125. Ali & the Experts Week with Dr. Logan Levkoff, Sex & Relationships Educator

"This illness is just a small part of me. It's not all of me. I'm still able to be a mom. And I haven't allowed my disease to rob me of that. It just gives me strength. It almost makes me feel like a badass some days! It's not always pretty, but for the most part, I'm doing what I want to do with my life despite my illness." Natalie Hayden was diagnosed with Crohn's disease right after graduating college. She was on track to pursue her dream job as a television anchor, but her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis tried to derail that. After several hospitalizations and a series of bowel obstructions, Natalie underwent major surgery to remove 18 inches from her intestines. But despite the disease's valiant efforts to keep Natalie down, she has persevered. She went on to become a TV news anchor, just as she'd always dreamed, and she's a mother to two healthy children. Today, Natalie is a freelance, work-from-home mom who chronicles her life with Crohn's disease at Lights, Camera, Crohn's: An Unobstructed View. This is an honest conversation about what it looks like when you have a chronic illness and want to become a mom, and what concerns arose for both Natalie and me in our respective journeys. Thank you to the American Gastroenterological Association's IBD Parenthood Project for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! If you or someone you know has inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, go to ibdparenthoodproject.org for support on your journey to and through parenthood. What you'll get on this episode: Natalie talks about her Crohn's diagnosis (4:30) Natalie talks about moving away from home and pursuing her dream job — with Crohn's as her sidekick (11:00) How having a chronic illness has affected Natalie's relationships and marriage (16:50) Natalie talks about her history with bowel obstructions, and her bowel resection surgery (23:50) Natalie talks about her decision to have children, and her concerns about how Crohn's may affect her ability to get pregnant, have a baby, and be a mom (37:20) To breastfeed or not to breastfeed with a chronic illness? Natalie talks about trying to make the decision that was right for her and her family (45:20) Follow Natalie: Instagram @natalieannhayden Twitter @nataliesparacio Blog 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!

28 Okt 20191h 4min

"They don't expect a group to be there. And any runner deserves that incredible finish, no matter if it took two hours or if it's taken 12. It's not so much the time that needs to be celebrated in this case, it's the passion and the drive and the motivation behind each runner's story." In 2015, Stephanie Pennington had just completed her first New York City Marathon. After finishing, she went out to celebrate — but before heading back home, she wanted to swing back through Central Park to see if anything was still happening. It was 7:45 PM, and Stephanie saw runners still making their way to the iconic finish line. She was inspired — and she didn't want any of those runners to ever finish 26.2 miles without a celebration. That's how Project Finish was born. (This video is a must-watch.) Now, every year at the TCS New York City Marathon finish line, Stephanie encourages people to join her and her wildly enthusiastic, growing group of supporters to cheer at the finish line until the very last runner comes through. On this episode, Stephanie — who is a fashion and technical designer for QVC — shares some inspiring finish line stories, and talks about her hopes and dreams for Project Finish this year. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What inspired Stephanie to start Project Finish (3:30) What is the Project Finish vibe like? (12:15) Stephanie's favorite Project Finish memories from over the years (15:50) Why YOU should show up for Project Finish at this year's TCS New York City Marathon (27:10) Stephanie shares her running story (34:10) All about Stephanie's job (47:15) What we mention on this episode: Project Finish Project Finish in the New York Times New York Road Runners Virtual Training Programs Follow Stephanie: Instagram @stephanie_pennington 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 Okt 201959min

