Ali on the Run Show

"It's not a girl message, and it's not a boy message. It's a human message. It's about celebrating who you are, whatever you are." Kate T. Parker is the photographer and author behind the best-selling books Strong is the New Pretty and The Heart of a Boy. Her message for children is profoundly simple: You, just as you are, are worthy. You don't need to change who you are. Kids should feel strong and empowered being whoever they are. They should be accepted for staying true to themselves, whatever that looks like. Kate, a mom of two girls (Ella, 14, and Alice, 10) in Atlanta, GA, had a revelation a few years ago while taking photos of her kids. The photos weren't stereotypically "pretty" and posed, and the girls weren't sitting, smiling, wearing matching bows and dresses. They were messy. They were loud. They silly. And Kate wanted to make sure they always embraced that spirit. On this episode, Kate talks about the failure and rejection she experienced on the way to viral success, and talks about the moments when she knew the Strong is the New Pretty movement was making an impact. (They involve a Tweet from Emma Watson, and a DM exchange with David Beckham.) Kate, who is also a multiple-time triathlete and Ironman, opens up about what it's like when your middle school-aged daughter is dealing with bullying or mean girls, and talks about what she's doing to raise strong, confident children. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase.   What you’ll get on this episode: On the highs, the worries, and the stress and loneliness of new motherhood (3:00) All about Strong is the New Pretty (11:15) All about The Heart of a Boy (35:15) The story behind Kate’s Blended project (40:40) Kate’s advice for raising confident children (42:40) Kate looks back on what new motherhood looked like for her (45:15) What we mention on this episode: Strong is the New Pretty The Heart of a Boy Strong is the New Pretty Journal Kate's Disney campaign BLENDED Scary Mommy A Mighty Girl on Facebook Meaghan Murphy on Episode 113 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Kate: Instagram @katetparker Twitter @ktparkerphoto Facebook Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Jun 201959min

"It took a while — a lot of runs, a lot of soul searching — to have this confidence now to just show up and say, 'I've earned this. I deserve to be here. I've put in the work to be in this spot.'" Leigh Anne Sharek is the co-founder of the Brooklyn Track Club, which started as an idea a few years ago and has since grown to nearly 250 members. She's the co-host of the Runners of NYC podcast, she's a sub-five-minute miler, and she's a forensic scientist for New York City's chief medical examiner. (So cool!) On this episode, Leigh Anne talks about going from a 4-hour marathon to a 2:41 marathon, and nabbing an Olympic Trials qualifying time. She talks about running with faster people and what it's like when you realize you're fast, and she shares some oh-so-relatable feelings about showing up to her first group run. Leigh Anne, a former gymnast, has become a well-known face on the NYC running scene, and was named one of New York Road Runners' Runners of the Year last year. So what's it like moving up to the front of the pack and racing alongside the pros? Leigh Anne lets us know, and talks about the great state of the women's running community in New York City right now. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: On going from a 4-hour marathon to a 2:41 Olympic Trials Qualifier (4:20) Leigh Anne’s take on having a chill approach to running and racing, and on finding her place at the front of the pack (13:25) Where the pressure to run well comes from (20:45) The birth and growth of Brooklyn Track Club (22:30) What it was like qualifying for the Olympic Trials (35:45) Leigh Anne’s hopes and dreams for Brooklyn Track Club (43:00) All about life as a forensic scientist, including how Leigh Anne got into the field (44:30) Leigh Anne’s advice for conquering big goals (51:10) What we mention on this episode: Leigh Anne Sharek on Episode 129 of the Ali on the Run Show Pace University New York Road Runners NYCRUNS Nike Run Club Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show NYRR New York Mini 10K Steve Finley Follow Leigh Anne: Instagram @wicked.la Twitter @leighannesharek Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Mai 201957min

“We’re distance runners. We know how to dig in with hard stuff and persevere.” Sara and Ryan Hall are one of the best-known couples in the running industry. Ryan is a retired professional runner: He holds the American record in both the half marathon (59:43) and marathon (2:04:58), and represented the United States at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games. Today, he's a coach, he's spending a ton of time bulking up in the gym, and he just published his latest book, Run the Mile You're In. Sara is a professional middle-distance-turned-long-distance runner, who holds a 2:26 marathon PR and has her eyes set on the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. On this episode, Sara and Ryan talk candidly about their marriage, what they fight about, and what it's like being coached by your spouse. Ryan is Sara's coach, and they were very honest about what it's like for each of them when Sara doesn't have a good race or workout. They also talk about adopting their four daughters from Ethiopia, and take a trip down memory lane sharing their love story, from first sushi date to proposal to becoming parents. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: What the Halls are celebrating right now (3:50) Sara talks about what it’s like being coached by her husband — and a glimpse at what they fight about in their relationship (4:40) Ryan and Sara’s love story, including who made the first move, the first kiss, how Ryan proposed, and the roles running and religion have played in their relationship (13:30) Sara and Ryan’s adoption story (23:35) How prepared did Sara and Ryan feel for parenthood, and what were their expectations? Plus, how they support and encourage their daughters when it comes to running (30:40) Fast Ryan or Ripped Ryan? Sara tells all! (45:15) What Ryan’s decision to retire meant for the Hall family (49:15) How Sara has gotten faster over the past few years (50:45) What’s next for the Halls? (58:10) What we mention on this episode: Run the Mile You’re In NYRR New York Mini 10K Follow Sara:  Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 Facebook Follow Ryan:  Instagram @ryanhall3 Twitter @ryanhall3 Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Mai 20191h 8min

