Ali on the Run Show

"I had the stuff I needed. I had the things. But I didn’t have the confidence." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we’ve got listener questions about postpartum running, what a day in the life looks like, what it's like entering the other side of the pandemic, llamas and alpacas, running in New York City, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future “Ask Ali” episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever’s on your mind! I can’t wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Do you have any advice for postpartum running? And what is a typical weekday like for you? (2:50) What are you most excited for about your new home in New Hampshire? (17:45) Do you prepare your responses to the Ask Ali episodes? (22:35) What is it like on the other side of Covid? (33:00) How are the llamas and alpacas next door? (44:20) Where to run in New York City, and how to find a running group (48:20) What I mention on this episode: Kristin Mallon on Episode 136 of the Ali on the Run Show The Idea of You by Robinne Lee Victoria Asikis on Episode 349 of the Ali on the Run Show NYRR Clubs & Teams list 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!

18 Jun 202158min

“I feel so lucky that running has made me feel empowered and given me a lot of confidence. Finding that throughout high school was something that was really life-changing for me. I really want the younger generation to have that opportunity and to see the power of sport and the power they can find in themselves and in their team, and in connecting with others who have similar goals and passions. I really want to inspire that younger generation and see all the great things that they can do.”   Welcome to U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials Week! The Trials officially kick off tomorrow, June 18, at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, and today's guest, Elise Cranny, is definitely one to watch. Elise runs professionally for Nike and the Bowerman Track Club, and she will be competing in both the 5K (June 18) and 10K (June 26). Elise comes into the Trials with the fastest qualifying time in the 10K, and the third-fastest time in the 5K (behind her BTC teammates Shelby Houlihan and Karissa Schweizer), and she is fit, both physically and mentally. Just a few weeks ago, Elise won the 1500m event at the Portland Track Festival, running a 4:02 and earning both a personal best and an Olympic qualifying time (though she won't be going for the 1500m at the Trials). Before going pro, Elise was a standout runner at Stanford University. She was a 12-time All-American, and finished second at NCAA Championships four times. On this episode, Elise talks about her path to the Trials, her dreams for making her first Olympic team, her history with RED-S, and her experience as a Voice in Sport mentor. Keep your eyes on Elise this week!   SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.   What you’ll get on this episode: Elise talks about her 1500m win at the Portland Track Festival (3:50) Elise confirms which events she’ll be competing in at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (7:20) On training at altitude in Park City, UT (11:50) Comparing the 1500, 5K, and 10K (14:30) What it’s like working with Coach Shalane Flanagan (17:50) The workouts Elise loves — and the ones she loves a little bit less (22:00) On getting dropped at practice (25:40) How Elise has built her mental toughness and confidence (29:00) What Elise says her strengths and weaknesses are on the run (31:00) What Bowerman Track Club practice is like (35:00) Elise shares her running story (37:00) Elise’s experience with RED-S in college (42:10) On the decision to go pro (46:30) Elise looks back on her first practice with Bowerman Track Club (50:00) Elise shares her pre-race rituals (1:01:20) Elise’s biggest hopes, dreams, and goals both on and off the track (1:06:00)   What we mention on this episode: Sinclaire Johnson on Episode 373 of the Ali on the Run Show Gabriela DeBues-Stafford on Episode 353 of the Ali on the Run Show Shelby Houlihan & Karissa Schweizer on Episode 357 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Voice in Sport Sterling K. Brown’s 2018 Stanford University commencement address   Follow Elise: Instagram @elise.cranny   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!

17 Jun 20211h 15min

"The whole day revolved around dance. And that, to me, was the dream."   "When I'm onstage," Emily Kikta says, "no one can stop me." Emily is living every aspiring ballerina's dream: She's a corps de ballet member at New York City Ballet, where she has been a member of the company for 10 years. On this episode, Emily talks about her road to a Center Stage-like life. She grew up competing with her local dance studio, and went on to attend the School of American Ballet, which is the feeder school for NYCB. She talks about getting a job in the company, about her first performance onstage, and about how she keeps the magic alive onstage every night. She also talks about the pandemic's impact on the arts industry, and about how she and her fiancé (fellow NYCB member Peter Walker) turned to choreographing, directing, and producing during their forced time offstage. Plus, Emily talks about body image in the dance community, what a day in the life is like, and how she got into running during the pandemic.   SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.   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!

15 Jun 20211h 13min

“Sometimes you just need an advocate to kick you in the pants.” Sarah Lesko just might be one of the most-loved women in the running industry. As the leader of corporate development for Oiselle, Sarah — or "Lesko," as most call her — is beloved by her colleagues, by Oiselle's elite athletes, and by the hundreds of members of the Volée team. So what is about Lesko that makes people so drawn to her? After hearing about Oiselle from countless women on this show — Lauren Fleshman, Sally Bergesen, Alison Mariella Désir, Rebecca Mehra, Kara Goucher, Courtney Carter — it's time to hear from Lesko herself! On this episode, Sarah talks about growing up on a commune, going to (and running for) Yale, and becoming a doctor. She talks about the health issue that forced her to take an 18-year break from running, and explains what drew her back in and got her on the run again. She talks about having kids (she's a mom to three boys) while in her medical residency, and about life as a mom and family medicine doctor. And she talks about her decision to leave the medical industry in 2015 to work for Oiselle. Today, Sarah manages Oiselle's philanthropic efforts, its Bras For Girls program, and the elite team. In this conversation, she reflects on helping grow the brand, including the initiatives she's proudest of, and the missteps along the way. Plus, she talks about why, at 52, she's proud to be "faster as a master." SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. EMBED EPISODE HERE What you’ll get on this episode: How was your run today? (4:40) What’s dominating your brain right now? (5:55) What Sarah’s childhood was like as a self-proclaimed “child of hippies” (9:30) On med school, raising children during med school, and becoming a family medicine doctor (14:20) Meeting Sally Bergesen, and the road to Oiselle (22:25) Why Sarah took 18 years off of running (25:21) Reflecting on where Oiselle was at when Lesko entered the picture (29:50) On leaning in to internet culture, engaging with influencers in the running space, and starting to sign and sponsor professional athletes (34:35) What, exactly, Lesko does all day, and all about Bras for Girls (42:45) On being so loved (48:45) How Oiselle has evolved over the years (52:00) On hiring Alison Mariella Désir, and the brand’s goals for DEI work (58:45) The role running plays in Sarah’s life right now (1:05:25) What we mention on this episode: Sally Bergesen on Episode 48 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Bras For Girls Oiselle Light Luxe Fabric Alison Mariella Désir on Episode 292 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show Running Industry Diversity Coalition Follow Sarah: Instagram @drlesko Twitter @drlesko 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!

