805. My 2025 Boston Marathon Weekend Recap

“I can’t be that guy that’s lying to myself. I said I was going to go do something, now I have to go do it.” —Brian Cristiano Brian Cristiano is the founder and CEO of BOLD Worldwide, a media marketing company in New York City. Last year, Brian shared with the world his goal to build BOLD to a $100 million agency, and he’s been working nonstop to make it happen. Brian may be super successful now — and on the road to becoming a $100 millionaire! — but that wasn’t always the case. On this episode, Brian shares how he found himself $250,000 in debt, depressed, and sleeping on his own couch while he rented his one-bedroom apartment to a stranger. He talks about the moves that led to rock bottom, and how he built himself back up from it — and went on to live a debt-free life, without any loans, handouts, or investments. (And yes, Brian is also my husband. But you knew that already.) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase!  What you’ll get on this episode: Brian reflects on growing up attending Catholic school, and how that began his “spiral downward!” (2:30) Brian talks about his relationship with his dad, who passed away when Brian was 17 years old, and shares what high school was like (5:30) Why Brian decided to drop out of college (11:10) How Brian became an entrepreneur (14:45) “Was it easy?” “What a joke. Nope.” Brian opens up about the early challenges of starting a business. (28:45) How Brian dug himself out of $250,000 in debt and came back after hitting rock bottom (32:00) How a weekend with Tony Robbins changed Brian’s life (40:40) Why Brian decided to go public with his big dreams and goals and launch the Growing BOLD docu-series (43:45) How Brian’s decision to launch Growing BOLD affected our relationship (50:00) The call that made everything feel worth it (53:30) Brian’s best advice for making the tough calls and doing that thing you’ve been avoiding (57:30) What makes Brian feel insecure, and the advice he would give his teenage self (1:00:15) Brian’s advice for getting out of your comfort zone (1:05:30) Two empowering steps Brian says to take today to start changing your life (1:13:30) Brian answers listener questions about building confidence, being in a relationship with someone who is depressed, and his greatest fear (1:16:30) 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 Brian on Episode 68 of the Ali on the Run Show Tony Robbins Unleash the Power Within Grant Cardone Hank Norman Growing BOLD Episode 8 Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran podcast Ali Wong's "Hard Knock Wife" Netflix special The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday 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!

31 Mai 20181h 22min

“Yeah, there are times that I have no idea what I’m doing. But that’s part of the fun of it.” —Sarah Fitzpatrick Clancy Sarah Clancy is the founder and creator of Sarah Marie Design Studio. The runner-specific apparel and accessories company was born two years ago, and almost instantly gained a devoted following including the likes of Kara Goucher, Molly Huddle, and Andrea Barber. Sarah is a work-from-home mom of two and full-time business owner, and on this episode, she shares her successes, failures, struggles, and victories. As for whether entrepreneurship was always the plan? Sarah says she always knew she’d be a business owner, but wasn’t sure what that would look like. It wasn’t until she honed in on her true passions — running the show and running — that she found her niche. Here’s how she made it happen. Love Sarah’s stuff? Go shopping, and use code ONTHERUN at checkout for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase!   What you’ll get on this episode: Was becoming an entrepreneur and business owner young Sarah’s plan? (3:00) When, how, and why Sarah launched Sarah Marie Design Studio (6:30) The biggest challenges and learned curves Sarah faced when she launched her business (12:15) How Sarah manages being a work-from-home mom of two and business owner (14:45) The benefits and challenges of being married to a fellow business owner (16:55) How Sarah Marie Design Studio grew and gained fans like Kara Goucher and Molly Huddle (21:20) Exactly how much Sarah does (25:45) Sarah’s career a-ha moment (28:55) Where Sarah gets her inspiration (34:10) Sarah’s hopes, dreams, and plans for the future of SMDS (36:40) Sarah shares her definition of what it means to “work hard,” and admits to the less-sunshine-y aspects of her day-to-day business life (38:00) Sarah’s advice for work-from-home moms (41:50) What we mention on this episode: Sarah Marie Design Studio “Freaking Pregnant” racerback tank Sarah Marie Design Studio “My Mom is Fast AF” infant bodysuit Syracuse University Sarah Marie Design Studio “Congrats On Not Pooping” card Sarah Marie Design Studio “Elite Marathoner” performance tank Kara Goucher Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show Sarah Marie Design Studio nail wraps Sarah Marie Design Studio on the Today show Sarah Marie Design Studio “Live Easy Run Hard” sweatshirt Sarah Marie Design Studio “This Wine Tastes Like” wine glass Sarah Marie Design Studio “Run All the Miles” muscle tank Sarah Marie Design Studio “Life’s Short, Run Fast” sweatshirt Sarah Marie Design Studio “Kinda Wanna Run” sweatshirt Sarah Marie Design Studio “Track Queen” tank Sarah Marie Design Studio “The Mountains Are Calling” tank New York Road Runners training Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahmariedesignstudio Twitter @shopSMDS Facebook 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!

