64. Desiree Linden

"You just have to keep going. Eventually things are going to be better." You probably know exactly who Amanda Basham is, even if you don't realize you know who she is: She's the fiery-red-haired professional ultra runner and endurance coach who has raced all over the world at some of running's most prestigious and most grueling events, including Western States, the TransRockies Run, and World's Toughest Mudder. In 2015 — her first year as a pro — she won the 50-mile USATF Trail Championships race. Not a bad start to a pro career. (Amanda is currently sponsored by Rabbit and Altra.) Right now, Amanda is training for a different kind of endurance sport: She's 27 weeks pregnant! On this episode, Amanda talks about how pregnancy is going, and shares whether or not she always knew she wanted to be a mom. She talks about meeting now-boyfriend Justin Grunewald, and talks about love after loss — including how losing her brother two years ago to a drug overdose has shaped her life and her relationships. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Amanda talks about how she's feeling at 27 weeks pregnant (2:45) Amanda shares the story of how she and Justin Grunewald met (10:45) On navigating love after loss (16:30) Did Amanda always know she wanted to be a mom? (23:30) How Amanda found running (25:30) Amanda talks about her history with an eating disorder (29:30) On becoming a professional runner (36:45) Follow Amanda: Instagram @amanda_basham Twitter @trainer_ab 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

28 Okt 20201h 1min

"You know within your first six months whether it's a lifestyle that you want to commit to." When 3:14 marathoner Elyse Garza isn't logging miles on the ground, she's getting them in the air. As a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, Elyse says she's "living her dream" right now. On this episode, she talks about how she became a flight attendant, explains her ever-changing travel schedule, shares whether she's ever had to use the inflatable slide, and dishes about her biggest passenger pet peeves. (Hint: Stop poking the flight attendants!) Elyse lives in Sacramento, CA, is based out of San Francisco International Airport, and, fun fact, is afraid of heights! Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! What we mention on this episode: Julia Harrington on Episode 227 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Elyse: Instagram @milestomedals Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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 Okt 202054min

"What grand treehouse can we make out of this wonderful pile of leaves and sticks that we're given?" Alexi Pappas — who first appeared on Episode 163 of the Ali on the Run Show — is so much more than "just" a runner. She's a professional middle-distance runner turned marathoner: Alexi made her 26.2-mile debut at the 2018 Chicago Marathon, and ran her second marathon earlier this year in Houston, finishing in 2:34, which earned her a nine-minute PR and 10th place for the day, and was just one minute off the Greek national record. She's an award-winning writer and filmmaker: Alexi co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in Tracktown, and most recently co-wrote and starred in Olympic Dreams, the first non-documentary-style movie to be filmed at the Olympic Games. And now, she's a published author: Alexi's book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and other Big Ideas, is now available for pre-order. On this episode, Alexi talks about how her mom dying by suicide when Alexi was just four years old has shaped the most formative years of her life. She talks about forming a friendship with actor and comedian Maya Rudolph, and shares the crazy story of how she got stuck in Greece for five months during the pandemic. Plus, Alexi offers exciting updates about the two films and the television show she has in the works. Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What's New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order! What we mention on this episode: Pre-order Bravey! Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Alexi: Instagram @alexipappas Twitter @alexipappas 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

25 Okt 20201h 1min

"If you have a voice and you can use it to help somebody else, then by golly, use it." For three full years, trainer Charlee Atkins — now the founder of the wildly popular workout app and digital platform Le Sweat TV — had to seriously psych herself up to teach indoor cycling classes every day. When you're a fitness instructor, you have to show up as your best self every time for your students. But what about when you're just not feeling it? On this edition of Feel-Good Fridays, Charlee talks about how she used to psych herself up, and what she's done to make sure she never needs to fake it until she makes it again. She offers advice for finding motivation when it's lacking, opens up about her own insecurities, and talks about how being bullied as a kid has helped her become a better, stronger person. Plus, tips for how to better communicate in our new all-digital-all-the-time world. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off! Follow Charlee: Instagram @charleeatkins Facebook Le Sweat TV 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

