Ali on the Run Show

“The idea that someone would try to take me down a notch really just adds fuel to my fire.” Last week, Outside magazine published a piece called “Tracksmith Made Running Culture Something You Can Buy.” On this episode, the ever-inspiring Kamilah Journét — who is both a 4:51 miler and Tracksmith’s marketing manager — is here to offer her response to that piece. Plus, Kamilah talks about running collegiately at UC San Diego, and reflects on times when she didn’t love running. She talks about rediscovering her love for running (pro tip: her love returned when she made it about something bigger than herself!), and about the role running plays in her life right now. Before coming to Tracksmith, Kamilah worked at Hoka One One and Patagonia, so she also offers her take on how running and outdoor brands are approaching diversity, equity, and inclusion in 2021, and whether she sees progress being made in the industry. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: Kamilah’s reaction to that Outside magazine piece (4:45) All about the Tracksmith Fellowship (19:15) On women supporting women in the industry (23:30) The role running plays in Kamilah’s life right now (30:00) Where Kamilah’s competitive side came from, and how running has evolved for her over the years (35:20) On working in the running and outdoor industries (43:30) What we mention on this episode: Your Black Teammate Kamilah’s Instagram response to Outside magazine's piece Tracksmith Fellowship Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 of the Ali on the Run Show Lee Glandorf on Episode 240 of the Ali on the Run Show Veronica Jackson on Episode 211 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Kamilah: Instagram @kamilahjournet Twitter @milahjournet 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 Jan 20211h 9min

“I went on this journey of constantly proving to people that I could do everything they could do. Because I knew I could!” When Lacey Henderson was just nine years old, she was diagnosed with soft-tissue cancer in her leg. After trying a series of experimental treatments — none of which ultimately worked — Lacey underwent above-the-knee amputation surgery, just before her tenth birthday. Today, Lacey is a Paralympic long jumper competing at the highest level, and she'll be the first to tell you that she is so much more than her disability. (She also, on this episode, talks about that word, "disability," and reflects on why it's not quite her favorite word.) Lacey is happy, joyful, and tough, and this conversation covers everything from ableism, discovering disabled sport, and having tough conversations on the street to cheerleading and American Girl dolls. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: On being diagnosed with cancer at nine years old (7:30) Lacey reflects on the day she had her leg amputated (10:30) On life after amputation (17:40) Lacey’s experience with “disability denial” (25:30) How Lacey found running after amputation (34:45) On overcoming “verbal constipation” (51:00) Where Lacey is at with running right now (56:45) What we mention on this episode: AfterShokz "Be Open" conversation Follow Lacey: Instagram @laceyisyourfriend Twitter @lacesyourfriend 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 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 Jan 20211h 7min

“I think what I’ll take away from this sport is the resiliency it built in me. No matter what else life throws at me, I’ll know how to keep moving forward and fighting through it.” The last time Sara Hall was on the Ali on the Run Show, she had just placed second — with the finishing kick seen around the world — at the elite-only London Marathon. This time, she’s fresh off running the elite-only Marathon Project — and this time, she took the win. In December, Sara won the Marathon Project with an 89-second personal best time of 2:20:32. She fell short of her goal that day, which was to run an American Record, besting Deena Kastor’s 2:19:36. On this episode, Sara talks about what it felt like to miss that goal, but to still have an incredible day on the run. She offers an honest take on running your best time ever but not feeling satisfied. (Relatable!) Plus, she explains what it felt like attempting to run a 5:19 pace for 26.2 miles, gives a look back at her greatest 2020 takeaways, and talks about her goals for the 2021 Olympic Track and Field Trials. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order! (Sara Hall's fuel of choice!) What you’ll get on this episode: On running better than ever at 37 (3:35) Recapping the Marathon Project (9:15) What does 5:19 pace feel like? (24:00) Which was more fun: London or the Marathon Project? (28:50) Memories from mile 20 (34:30) How it felt when the American Record started slipping away (40:30) What is Sara proudest of? (50:10) What we mention on this episode: Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show Calum Neff on Episode 318 of the Ali on the Run Show The Run Free podcast with Ryan Hall Follow Sara:  Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 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 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!

