701. Rachel Schneider Smith, Olympian, Professional Runner, & Mom

"Hands down, the most courageous thing I've ever done is walk into trying to get pregnant and walking through pregnancy after loss."

Rachel Schneider Smith just might be the most-loved woman in the professional running world. Everyone adores her — and in this episode, it's easy to see why. Rachel is a HOKA-sponsored professional runner who competes in everything from the 1500m on the track to the half marathon on the roads. (Girl's got range!) She lives in Flagstaff, AZ, where she is coached by her husband, Mike Smith. In this conversation, Rachel talks about pregnancy after loss, and about the role running played during her grieving process in the wake of a miscarriage. She talks about returning to running and racing, and about how she's feeling heading into the USATF 15K Championships this weekend in Florida.

FOLLOW RACHEL @rachschneid18

SPONSORS:

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your order.
• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about Rachel's run today, and how her body feels returning to running after having a baby (2:25)
• Where Rachel finds her flow state (5:00)
• Rachel reflects on her performances at USA Indoor National Championships last weekend (6:00)
• On running with teammates in Flagstaff, and running with nose strips at USAs (11:45)
• Rachel's New Hampshire roots (14:20)
• What Rachel's return to racing has been like (16:40)
• Navigating life as a professional runner and mom (22:45)
• The sisterhood of professional runner moms (27:40)
• Rachel's experience with loss, and the role running played in her grieving process (30:25)
• Rachel's bout with skin cancer (38:00)
• What Rachel was like as a kid (45:30)
• Rachel's goals for the USATF 15K Championships (50:15)

Follow Ali:

• Instagram @aliontherun1
• Join the Facebook group
• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Support on Patreon
• Subscribe to the newsletter

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!