"I think kindness can solve a lot of problems." Last year, Carly Gill made a goal to qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. She ran CIM in December 2018 — and came up just two minutes short of her goal. So this year, Carly was ready to get stronger, faster, and fitter, and again chase down an OTQ time of 2:45 or faster. On this episode, Carly talks about her dream come true: running a 2:42 at the Berlin Marathon, and officially qualifying to run the Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta in February 2020. She talks about the mental side of training and racing, and shares her take on expectations, disappointment, and how to emotionally recover after a race. Carly is a freelance TV producer living in Brooklyn, NY. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Carly reflects on running an Olympic Trials qualifying time at the Berlin Marathon (2:45) On running most of the race surrounded by men (23:00) Carly revisits the heartbreaks on the way to her 2:42 marathon, and talks about putting her goals out there publicly (29:00) How Carly went from running a 6:14 mile to running 26.2 of them at 6:10 pace (35:00) A look at Carly's Berlin training cycle, and how it was different than past marathon training cycles (42:40) Carly talks about joining a team — or not joining a team (52:00) Carly talks about life as a freelance television producer (59:30) Follow Carly Instagram @carlysheree 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!

16 Okt 20191h 14min

"The way that I'm training is good for my soul right now." Carrie Tollefson is a professional middle-distance runner and Olympian turned mom of three, broadcaster, race analyst, podcast host, running camp director, and so much more. Most recently, the former 1500-meter specialist added another impressive title to her list: 2:51 marathoner. Six years ago, Carrie was four months postpartum and ran her first marathon in an astonishing time of 3:02. She made a goal to someday run a sub-3:00 marathon, and this was her year. On this episode, the Minnesota native and host of C Tolle Run talks about her somewhat unconventional training methods, why this was the time to pursue her marathon dreams, and what it meant to her to race in a Brave Like Gabe singlet. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: Carrie breaks down her 2:51 at the Twin Cities Marathon, and shares why she decided to run a marathon this year (5:35) Why Carrie says her race was "surprising" to her (12:00) What it meant to Carrie to run in a Brave Like Gabe singlet (18:15) Where does Carrie see herself in the sport right now? And where does she want to be and go? (28:30) What a day in Carrie's life looks like, and when she gets her runs in (38:45) How Carrie got into broadcasting (44:30) Carrie revists her list of goals from two years ago! (1:04:04) What we mention on this episode: Wellbeats Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Carrie: Instagram @carrie_tollefson Twitter @carrietollefson Facebook Podcast & Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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!

14 Okt 20191h 14min

"I'm not one to usually show too much emotion crossing a finish line, but that last 100 to 200 meters, I thought about my children, my family, and all the hard work I did to put into this race that I had a lot of people doubt or question. It was just this moment of, 'This is why I do what I do.'" Roberta Groner just returned from Qatar, where she was one of three women representing the United States at the marathon world championships. But Roberta isn't a full-time professional athlete: She's a full-time nurse, a 41-year-old single mom of three, and a 2:29 marathoner. (She's one of only three U.S. women over 40 to have broken 2:30 in the marathon.) Roberta's story is pretty remarkable and wildly impressive. On this episode, she recounts her race in Doha — it was 90 degrees and 73 percent humidity, and the race started at midnight — where she finished sixth overall and was the first American finisher. She talks about why she chose to go to world championships when she was very aware of the grueling conditions that awaited her, and she talks about how she's gotten faster and stronger over the years. Roberta isn't slowing down on the roads or in life: She'll race the TCS New York City Marathon in just a few weeks, and then she'll compete at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta in February 2020. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Roberta breaks down the world championships marathon in Doha, including the heat and how she prepped for it, her goals, and her strategy (3:15) How Roberta is feeling now, and what her training will look like between now and the New York City Marathon in a few weeks (22:25) Roberta's thoughts on sponsorship (32:30) Roberta shares her running story, including why she took a long break — and what brought her back (37:30) How Roberta has chipped away at her marathon time over the years (39:50) What Roberta is doing to ensure her longevity in the sport, and when she fits running into her busy life (43:40) What we mention on this episode: New York Athletic Club Truly Faster as a Master: Roberta Groner, 41, Makes U.S. World Championships Marathon Team, via Erin Strout for Women's Running Follow Roberta: Instagram @bad_boys104 Twitter @marathongirl245 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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!

