Ali on the Run Show

“There comes a certain time that you just need a break. You’re human. You don’t have to feel great all the time. It’s OK to be in touch with your feelings and say, ‘I don’t feel great, and I’m going to take five days off.’ It’s fine!” Blanca Grinkovitch is a 20-time marathoner, Ironman, lululemon ambassador, director at New Jersey treadmill studio Juma Fit, and mom of twin boys. She runs a 3:07 marathoner and a 1:29 half-marathon, and today, in her fifties, she's running stronger and healthier than ever. On this episode, Blanca talks about how she has stayed happy and healthy on the run for decades at a time. She has boundless energy and excellent advice, and you're going to love her! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: Blanca’s advice for how she is stronger than ever in her fifties (5:00) Did Young Blanca envision this future for herself in the fitness industry? (10:00) Blanca reflects on her first race in Central Park (14:45) How Blanca met her husband, and what their first date (a 17-mile run) was like (19:00) How running changed after having twins (24:00) On start line imposter syndrome (30:15) What running looks like for Blanca right now (35:50) Blanca’s advice for jumping out of bed in the morning (40:50) What “Coach Blanca” is like (45:00) What we mention on this episode: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah Follow Blanca: Instagram @bgrinkfit 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 Mar 202153min

“People should feel like they have a real say in the decisions that impact their everyday lives.” Beth Huang says community organizing is on her mind 24/7. As the Director of the Massachusetts Voter Table voting rights organization, it's her life's mission to get everyone everywhere (starting in Massachusetts!) registered to vote and showing up to vote. Beth and the MA Voter Table don't care how you vote — it's a nonpartisan organization — they just want you to have answers so you know how to register, how to get to the polls (no easy task in 2020!), and how to stay active in your own community. On this episode, Beth explains how they actually do this. She talks about the importance of caring about your local community, and about why it's not just the big elections every four years that matter. The MA Voter Table is especially focused on BIPOC communities, and on creating a more equitable and even playing field. This episode is a great reminder about the importance of civic access (that everyone who wants to vote can vote), civic engagement (that everyone who can vote does vote), and civic responsibility. SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more. 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!

16 Mar 202157min

“In order for me to light the world on fire — I am going to do amazing things in Tokyo — I’m going to train smart, I’m going to stay out of trouble, and I’m going to stay injury free. Because I believe in my heart that even four months of training, I am going to be super fit and I’m going to have an amazing race in Tokyo. I just hope that my body is in tune with my mind. Because I know in my mind that even though I just had a child, that’s not going to be a barrier. I’m not going to make excuses. My child is going to be the motivation for me, and I know I have what it takes to succeed in Tokyo.” Aliphine is back! Back on the run (!!!), and back on the Ali on the Run Show. The last time Aliphine Tuliamuk — the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion — was on the show, she was eight months pregnant, readying to give birth to a baby girl. And now, that baby girl is here: Zoe was born on January 13, 2021, and on this episode (her first postpartum podcast interview!), Aliphine reflects on her pregnancy, on giving birth, and on the first few weeks of new motherhood. She also talks about her careful and calculated return to running, as she prepares to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics representing Team USA. Aliphine is open, honest, and holds nothing back. SPONSOR: AJC Peachtree Road Race — Register for this year's race today at ajc.com/peachtree. What you’ll get on this episode: The advice Aliphine received as she prepares for her return to running (5:30) Reflecting on pregnancy, labor, and delivery (7:45) Aliphine’s post-birth scare (24:55) On having a support system (30:15) What has surprised Aliphine most about new motherhood (39:15) Raising a child in the U.S. vs. Kenya (42:25) Aliphine talks about her deliberate and careful return to running and training (50:30) Aliphine talks about watching A Time and A Place, and looks back at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials experience (1:00:50) On finding support within the professional women’s running community (1:09:20) What we mention on this episode: Aliphine Tuliamuk on Episode 315 of the Ali on the Run Show A Time and A Place Follow Aliphine: Instagram @aliphine Twitter @aliphineT 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!

15 Mar 20211h 16min

“The only person who can make you feel good about yourself is yourself. You really have to feel confident in who you are and what you bring to the table, and know that you’re enough. That’s your foundation.” Ask any Peloton devotee about instructor Olivia Amato, and you'll probably hear the same phrase over and over: "She's a real-life Energizer Bunny." Olivia is one of the few Peloton instructors who can "do it all" — she teaches on both the bike and the treadmill, and teaches strength classes. (Her core classes will leave your entire body quivering.) But Peloton wasn't always the plan for Olivia. Though she was super sporty growing up, a guidance counselor suggested she pursue a career in finance. So when Olivia graduated high school, that's exactly what she did: went to college and then went on to Wall Street, where she worked in sales and trading. Though she thrived in the fast-paced, high-stress environment, she hated it. It wasn't her passion. She loved fitness, and as soon as she had her "a-ha" moment, that's where she headed. She got certified, got hired at a spin studio and a boxing studio, and was suddenly teaching 30 classes a week. Today, though, Olivia has found happiness, true joy, and balance as a Peloton instructor. On this episode, she talks about dealing with burnout, what to do when you realize you're not happy and need to pivot, and how she's built her confidence over the years. ("And I'm still working on it," she assures.) Peloton friends, join the fun — add the #FriendsofAliOTR tag to your profile so we can cheer each other on and swap high fives! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: Olivia’s take on being a “real-life energizer bunny” (4:50) Getting to know Young Olivia (9:00) On pursuing a career in finance (12:45) How Olivia broke into the fitness industry, and how she got the job at Peloton (18:25) All about Olivia’s Breakthrough Runs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the programming at Peloton (29:00) On teaching in an empty room during the pandemic (40:40) What don’t we know about Olivia Amato? (45:15) On the evolution of Olivia (49:00) Is there pressure to look a certain way in the fitness industry? (54:00) 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 M61 Skincare Follow Olivia: Instagram @oamato 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!

