349. On the Job with Victoria Asikis, Food Lawyer

“We’re gonna go through tough times. And we’re gonna be fine.” Brian and I are so excited to tell the world that we are having a baby! I am 12 weeks pregnant (at the time we recorded this), and am due October 23. On this episode, we answer all the questions we keep getting from friends, family, and total strangers (namely, “Was this planned?! Were you trying?!”), and share how we’re both feeling, why we’re frustrated with the medical system (as usual!), and whether we think Ellie knows she’s about to be a big sister (she totally does). Thanks for following along on this crazy ride — we can’t wait to share it all with you. What you’ll get on this episode: “Were you trying?! Was this planned?!” (1:30) How I found out, and how I felt when I got that positive pregnancy test (3:30) How I told Brian the big news (10:00) How I’ve been feeling (17:45) Our experience with doctors so far — the good and the bad (19:20) How we told our families the news (34:00) How Brian’s feeling right now (38:35) My response to people who ask, “Do you want a boy or a girl?” (42:50) What has surprised us both so far (46:30) Does Ellie know what’s up? (54:00) What we mention on this episode: Brian on Episode 2 of the Ali on the Run Show Brian on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show Brian on Episode 47 of the Ali on the Run Show Brian on Episode 52 of the Ali on the Run Show Brian on Episode 57 of the Ali on the Run Show Lilia The Modern Orangetheory Dr. Meggie on Episode 61 of the Ali on the Run Show Bermuda Triangle Challenge recap Hackensack UMC New Jersey Half Marathon Follow Brian: Instagram Facebook Twitter Growing BOLD BOLD Worldwide Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

12 Apr 20181h 1min

“I’m trying not to call it a comeback because I’m a completely different person now.” —Tina Muir Tina Muir is an elite runner from England (she’s a 2:36 marathoner!), a new mom, and the host of the Running For Real podcast. Tina went viral last year when she announced her surprising decision to stop running. Her reason: She hadn’t had her period in nine years. Tina opened up about her struggle with amenorrhea and her desire to start a family, and on this episode she explains why she decided to share her story, what it was like going viral and having People magazine write about her period, and what she was afraid people would think about her. Tina also discusses body dysmorphia, how she handled intentionally gaining weight, her eventual pregnancy, and how giving birth compares to running a marathon. And check out Running For Real in a few weeks, when I’ll be Tina’s guest! This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, and then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend!  What you’ll get on this episode: What it means to be a professional runner, and how Tina made it work after college (3:30) Why Tina decided to stop running (6:50) Tina’s journey with amenorrhea (11:40) The steps Tina took to try and beat her amenorrhea (17:50) Why Tina shared her story when she did (20:00) What it was actually like setting out to gain weight, and how Tina dealt with it emotionally (22:30) Tina’s timeline: How long it took from when she stopped running to when she got pregnant (28:45) Why Tina decided to start running again at six weeks pregnant, and how running went throughout her pregnancy (33:50) How Tina approached childbirth with the same mentality as running a marathon (37:00) Tina’s triumphant return to running after having a baby — and whether she’s worried about amenorrhea striking again (39:00) How Tina got into podcasting (42:55) What we mention on this episode: Tina in Runner’s World Tina in People magazine The Crown Saucony Runner’s Connect Gold Coast Marathon Neely Spence Gracey Heidi Greenwood Tina in Self Tina on Well+Good No Period. Now What? Hypnobabies Tina’s take on Hypnobabies Running For Real Run to the Top Kara Goucher on Running For Real Michael McIntyre Kelly Roberts Follow Tina: Instagram @tinamuir88 Twitter @tinamuir Facebook Running For Real Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