12 Jan 20211h 8min

“I want every runner when they listen to this show to be reminded that regardless of your pace, your distance, how often you run, when you run — you’re a runner. I want you to know that even if you don’t see yourself in every episode, in every conversation — I see you. I see you in this community. I value you. I couldn’t do this without you. I will do my very best to make sure these conversations remain inclusive in every way possible.” In 2020, I released 126 episodes of the Ali on the Run Show with 133 different guests. I welcomed five new sponsors (goodr, Tracksmith, Athletic Greens, Gatorade Endurance, and Atlanta Track Club), and maintained a strong partnership with longtime sponsors (AfterShokz, UCAN, and New Balance). In addition to the Thursday conversations, there was a steady stream of fun series options to choose from: Love on the Run, On the Job, Feel-Good Fridays, Ali & the Experts, What’s New With You, and On the Record. I launched a Patreon page, built a community there, and happily hosted three live shows, one of which was virtual. With more than 2.5 million downloads, 2020 was a good year for this show, at least by the numbers. But it wasn’t easy. The state of the world forced me to do a lot of reflection, and to commit to serious changes on the show. I acknowledged — uncomfortably at times! — my own role in the running industry’s problems with racism and representation. I wrestled with how to pivot the show and these conversations once the pandemic hit. On this episode, I’m taking a look back at the last year for the Ali on the Run Show, including sharing some key takeaways from last month’s podcast listener survey. And, ultimately, I’m looking forward so I can continue to do my best to make the Ali on the Run Show a place where all runners are seen, heard, welcomed, and represented. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: Reflecting on the Ali on the Run Show in 2020, by the numbers (3:00) The Ali on the Run Show in 2020, beyond the numbers (15:30) On navigating how to talk about a pandemic on the podcast last March (21:00) On addressing systemic racism and Black Lives Matter on the Ali on the Run Show in 2020 (24:45) 2020 on the personal front (30:00) Looking back at my 2020 goals and how they played out (35:00) Sharing responses from the Ali on the Run Show Listener Survey (41:50) Looking forward to 2021 (1:00:31) What I mention on this episode: Ali on the Run Show Episode 199: My 2020 Visions, Plans, Hopes, & Dreams Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Chris Heuisler on Episode 265 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show 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!

7 Jan 20211h 12min

"I’ve given up on myself so many times. And now this time, I’m so determined to get over this hump. I don’t want to give up on myself again. That’s what gets me out the door these days." Emma Abrahamson is the definition of a content creator: The former University of Oregon cross-country runner has an insanely popular YouTube channel with 69,000 subscribers, a combined Instagram following of more than 80,000 on her @onecrazedfoodie account and her personal one, hosts the Convos Over Cold Brew podcast, and recently released the Crazed Foodies e-book. By sharing her own stories, Emma has become a strong role model for the next generation of runners. She's known for her authenticity, her humor, and of course, her yummy recipes. On this episode, Emma talks about her road to running industry fame, and offers her honest, vulnerable takes on mental health, body image, and confidence. She talks about her transition from college athlete to "real person," and talks about what it's like being in a family of runners (she's one of three sisters, all of whom are sub-5:00 milers!). SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: How Emma got started as a content creator (5:45) The pressure that comes with living online (12:00) On developing thick skin and responding to negative feedback or criticism (14:30) On being a role model (16:30) Emma talks about body confidence (20:20) How Emma got into covering races and track meets on YouTube (27:45) All about Emma’s triathlon training (37:20) What keeps Emma going on tough days? (52:50) What we mention on this episode: "4 Women Runners Explain Why It’s Important to Embrace Your Body As It Changes," via Runner's World Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole Zwift Follow Emma: Instagram @emmaabrahamson Instagram @onecrazedfoodie Convos Over Cold Brew podcast YouTube 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!

