01. Ultramarathoner Emily Halnon

"From this day forward, I will say that I'm a runner." In 2004, I was a freshman at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. That's when I met Scott Wormser. We bonded immediately over our shared loves for musicals, New York City, and chocolate lava cakes. We did fun things together, like hosting the annual Mr. Quinnipiac competition, helping plan the senior week festivities for our graduating class, and being orientation leaders for the incoming freshmen classes. We were always laughing, always having fun — and definitely not ever running. Fast-forward to today, and here we are, nearly 20 years later: two marathoners. We still love musicals, NYC, and lava cakes, but these days, Scott and I are more likely to be talking about our next races or our favorite Peloton instructors. Scott got into running just a few years after I did, and has gone on to complete many half marathons and the 2016 New York City Marathon. For him, running isn't about a pace or a place — it's his me time, his release, his favorite way to sweat. In this conversation, Scott talks about how he became a runner, and why he still sometimes struggles to call himself one. Next up: He'll be running the New York City Half this weekend on as an ambassador for Project Purple, an organization he holds close to his heart. SPONSORS: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race: Register TODAY for the world's largest and most iconic 10K road race, taking place in Atlanta, GA, on July 4. 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: Why is today a good day? (3:00) Would College Scott be surprised to learn that Scott today is a runner? (5:45) What Scott was like growing up (10:25) On feeling like "all runners have this all figured out," and on owning the "runner" title (15:40) Why Scott wanted to run a marathon (30:15) Why Scott runs for Project Purple, a pancreatic cancer community (39:50) All about Scott's job(s) and home life (53:20) Check out the playlist I made for Scott's NYC Half this weekend! 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 Maalis 20231h 20min

"There are definitely stars who make $500,000, a million dollars a year. If someone is breaking world records, they are getting paid." It's a series! Welcome to "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!" I've worked in the running industry in some capacity for roughly a decade now, and as much as I've immersed myself, there's still so much I don't know or understand. So if I, a relative industry insider, am still confused about things like shoe contracts, drug testing, waterfall starts on the track, and the Diamond Leagues, surely I'm not alone. I put out the ask — What's something you don't understand or have always wanted to ask about the running industry? — and the responses came pouring in with great questions. So today, former professional runner and founder of The Lap Count (and track and field's biggest fan and hype guy) Kyle Merber is here to answer all of your questions about the business of running. Sponsorships and appearance fees and "OK but who actually pays coaches?" and NDAs, oh my! 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. Follow Kyle: Instagram @kylemerber Twitter @TheRealMerb Subscribe to The Lap Count 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 Maalis 202359min

"What is my why? It's just to give myself a shot. I've run six marathons. I feel like one of them went really well. And I felt the urge to try something fun and give myself a challenge and see what I'm capable of." Hello from the halfway point in my Eugene Marathon training! I'm seven weeks into my training with seven weeks to go until I line up for my seventh marathon. A few weeks ago, my coach and my sports dietitian joined me on the show to talk about what it's been like working together in this pursuit. Today, it's just me, talking about why I'm doing this. Why now? Why the marathon, seven years after my last attempt? What am I hoping to get out of all of this? In addition to sharing a bit about my history with the 26.2-mile distance, I'm also talking about my key takeaways from the past seven weeks, and sharing what I hope to gain throughout this process. (Come run with me! There's a half marathon option, too! Use code ONTHERUNEUGENE to save on your registration.) 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: What my life looks like right now, and how marathon training fits in (2:45) A recap of my marathon history (8:45) My key takeaways from the halfway point in my Eugene Marathon training (18:25) 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 Maalis 202359min

"I'm telling myself I'm going to crush it. I think that's something I used to shy away from — the Midwesterner in me, saying, 'I'm just going to do my best.' But no. Let's crush it!" Last year, running and strength coach Jess Movold came on the Ali on the Run Show for an honest and vulnerable conversation about her experience running through pregnancy. She was 21 weeks along with her first baby. No one could have predicted or planned for what happened next: Jess gave birth to her son, appropriately named Battle, just five weeks later, at 26 weeks and 2 days into her pregnancy. Battle spent 167 days in the NICU. Jess and her husband, Kyle, spent 167 days visiting their son, holding him, navigating life as new parents — and then having to go home each night without their baby. (More on that journey in this episode.) Fast-forward to today, and Jess, Kyle, and Battle are thriving! Battle is about to celebrate his first birthday. He's happy, healthy, and always growing! Kyle ran his first marathon in New York City in November, and now it's Jess's turn to return to the roads. Jess, a 3:13 marathoner, is training for this year's Boston Marathon — her first postpartum 26.2-mile adventure. Here, she reflects on her first year of motherhood, the challenges and realities of being a NICU parent, and how far she has come in the past 365 days. Plus, what it was like returning to running after giving birth, the realities of postpartum running, and how she's feeling heading into the NYC Half next weekend. 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. The Ultimate 2023 TCS New York City Marathon-Week Sweepstakes: Click here and enter now through March 22 for the chance for you and three friends to win a VIP prize pack for this year's New York City Marathon! So fun! What you'll get on this episode: What's making Jess happy today, and all about her morning run (4:10) All about Jess's morning routine (9:30) How Jess is feeling heading into the NYC Half next weekend (19:20) On returning to running after having a baby last year (26:20) Jess's message to fellow NICU parents (35:00) Why Jess decided to run the 2023 Boston Marathon (37:45) How Jess's marathon training is going (48:30) What Jess is like on race morning (58:00) Jess reflects on her first year of motherhood (1:04:35) 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!

9 Maalis 20231h 13min

"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