24 Mai 201855min

“If you want to give yourself a fair shot, you have to be willing to take a leap and take a risk.” —Erin Strout Erin Strout was at the Boston Marathon finish line when Meb Keflezighi won the race in 2014. She was there when Shalane Flanagan won the New York City Marathon in 2017, and she was one of the first people to chat with Desiree Linden after her historic 2018 Boston Marathon victory. As a freelance writer and contributor to Runner’s World and Outside Magazine, Erin has made a career out of covering elite athletes at major marathons, small-town races, and the Rio Olympic Games. On this episode, she talks about how she got her start in journalism (she used to be on the front lines at crime scenes!), what it’s really like being a member of the media at high-profile sporting events, and whether she reads the comments on her stories. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase!   What you’ll get on this episode: An inside look at the making of Erin’s “Behind the Scenes of Desiree Linden’s Incredible Boston Marathon Win” story for Runner’s World (2:00) Erin’s take on the 2018 Boston Marathon, and what it’s like being a member of the media during major race weekends (6:35) What it was like being at the finish when Meb Keflezighi won the 2014 Boston Marathon — and what it was like the year before, covering the Boston Marathon bombings (15:45) How Erin got her start in journalism in rural Pennsylvania, and how she ended up as a freelancer in Flagstaff, AZ (24:00) Why Erin loves covering the running industry (34:00) What Erin says is the biggest challenge in her career right now (41:30) Whether Erin reads the comments on her stories for Runner’s World (44:20) Erin’s best advice for aspiring writers, reporters, editors, and freelancers (53:10) What we mention on this episode: “Behind the Scenes of Desiree Linden’s Incredible Boston Marathon Win” via Runner’s World Desiree Linden on Episode 64 of the Ali on the Run Show Boston Marathon Sarah Lorge Butler Runner’s World Boston Athletic Association Josh Cox Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan Sarah Sellers on Episode 69 of the Ali on the Run Show Fairmont Copley Plaza Scott Douglas Galen Rupp Penn State University Sales & Marketing Management New York Road Runners Chronicle of Higher Education Charles Butler Running Times “This is a Huge Moment for American Women Marathoners” via Outside Magazine "Running Home: Inside Shalane Flanagan's Journey to Win Boston" via Runner's World Race Everything Bart Yasso Bowerman Track Club Follow Erin: Instagram @erinstrout Twitter @erinstrout 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!