11 Mar 20211h 7min

"I used to be a morning person. I’m not a morning person anymore!" Liz Lemon was always destined to do two things: run and help people. Liz (and yes, she gets a lot of 30 Rock references thanks to her name) comes from a family that runs and practices medicine, so it's no surprise that Liz would do the same. She's a night shift nurse in the emergency room at a hospital in California (though she's currently on leave on account of a broken hand), while also pursuing her master's degree in nursing education. When she's not in the ER, Liz is on the run: She's a 3:44 marathoner, 1:29 half-marathoner, and 17:54 5K runner. On this episode, Liz talks about what it's really like working the front lines in a hospital (and she insists that despite what we see on Grey's Anatomy, "people aren't really hooking up in the break rooms"), explains what her days and nights really look like, and shares some of her most memorable stories from the hospital. SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more. 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!

9 Mar 20211h 2min

“Once I started to believe in myself and believe I was faster — which is the power of the mind — I started showing it.” Ce'Aira Brown wants you to know that she's still running. She's still training (alongside Ajeé Wilson), and she's still staying true to her "talk less, grind more" mentality. (And when she's not on the run training for the 800m or 1500m, she's on the runway, modeling.) On this episode, Ce'Aira — who is a former NCAA All-American and 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier who formerly trained with Frank Gagliano and now runs professionally for Hoka One One — talks about her running journey and her career. So why don't people think she's running? Because you're pretty unlikely to see a lot of running "content" on her Instagram feed. But Ce'Aira promises, she's more in it than ever. In honor of International Women's Day, she talks about the women who inspire her, and she talks about being a role model herself. She explains why, after running a 2:02 season opener in Austin two weeks ago, she's "not satisfied, but hungry," talks about the power of positivity and hard work, and talks about how she's built mental strength and confidence. SPONSOR: Hoka One One. Check out Hoka's just-released Mach 4 at your local JackRabbit store, or by visiting jackrabbit.com. Follow Ce'Aira: Instagram @ceairachristine_ 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 Mar 202148min

“The worst thing you can do is count yourself out.” Last year, Molly Seidel ran her first marathon — at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, where she finished second and earned herself a spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team. And she'll be the first to tell you that she wouldn't have gotten to that start line without her #1 fan: her sister, Izzy. Now, one year later, Molly is a professional runner for Puma, training for the 2021 Olympics, and Izzy is her self-appointed hype girl. On this episode, the Seidel sisters — who are roommates in Boston — talk about what their family was like growing up, and about how their lives have changed since the Trials. Plus, they talk about the importance of "the pursuit of fun" in everything they do, and share their experiences with the comparison trap, imposter syndrome, and building confidence. (Pro tip: Having a hype girl helps!) SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN for $10 off! What you’ll get on this episode: Which of Molly’s races has been the most challenging? (4:30) How Molly’s feeling after her 68:29 half-marathon PR (and race win!) in Atlanta last weekend (8:50) All about Molly’s attitude when it comes to racing (11:00) On getting the call that the 2021 Olympics are happening (!!!), and what her training will look like leading up to Tokyo 2021 (18:20) Is Molly moving to Flagstaff? (25:30) Looking back at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and what that day was like for the Seidels  (35:40) Molly and Izzy talk about their childhood and what growing up together was like (43:30) What we mention on this episode: Izzy on Episode 236 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly’s slow mile Follow Molly: Instagram @bygolly.molly Follow Izzy: Instagram @isabelseidel 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!

5 Mar 20211h 12min

“I kind of spiraled into this years-long cycle of trying to constantly seek improvement in my times and not give myself a break when I really needed it.” If you’ve read an article about running in the past few years (which, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably read something by Emilia Benton. Emilia is a freelance journalist (we talk a lot about her transition to going freelance after working in the magazine industry, and about why she’s so much happier on her own) and is a regular contributor at Runner’s World, Self, Women’s Health, Shape, Popsugar, Prevention, Verywell, Fast Company, and more. On this episode, Emilia talks about making her freelance dreams come true and about the stories she’s proudest of, and shares the one publication that’s still on her writing wish list. Plus, Emilia — who lives in Houston, TX, with her husband, Omar, and their dog, Astro — shares her running story. She explains how she’s gone from dreaming of one day running a two-hour half-marathon to recently running a sub-1:40 half, and talks about her Boston Qualifying dreams. She talks about developing a strong mental game, offers her thoughts on being a woman of color both in running and in publishing, and talks about being a twin! (Hi Carla!) SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: A day in the life of a freelance journalist (6:00) Why Emilia loves being freelance, and what the career is really like (9:40) Emilia shares her earliest experiences with racism growing up (28:20) Emilia’s best advice for making a scary career move (34:00) Emilia reflects on her childhood growing up in Houston, Arizona, and Portland (38:15) How Emilia found running (41:00) On “learning to chill out on the run” (47:25) What we mention on this episode: I Learned to Chill Out During Marathon Training. Here’s What Happened. by Emilia Benton for Runner’s World “11 BIPOC Runners Speak Out About Running & Race,” by Emilia Benton for Runner’s World Ben Chan on Episode 277 of the Ali on the Run Show “How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Social Justice & Race,” by Emilia Benton for Women’s Health The Brown Ambition podcast Mandi Woodruff on Episode 276 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emilia: Instagram @emmiemarieb Twitter @emmiemarieb 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 Mar 20211h 6min