Ali on the Run Show

“You give yourself your own life raft, and it feels so great to come up for air and think, jeez, that was a close call! But I’m here. And it’s given me strength to go further and deeper than that next time.” Becs Gentry is a Peloton Tread and Strength instructor, and in March, she added another very impressive title to her fitness resume: 2:32 marathoner and Olympic Marathon Trials competitor for Team Great Britain. On this episode, Becs — who is from the UK but has lived in New York City since she took the Peloton job in 2019 — talks about what it was like being invited to compete for Team GB, and about what it took to finish fourth that day and to run a nearly five-minute personal best time. She talks about her training and how she prepared for race day, including how she balances her own training with teaching and how she survived a 22-mile run on a treadmill one day. She talks about the dark days and the tough runs, and how she got through them, and shares her own struggles with confidence both on and off the roads and treadmill. Plus, she talks about privacy and why she didn't tell her parents she was auditioning to be a Peloton instructor, and why she didn't tell people she was training for the Trials until shortly before race day. Finally, Becs talks about how she's learned to deal with the pressure of racing, whether it's an unplanned 5K (she did it once and says "never again") or an ultramarathon (of which she's done several). SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: How the opportunity to run the Olympic Trials came about, and when it first became a dream for Becs (6:45) Where Becs was at with running when she found out she would be competing in the Trials (17:00) How Becs trained for the Trials (21:00) On confidence (24:15) That time Becs ran 22 miles on a treadmill (30:20) How Becs balances teaching at Peloton with her own training (34:20) What race day was like (47:00) On dealing with tough moments during races — and getting past them (1:03:10) How Becs recovered, physically and emotionally, from the Trials and from the 2019 New York City Marathon (1:05:10) Did Becs have any idea how big Peloton would be, and how well-known she would be? (1:13:00) Why Becs didn’t tell her parents she auditioned for the Peloton job (1:16:30) What we mention on this episode: Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Becs: Instagram @becsgentry 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!

27 Mai 20211h 28min

"You don’t know everything. I share a lot, and that still is only a fraction of my life, of my thoughts, of my opinions, of my day." 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 the mental component of Crohn's disease, my Enneagram type (3w2!), my thoughts on raising a daughter in the era of Instagram filters, getting back into running after a long break, Outback Steakhouse, "parasocial relationships," and 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: How to carry things on the run (2:29) The mental component of Crohn’s disease + how often I use my Peloton Tread (9:27) What is my Enneagram type? (19:59) My thoughts on raising a daughter in the time of Instagram filters and Kardashians (25:22) Advice for getting back into running after a long break (33:00) My pre-race dinner, running the Falmouth Road Race, and sounding “smooth” on the microphone (40:30) On “parasocial relationships” (46:20) What I mention on this episode: SPIBelt FlipBelt Koala Clip lululemon Far and Free Jacket Danielle Cemprola on Episode 41 of the Ali on the Run Show Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone RINGR Audacity Be There in Five podcast Clearwater Running Festival 2022 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!

21 Mai 202158min

“I’m the quarterback of my life. All these different people play supporting roles, and I need all of them for sure. You can’t be a team with only a quarterback. But I get to be the one in charge, making the plays. And that feels super empowering and very exciting.” Colleen Quigley is arguably one of the most influential track and field athletes today. She's a professional athlete who primarily competes in the Steeplechase, and she's a Team USA Olympian, a Florida State University alum, an NCAA champion, a model, and a mental health advocate. Colleen spent the first five years of her professional career sponsored by Nike and competing with the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, OR. But at the end of 2020, Colleen announced she was making a change: She was no longer sponsored by Nike, and was leaving the Bowerman Track Club. Now, after many months of anticipation and much speculation, Colleen announced yesterday that she has signed with lululemon, and is officially a lululemon-sponsored athlete. On this episode, Colleen talks all about her decision to leave Nike and BTC, and about what this lululemon partnership looks like. She talks about what it's like navigating sponsorships in the running industry today (with the help of Allyson Felix's brother, Wes), and about why a less-traditional model works for her right now. Plus, she shares that she'll be moving to Los Angeles with her boyfriend this fall, and talks about how she's feeling heading into this summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: All about Colleen’s new sponsorship deal, including why she left Nike and Bowerman Track Club (4:30) What Colleen’s lululemon sponsorship (or partnership!) entails (13:30) What shoes will Colleen be racing in? (23:15) What Colleen has learned about the professional running scene (26:35) Is a Peloton partnership in the works? (34:15) On speaking up, standing up, getting loud — and reading the comments (37:00) Why Colleen is passionate about mental health (46:00) How has Colleen’s life been different than what she imagined? (56:00) How Colleen is feeling — physically and mentally — heading into the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (58:15) What we mention on this episode: Jasmine Blocker Coffey Running to Protest Colleen’s "Open Letter to the Bowerman Track Club" Armchair Expert with Prince Harry Cheat Code Follow Colleen: Instagram @steeple_squigs Twitter @steeple_squigs Website 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!