5 Apr 201852min

“I’m bringing the track speed to the marathon.” —Molly Huddle On April 16, professional runner Molly Huddle will be among a strong field of indomitable American women racing the Boston Marathon. This will only be Molly’s second marathon: She made her 26.2-mile debut at the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. On this episode, Molly, who is from Rhode Island and chatted with me from Arizona, shares all things Boston: how her training has been going, what she’s excited about, what she’s nervous about, and what she learned from her first marathon that she’ll take with her into her second. Plus, she answers the question I’ve always wanted to ask: How in the world do pro runners grab their water bottles off those tables mid-race without slowing down, missing a bottle, grabbing someone else’s bottle, or dropping a bottle?   What you’ll get in this episode: How Molly’s feeling a month out from Boston, and how this training cycle has been different from her NYC Marathon training (1:50) How fast Molly runs her track workouts and how slow she runs her recovery runs (3:30) Molly reflects on setting a new American half-marathon world record in Houston in January (5:00) Molly shares the high and low points of Boston Marathon training so far (6:45) What Molly’s weekly mileage will peak at leading up to Boston (8:50) Molly’s taper strategy, and her thoughts on tapering (9:15) Molly’s Boston fueling strategy (11:35) The greatest lesson Molly says she learned from her first marathon (14:45) What Molly has that the rest of the American women don’t (15:45) What race week will look like for Molly (18:50) Molly shares her Boston Marathon goals (23:30) What we mention on this episode: Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show Desi Linden on Episode 64 of the Ali on the Run Show Boston Marathon Saucony Houston Half Marathon Deena Kastor Ugly Delicious Gatorade Energy Chews Gatorade Endurance Formula Gatorade Endurance Energy Gels Jordan Hasay Sarah Marie Design Studio Shalane Flanagan Dathan Ritzenhein Tim Ritchie Jared Ward Abdi Abdirahman Follow Molly:  Instagram @mollyhuddle Twitter @mollyhuddle Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

29 Mar 201828min

“The stories you tell can change the world.” —Bianna Golodryga Bianna Golodryga is a CBS News correspondent and a contributor at CNN. She’s the former weekend anchor of Good Morning America, and worked at Yahoo News alongside Katie Couric. Bianna was born in the former Soviet Union and moved to the United States with her parents — and only $150 in their pockets — when she was 18 months old. On this episode, Bianna talks about growing up Russian in Texas (her classmates called her a “Commie Spy,” and she was the only Jewish kid in her entire school), and talks about the decisions that motivated her to move to New York City to pursue a career in finance and, eventually, on television. Bianna has interviewed the world’s top personalities, politicians, and celebrities, from Katy Perry and Reese Witherspoon to Bill Clinton and Borat. (Right before she sat down to record this episode with me, Bianna was interviewing Oprah alongside Gayle King.) Bianna was also the first journalist to interview and talk to the father of the Boston Marathon bombers, and was actually the one to tell him that his sons were the ones behind the bombings. It’s one of many crazy stories Bianna — who is also a mom, a step-mom, and, of course, a runner — shares on this episode, which is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be involved in any aspect of the news or television industry. This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, and then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend! https://blog.strava.com/nyc-marathon-contest/ What you’ll get in this episode: What it was like growing up as a Russian Jewish immigrant in Texas (1:30) How Bianna worked her way from Wall Street to network TV (4:30) The skills Bianna says you need to get a job in television today (10:35) What it was like interviewing Oprah (12:30) How Bianna became an anchor on Good Morning America (17:30) Why Bianna decided to leave GMA for Yahoo News (20:15) What Bianna says is the greatest lesson she learned from working with Katie Couric (26:50) Bianna’s take on being a woman in media right now, and what it’s like covering stories like the Women’s March, the #metoo movement, and Harvey Weinstein-style scandals (30:00) Bianna reflects on the most life-changing — and most challenging — interviews of her career so far (34:00) What Bianna wishes everyone understood about consuming news (44:45) What it’s like being a Russian journalist in today’s crazy news world (48:15) The very cute and high-profile place Bianna met her husband (50:30) How Bianna got into running (52:00) How Bianna manages two demanding jobs, two young kids, and taking care of herself (57:00) What we mention on this episode: High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Maria Bartiromo 60 Minutes Good Morning America Cici’s Pizza Buffet CBS This Morning Gayle King A Wrinkle in Time SoulCycle Lyons Den Power Yoga Robin Roberts Dan Harris Ron Claiborne Katie Couric Morning Joe Fed Up Now I Get It Bianna Golodryga interviews Warren Buffet Brooks Running Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Doomed Campaign United Airlines NYC Half New York Times The Daily podcast Follow Bianna: Instagram @biannagolodryga Twitter @biannagolodryga Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