“Women are dying of causes that should not kill them in 2019.” Dr. Taraneh Shirazian is a board-certified OB/GYN and surgeon practicing at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, where she's also the Director of Global Women's Health at NYU's College of Global Public Health. In 2009, Dr. Shirazian created the Saving Mothers nonprofit organization, whose goal is to lower the global rate of maternal deaths. Currently, 350,000 women worldwide die due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. That's one mother dying every two minutes. On this episode, we talk about the important work Saving Mothers is doing to further women's empowerment and patient advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth, and we discuss why, exactly, so many women are dying this way, particularly women of color. Dr. Shirazian, a mom of two, also talks about her newest venture, Mommy Matters, which directly supports Saving Mothers. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase.   What you’ll get on this episode: Why Dr. Shirazian says doctors make the worst patients (5:15) Why are so many women dying during childbirth? (7:45) All about Saving Mothers (12:30) Why are so many women dying during childbirth in New York City? Plus, the racial disparities involved with maternal deaths (17:00) Shirazian’s recommended resources for pregnant women (23:00) How to support Saving Mothers (24:30) All about Mommy Matters (27:20) Shirazian’s message to moms in all stages of motherhood, plus what she remembers about her own experience as a new mom (35:50) On returning to work post-baby (41:30) What we mention on this episode: Saving Mothers Mommy Matters American College of OB/GYN Patient Education Portal Run the TCS New York City Marathon for Saving Mothers Mommy Matters ergonomic pillow Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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!

19 Mai 201955min

"You really can do anything. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy and that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be without sacrifice. It also doesn’t mean you’re going to be a rockstar at it. But you can do anything if you’re willing to put yourself out there and really risk failing in a huge way." Last month, Jen Ator was hired as the new editor in chief of Women's Running. Before joining WR, Jen was the longtime fitness director at Women's Health. On this episode, Jen talks about her decision to leave one dream job for another, and shares her hopes, dreams, and big plans for Women's Running. She shares her running story, including the heartbreaking knee injury that sidelined her just as she was hitting her running groove. Plus, she shares her advice for getting through some "really tough days." Jen also talks about the opportunity of a lifetime: getting to race Ironman Kona with training partner and Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. She talks about her friendship with Deena Kastor, how her approach to exercise has changed over the past few years, and her book, The Fitness Fix. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How it feels to get to say “I’m an editor in chief” Plus, Jen opens up about her decision to leave one dream job for another (3:30) Jen’s hopes, dreams, plans, and goals for Women’s Running — and is anything off-limits? (9:15) What does the editor in chief job entail? (16:20) Jen reflects on her time at Women’s Health, and how she rose through the ranks and really proved herself to a tough editor in chief (30:00) Jen’s running story — how she went from college lacrosse player to runner to devastating ACL injury to competing at Ironman Kona alongside Apolo Ohno (39:30) On dealing with imposter syndrome leading up to Ironman Kona (54:30) What’s next for Jen? (1:01:10) What we mention on this episode: Liz Plosser on Episode 72 of the Ali on the Run Show Erin Strout on Episode 73 of the Ali on the Run Show Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor Roz Frazier on Episode 135 of the Ali on the Run Show The Women's Health Fitness Fix by Jen Ator Follow Jen: Instagram @jen_ator Twitter @jen_ator Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Mai 20191h 8min

