795. Jinger Gottschall, New Balance Director of Sports Research

"It’s wild. It is New York’s Super Bowl. Every single borough comes out to play, and it’s amazing." OK, soon-to-be New York City Marathoners: Here it is! Your unofficial guide to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Today, with the help of a few very special guests, I'm here to answer all of your NYCM-related questions. This is a mega-episode — 2.5 hours long! — so enjoy your taper, listen in, and take lots of deep breaths knowing you've got this. As for me: The New York City Marathon is my Super Bowl, my Christmas, my birthday, my favorite day of the year. It was the first marathon I ever watched, back in 2008, when I went out to cheer for a coworker who was running the race. (Thanks for the inspiration, Therese!) I've run it three times — in 2013, 2014, and 2016 — and volunteered once, in 2015, at a fluid station. In 2017, I cheered on "First and Fifth," and in 2018, at three weeks postpartum, going to the New York City Marathon was my first outing since having a baby. I sat in the grandstands as Shalane Flanagan finished third, and pumped in a fancy finish line porta potty. Then, in 2019, I got the best seat in the house for the first time: New York City Marathon finish line announcer. This will be my third year as one of the race's announcers, and it's a huge honor. I can't wait to see you. And this episode isn't just for the marathoners: We have tips for spectators, a breakdown of how to get into the race in the future, and general advice for marathon-day fueling and hydrating. SPONSOR: New Balance — Click here to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out the SuperComp Trainer! I’m obsessed!) What you’ll get on this episode: New York City Marathon race director Ted Metellus talks about what makes the New York City Marathon so iconic (3:30) Ali answers your pre-race questions, including how to get into the race, dealing with logistics-related overwhelm, and how to watch the race on TV (27:15) Molly Seidel, who broke the American course record at last year’s race, offers her advice for racing the New York City Marathon — plus a life update! (34:00) Everything you need to know about getting to the start village, and what it’ll be like once you’re there (50:30) Registered dietitian and five-time New York City Marathoner Kelly Hogan answers questions about how to fuel and hydrate on race morning and throughout the day (1:09:15) All about the New York City Marathon course (1:23:20) Running coach Anoush Arakelian offers course strategy advice, whether you want to race to a personal best or run-walk and enjoy the scenery (1:31:15) All about the finish line and beyond (1:54:15) How to be an awesome spectator (2:00:30) What happens after you cross the finish line (2:06:25) Questions for Ali (2:09:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20222h 28min

"I feel like nutrition is the new super shoe! If we’re fully carb loaded, if we’re fueling our race really strong, our performance can be astronomical, and better than we ever thought." Meghann Featherstun is on a mission: to get runners to eat more. More specifically: to get runners to eat more carbs! In this conversation, the sports dietitian and 2:50 marathoner talks about her passion for performance fueling. She talks about running a big personal best at the Chicago Marathon just a few weeks ago, and about what it has taken to shave more than an hour off her marathon time over the past decade. Meghann explains how she became a sports dietitian, talks about the most common concerns she hears about from her clients, and looks back on how she first became a marathoner (and why her "one and done" declaration, well...famous last words). Plus: how Meghann keeps running fun and joy-filled, and all about her obsession with graham crackers, bagels, and toast (oh my!). SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: What’s the deal with the graham crackers and morning toast? (2:50) How was Meghann’s run today? (7:50) What is a sports dietitian? (9:50) On the trauma of 1990s diet culture (14:15) How Meghann found running (16:45) Why Meghann fell in love with the marathon (19:00) What are the common themes Meghann is hearing from her clients? (22:30) How do you know if you’re under-fueling? (26:00) Meghann’s Chicago Marathon fueling plan (30:45) What Meghann had to do to go from a 3:58 marathon to a 2:50 (41:35) How Meghann keeps running fun (51:15) Meghann’s goals for the New York City Marathon (52:40) Meghann’s tips for becoming a morning runner and for making running more joy-filled (56:15) For more, check out: Emily Oster on Episode 571 of the Ali on the Run Show Can confirm: There was Goose Island beer at the Chicago Marathon finish line! Follow Meghann: Instagram @FeatherstoneNutrition Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20221h 7min

