555. Ask Ali!

"There's always someone gunning for that spot. And if you're off your game at all, they're going to take it." Jenny Simpson is the country's most-decorated female miler and 1500-meter runner. Case in point: She's a three-time Olympian, she won gold in the 1500 at the 2011 World Championships, she was the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal in the 1500 when she won bronze in Rio in 2016, and she's a two-time world silver medalist. She has won the Fifth Avenue Mile eight times, and her personal bests include a 3:57.22 1500 and a 4:16.1 road mile. On this episode, Jenny talks about how she and her husband Jason have been spending quarantine. She shares her thoughts on retirement (someday!), having a baby (someday!), and "waiting to be slow" (which may never happen!). But mostly, we talk about Truman, the dog Jenny and Jason adopted once the lockdowns started. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about Truman! (4:30) What life has looked like for Jenny during the pandemic (9:55) What do Jenny's easy days look like? (16:00) Jenny's thoughts on the Olympics right now (18:30) How do you know when to retire? (23:55) Which runners are Jenny's eyes on? (30:00) Jenny's advice for running a fast mile (39:00) What are Jenny's sponsor obligations right now? (45:00) Jenny talks about cheering for her husband, Jason, at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February (51:00) What we mention on this episode: Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Aug 20201h 15min

"There's this possibility to live with this duality of life. You can both grieve and have a really, truly happy day. You can be really stressed and scared, and also be extraordinarily brave." In January, the world truly lost one of the greatest lights and coolest women on the planet: Andrea Halnon, or as she's known around here, "AndyJHa." Emily Halnon was the very first guest on the Ali on the Run Show, and is one of my dear friends, and when her mom passed away after a 13-month battle with a rare uterine cancer, it was devastating. On this episode, Emily returns to the show to graciously and openly talk about her badass mom's amazing legacy, and what the grief process is like. She also talks about how she'll be bravely and boldly honoring that legacy starting this Saturday: By running 453 miles across the state of Oregon, from the California border to Washington, in an attempt to run the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail. In doing so, Emily is also raising money for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, which supports rare cancer research. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Let's see if we can get Emily to $10K by the time she reaches Washington! This one's for you, AndyJHa. We love you. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What we mention on this episode: Chris Heuisler on Episode 265 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Halnon on Episode 1 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Halnon on Episode 85 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysweats Twitter @emilysweats Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 3min

"I won't use my voice unless I can back up whatever argument I'm trying to make. But I've gotten increasingly more comfortable putting myself in those situations and taking a stance on something and then being able to back it up, whether it's systemic racism, whether it's diversity in the sport, whether it's how we should be handling the pandemic right now as runners. We all have thoughts on those things. A lot of us are afraid to share those thoughts. Not all of us have platforms where we can share those thoughts and have it have an impact, and I am very cognizant of the fact that I do, and I want to make sure I'm using my platform for good in those ways and spurring up healthy conversation and debate." Today, we wrap up the On the Record series with Mario Fraioli, host of The Morning Shakeout podcast and creator of The Morning Shakeout newsletter. Mario comes to podcasting with a background in journalism: He's a longtime sports writer and was the editor of Competitor magazine. On this episode, Mario talks about taking that journalistic approach when it comes to having conversations with running's top athletes, and opens up about getting comfortable taking a stance and using his voice. And he explains why sometimes, you have to let the silence do the work. Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: How and why Mario got into podcasting (11:00) How Mario prepares for his interviews (18:40) What's on Mario's mind right now? (29:00) On choosing guests for The Morning Shakeout (35:50) Mario shares his dream-come-true moments (43:00) On speaking out (53:50) What we mention on this episode: Ali Feller on The Morning Shakeout Subscribe to The Morning Shakeout newsletter Tommy Rivers Puzey GoFundMe "Interview: Mebrahtom Keflezighi," by Mario Fraioli for mensracing.com "Retraction Reaction," by Mario Fraioli Erin Strout on Episode 73 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Mario: Instagram @mariofraioli Twitter @mariofraioli Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 15min

"That's what I have now: I have hope." A lot has changed for Chris Heuisler since the last time he was on the Ali on the Run Show. He turned 40! He's no longer the Global RunWestin Concierge. And he got sober. On this episode, Chris — for the first time publicly — talks about his past with alcoholism, and his journey to sobriety. (SO PROUD OF YOU, CHRIS.) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What we mention on this episode: Chris Heuisler, National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels Chris Heuisler's Most Embarrassing Running Moment! Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden Des Linden on Finding Mastery Catching Up with Andrea Barber Andrea Barber AKA Full House's Kimmy Gibbler Follow Chris: Instagram @chrisheuisler Twitter @runheuisler Brontosaurus L.A. EMAIL: chris.heuisler@gmail.com Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 21min

