795. Jinger Gottschall, New Balance Director of Sports Research

"I’m really good at making sure others understand that not only are they athletes — look at the definition and tell me that doesn’t describe you! — but also telling people they are runners. I just decided, 'Listen, that’s what I am.' If you run, if you jog, I don’t care what it is, you’re a runner. And you’re an athlete! Own that. Once you own it, you will really see a lot of weight lifted off of you. Then you realize, you’re not out here for anybody else. You’re out here for you." Kristian Mines represents all of the best qualities you'll find within the running community. She radiates joy, positivity, and energy. She started running in her forties, she completed her first marathon in Chicago last year, and she's a proud back-of-the-pack athlete. Where Kristian feels she really shines, though, is as a "voluncheerleader." She's on a quest to volunteer at all six World Marathon Majors (she's done three so far!), and she cares deeply about making sure every runner feels celebrated at their respective finish lines. (She's often the last person to leave the finish, cheering until the very end, ensuring no one arrives at the line alone.) Kristian — or "K-Money," as she's best known — lives in Columbus, OH, where she is a training facilitator and analyst. SPONSOR: goodr: Use code ONTHERUN for free shipping on your entire order What you’ll get on this episode: Kristian shares how she got the nickname “K-Money” (3:35) What’s making Kristian happy today (4:20) Kristian shares what she’s training for right now, and how her training is going so far (5:15) What Kristian’s childhood was like, and when and why sports entered the picture (17:45) How Kristian became a runner (23:15) On the first time Kristian called herself a runner (37:30) How Kristian deals with judgment and negativity within the running community and beyond (43:00) On recruiting non-runners and turning them into aspiring half-marathoners (50:10) All about the back-of-the-pack camaraderie (55:00) Kristian reflects on how running has changed her life (1:04:45) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

7 Maalis 20231h 9min

"I’m better when I know that people are counting on me." Ever watched a professional track race and wondered why there were certain runners out front controlling the pace and then dropping out (intentionally) around the halfway mark? Pacers — or rabbits — have a very important job on race day, even if it means finishing the event with a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) next to their results. In this conversation, professional New Balance athlete, Olympian, and 1500m specialist Cory McGee returns to the Ali on the Run Show for a Rabbiting 101 lesson. After dealing with both illness and injury at the end of last year, Cory — who lives in Boulder, CO, where she trains with Team Boss — decided to spend her indoor season focusing on helping others achieve their dreams on the track. Today, she explains how pacers get their jobs, whether they are paid positions, and what the rules are for rabbits. (And answers the often-asked question: Can a rabbit go on to win a race?) Plus, she shares what's on her 2023 racing calendar, how becoming an Olympian changed her life, and how wedding planning is going. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you’ll get on this episode: What’s making Cory happy today (2:10) Rabbiting 101: What it means to be a pacer in a race (4:10) Cory’s approach to this indoor season, and why she chose to pace vs. race (10:50) How you get hired as a pacer (14:50) How Cory trained and prepared for her pacing duties (17:40) OK, so you’re a pacer: What happens next? (22:25) The rules and expectations of pacing (28:15) What Cory is like before pacing a race (32:00) What Cory says is her favorite part of pacing, and how the rest of Team Boss feels about Cory pacing their races (33:25) Cory’s pacing strategies (40:00) The racing moment that made Cory feel “like a pinball” (42:35) Why Cory doesn’t consider races “breakout races” (48:30) How becoming an Olympian changed Cory’s life (52:15) The rules of rabbit enthusiasm (55:20) Cory shares her 2023 racing plans (1:04:50) Adventures in wedding planning (1:06:35) Follow Cory: Instagram @corymcgeeruns Twitter @corymcgeeruns Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

2 Maalis 20231h 12min

"I’m not here to do gotcha journalism. I’m not trying to get the scoop, I’m not trying to break news. I’m just trying to offer a platform to showcase the stories of these athletes, professional or otherwise, to share their stories, and for them to have fun. I want this to be fun for them. And I hope you enjoy it along the way!" Welcome to the first Ask Ali episode of 2023! These episodes will hit the podcast once a month, sometimes with a guest host, sometimes responding to listener voicemails, and sometimes just flying solo. That's what today is: a solo-sode (is that a thing? can it be?) answering questions about running, podcasting, and more. CALL IN: 617-446-3966 SPONSOR: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. Running-Related Questions 2:00: What is your favorite post-race meal? 2:40: Tips for treadmill runs 4:40: What are your favorite Peloton workouts? (Use #FriendsofAliOTR for your workouts so we can high-five each other!) 8:15: What will your costume be for the Eugene Marathon? (Register and save with code ONTHERUNEUGENE!) 9:05: Who do you want to interview you for your post-marathon recap podcast? 9:50: What is the running video or clip that you return to most for inspiration or joy? 10:45: Do you stop the Strava app for bathroom breaks on your runs? 11:10: Are you enjoying marathon training? 13:50: Do you feel race performance pressure knowing people follow your running? Podcast-Related Questions 20:00: Are you still looking to hire someone to help you this year? I’d love to apply! 21:50: Would you ever announce or run the Pittsburgh Marathon? 23:30: What is your personal favorite episode that you’ve done on the podcast to date? 24:20: When was the moment when you really thought to yourself, I’ve made it? 28:55: Personally or professionally, what were the top three turning points in your life? 29:20: Is there ever a conflict between what companies sponsor your episodes and who the athlete is sponsored by? 31:25: What is something you learned about contracts with brands that you didn’t know starting off? 32:50: Was there anything about Chelsea Clinton’s race day that you weren’t allowed to ask? 35:15: Do your guests have any idea what you might ask them? 36:25: How much is pre-prepared before an interview, and how much is natural conversation flow? Life/Parenting Questions 38:00: What are your favorite recharging activities? 39:10: Would you ever write a book? 41:15: I’m turning 28 this week. Any advice for this strange time of life? Married, no kids, career is eh. 43:35: How do you balance exposing but not pushing Annie into activities like dance and running? 48:00: If you had a kid-free day to yourself, what would you do? Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