17 Mai 20181h 7min

“This notion of balance is this unrealistic thing we’re all striving toward. If you allow yourself to know that and believe that, it takes some of the pressure off.” —Liz Plosser When you picture an editor in chief of a major women’s magazine, your mind probably goes right to Miranda Priestly of The Devil Wears Prada fame. Now picture the opposite — someone brilliant, kind, caring, and passionate in the most upbeat, positive way — and you have Women’s Health editor in chief Liz Plosser. Liz was named EIC of Women’s Health at the beginning of 2018, and her rise to the role wasn’t fueled by fate. Liz, who grew up in Kansas City, MO, worked her marathoning booty off to get to where she is today. After starting out as an investment banking analyst, Liz followed her dreams (literally) and moved into publishing. She started out at Self, and rose through the ranks at Time Out Chicago, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Canyon Ranch, SoulCycle, and more. On this episode, Liz discusses the challenges and perks of her job, talks about being a busy mom of three, and shares why she’s proud to be a “nice girl.” Enjoy, and wish Liz luck before she lines up at the start of the Popular Brooklyn Half next weekend! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $30 off your wireless headphone purchase!   What you’ll get on this episode: Liz answers: Was being the editor in chief of a women’s magazine always the goal? (2:45) Why Liz traded investment banking for publishing, and what that transition was like (8:25) The career moves Liz made that led her to her current role as editor in chief of Women’s Health — including the decision to leave New York City for a while (11:30) Liz’s take on whether the publishing industry is a catty, cutthroat one or a place where mentors and nice girls are easy to come by (20:55) What it was like getting the call (22:25) What Liz says makes Women’s Health so special, and whether she was nervous about stepping into the EIC role (24:45) The words, phrases, stories, and topics Liz and her team are avoiding, and the changes Liz has started implementing at WH (26:30) What Liz is doing to make Women’s Health different (29:20) The types of stories that get Liz most excited (33:40) The types of people Liz wants to hire, plus more career advice (43:20) Liz talks about meeting her husband, having three kids, and becoming a runner, plus where her relationship with running is at right now (44:45) What we mention on this episode: Women’s Health University of Chicago Time Out Chicago Seventeen Cosmopolitan Team in Training Lucy Danziger Self Princeton University ASME Canyon Ranch Joanna Coles Hearst Marie Claire Joyce Chang Conde Nast SoulCycle Well+Good Rodale Amy Keller Laird How Not to Get Pregnant via Cosmopolitan SLT Popular Brooklyn Half Desi Linden on Episode 64 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Liz: Instagram @lizplosser Twitter @lizplosser 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!

10 Mai 20181h

Lots of people say I’m just like my mom. Others swear I’m a clone of my dad. On this episode, you’ll get to decide! I am thrilled to welcome Lori and David Feller — my parents! — to the Ali on the Run Show. On this episode, we chat about how they met and fell in love (and their stories don’t exactly match up, so I’m siding with my mom on this one), how they survived long-distance dating in college when social media and texting didn’t exist (there was hitchhiking involved), and what it was like having and raising Ryan (my 19-months-older brother) and me. They share their favorite young Ali memories, as well as a few not-so-favorite ones (that speeding ticket wasn't my fault!). We had a blast recording this episode, and I hope you enjoy joining us on our trip down Feller family memory lane.     What you’ll get on this episode: My mom’s story of how my parents met and when they fell in love (2:40) My dad’s story of how they met and fell in love (4:10) What it was like long-distance dating in the 1970s, and how they made it work (6:00) How my dad proposed to my mom (9:43) Their thoughts on whether it was a big deal for a Jewish guy to be marrying a Catholic girl, and whether their parents cared (12:50) What life was like for each of them once they had kids, and what got them to move from Pennsylvania to Contoocook, NH (18:30) My exciting birth story! (21:45) My parents talk all about what I was like growing up (25:00) What it was like raising two kids with Crohn’s disease (36:30) What made my parents most proud — and most disappointed or frustrated (40:00) What my parents would have done differently when it came to raising children (45:30) How my parents feel about running (47:30) My parents open up about my past relationships, and the moment they met Brian Cristiano (51:30) How to stay happily married for 36 years (54:40) How my parents reacted to the news that Brian and I are having a baby (57:30)   What we mention on this episode: Rider University University of Delaware Millersville University My Crohn’s disease story on Episode 30 of the Ali on the Run Show Quinnipiac University 16 Handles Aldo’s Coffee Company Greenport   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!

