Ali on the Run Show

"I want to go out there and just absolutely smash it out of the park." Next week, the pros and everyday runners alike will descend on Boston, MA, to run the 129th Boston Marathon. For most of these runners, getting to run Boston is a longtime goal or dream. One they worked hard at for years. And that's true even for professional runner Gabi Rooker. In this conversation, the former gymnast turned Nike-sponsored athlete and internal medicine physician assistant (what can't she do?!) talks about the road to her Boston Marathon debut. Gabi will race her first Boston this year, and it's been a journey to get to the start line. Gabi talks about how she recovered — physically and emotionally — from the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials, and reflects on that five-second personal best (2:24:29) at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Plus, what she'll be wearing on race day, what it's like being coached by her husband, Alex, and how she's feeling after logging 122-mile weeks throughout the Minnesota winter. FOLLOW GABI @gabirooker 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 next Lagoon order. UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. In this episode: How Gabi would sum up her Boston Marathon training cycle (3:00) How Gabi balanced working as a physician assistant during her Boston training (4:15) Gabi’s career dreams, how she pictures her future in both running and in her medical career, and her approach to balance (9:55) With less than two weeks to Boston: Has Gabi checked the weather? (12:00) Gabi’s history with the Boston Marathon, and why she’s running this year’s race (17:00) Gabi’s experience working with sport psychology coach Emily Saul (26:30) What Gabi’s Boston Marathon weekend entails (34:10) Gabi reflects on the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials (37:35) On healing the heart and body after the Trials (43:30) Gabi reflects on the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where she ran a five-second personal best, and Gabi’s approach to fitting racing into her schedule (45:00) On being “the people’s hero” (50:00) What Gabi will be wearing in Boston (52:50) What Gabi’s like on race morning (57:00) What’s top of mind for Gabi right now? (1:03:00) Follow: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT: If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

10 Apr 1h 8min

"I set this goal. I made a promise to myself that I wanted this, so I’m going to do it. And no, that’s not always fun. Maybe that means a late treadmill run or whatever it may be. But those little wins against your brain — and the battle to not do something — help you on race day. Because when it gets hard, you’ve already practiced doing it when you don’t want to, or when it hurts, or when the conditions aren’t ideal, or when you’re not comfortable." In 2018, Laura Galeazzo — then Anderson — came on the Ali on the Run Show to talk about getting back on the run after having her first daughter. That year, Laura returned to running with a big literal win, breaking the tape in 2:57 at the Buffalo Marathon. Now, seven years and another daughter later, Laura returns to the show to talk about smashing a goal nine years in the making.  At last weekend's McKirdy Micro Marathon, Laura took down a longstanding dream of running sub-2:50, finishing the 26.2 miles in a five-minute personal best of 2:49:32. In this episode, the 23-time marathoner talks about how she has taken nearly an hour off her marathon time, about why this particular race was so significant, and about how she's built so much mental strength to get where she is today. FOLLOW LAURA @losingrace SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. IN THIS EPISODE: How Laura is feeling after running 2:49 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon, and what she's done to prioritize her recovery (2:00) A timeline of Laura's marathon history (6:00) Laura's take on flexibility in training (16:40) How Laura connected with her coach, John Raneri, and what their coach-athlete relationship is like (21:10) Why Laura wanted to run the McKirdy Micro as her goal race (25:40) Laura's decision to race in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer (29:45) What Laura wrote on her bottles for the marathon, and how they helped her along the way (35:00) Why Laura chose not to have her two daughters there with her on race day (43:30) "Don't think. Just do." Laura's [very wise] decision to watch Top Gun Maverick the night before the marathon (48:45) Laura breaks down the pivotal moments from her 2:49 marathon (52:35) Now what? (1:02:15) A pep talk from Laura (1:08:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

4 Apr 1h 11min

"It's gonna be epic!" We are less than three weeks away from the 129th running of the world’s oldest marathon. This year’s Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that’s April 21. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) am attempting to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won’t be waiting around for too long once you get there!), elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional fields and about which storylines to follow, and 2018 champion and Boston favorite Des Linden joins to talk course strategy. Get excited: Whether you’re running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it’s always a Boston to remember. SPONSORS:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE: The lottery for this year's most famous Fourth of July 10K is now open. Enter today for your chance to run Atlanta's iconic race. In this episode: B.A.A. director of brand and experiential marketing Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what’s new for 2025 (4:35) Want to run Boston someday? Here’s what you need to know about getting in (29:25) B.A.A elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year’s professional athlete fields, and shares the storylines to watch (48:35) Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.’s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you’re there (1:21:30) 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:07:20) All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:37:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