10 Jun 20211h 20min

“I always felt a special thrill with anchoring, but I had zero idea if I was any good at it! But there was potential there.” Joelle Tomlinson wakes up at 3:02 AM — precisely — every day in pursuit of her dream job as a CTV Calgary morning news host. On this episode, Joelle talks about what it's like anchoring the news, and what her road to the news desk was like. (It involved a stopover as a weather girl!) She busts some common misperceptions about being a face on TV, talks about the pressure to look or dress a certain way, and shares the types of stories she loves covering, the ones that still give her butterflies, and the ones that have had the greatest impact on her. She talks about how she's learned to put her emotions aside when covering difficult stories, and about why, sometimes, it's OK to cry on live TV. Plus, she talks about her morning routine, dealing with criticism from viewers, and all the unseen parts of the job. When Joelle isn't live on televisions across Canada, she's most likely getting sweaty: She's an ultramarathoner and spin instructor who signed up for her next ultra within an hour of us finishing this recording! SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. EMBED HERE 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!

8 Jun 20211h 8min

“It’s not easy, but I’m at a point now of knowing I can handle it. It’s not always fun — but I can handle it. And I know you can, too.” Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we’ve got listener questions about why I (mostly) stopped drinking, how to practice getting comfortable saying no, wishing for a new body, what life could be like without running and podcasting, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! If you want to be part of a future “Ask Ali” episode (yay!), call 917-947-9699 — introduce yourself, and ask whatever’s on your mind! I can’t wait to hear from you! SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Why aren’t you drinking anymore? (2:30) How do you get more comfortable saying no? (7:20) What is my strength training routine? (14:05) Do you have any advice for mentally getting back into running when you’ve been sidelined for a while? (17:35) Do I ever wish for a new body? (26:35) What is my favorite race that I’ve announced? (33:00) What would my life be like if I didn’t start podcasting and running? (38:00) What’s the process of choosing guests for the Ali on the Run Show? (40:00) Tips for running in the heat (45:45) What I mention on this episode: Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries The Injured Athletes Club podcast Clearwater Running Festival 2022 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!

4 Jun 202152min

“This is a definite compliment from Des. She was like, ‘I like you enough where I can hang out with you for three hours!’” In April, Des Linden made history by making her ultramarathon debut and, in the process, breaking the world record in the 50K (2:59:54) and becoming the first woman to run a 50K in under three hours. And while Des may hold the new record, she didn't go it alone: She was joined by Charlie Lawrence. Charlie ran at the University of Minnesota, and made his marathon debut at the California International Marathon in 2018, where he ran a 2:16 and earned himself an Olympic Trials qualifying time. On this episode, Charlie talks about what it was like pacing Des that day in Oregon, including what their pre-race conversation was like, what he remembers most from the race, and what he thought about his first "Shoey." And go give Charlie some love: He'll be racing the 50K road championships next weekend! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: How Charlie got the job as Des’s pacer (4:20) How Des and Charlie met (7:45) What 2021 was looking like for Charlie on the run (9:50) How Charlie trained and prepared for the 50K (13:30) What Des and Charlie’s pre-race talk was like (17:30) What the race was like (27:30) Highlights from race day (32:40) What the finish line and post-race celebrations were like (36:15) What’s next for Charlie? (43:20) Is this the life Young Charlie imagined? (47:55) What we mention on this episode: Des Linden on Episode 363 of the Ali on the Run Show Billy Yang on YouTube Calum Neff on Episode 318 of the Ali on the Run Show The CIM Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Charlie: Instagram @lawrence_char Twitter @lawrence_char 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!

3 Jun 20211h

“As much as this is your job and this is serious, there’s a lot of fun and joy in the process.” Welcome to Season 5 of the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! On this series, we hear from women who have cool, unique, interesting careers — and who also happen to be runners. We’re kicking off this season with Rikki Gimelstob, a casting director who works on films, television shows, commercials, and theater productions. (Most recently, Rikki worked on the upcoming Dear Evan Hansen film, and the new AMC show Kevin Can F**k Himself, starring Annie Murphy of Schitt’s Creek fame!) On this episode, Rikki explains what, exactly, a casting director does. She explains how she got into the industry (it involves the opera!), and addresses whether or not what she does is actually like what we’ve all seen on Entourage. Plus, she talks about some of the craziest dressing room requests she’s seen, and shares her thoughts on diversity in the industry. (When you’re done listening, go watch this — the greatest video ever on YouTube, or anywhere.) SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. 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!

1 Jun 20211h 7min