31 Des 20201h 2min

“I was just like, my three girls are at home cheering for us, yours are right here. There’s so much love for us right now. We’ve just gotta go. Let’s do it for them.” Last weekend, Calum Neff became known as "Green Shorts Guy" at The Marathon Project in Arizona. Calum was one of several pacers assigned to help Sara Hall run a 2:19 marathon in hopes of setting a new American record. And Calum more than earned the very important role: He's a lifelong runner with four Guinness World Records to his name, three of which are stroller running records that he's earned with each of his three daughters in tow. (A 2:31 marathon with his oldest daughter, a 1:11 half with his middle, and a 31:43 10K with his youngest.) On this episode, Calum passionately talks about his love for this sport, about how he trained (with 102-mile weeks!) and mentally prepared for his duties at The Marathon Project, and what it's like balancing running with family life and a full-time job at an energy technology company. Next up for Calum: attempting the Canadian national 50K record. What you’ll get on this episode: Calum’s best piece of stroller running advice (5:15) Was running The Marathon Project about the training journey or about race day? (10:00) How Calum got the job as a pacer, and what his training was like leading up to race day (12:50) On imposter syndrome and the mental side of training and racing (24:15) On meeting Sara Hall for the first time (27:30) On communication during the race (38:00) What’s next for Calum? (48:50) Calum’s post-race recap (55:45) “The art of pacing” (1:00:20) What we mention on this episode: The CIM Olympic Trials Qualifying Time Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show Thule Glide Performance Jogging Stroller Thule Urban Glide II Jogging Stroller Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show Keira D’Amato on Episode 305 of the Ali on the Run Show Michael Gervais' "Finding Mastery" podcast Follow Calum: Instagram @calneff 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!

24 Des 20201h 4min

“It was incredibly scary to leave my home country, my family, and fly overseas to a place I knew nothing about. I knew no one there. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I just knew I was following my dream and following my heart.” Dominique "Dom" Scott was born and raised in South Africa, but by the time she hit high school, she knew she wanted to move to the United States to pursue a collegiate runner career in the NCAA. And that's precisely what she did. Despite having never visited, Dom packed her bags and moved to the States, where she attended the University of Arkansas. The rest, they say, is history. Dom went on to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, and earned herself a sponsorship with adidas. Today, she lives in Colorado where she is a member of Joe Bosshard and Emma Coburn's "Team Boss." On this episode, Dom talks about moving to the U.S., joining the Bosshard group, and creating "The Dom Squad." SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: Why everyone listening should get out for a run today (4:40) Did Young Dom envision a future as a professional runner? (5:55) How Dom ended up at University of Arkansas (16:20) On coming to the United States and what that was like (20:25) How Dom went pro (32:55) Dom’s road to the 2016 Olympics (36:05) On being a dual citizen (39:30) Dom’s hopes for the 2021 Olympic Games (44:30) All about The Dom Squad (48:45) Dom talks about joining Team Boss in Colorado (56:45) What Dom’s running and training are like right now (1:02.50) What we mention on this episode: Emma Coburn on Episode 224 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Coburn on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Coburn on Episode 60 of the Ali on the Run Show Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 204 of the Ali on the Run Show Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 197 of the Ali on the Run Show Laura Thweatt on Episode 228 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Dom: Instagram @domscottrunsa 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!

23 Des 20201h 16min

“We made the most out of a hard year. And what we did this year is going to pay off.” Earlier this year, four-time NCAA champion Dani Jones decided to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility at the University of Colorado in the pursuit of going pro. She signed with an agent — Hawi Keflezighi — and joined Joe Bosshard and Emma Coburn’s training group, “Team Boss.” And today, Dani has an exciting announcement to share: She’s officially a fully sponsored professional runner, having just signed with New Balance. On this episode, Dani talks about what it’s really like going pro (particularly during this pandemic year); talks about training alongside women like Emma Coburn, Aisha Praught Leer, Cory McGee, and Dominique Scott; and divulges her biggest hopes and dreams on the run. What you’ll get on this episode: How it feels to be a sponsored professional athlete (3:30) How Dani’s training has changed since joining Team Boss (7:00) On Dani’s decision to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in order to go pro (9:10) What it’s really like going pro (11:30) Why Dani chose to sign with Hawi Keflezighi and HAWI Management (14:30) Did Young Dani always plan to go pro? (16:40) On joining Team Boss (30:25) How Dani’s feeling looking to 2021 (39:30) Follow Dani: Instagram @dani.joness 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 Des 202053min