9 Okt 20191h 3min

"That's running — all of us are having major fails along the way! That's what keeps bringing us back. We're chasing that perfect race and that perfect day." This past weekend, Janae Baron — Hungry Runner Girl — ran a 2:49 at the St. George Marathon. It was a 9 minute 55 second personal best time at the distance. It took Janae nine years to go sub-3:00 in the marathon. Last year, she ran a 2:59 — and thought she was good, done, and satisfied. Her potential, she thought, had been reached. But then: a 2:49, just one year later. On this episode, Janae recaps this breakthrough race, sharing every detail of the weekend, including what it was like being part of the elite start (and getting her own fuel and hydration bottles on the course!). She talks about how, exactly, she's gotten faster, and about joining a team and what that looks like. (She now trains with a group of "big dreamers," she told me.) Janae also opens up about what it's like racing when you're a public-facing person and have thousands of people following along: Does that add pressure, motivation, or both? Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring this episode of Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) What you'll get on this episode: Recapping Janae's 2:49 race at the St. George Marathon (4:00) Does being a public person affect Janae on race day? (35:30) How Janae went from a 2:59 to a 2:49, and what it's been like running and training with a team (42:00) Janae's experience experimenting with carb depletion before her race (55:00) What it means to Janae to be stubborn about her goals (59:20) What's next for Janae? (1:01:00) Janae's messages to marathoners in all stages this season (1:03:50) What we mention on this episode: Janae Baron on Episode 89 of the Ali on the Run Show Janae Baron on Episode 50 of the Ali on the Run Show St. George Marathon Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald Follow Janae: Instagram @hungryrunnergirl Facebook Twitter @hungryrunnergrl Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 Okt 20191h 17min

"Gabe was all about trying her best, whereas I was more about striving for perfection. And thankfully, I had Gabe in my life to show me what that really meant — trying your best — and why that was so much better than striving for perfection." Ladia Albertson-Junkans is a collegiate cross-country runner turned ultramarathoner. Most recently, Ladia ran the Western States 100, and followed that up by running the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood. Ladia is also well known in the running community as Gabe Grunewald's best friend. On this poignant episode, Ladia beautifully shares stories about Gabe, who passed away this summer. She talks about their friendship, including the sweet story of how they met, and opens up about being by Gabe's side during her final days. She talks about what it means to be brave, the role running played in her grieving process, and about learning how to say goodbye. Ladia also talks about how important it was to Gabe to make sure the Brave Like Gabe Foundation kept running and inspiring fellow cancer patients. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: On running the Fastest Known Time on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood, including how Ladia felt Gabe's presence before and during the run (6:00) On running Western States in June (19:40) When does Ladia fit running into her busy life? (26:20) How Ladia and Gabe met, and why Gabe wouldn't let Ladia quit running after college (27:30) Ladia opens up about what Gabe's last few weeks were like, and shares a few stories about Gabe that speak to her remarkable character (33:45) Ladia talks about that visit from Chip and Joanna Gaines (41:30) Did Gabe know the impact she had on the world? (46:00) What does it mean to live #BraveLikeGabe? (55:30) What we mention on this episode: Gabe Grunewald on Episode 62 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Ladia: Instagram @ladiahallie Twitter @ladiahallie Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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 Okt 20191h 16min

"You can race as many 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons as you'd like, but that suffering that's at the end of the marathon is a totally different experience." —Greg McMillan On the final episode in the You Can Run a Marathon series, experts Greg McMillan and Dr. Cathy Yeckel are on hand to answer dozens of listener questions about training, race day, nutrition, and more. Greg McMillan is the founder of McMillan Running, where he is also the head coach, exercise physiologist, and 2:31 marathoner. Dr. Yeckel, also a multiple-time marathoner, is a human metabolism researcher and assistance clinical professor at the Yale School of Public Health. Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring the You Can Run a Marathon series on the Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Twitter @aliontherun1 Facebook 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!

1 Okt 20191h 5min