2 Apr 2h 49min

"I am nowhere near close to being an expert, and that’s part of why I wanted this job — a challenge." Imagine you're a real-life woman in STEM. Someone who loves numbers, data, hypotheses, constants, and thoroughly researched experiments with scientifically-backed outcomes. Imagine you're also an athlete. A triathlete, specifically. So, what's the dream job? Triathlete in STEM Jinger Gottschall found it: Director of Sports Research at New Balance. In her role, Jinger oversees a team whose job it is to create, research, test, and design shoes and apparel that maximize performance and minimize injury. In this conversation — recorded in the Sports Research Lab at The TRACK at New Balance — Jinger talks about what her job entails, why she wanted this job, where work still needs to be done when testing products for men vs. women, and just how many pairs of shoes are in her closet. SPONSOR:  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 next Lagoon order. In this episode: What it’s like working at the New Balance Sports Research Lab (2:40) How Jinger describes her job (3:45) What it’s like when the pros come into the lab (6:30) How Jinger has learned about all the sports New Balance covers (11:45) How Jinger got the job she has today (14:30) On testing competitors’ shoes (24:30) The lab, by the numbers (33:00) Jinger’s take on testing for women’s products (35:45) What a day in the life is like at New Balance (43:45) Jinger’s favorite feature in the sports research lab, her favorite shoes, and more (48:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

27 Mar 55min

"Be open to the possibility of what can happen when you relinquish control and just listen." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're tackling health stuff, running stuff, work stuff, and a total grab bag of miscellaneous questions.  SPONSORS:  goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

25 Mar 1h 12min

"That’s been a big part of the change and growth. The lesson is trusting yourself and not being afraid to figure out what works for you, even if that’s different than someone else." She'll race the 800, the 1500, the mile, the 5K, the 10K...and in this conversation, Elise Cranny even hints at a possible marathon someday. Elise returns to the Ali on the Run Show to catch up on life since becoming a two-time Olympian (2020 and 2024). She talks about a lot of change: from Portland-based Bowerman Track Club and coach Jerry Schumacher, to Boulder-based Team Boss and coach Joe Bosshard, to now, training in Flagstaff, being coached by NAU's Jarred Cornfield, and taking a break from the team atmosphere. She explains why she made certain changes in an Olympic year, and talks about how she's feeling now, both physically and mentally. (Spoiler: She's fit, and she's headed to Sound Running's The TEN next weekend!) FOLLOW ELISE @elise.cranny SPONSOR:  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 next Lagoon order. In this episode: What’s on tap for today? (2:30) Elise’s New York Times Games morning routine (5:30) On life lately (10:50) The allure of the marathon (14:35) Which distance has Elise’s heart right now? (18:40) On chasing records (24:15) Elise recaps her 2025 indoor season (25:45) How Elise is feeling right now, and whether she’s currently feeling fit (30:30) All about Elise’s big changes over the past few years, including changing teams, coaches, and locations (35:20) On being a confident racer, and how Elise handles the comparison trap (43:15) Why Elise chose to sign with Grand Slam Track, and how being a racer has dictated this year’s schedule (45:50) How Elise has handled a tough couple of years (52:00) What Elise is excited about right now (57:30) No-such-thing-as-TMI talk! (This is the stuff I mentioned!) (59:35) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

20 Mar 1h 9min

"There are so many ways to get to the start line. There is not one way to do it. You just have to find what works best for you." Parker Valby was a collegiate phenom. At the University of Florida, Parker set multiple collegiate records in the 5000m and the 10,000m. She earned six NCAA and SEC titles, including five NCAA titles in one year alone. She wrapped up her career as a Gator by competing at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, earning a spot on Team USA, and competing at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 11th in the 10,000m final and was the youngest runner in the top 15. Now, 22-year-old Parker has officially gone pro. She signed with New Balance and joined Team New Balance Boston, where she trains alongside teammates — and fellow Olympians — including Elle Purrier St. Pierre, Heather MacLean, and Emily Mackay.  This conversation was recorded at The TRACK at New Balance during the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet. Enjoy as NB Olympian Vernon Norwood drops in mid-chat and takes over hosting duties! FOLLOW PARKER @parkervalby FOLLOW VERNON @vernon400m IN THIS EPISODE: Does Boston feel like home? (2:40) Can Parker still do a split? (4:00) On adjusting to life as a professional athlete (6:30) Parker’s experience joining Team New Balance Boston (7:30) What Parker was like growing up, and how her dad became her agent (10:35) Parker’s “going pro” support network (16:45) Is it hard to be the best? (18:20) What it was like winning the Bowerman Award — and just how much it weighs (23:55) What it was like making her pro debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (26:00) All about Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan (31:10) Parker’s preferred methods of cross training (39:45) What it’s like getting recognized on the run in Boston (48:00) Vernon Norwood takes over hosting duties (59:00) SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

18 Mar 1h 23min

"The thing that they just really want is to race the best people, and for people to watch them. They legitimately want to race really good people, and they want it to matter." You've probably seen the hype for track's newest league. But what, exactly, is Grand Slam Track, and why should we care about it? In this conversation, Grand Slam's Senior Director of Racing, Kyle Merber, returns to the Ali on the Run Show to tell us everything we need to know about the "Slams." He talks about his role, and about the athlete recruiting process. Plus, what he's most excited for, why he thinks everyone should watch, and a bit of celebration for his 2:26 marathon PR from the Houston Marathon earlier this year. SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. (Check out the limited edition Boston Marathon OpenRun Pro2!) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group 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!

14 Mar 1h 16min