131699 Meghan Markle: https://www.instagram.com/meghanmarkle/ The Island House Triathlon: http://www.islandhousetriathlon.com/ Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/19/ali-run-show-episode-51-molly-huddle/ Meb Keflezighi: https://marathonmeb.com/ Follow Gwen: Instagram @gwenjorgensen: https://www.instagram.com/gwenjorgensen/ Twitter @gwenjorgensen: https://twitter.com/gwenjorgensen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GwenJorgensenTriathlete/ Website: http://www.gwenjorgensen.com/ Blog: http://www.gwenjorgensen.com/blog/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

4 Tammi 201835min

It’s been a big few years for professional runner and Olympian Kate Grace. In 2016, the Yale graduate won the Olympic Trials in the 800-meter event in Eugene, OR, and went on to represent Team USA in Rio, where she finished eighth. She chased that with a personal best in the 800 meters in Zurich, running a 1:59.47. A few months later, Kate's contract with Oiselle, her sponsor of four years and her first major professional sponsor, was up, and she announced her decision to join Nike, the industry behemoth despised by many at Oiselle. Then, this past fall, Kate officially joined Portland, OR-based Bowerman Track Club, where she now trains alongside some of professional running’s greatest, fastest women, including Shalane Flanagan, Amy Cragg, and Emily Infeld, and is coached by Jerry Schumacher. On this episode, Kate lets us all inside the head of a hardworking athlete and Olympian. She shares what it’s like training with some of the fastest women in the world, and talks about the “not glamorous” parts of racing. She explains her recent sponsorship decisions, breaks down how to master the 800m, and talks about why the 800-meter race at the Trials was “a shitshow.” Plus, Kate shares what it’s like competing at the Oympics — and what the athlete’s village is really like — and talks about how to deal with injuries, her fitness-world-famous mom, the comeback she’s hoping for this February, and what’s next. Stuff We Mention on this Episode: Oiselle: http://www.oiselle.com/ Bowerman Track Club: http://www.bowermantc.com/ Nike: https://www.nike.com/ Yale University: https://www.yale.edu/ Shalane Flanagan: https://twitter.com/ShalaneFlanagan “How the ‘Shalane Effect’ Works” in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/11/opinion/sunday/shalane-flanagan-marathon-running.html?_r=0 “Kate Grace Joins the Bowerman Track Club” via Flotrack: https://www.flotrack.org/articles/6021328-kate-grace-joins-the-bowerman-track-club Sally Bergesen on the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/11/29/ali-run-show-episode-48-sally-bergesen-ceo-founder-oiselle/ USATF: http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx NJ/NY Track Club: https://www.njnytc.com/ Lauren Fleshman: http://asklaurenfleshman.com/ Kim Conley: http://kimfconley.com/ Kathy Smith: https://www.kathysmith.com/ Honolulu Marathon: https://www.honolulumarathon.org/ Kathrine Switzer: http://kathrineswitzer.com/ Boston Marathon: http://www.baa.org/ Inside Out: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2096673/ Votivo Red Currant candle: https://www.votivo.com/shop/?Product%20Line=RED%20CURRANT%20COLLECTION&orderBy=Id&page=1 Paul Farmer: http://ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/person/faculty/paul-farmer Follow Kate: Instagram @kategrace: https://www.instagram.com/fastkate/ Twitter @fastk8: https://twitter.com/fastk8 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