"I don’t get paid to run. So I might as well have some fun!" Thomas Bailey is best known in the running world as Tommie Runz, and he's been taking the industry by storm. Tommie is a marathon-running dad of two who lives in Detroit and works a full-time job in vehicle shipping by day, and is a podcast host, YouTuber, and content creator by all other hours. Tommie is currently on his "Redemption Tour" — running three fall marathons after a disappointing race at the Boston Marathon this spring. He has already completed the Erie and Chicago Marathons, and now he's gearing up for his goal race in New York City. All about his marathon-filled fall and more, today on the Ali on the Run Show. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Tommie: @tommie_runz The Run, Eat, Sleep Show Tommie on YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

25 Okt 202253min

"I’ve never been someone that felt like I did my best work trying to prove somebody wrong. I do my best work trying to prove somebody right." It hasn't been an easy year for three-time world championship medalist, three-time Olympian, and Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson. In the 48 hours before the calendar turned from 2021 to 2022, Jenny watched as her world began to crumble. On December 30, wildfires engulfed her historic home — a former schoolhouse, beloved by Jenny and her husband, Jason, and by their community. They (with their dog, Truman) evacuated, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. On December 31, her 12-year contract with New Balance ended, and wasn't renewed — something Jenny calls "a great heartbreak." Plus, the 1500-meter legend was injured. In true Jenny form, though, she's seeing the bright side now. Jenny and Jason's home somehow survived the fire, and after being displaced for three months, they were able to move back in and rebuild their lives. She's no longer injured, and with all systems go, she's officially transitioning from the track to the roads, with longer distances in mind. ("I'm not training for a marathon," she swears.) Two weeks ago, she won the Army 10-Miler, and she has one more race on the calendar for 2022. And she is, once again, a fully sponsored professional athlete. Jenny signed with Puma earlier this year. Today, she's here to talk about all of it. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon: Click here to register for these races — taking place March 5, 2023 — today! What you’ll get on this episode: How Jenny has brought her community together in the wake of last year’s Colorado wildfires (3:30) The lingering trauma from the wildfires (10:10) What Jenny’s running has been like over the past year (16:30) On Jenny’s recent Army 10-Miler win, and how she’s feeling now (21:40) Is Jenny Simpson ready to become a marathoner? (36:45) How is Jenny measuring her success on the roads? (42:50) On the end of Jenny’s New Balances sponsorship, and the beginning of her partnership with Puma (49:00) Jenny’s shoes of choice right now (54:15) Did Jenny watch the Fifth Avenue Mile this year? (57:55) What Jenny sees in U.S. women’s distance running right now (1:01:25) What running feels like for Jenny right now (1:07:15) For more, check out: Jenny & Jason Simpson on Episode 329 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 268 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show "Is Top Miler Jenny Simpson About to Be a Marathoner?" by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20221h 14min

"That’s my mentality: Get to the starting line, and roll with what you’ve got, and do your best. If you do that, you’ve gotta be happy." Everyone loves Matt Wilpers. The beloved and adored (and newly engaged!) Peloton instructor is a 2:54 marathoner, a 1:17 half marathoner, and a 10:38 Ironman triathlete. And now, in between teaching Peloton classes, running a coaching business, and wedding planning, Matt is training for the New York City Marathon! (Get to know Matt better by listening to him on Episode 398 of the Ali on the Run Show.) In today's edition of 26 Questions, Matt answers questions about how training is going, how he proposed to his now-fiancé, his goals for race day, and more. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Matt: Instagram @mattwilpers Website Team Wilpers Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20221h