3 Mai 20181h 9min

“The best possible way to start my career was not getting what I wanted. Failure teaches you a lot, and it helped me figure out a path to success that worked for me.” —Katie Burke Katie Burke is the Chief People Officer at HubSpot, a marketing software company in Boston that employs more than 2,300 people worldwide. And of those 2,300, Katie was the company’s first female to land a spot in the c-suite. (Today, 45 percent of the company’s vice presidents are women.) In this super inspiring conversation, Katie shares why she’s so passionate about empowering women in the workplace, and candidly opens up about her own massive career failures — including how bombing the LSATs turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to her. She offers up interviewing advice, explains why prospective employees should add “we” to their vocabularies, and shares the one word she’s trying to add to her own life. Katie is the oldest of six kids, and she has a fascinating family story. Her dad, Brian Burke, is extremely well-known in the hockey world, and her brother, Brendan, was a hockey player at Miami Ohio when he famously came out as gay to his teammates — and the world. Brendan was later killed in a tragic car accident, and Katie gladly shared stories of his incredible legacy with me. Of course, Katie is also a runner. She’s a four-time marathoner and 20+-time half-marathoner, and she's currently training for the Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon in May. Apologies for the slightly off audio on this one! Despite recording in a professional podcast studio, I had the audio settings wrong on my computer. Don’t let a little echo deter you from this fantastic conversation!   What you’ll get on this episode: What it means to be a Chief People Officer, and how Katie landed this job (1:53) Katie’s advice for getting over a fear of failure (7:00) How Hubspot has grown and evolved since Katie became the first woman in the company’s c-suite (8:00) The best — and worst — things Katie says prospective employees can say in an interview (9:45) Why Katie is so passionate about empowering women (12:55) What Katie tells people who say she got her job “because she’s a girl” (14:15) Where Katie’s confidence comes from (18:30) Katie’s “strong opinion” on mentors, and why she believes in having a “personal board of advisors” (19:35) Katie’s biggest piece of advice for women in the workplace (21:10) The greatest challenge Katie faces at her job (25:30) Katie’s take on work perks and whether they actually matter (28:00) What it’s like coming from a big — and very high-achieving — family, and the challenges of having a father who’s in the public eye (29:30) Katie’s running story, and how she prioritizes workouts with a demanding schedule (39:30) The advice Katie would give to her younger self (45:45) What we mention on this episode: Bates College HubSpot “Because I’m a Girl” via Huffington Post Always #LikeAGirl commercial Shine Theory “This 1 Word Will Help You Do Less and Achieve More in 2018” via Inc. Brian Burke Calgary Flames You Can Play Project Miami University Ohio “We love you, this won’t change a thing” via ESPN Portland Half Marathon November Project Popular Brookyn Half SoulCycle JP Morgan Corporate Challenge Kristin Armstrong New York Road Runners Follow Katie: Instagram @katieburke16 Twitter @katieburke LinkedIn 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!

26 Apr 201857min

“I think that’s what unites us as runners — we’re all trying to overcome excuses and doubts to get out there.” —Sarah Sellers “Who is Sarah Sellers?” That’s the question everyone was asking after the Tucson, AZ runner finished second at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Sarah isn’t a professional runner. She doesn’t have a sponsor. And she paid her own Boston Marathon entry fee. But on a brutally rainy and windy day in Boston, the 26-year-old nurse anesthetist ran a 2:44.04 — good enough to land her in the spot behind winner Desi Linden. Sarah had no idea she finished second (and, in doing so, nabbed a cool $75,000 prize), and when we recorded this episode just 48 hours after the race, she was still processing the results. Enjoy as she breaks down every detail from before, during, and after the race — including the surreal moment when she passed Shalane Flanagan! (And fun fact: Boston was only Sarah’s second marathon ever!)   What you’ll get on this episode: Sarah shares how she’s feeling 48 hours after placing second at the Boston Marathon (1:30) What Sarah’s Boston buildup was like, and how she balances high-mileage training with a demanding full-time job (4:20) The very cute story of how Sarah met her husband, Blake (8:00) How working long days helped prepare Sarah for Marathon Monday (8:45) Whether Sarah ever considered dropping out on race day (9:45) Sarah’s unexpected pre-race detour (10:00) Sarah shares her pre-race goals and the weather factors she dreads the most (11:35) What it was like starting with the elite field (13:00) Sarah breaks down the race from the soaking start to that triumphant finish (16:10) What it was like passing Shalane Flanagan (19:00) How Sarah found out she finished in second place (20:45) How Sarah plans to spend her $75,000 winnings (26:00) The moment that stands out as the ultimate high point from Sarah’s Boston Marathon experience (27:00) What’s next? (30:30) What we mention on this episode: Boston Marathon Deena Kastor Acadia National Park Boston Athletic Association Desi Linden Shalane Flanagan Kara Goucher Gwen Jorgensen Jordan Hasay Meb Keflezighi 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!

19 Apr 201841min

“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