28 Joulu 201756min

I’m fresh off a life-changing trip to California, where I spent a week road tripping from San Francisco to Los Angeles — alone. I learned a lot about myself on this trip. My only goal was to surround myself with beautiful things. I went in with no expectations and an open mind, and by the time I flew back home, I felt lighter, happier, and more fulfilled than I have in years — or maybe ever. So on this special bonus episode, we’re flipping the script: This time, I’m in the hot seat, and my husband Brian is taking over the hosting duties. He asks all the hard, insightful, let’s-really-get-into-it questions (including why I really booked this trip, why I never give myself credit for my successes, and why I often say no to things without considering the potential amazing outcomes), and I enjoyed digging a little deeper into my feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and dreams. Enjoy! Stuff We Mention on this Episode: CAli on the Run: My 7-Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/18/california-coast-road-trip-itinerary/ “Making It Count”: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/12/04/making-it-count/ 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/ Brian on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/04/06/ali-on-the-run-show-episode-17-brian-cristiano/ Brian on Episode 47 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/11/22/ali-run-show-episode-47-brian-cristiano-newport-pie-run-turkey-trot/ Westin St. Francis San Francisco: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/ Chris Heuisler on Episode 6 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/03/01/episode-6-chris-heuisler-national-run-concierge-westin-hotels-resorts/ Bike ride to Sausalito: https://www.strava.com/activities/1309995780 Andrea Barber on Episode 45 of the Ali on the Run Show: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/11/09/ali-run-show-episode-45-andrea-barber-aka-full-houses-kimmy-gibbler/ Golden Gate Park: https://goldengatepark.com/ Ali’s Half Marathon PR Recap: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/03/27/national-half-marathon-recap/ Erica Sara Designs: https://www.ericasara.com/ Natural Bridges State Beach: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541 Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: https://montereyplazahotel.com/ The Madonna Inn: http://www.madonnainn.com/ Cerro San Luis Trail: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cerro-san-luis-trail-san-luis-obispo Meet Brian: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2011/09/28/meet-my-handsome-friend/ Follow Brian: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldceo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldceo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/boldceo Growing BOLD: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc0OV-7Bct-i1h_7a7pXA-A BOLD Worldwide: http://www.boldworldwide.com/ 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

22 Joulu 20171h 15min

You know her, you love her, and she’s here today: Molly Huddle! Molly is a professional distance runner and 25-time national title holder who lives and trains in Providence, RI. On this episode, Molly talks about her Olympic dreams that started when she was young, and what it’s been like to actually achieve those dreams — twice. She talks about what it’s actually like competing at the Olympics (she represented Team USA in the 5K in 2012 and in the 10K in 2016), and explains why last year’s Olympics felt “like a local road race.” She also talks about the relationship between United States female distance runners right now (warm fuzzy alert!), how she trains her mental game, and her scariest career moments. Plus, she reflects on her marathon debut (at the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon), talks about being at the finish line for Shalane Flanagan’s 2017 NYCM win, and shares what’s next. (Since recording this episode, Molly has announced she will officially be racing the Boston Marathon in 2018! Go Molly!) Stuff We Mention on this Episode: TCS New York City Marathon: https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/ United Airlines NYC Half: http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2018/united-airlines-nyc-half Shalane Flanagan: https://twitter.com/ShalaneFlanagan Saucony: http://www.saucony.com/en/home Ray Treacy: http://www.friars.com/sports/m-xc/mtt/treacy_ray01.html Providence College: http://www.providence.edu/ USATF: http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx Mary Keitany: https://www.runnersworld.com/mary-keitany Meb Keflezighi: https://marathonmeb.com/ Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K: http://www.aliontherunblog.com/2017/11/06/abbott-dash-finish-5k-recap/ Runner Girl emoji: https://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/the-running-emoji-youve-been-waiting-for-is-here Unicode: http://unicode.org/emoji/ University of Notre Dame: https://www.nd.edu/ Houston Half Marathon: http://houstonhalf.com/ Nordstrom: https://shop.nordstrom.com/ Cumberland Monestary: http://cumberlandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/attachments/CompleteMonasteryTrailMapV.1.6.0.pdf All Saints: https://www.us.allsaints.com/ Joan Benoit Samuelson: http://www.joanbenoitsamuelson.com/ Follow Molly: Instagram @mollyhuddle: https://www.instagram.com/mollyhuddle/ Twitter @mollyhuddle: https://twitter.com/mollyhuddle Website: http://www.runmollyhuddle.com/ Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1: https://www.instagram.com/aliontherun1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliontherun/ Twitter @aliontherun1: 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 the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on iTunes. Spread the run love!

20 Joulu 201749min