20 Mai 20211h 12min

“I really threw myself into everything that made me uncomfortable.” Happy Bonus Episode Day! Cara Enright is someone I've wanted to have on the show for a long time, and I couldn't decide whether to include her in the Everyday Runner series (a runner with a full-time job and lots of hobbies!) or to share her episode on a Thursday — and so, the solution is a bonus episode, in the middle, today! Cara Enright is a New York City-based runner (and former competitive jump roper!) who works in pharmaceutical recruiting. Last month, Cara and a group of runners (including The Bachelorette's Zac Clark) completed the Goggins Challenge: They ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours straight. On this episode, Cara talks about how she got involved, how she prepared, and what the experience was like. (By the end of the challenge, the group had also raised more than $80,000 for the Release Recovery Foundation.) When she's not working or running through Times Square at 1 AM with her friends, Cara is the women's captain for the Brooklyn Track Club, and is a partner with Free People Movement. SPONSOR: Ranger Ready Repellents — Use code ONTHERUN10 for 10% off your purchase. What you’ll get on this episode: All about competitive jump roping (3:45) Cara shares her running story (6:25) On navigating the New York City running scene (9:30) The role running plays in Cara’s life now (18:45) How Cara’s feeling after completing the Goggins Challenge (23:30) What it was actually like running the Goggins Challenge in NYC (32:10) On raising more than $80K for the Release Recovery Foundation (43:30) All about Cara’s role with Free People Movement (49:30) What’s next on the run? (55:00) What we mention on this episode: Cara’s "butt jumping" video! Julia Lucas on Episode 356 of the Ali on the Run Show Brooklyn Track Club Electric Athletic Club Chris Chavez on Episode 262 of the Ali on the Run Show Izzy Seidel on Episode 236 of the Ali on the Run Show Izzy Seidel on Episode 341 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Cara: Instagram @therealcaraenright Twitter @careenright 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

19 Mai 20211h 8min

“I’m very proud that I have managed to, in less than a year, do four half marathons. It’s not something I ever could have dreamed of doing. And I’m just proud I have really stuck it out. Because it’s hard. It’s not easy to try to work yourself back from a poor health standard, or to bring yourself out of that mental hole that people can fall into. I’m very proud that I have stood up and said, ‘I need help, and I need to make a change.’ That’s a huge step for anybody to take. The fact that I’ve taken that step and I keep moving forward… That means a lot to me.” Welcome to the final episode of the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. For the past four weeks, we’ve been hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Today, we wrap things up with Melissa Cummings, a runner — or “walker with purpose,” as she likes to say — from Manchester, NH. On this episode, Melissa shares the story of wanting to take back control of her life, and how she found running, racing, and a welcoming running club along the way. She talks about that title, “runner,” and shares her thoughts on whether or not she — as a four-time half-marathoner — has embraced it yet. She talks about what it was like joining the Millennium Running Club, and what it was like being named 2020’s Club Member of the Year. And she talks about her experience with depression, and how running has helped. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) What you’ll get on this episode: What Melissa’s childhood was like as the youngest of five children (6:45) How Melissa found running (11:00) How one race became a year of races (18:45) On joining a running club (23:30) Melissa’s quest to “take back her life” (33:30) On becoming a half-marathoner! (35:45) On being named Millennium Running’s Club Member of the Year (45:15) What got Melissa to sign up for a marathon (50:40) On owning the title, “runner” (54:00) Follow Melissa: Instagram @mlynette01 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