22 Okt 202041min

"I used to think being vulnerable or authentic was weakness. Like, 'Oh, don't show that, don't share your weaknesses.' And then it's like, wait a second, it's the opposite. It takes great strength and bravery to live an authentic life." Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show! This time around, Nikki — a professional 1500m runner for adidas — talks about her decision to prioritize her mental health this year instead of focusing on the track, and talks about what it means to her to be authentic. She reflects on her hugely successful Golden Coast Track Club Virtual Pride 5K, and talks about the impact of watching members of the LGBTQ+ community using that race to come out to their loved ones. Plus, Nikki explains her decision to leave Golden Coast Track Club, offers an update on her new coach, and tells us all about her girlfriend, fellow runner Emma Gee. What you'll get on this episode: Nikki shares an update on her team affiliation and her coaching (3:25) Nikki's decision to prioritize her mental health this year (6:30) Why Nikki loves the person she is becoming (17:15) On authenticity (19:45) Reflecting on the Golden Coast Track Club 5K (22:00) All about Emma Gee, Nikki's girlfriend (30:00) Why Nikki is so passionate about getting people registered to vote (36:30) How will Nikki know when it's time to step back on the track? (38:30) What we mention on this episode: Nikki on Episode 188 of the Ali on the Run Show Nikki on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show Ten Percent Happier The Trevor Project Myers-Briggs test (I'm ESFJ — The Consul!) The 5 Love Languages (I'm words of affirmation!) Follow Nikki: Instagram @nikkihiltz Twitter @nikki_hiltz 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 SPONSOR: AfterShokz Go to ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones

21 Okt 20201h 3min

"It was important for me to pursue this dream and make it happen. I have this belief of, you can't be what you can't see. So if other young girls are not seeing women as leaders and women as physicians and women in high positions and important jobs, they may not think they can be there. That made it extra important for me to continue to pursue this dream." Every day, we are bombarded with news about the Covid-19 pandemic. But an important part of that conversation that is often missing is, "What happens after I get Covid?" Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez is here to answer that critical question. Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, and she has developed a post-Covid recovery clinic to aid in the rehabilitative recovery of patients who have functional, mobility, and cognitive deficits after getting infected with the coronavirus. On this episode, Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez — who is a two-time Boston Marathoner and mom of two — talks about her lifelong passion for medicine and for taking care of people. She discusses the very small number of Hispanic women in medicine, and explains what it means to her to be a role model in the field. Thank you to Tracksmith for sponsoring the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN15 at checkout for 15% off your first Tracksmith purchase! Follow Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez: Instagram @monicavgutierrez Twitter @MVGutierrezMD 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 Okt 202053min

"I'm an ideas person — but I'm also a doer." Alison Désir was one of the very first guests on the Ali on the Run Show. She first appeared on Episode 3, and in the three years since she was on this podcast, Alison, who is a mental health coach and is the founder of Harlem Run, has accomplished so much, changed the world in so many ways, and has become an incredibly important voice in the running community. On this episode, Alison offers updates on all facets of her life, including becoming a mother to her son, Kouri, last year; what her pregnancy, childbirth experience, and postpartum experiences were like; and what it has been like being a tireless activist, advocate, and fighter for social justice and human rights. She talks about being sponsored by Hoka One One and Oiselle, and offers updates on the Womxn Run the Vote Relay, during which 10,000 participants raised $300,000 for Black Voters Matter, and her own Meaning Thru Movement virtual tour. Plus, Alison shares an exciting announcement about her next great project! Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What's New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order! What we mention on this episode: Alison Désir On Pregnancy and New Motherhood Vs. Reality "Ahmaud Arbery and Whiteness in the Running World," by Alison Désir for Outside Magazine Running Industry Diversity Coalition Runningdiversity.com/goals "How to Make Running Deaf-Accessible" for Runner's World Follow Alison: Instagram @alisonmdesir 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

18 Okt 20201h 5min

"I've had moments of exhaustion. I've had moments of frustration. I've had an overhaul across the board, personally and professionally. This year has been a rinse. If I was naming this chapter, it's 'Let it burn and reset.' And instead of fighting all these things that are literally burning or closing down or going away or having an 'I'm so over this attitude,' I've tried to embrace every letdown, every frustration, everything that's popped up." Welcome back to Feel-Good Fridays on the Ali on the Run Show! This time around, we're getting a series of pep talks from the people who are living, breathing pep talks every day of their lives: professional fitness instructors. First up, Bethany Lyons, owner of Lyons Den Power Yoga in New York City and creator of the newly launched Lyons Den Digital platform, talks about how, in spite of what has in many ways been the worst year ever, is thriving. In February, one of Bethany's two studio locations burned down in a fire. In March, she had to close the other location due to the pandemic. Now, in October, both are still closed. Here, Bethany explains how she's pivoted, how she's found the humor in it all, and how she's managed to have a whole lot of fun along the way. She offers advice for staying present, and hands out some tools for how we can all be our best selves today — even if it feels like the world is burning. Thank you to Goodr for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to goodr.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off any pair of Goodr sunglasses! Follow Bethany: Instagram @bethanyalyons Follow Lyons Den Power Yoga: Website Instagram @lyonsdenpy Twitter @lyonsdenpy 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

15 Okt 202039min