28 Helmi 202352min

"I really believe that if you do a good job with the process, the outcome is gonna take care of itself. The time is gonna take care of itself." I'm running the Eugene Marathon on April 30. I've run six marathons, but my most recent one was nearly seven years ago. So, it's been a while! And while, sure, muscle memory is a thing, I wanted to enlist some help with the process this time around. Enter Coach Kaitlin Goodman, founder of Running Joyfully, and sports dietitian Meghann Featherstun. Together, they're not just helping me get to the start line healthy and the finish line happy — they're teaching me a lot along the way, and ensuring I'm enjoying the process (which I really, really am!). In this conversation, you'll get to hear all about what it means to run my way right now, including what's going great, what's still a mystery, and where I feel I'm falling a little short. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you’ll get on this episode: Coach Kaitlin Goodman talks about how my marathon training is going, from her perspective (2:25) What “Running Joyfully” means to Kaitlin, and all about her approach to coaching (6:00) What working with a running coach is actually like (8:20) All about my strengths and weaknesses as a runner, and what my goals are for the Eugene Marathon (11:00) The GPS watch debate (19:30) Kaitlin’s advice for dealing with pre-workout nerves (26:15) Meghann Featherstun talks about her role as my sports dietitian slash therapist (38:00) On dealing with feelings of shame or embarrassment around eating and nutrition (41:30) Meghann’s early concerns and notes from our first call together (43:30) Addressing my struggles navigating performance nutrition (49:30) I have a plan, which is what I wanted — so why am I not following it? (58:00) On figuring out the ideal pre-run meal (and is it sushi?) (1:06:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

24 Helmi 20231h 14min

"I always have to remind myself that a race is gonna be really hard!" Surely when Alicia Keys sang "this girl is on fire," she was referring (preemptively) to On Athletics Club's Alicia Monson. In 2021, Alicia became an Olympian in the 10K. In 2022, she represented Team USA at World Championships, again in the 10K. And just two months into 2023, the unstoppable streak continues: Alicia just broke the indoor 3000m American Record at the Millrose Games in New York City. Alicia lives and trains in Boulder, CO, where she is coached by Dathan Ritzenhein. In this conversation, she talks about training with OAC, about the team culture, and about why seemingly every member of the team is killing it right now. She also talks about how she has learned to stay focused, stay relaxed, and stay energized during races and hard workouts. (Check out this video for a perfect example.) And if you've ever thought you can't relate to the pros, rest assured, Alicia is one of us: Her on-the-run music of choice is The Greatest Showman soundtrack. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: All about Alicia’s workout today (2:00) How Alicia feels about performance pressure and expectations, and what grounds her (6:00) How Alicia was feeling heading into the Millrose Games (8:40) What was going through Alicia’s head on the starting line, and how she handles pre-race nerves (12:45) The women Alicia loves racing with and against, and the advice she would give younger athletes (15:30) How Alicia stays relaxed during races (18:00) On staying motivated during a long season (23:20) Looking back on the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials, where Alicia finished second, became an Olympian — and went straight to the hospital (27:00) All about On Athletics Club, and why the team is excelling right now (32:15) How Alicia has built her mental strength over the years (40:35) What Alicia was like as a kid (42:00) Alicia shares her biggest hopes, dreams, and goals (47:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