"I tried to float somewhere between hopeful and hopeless." Colleen Lubin's story is one of a tremendous amount of loss — and, ultimately, one of resiliency and strength. All her life, Colleen dreamed of becoming a mom. But, like the 6.1 million women in the United States who struggle with infertility, the road to having a baby wasn't easy for Colleen, who created the blog "Not Quite Knocked Up" to document her journey. (It's a must-read for those trying to conceive and those in the throes of new motherhood.) In the span of three years, Colleen suffered five miscarriages (including both a chemical pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy) and two failed IVF treatments. The sixth time she found out she was pregnant — the one that would stick — was the day after her dad died unexpectedly. Today, Colleen is mom to nine-month-old Liam, and she's been open, honest, and very candid about her road to pregnancy, what pregnancy after loss is like, and what it was like going into labor six weeks early, six hours away from home. I am sending so much love and light to all the women out there this Mother's Day. Whether your day was celebratory or difficult, I am here for you. If I've learned anything as a new mom, it's that moms in all stages have each others' backs. I have yours. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase.   What you’ll get on this episode: Did Colleen always know she wanted to be a mom? (4:00) Did Colleen expect the road to motherhood to be easy? (5:50) Colleen opens up about her long road to having a baby (9:40) The emotional side of suffering multiple miscarriages (20:20) Colleen’s take on what to say — and what not to say — to women struggling with infertility, miscarriage, and loss (24:00) Colleen’s IVF journey (31:00) The toll five miscarriages and two failed rounds of IVF took on Colleen’s marriage (40:00) Colleen’s reaction when she found out she was pregnant — the day after her dad passed away unexpectedly (45:35) Colleen’s message to women struggling with infertility, miscarriage, or loss (57:00) On having a baby six weeks early, six hours from home (1:00:03) On guilt, shame, and inadequacy (1:04:00) What we mention on this episode: Kristin Mallon on Episode 136 of the Ali on the Run Show Abby Bales on Episode 139 of the Ali on the Run Show RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Follow Colleen: Instagram @notquiteknockedup Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 20191h 16min

"Take assessment of who you feel more comfortable making eye contact with." Carolyn Su is the creator of the @diversewerun Instagram account, where she shares inspiring stories from runners from all backgrounds. Carolyn, who is a Taiwanese-American daughter of immigrant parents and was born and raised in Texas, is a strong voice advocating for more diversity and representation within the running community. On this episode, Carolyn — who is a mom of two living with her husband and kids in Boston, MA — talks about her foray into running and how having an eating disorder in high school and college factored into her running journey. She also talks about how we can all advocate for more diversity and inclusion within the running community. A must-listen! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How Carolyn became a runner — and how an eating disorder factored in (7:10) Carolyn’s road to recovery from her eating disorder (13:30) Why Carolyn ran her first marathon (16:40) Did Carolyn’s family support her running? (22:20) What it was like growing up as an Asian-American daughter of immigrants in Houston, TX (25:41) Why Carolyn started the @diversewerun Instagram account (35:44) What can I — a basic white girl with a community — do to encourage more diversity in running and amplify these voices from men and women of color? (46:00) Carolyn’s advice for modeling good behavior for our kids, and how to teach young people about race (53:45) What we mention on this episode: Women Behind the Mic LIVE in Boston Chris Mosier on Episode 13 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Carolyn: Instagram @irunfortheglory and @diversewerun Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Mai 201959min

"There are a lot of people who put a lot of pressure on themselves — maybe you, maybe me — to do it all. So if you do have problems postpartum, we can treat that at seven months, we can treat that at three years, we can treat it when you're ready. I want to treat my moms when they're ready — not when they're feeling overwhelmed." Dr. Abigail Bales is the founder of Reform Physical Therapy in New York City, where she specializes in pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation, primarily focused on pelvic floor health. In this episode, Abby, who is a board-certified licensed physical therapist, breaks down everything you need to know about the pelvic floor in an easy to understand way. She talks about exercise modifications during and after pregnancy, and explains why peeing yourself after giving birth is "common, not normal." Abby, who is a mom of two (Henry, 5, and Caitlyn, almost 2), also talks about mothering with a chronic illness (ulcerative colitis), her experience with postpartum depression, what her marriage was like after having children, body image, breastfeeding, going back to work after baby, and learning to ask for help. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase.   What you’ll get on this episode: What exactly does a pelvic floor physical therapist do? (4:00) Signs you may have a weak pelvic floor, and when people should see a pelvic floor physical therapist (7:00) What to know about exercise modifications during pregnancy (8:30) Why, no, peeing yourself after pregnancy isn’t normal according to Dr. Abby (14:30) Why I didn’t see Abby after giving birth — and her response to my confession (19:20) How having a chronic illness has affected Abby during her pregnancies and in motherhood (25:45) Abby’s experience with postpartum depression after her second baby (30:00) Abby reflects on new motherhood, marriage, and body stuff (35:00) On going back to work after having babies (41:00) What we mention on this episode: Abby on Episode 49 of the Ali on the Run Show Reform Physical Therapy The ACSM pregnancy guidelines Antony Lo PelvicRehab.com Global Pelvic Health Alliance directory Sara Blakely on Instagram Jenny Mollen on Instagram Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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 Mai 201952min