"What matters most to me is talking about athletes, especially female athletes, in the way that I would want someone to ask me questions. I want someone to respect me as a whole person and dig a little bit deeper and learn about who I am and what I have to give beyond the typical rote questions we hear over and over again." Dana Giordano is a professional middle-distance runner for the B.A.A. and adidas. She's a 4:34 miler and 15:47 5K runner who ran track and cross-country at Dartmouth College and hopes to compete at the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials. In April, Dana added another line to her impressive resume: host of the More Than Running podcast. Dana enters the running podcast space with an inside look at the sport. On this episode, she talks about relatability on the track, inspiration on the run, and how she wants to see the industry improve. She also offers her take on how to make running more accessible, and talks about why it's so important to share women's stories and celebrate other women's successes. Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: How and why Dana decided to leave her corporate job to become a professional runner (4:00) As a podcast host, what's matters most to Dana? (13:50) How Dana sees her role in the running industry (27:00) On choosing guests for the show (40:00) What Dana's running looks like right now (56:00) What we mention on this episode: Chris Chavez on Episode 262 of the Ali on the Run Show "Dana Giordano's Falmouth Run is For a Greater Cause," via Citius Mag Follow Dana: Instagram @dana_gio Twitter @dana_gio6 More Than Running podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 4min

"I was nervous. But it was the kind of nervousness that really drove me to work as hard as possible, be as persistent as possible, and as thorough as possible." Hawi Keflezighi is one of the greatest agents in running and track and field. As the founder and CEO of HAWI Management, Hawi and his team represent 30 athletes including Alexi Pappas, Nikki Hiltz, Aliphine Tuliamuk, and, of course, Hawi's brother, Meb Keflezighi. On this episode, Hawi talks about how — and why — he started his agency when he was still in law school, and explains what, exactly, agents do. He talks about being one of 11 siblings, and shares his family's story of emigrating from Eritrea to the United States. Hawi, who lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two kids, talks about what the American Dream means to him, and talks about why integrity is so important to him. There's a reason the Keflezighis are some of the best-loved people in sports, and this conversation is a perfect example of that. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How Hawi became an agent (5:00) What exactly does an agent do? (14:10) What it means to Hawi to lead with integrity (16:40) What's the vibe among running agents like? (25:00) Hawi reflects on the biggest days for his athletes (27:00) On navigating floods of athlete media requests (41:00) Reflecting on Aliphine Tuliamuk's win at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, and what race day looks like from an agent's perspective (48:00) What does the idea of the American Dream mean to Hawi? (53:00) What we mention on this episode: Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN You Can Run a Marathon with Meb Keflezighi Follow Hawi: Instagram @hawimanagement Twitter @hawisports Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 10min

"Once you have enough of these uncomfortable conversations, you do start to pick up on new ways of going about it and asking different questions. It's never going to end. Being uncomfortable is just part of it, and you welcome it, and do it over and over and over again to get better." Welcome to the second episode in the four-part "On the Record" series, talking with fellow running podcasters about their work, their takes on the state of the running industry, and their roles within it. We kicked things off last week with Alysia Montaño, Molly Huddle, and Roisin McGettigan-Dumas — the hosts off Keeping Track — and this week, Chris Chavez is here! In addition to being a full-time writer for Sports Illustrated, Chris is also the host of the Citius Mag podcast, and co-host of the Runners of NYC podcast (alongside former Ali on the Run Show guest Leigh Anne Sharek). He's an important, well-respected voice in the running community, and on this episode, Chris talks about what it means to be an influencer in the running space, explains how he decides who to feature on his shows, and reflects on what the future of the running industry and community might look like. Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: How Chris decides what to cover where (3:45) Why podcasting? (11:30) What does it mean to be an influencer in the running space? (16:00) On deciding who to feature on the podcast (28:00) Chris talks about his recent "Black Off the Track" piece for Sports Illustrated (37:00) The future of the running industry and community (46:45) What we mention on this episode: The Sports Gene by David Epstein Humans of New York Henna Rustami on the Citius Mag podcast "Black Off the Track," by Chris Chavez for Sports Illustrated "Mary Cain Speaks Out Against Nike and Coach Alberto Salazar Over Emotional, Physical Abuse," by Chris Chavez for Sports Illustrated Follow Chris: Instagram @chris_j_chavez Twitter @chrischavez Citius Mag Runners of NYC podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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 Jul 20201h 4min

"Stop negotiating with yourself. Be like a little kid again and jump into the pool. Don't stick your foot in to check out the temperature. Don't think you have to have the right bathing suit on. Jump in the pool." It's safe to say Jess Sims is one of the most popular fitness instructors in the country. As a Peloton instructor, Jess is known for her no frills, no BS, no gimmick approach to working out. She's the real deal, and she's passionate about helping people feel their best every day. And though Jess says she never dreamed about being a fitness instructor, let alone a global superstar with a massive platform, being an educator has always come naturally to her. On this episode, Jess shares her road to Peloton fame, which started by teaching not in fitness studios, but in classrooms: Jess did Teach for America, and taught kids in Houston, Harlem, and Massachusetts. Jess also talks about the a-ha moment that led her from her role as a principal to one on the podium, and explains why, at first, she actually turned down the opportunity to teach at Peloton. Plus, she talks about growing up in Peabody, MA, in a biracial family, and offers her take on diversity in the fitness industry today. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Did Young Jess plan for a future in the fitness industry? (4:15) How Jess became a teacher (7:45) How Jess broke into the fitness industry (16:15) On getting hired at Peloton, and what life looks like as a Peloton instructor (20:00) On both "personal branding" and diversity in the fitness industry (41:00) What it means to Jess to "take up space" (47:20) What we mention on this episode: Teach For America Rebecca Kennedy Follow Jess: Instagram @jsimsfit Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon 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!

8 Jul 20201h 3min