18 Mai 20211h 9min

“I noticed that there were young Black girls without role models in their communities. Because of lack of representation in our society, sometimes we don’t see people that look like us doing things that we want to do, so we think that we can’t do it. And that definitely applied to me.” As U.S. Track & Field athletes across the country gear up for the Olympic Trials (June 18–27), triple jumper and long jumper Keturah Orji is feeling good. And rightfully so: Keturah, who was named the NCAA's Collegiate Woman of the Decade, just took back the American Record in the triple jump (14.92m)! On this episode, the 2016 Olympian and five-time U.S. champion talks about what it takes to be at the top of the jumping game. (If you're new to the triple jump and long jump, fear not: Keturah offers a "Jumping 101" halfway into the episode, breaking down what, exactly, these events entail, and what it takes to master them.) She talks about how she found jumping, what her goals are for this year's Trials, and what it was like competing at the 2016 Games, where she finished fourth in the triple jump and missed making the podium by just three centimeters. Keturah currently trains at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California, and when she's not there, she's working toward her master's degree in accounting. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: On setting the American Record in the triple jump (4:30) What it was like competing at the 2016 Olympic Games, as a 20-year-old college sophomore (9:05) Keturah’s race-day rituals (13:30) All about Keturah’s childhood, and how she discovered running and jumping (14:30) On the decision to go pro, and what it’s like training at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Center (21:35) Are jumpers getting enough credit? (28:30) Triple Jump & Long Jump 101, and what Keturah’s training looks like right now (32:20) Keturah’s plans and goals for the Olympic Track & Field Trials (41:10) On being a newlywed (47:30) “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams” (51:50) What we mention on this episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear Follow Keturah: Instagram @ktorr1 Twitter @keturahorji Website 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!

13 Mai 202158min

“I feel like I’m in a good position to have a real crack at making the team.” With the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials coming up, now's a great time to get to know as many of the competitors as possible! Today (bonus episode day!), Bowerman Track Club's Sinclaire Johnson is here. Sinclaire is BTC's resident rookie: She joined the team last year, and made her official debut as a Bowerman member in February, where she ran and won the 800m at the Prickly Pear Invitational. (Not bad for the new kid!) On this episode, Sinclaire confirms that she will be competing in the 1500m at the Trials (her personal best is a 4:03.72, officially making her one to watch). She talks about running at Oklahoma State University, where she was the 2019 NCAA 1500m champion, and explains her decision to forgo her fifth-year eligibility in favor of going pro. She talks about signing with Nike, and about why she wanted to join Bowerman Track Club. (It has a little something to do with Shelby Houlihan.) Sinclaire and the team are training at altitude in Park City right now, though she otherwise calls Portland, OR, home. SPONSOR: Ranger Ready Repellents — Use code ONTHERUN10 for 10% off your purchase. What you’ll get on this episode: What life is like training at altitude in Park City (3:55) Sinclaire talks about her Bowerman Track Club racing debut — and win! (12:30) How Sinclaire is feeling looking forward to the Track & Field Trials (17:45) What Sinclaire’s childhood was like, and when running entered the picture (21:45) On winning NCAA Championships in the 1500m in 2019 (31:30) The decision to go pro (37:45) Why Bowerman Track Club? (43:45) All about Craig (55:00) What we mention on this episode: Shelby Houlihan on Episode 357 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Abrahamson’s “A Day in the Life of Sinclaire Johnson” video Emma Abrahamson on Episode 319 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Sinclaire: Instagram @sinclairejohnson 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

12 Mai 20211h 2min

"At times in my life when I’ve struggled or when I’ve maybe been less than my best self, my mom always asks, 'When was the last time you went for a run?'" Welcome to the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. On this series, we’re hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Today, meet Dr. Margi Johnson. Margi is a family medicine physician and mom of three with big goals and dreams on the run. (Hint: She wants to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials someday, which would mean running a sub-2:45 marathon!) On this episode, Margi shares her story of being an "airlift baby," born in Vietnam and brought to the United States, where she was adopted and raised. She talks about being athletic as a child, but admits that running was never her first love. (She chose to be a jumper, because she wanted the sport that involved the least amount of running! The irony!) It wasn't until Margi was in her surgical residency — with two kids and a third to come — that she rediscovered and truly fell in love with running. Margi talks about what the past year has been like for frontline workers, shares her story of getting Covid a whopping three times, and explains her family's decision to relocate from New Jersey to Georgia. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) What you’ll get on this episode: Margi shares her adoption story, and what it meant to be an “airlift baby” (6:15) How Margi became a runner — and a jumper! (14:00) The road to becoming a doctor (21:20) On rediscovering running as an adult, a resident, and a mother (29:30) When Margi finally started calling herself a runner (41:45) When Margi finds time to run, and what this past year has been like for her (50:10) Adjusting to life in Georgia (59:45) Follow Margi: Instagram @chasing_an_otq 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

11 Mai 20211h 17min