Ali on the Run Show

"Maybe we place too much emphasis on the idea of what other people think a runner is." After having her third baby, Erin Azar wasn't feeling like herself. So one day — having never run before — she decided to go outside and run a mile. From there, she committed to running a mile a day for 30 days straight, documenting her journey along the way. The result: Erin went viral on TikTok, with her first running video amassing more than one million views overnight. And when her mile-a-day month was up, she leveled up, and decided to train for and run her first marathon. Then, when said marathon was canceled due to the pandemic, she ran it anyway: virtually, and mostly alone. Erin is super honest about the realities of running being hard, especially for new runners. This is an inspiring, fun conversation for runners who are new to the sport and ones who have been doing it for decades. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Where the nickname "Mrs. Space Cadet" came from (3:45) Erin shares her running story (8:30) What did Erin feel was missing from the running industry? (13:45) How it felt when Erin's first running video jumped to one million views on TikTok — overnight (16:00) Why Erin decided to go all-in and train for a marathon (28:00) What it was like running a marathon for the first time — virtually (36:00) Why Erin decided to get a coach, and why she thinks other new runners can benefit from having one, too (38:00) Erin's advice for first-time virtual marathoners (46:45) What does a day in the life of Erin look like? (49:15) Erin's message to anyone who doesn't feel seen or represented in the running community (52:00) What we mention on this episode: Erin skiing Follow Erin: Instagram @immrsspacecadet TikTok @mrs.space.cadet 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!

4 Feb 20211h 3min

"Your energy is your most valuable resource. How do you make sure you're spending it on things that actually make a difference?" As the Chief People Officer at Hubspot, it is Katie Burke's job to take care of people. So when your job is other people — whether at work or at home — how do you take care of you? On this episode, Ali on the Run Show favorite Katie Burke shares 10 practical, tactical, super important ways to make sure your needs are met. And this isn't a fluffy self-care pep talk about reading before bed or taking baths on the weekend. This is about learning to play offense in your own life. (Look at me, using sports references!) Plus, Katie talks about why you should make a "worry list," offers her own take on the over-used phrase "self-care," and explains why this advice is especially important now. (For more, read Katie's just-published post, "Taking Care of You," here.) SPONSOR: Rise Run Retreat. Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your Rise Run Retreat Virtual Retreat registration. Registration for this month's Virtual Retreat opens February 8. What we mention on this episode: "Take Care of You" by Katie Burke Katie Burke on Episode 252 of the Ali on the Run Show Katie Burke on Episode 84 of the Ali on the Run Show Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show Brené Brown with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout The Idea of You Anti-Racism Daily newsletter The Energy Project Follow Katie: Instagram @katieburke16 Twitter @katieburke LinkedIn 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!

2 Feb 20211h 16min

"Find what makes it fun for you." Welcome to this month's edition of Ramblings on the Run with Ali and Matt, where Rambling Runner host Matt Chittim and I catch up on running, industry news, and our current favorite things. On this episode, we answer listener questions ranging from how we met and became friends to our best advice for new runners. What we mention on this episode: Bravey by Alexi Pappas Alexi Pappas on Episode 296 of the Ali on the Run Show Ask Ali! "ZACH" by Billy Yang Dinée Dorame on The Morning Shakeout Grounded Podcast with Dinée Dorame Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 of the Ali on the Run Show Kamilah Journét on Episode 323 of the Ali on the Run Show Running Realized Follow Matt: Instagram @rambling_runner Rambling Runner podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

29 Jan 20211h 1min

"He said, 'If you want to see your son grow up, you need to make these changes.' Done. That's all I needed to hear." The Mirnavator is here! Mirna Valerio is a sponsored athlete, ultra runner, best-selling author (check out her book, A Beautiful Work in Progress), trained opera singer (yes, she sings on this episode!), mother, educator, activist (she leads diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops for brands including Nike and Burton), and speaker. She has appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Rich Roll podcast (twice!), she trained Will Smith for a half marathon, and she was named 2018 Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. She's also arguably one of the most influential women in running today. On this episode, Mirna talks about how she became "The Mirnavator," explains what it was like when her blog, Fat Girl Running, went viral in 2015, and what life has been like ever since. Plus, she shares her core values, offers an exercise for how can all discover our own values, and talks about her exciting new projects (a novel! a podcast!). SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Mirna sings! (Plus, why and how she recently sang for Nigel Barker) (7:00) What's making Mirna happy today? (15:40) On having an impact (23:00) Did Young Mirna envision this future for herself, as a sponsored athlete? And how did a health scare in 2008 lead to where she is today? (26:00) On going viral (45:00) How Mirna ended up training Will Smith for a half marathon (56:30) What hasn't Mirna done? (1:10:10) Mirna's advice for identifying your core values (1:14:00) What we mention on this episode: "REI Presents Mirna Valerio, Ultra Runner" Mirna Valerio on The Kelly Clarkson Show Follow Mirna: Instagram @themirnavator Twitter @themirnavator 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!

28 Jan 20211h 23min

"My goal is to indulge my own curiosity and hopefully pique yours as well." Welcome to the new monthly series on the Ali on the Run Show: Ask Ali! On these episodes, I'll be answering your questions, whether they're funny, silly, or serious. First up: running with Crohn's disease, tackling the comparison trap, sports bras, podcasting, my thoughts on the dance industry and whether I see dance in Annie's future, and, uh, a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. 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 ONTHERUN for $10 off! EMBED What I mention on this episode: lululemon Enlite Bra 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!

22 Jan 202146min

"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