22 Mar 20181h 4min

“We fail all the time, and we learn from it and we get better. I think that’s amazing. You fail your way to success. That’s how it happens, and I’m super comfortable with that. I have no problem pointing out a bunch of failures in my career. But I don’t define myself or my career as a failure.” —Des Linden Desiree Linden is a professional distance runner who has represented the United States at the London and Rio Olympics. She runs for the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project in Michigan, and is a strong, consistent 2:22 marathoner. In one month, Des will race the Boston Marathon, and on this episode she talks about how her training has been going, and why she’s in it to win it. She also talks about why she thinks women are often hesitant to admit their big, scary, awesome goals, and opens up her recent running burnout — and how she busted out of it. Plus, Des talks about failure — and why she’s not afraid of it — and shares her big post-Boston goal. (Hint: She wants to make big moves in 2020.) This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, and then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend! https://blog.strava.com/nyc-marathon-contest/ What you’ll get in this episode: How Des is feeling a month out from the Boston Marathon and what her training strategy and approach have been this time around (2:10) Whether Des has had any of those magical runs yet in her Boston training (4:50) The marathon taper: Love it or hate it? (6:40) What would make Desi’s husband say, “She’s batshit crazy” (7:45) Whether Des is superstitious or what her pre-race rituals entail (9:45) How Des thinks she’s evolved as a competitive athlete (11:40) How Des evaluates her race performances (13:00) What Des is thinking when she’s standing on the start line (13:35) How Desi became such a consistent runner — and ran perfectly even splits at last year’s Boston Marathon (16:00) Who Des says is her biggest competition at this year’s Boston Marathon (17:00) Des shares her best advice for Boston first-timers (18:10) Whether Des notices spectators when she races — and what YOU need to yell to her when you see her run by! (18:45) Why Des never looks rattled or emotional when she runs (21:40) How Des is feeling about the United NYC Half The women Des loves racing against (24:30) How Des kicked her running slump (25:05) How Des feels about the word failure (26:00) How Des met her husband, Ryan, and the hilarious story about their first encounter (31:05) How Des would describe herself as a runner (37:00) What we mention on this episode: Boston Marathon Hansons-Brooks Distance Project United Airlines NYC Half Arizona State University John Hancock Shalane Flanagan Kara Goucher New York Road Runners Diane Nukuri The Moth Banff Film Festival Bayshore Marathon Joan Didion Joan Benoit Samuelson Amy Cragg Maximum Mobility Follow Des: Instagram @des_linden Facebook Twitter @des_linden Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

15 Mar 201846min

“Be open-minded and bring snacks.” Dr. Meggie is back! Meggie Smith made her Ali on the Run Show debut last year, when she was wrapping up her OB/GYN residency at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. After graduating, Meggie moved to California, where she’s currently pursuing her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Southern California. On Part II of this two-part episode, Meggie answers listener questions about fertility, infertility, and giving birth, plus all kinds of personal stuff, like what med school is really like, what it takes to gross her out, how to date when you’re constantly on call, and whether delivering babies every day makes her want one more or less. And listen to the very end, because the last question of this episode might be my favorite. What you’ll get in this episode: How long do healthy couples try for a baby? (1:30) What can I do now to become pregnant in a couple years? (4:00) Is it ever too early to start taking pre-natal vitamins? (5:50) Is mid- to late-thirties too late to have kids? (6:20) How long should you wait to conceive after traveling to a country with the Zika virus? (9:20) Birth stuff: Meggie’s thoughts on epidural vs. drug-free births (10:20) What do OB/GYNs really think about birth plans? (11:40) Meggie’s best advice for someone going into labor & the biggest myth about labor (14:00) Postpartum stuff — including why you’re peeing a little when you run (15:15) Are some vaginas weird? (19:20) Meggie’s best advice for studying for the MCATs (21:00) Meggie’s experience with burnout (26:00) Dating & doctoring (28:00) Whether delivering babies every day makes Meggie want one more or less (32:25) What we mention on this episode: Meggie Smith on Episode 61 of the Ali on the Run Show Meggie Smith on Episode 27 of the Ali on the Run Show NYU Langone Medical Center University of Southern California United Airlines NYC Half Every Mother Counts Meggie's Every Mother Counts / NYC Half fundraiser Jamie & Jeff’s Birth Plan via McSweeney’s Abby Bales on Episode 49 of the Ali on the Run Show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Think Coffee One More Shot on Netflix Follow Meggie: Instagram @mbsthinks Twitter @mbsthinks Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