23 Helmi 20231h 2min

"They said, 'Deirdre, think of where you were when you signed up for this, and where you are now. And just enjoy this moment.' And so I turned off the music, and I just enjoyed the serenity of running at night, thinking of my dad next to me, thinking of the person I was when I signed up for this, and who I am now. And I crossed that finish line and absolutely fell apart in the best way possible. It’s something I’ll never, ever forget." You probably remember Deirdre Keane: the pediatric ICU nurse from New York City who was featured on Humans of New York, talking about how losing her dad (an avid runner) to cancer inspired her to become a marathon runner. Today, Deirdre returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about her latest, most intense challenge to date: completing the World Marathon Challenge. Earlier this month, Deirdre ran seven marathons in seven days on seven different continents — and was the fastest woman to do so. In this conversation (perfect for your next long run!), she talks about everything this challenge entailed, including how she got involved, how she trained, and how she packed. Then, we break down all the details from each 26.2-mile race on each continent. She ran a marathon in Antarctica in -25 degree temperatures, and ran one in Australia on a 95-degree day. She ran a 32-loop course in Europe, and hit a low point somewhere between Europe and South America. And in true Deirdre form, she did it all for a good cause: to raise money for Vibrant Emotional Health, an organization that addresses mental health needs in New York City and across the nation. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI23 for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: How Deirdre is feeling, three days post-adventure (3:00) Why Deirdre wanted to complete the World Marathon Challenge (4:45) How Deirdre prepared for this challenge — physically and mentally — and how she packed for the trip (8:30) Deirdre’s fueling strategy for each marathon (17:00) The biggest mistake Deirdre made along the way (20:20) All about the bathroom situation for the trip (23:30) Why Deirdre was running to raise money for Vibrant Emotional Health (27:00) What the bond among participants was like (28:15) All about Antarctica (31:00) All about Africa (38:50) All about Australia (48:00) All about Asia (56:20) All about Europe (1:00:50) All about South America (1:07:10) All about the final marathon: North America (1:18:50) What happened once all of the races were complete (1:24:00) Follow Deirdre: Instagram @deirdremkeane Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

16 Helmi 20231h 35min

"I was mortified! Like, I’ve literally told everyone he’s my boyfriend, and he hasn’t told his friends about me! They don’t know who I am!" Happy Valentine's Day! We're celebrating as we always do on the Ali on the Run Show: with a whole lot of love! This year, it's Emily Infeld and Max Randolph's time to shine. Emily is a Nike-sponsored professional athlete and member of Team Boss, coached by Joe Bosshard. Max is a longtime Nike-employee and self-described "Professional Wife Supporter," making his podcast debut! In this conversation, we hear about Emily and Max's first meeting (fittingly, they met at a cross-country meet), and the long road to their first real date. Plus, how Max proposed, Emily and Max's advice for making a long-distance relationship work (this applies to all kinds of relationships), what Max is like when Emily is racing, and what's next on Emily's racing calendar. And hey, whether you celebrate today or not, know that one thing is for sure: I love you. SPONSOR: Tracksmith: New customers, use code ALINEW for $15 off your first Tracksmith order over $75. Returning customers, use code ALIGIVE for free shipping, plus a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to Moms Demand Action. What you’ll get on this episode: Max and Emily introduce each other (2:25) The story of how Max and Emily met, and the long road to their first date (4:35) On the “rules” of dating when you’re on a professional running team (35:00) When Emily and Max finally got to be in the same place at the same time — six years after meeting! (40:25) How Max and Emily adjusted to living together for the first time, and how Max proposed (47:55) Max and Emily’s advice for people in long-distance relationships (58:45) What Max is like when Emily’s racing (1:00:00) Emily offers updates on her running (1:03:30) Max and Emily share the moments when they felt proudest of each other (1:08:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

14 Helmi 20231h 28min

"I’m not the type of athlete who likes to go to the track, come home, and watch Netflix or play video games until the next run, and then rinse and repeat. I will go crazy trying to do that. A lot of people enjoy that and think they have to do that in order to get the success that they are working toward — that they have to give up every other part of their life that isn’t running related. And I’ve always pushed back on that. I don’t think it’s this either/or situation. I think there’s an 'and.' You just have to figure out the right 'and' blend." Colleen Quigley is affectionately known as "Steeple Squigs" — a play on her last name, combined with what has always been her greatest passion: competing in the steeplechase. The Florida State University alum rose to fame within the professional track and field ranks by becoming a Nike-sponsored Olympian who trained with the Bowerman Track Club. At the end of 2020, Colleen announced her departure from both Nike and BTC, and in May 2021, she signed with new sponsor lululemon. Now, she's continuing to do things her way, which means slightly less conventional training methods and goals for a track athlete: She's going multisport! Colleen has spent the past several months embracing the swim-bike-run life, and this weekend, she'll compete in her first triathlon in hopes of earning her pro card. So why triathlon? And is she done on the track? All that and more in this conversation. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance’s latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) LISTEN HERE: EMBED What you’ll get on this episode: What’s making Colleen happy today, and how she has adjusted to life in California (2:50) Where Colleen falls on the introvert vs. extrovert scale, and finding the balance between fun and training (9:50) On making the transition to triathlon training and races (16:20) On the release of expectation and pressure (20:30) Colleen shares her triathlon goals, hopes, and dreams (28:30) The status of Colleen’s 2023 racing calendar (45:50) How Colleen sees the running industry now (49:30) What kind of potato product would Colleen be? (1:00:50) Does Colleen have any road or track races on the calendar? (1:03:10) What does it mean to run the Colleen Quigley way? (1:05:30) Follow Colleen: Instagram @steeple_squigs Twitter @steeple_squigs Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava 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!

10 Helmi 20231h 10min