8 Mar 201840min

“It’s OK to struggle, but it’s not OK to give up.” —Gabe Grunewald Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald is a professional middle-distance runner and four-time rare cancer survivor from Minneapolis, MN. Gabe was first diagnosed with Adenoid Cycstic Carcinoma when she was in college and undoubtedly in the best shape of her life. Instead of finishing her college running career on a high note — or, better yet, a podium — Gabe was faced with a difficult and scary diagnosis. She’s undergone several surgeries, including having more than half of her liver removed after the third time the cancer came back. But Gabe keeps fighting, smiling, and running. On this episode, she talks about the difference between fighting and giving up, and explains what it means to be “brave like Gabe.” She also talks about her current project: training Fixer Upper star Chip Gaines for his first marathon! This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend!  What you’ll get in this episode: How Gabe became a professional runner — and why that was never the plan (3:00) Gabe’s first cancer diagnosis (4:45) Gabe’s third — and scariest — cancer diagnosis, and the hug that saved her life (11:00) How Gabe handled each diagnosis emotionally (16:25) The aftermath of Gabe’s liver surgery, followed by her fourth diagnosis (18:25) Gabe explains her current immunotherapy treatment plan (20:50) How cancer has changed Gabe’s relationship with running (23:05) How Gabe maintains her optimistic outlook even after four cancer diagnoses (25:55) How the running community has supported Gabe throughout her health struggles (27:45) The difference between fighting and giving up (28:35) How Gabe’s diagnoses and treatment will affect her fertility and hopes for a family (32:30) What it means to be #bravelikegabe (37:15) What it’s like training Fixer Upper star Chip Gaines for his first marathon! (40:55) Chip’s time goal for his debut marathon (47:50) Introducing the Brave Like Gabe Foundation (48:40) What we mention on this episode: Brooks Running Arizona State University University of Minnesota Fixer Upper Chip Gaines Silo District Marathon Brave Like Gabe Foundation: bravelikegabe.org — coming soon! Brave Like Gabe 5K Kara Goucher Carrie Tollefson Allyson Felix Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Follow Gabe: Instagram @gigrunewald Twitter @gg_runs Facebook Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

1 Mar 20181h 1min

“KonMari your life, KonMari your uterus.” —Meggie Smith Dr. Meggie is back! Meggie Smith made her Ali on the Run Show debut last year, when she was wrapping up her OB/GYN residency at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. After graduating, Meggie moved to California, where she’s currently pursuing her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Southern California. On Part I of this two-part episode, Meggie talks about life in L.A., her recent decision to freeze her eggs and what the retrieval process was like, and the mental and emotional struggles she’s been experiencing. Then, we kick off the Q&A! This week, Dr. Meggie answers listener questions about periods, sex, hormones, and birth control. Listen on Apple Podcasts I SoundCloud I Overcast I Stitcher I Google Play This episode is brought to you by Strava, the leading social network for athletes. Click here to join today, then enter for your chance to win a 2018 TCS New York City Marathon entry and a $500 travel stipend!  What you’ll get in this episode: An update on Meggie’s life since the last time she was on the Ali on the Run Show, including whether she actually likes life in Los Angeles (2:30) Meggie opens up about her recent mental health struggles (7:55) Ice, Ice, Baby! Meggie’s egg freezing experience (15:25) Why Meggie says the day of her egg retrieval was the best day of her life, plus how she felt after the procedure (23:45) What Meggie says is the ideal age for egg freezing — and when it’s too late (30:00) Why Meggie’s running the UA NYC Half, and how you can support her training (34:00) Disclaimer time! (35:20) The listener Q&A portion begins! First category: periods (36:55) The organic vs. regular tampon debate (40:50) Meggie answers your sex questions! (45:10) Hormones and birth control Q&A (50:40) What we mention on this episode: Meggie Smith on Episode 27 of the Ali on the Run Show NYU Langone Medical Center University of Southern California USC Center for Work and Family Life Egg Freezing Calculator TCS New York City Marathon Win an entry to the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, courtesy of Strava United Airlines NYC Half Every Mother Counts Meggie's Every Mother Counts / NYC Half fundraiser Goop World Health Organization (WHO) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) BedSider.org Follow Meggie: Instagram @mbsthinks Twitter @mbsthinks Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!

22 Feb 20181h 2min