"I get overwhelmed, I get stressed, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I have high expectations for myself. But my 'why' is wanting to do my best. My why is wanting to be a good example for Annie. If I’m going to spend any time working and away from my daughter, I want it to be for a good reason." Welcome to Ask Ali, the series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I’m flying through 26 listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I’m @aliontherun1), about podcast, running, motherhood, Halloween, purple M&Ms, laundry detergent (?), and so much more. SPONSOR:  goodr. Click here for free shipping on your next goodr order! You asked: How excited were you to get Wordle on the first try? (3:05) What is Annie going to be for Halloween? (3:50) Will we see you at the New England Half? (4:25) What’s your favorite 90s trend that has come back? (6:15) What’s your favorite song to let loose and dance to? (7:50) Any chance there will be more tickets to the live show with Keira D’Amato? (8:45) Thoughts on the new purple M&M? (9:15) What is the relationship between podcasters? Friends? Enemies? Competitors? (9:50) Running the NYC Marathon for the first time — what’s your best advice? (12:00) Has a guest ever said something so offensive or off the wall that you had to edit it out? (13:25) Do you ever forget why you are doing something or who you’re trying to impress? (16:00) Grinding: love it or hate it? (18:00) When will you know if you’ll be back at the Boston Marathon in any capacity? (20:15) What would you change or redo about your wedding? (20:25) If you had to start a fantasy running team, who would your five starters be? (22:30) Do you have a running coach? (24:00) Do you have any future plans to run another marathon? (25:30) How many home offers did you make? (27:00) Favorite Halloween costume you ever wore (28:15) How’s Ellie? (29:50) Will you ever announce a race in the south? (30:25) Boyfriend has ulcerative colitis. What are some date night ideas for us? (30:45) What is the all-time most-listened-to episode of your podcast? (31:30) What detergent do you use on your running clothes? (32:45) Looking to commit to my first marathon — which one should it be? (33:00) Are you ever in a bad mood when it’s time to start the podcast? (34:15) Check out: The New England Half: Use code ONTHRUNNE for 15% off your race registration The Clearwater Marathon & Running Festival: Use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your race registration "Molly Seidel Still Struggles," by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 202236min

"There’s a big period of my life that led me to find long-distance running where I was a shell of myself. I was depressed and suicidal and anxious and unable to leave my house. And I think a lot about, what if my story had ended there? What if there wasn’t this other part of my life where I get to be the person who I am today?" Alison Mariella Désir is a runner, a marathoner, a change-maker, an activist, an advocate, a wife (to Amir!), a mother (to Kouri!), a founder (of Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women), a creator, and now, she adds "author" to her bio. Alison's highly-anticipated book, Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us, hits bookshelves next week. Today, Alison returns to the Ali on the Run Show (for the fourth time!) to talk all about her writing process and her hopes and dreams for the running industry. This book is a must-read for runners and non-runners alike. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. What you’ll get on this episode: How does it feel to have this book out in the world? (3:10) What Alison hopes people feel when they read this book (7:45) All about Alison’s writing vibe (12:00) What Alison learned about herself during the writing process (17:15) What would Alison’s dad think of this book? (19:45) What Alison’s relationship with running is like right now (21:50) On dealing with racism and microaggressions from a very young age (27:15) “She wasn’t tired. She was tired of giving in.” (32:55) The pressure to continue being a high-achiever (36:10) What it felt like for Alison to keep showing up to Harlem Run — by herself (41:50) On building community, and what Alison learned from running with other groups, crews, and clubs in New York City (48:00) On being vulnerable at this stage in life (54:40) What Alison hoped would come from her Outside magazine op-ed (57:30) On sniffing out performative BS, and seeing meaningful change within the running industry (1:03:45) The experience of recording the audio version of Running While Black  (1:14:00) Which parts of the book have resonated most with people so far (1:16:15) For more from Alison, check out: Alison Désir, Founder of Harlem Run What's New With You? "Why it's an exciting time for women's running" “Ahmaud Arbery and Whiteness in the Running World,” by Alison Désir for Outside Magazine Follow Alison: Instagram @alisonmdesir Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20221h 21min

"Once we realized it was real… I mean, it’s not like that happens every week. It was really freaking cool!" Emily Oster was first on the Ali on the Run Show last February. At the time, the economist, Brown University professor, and best-selling author talked about how running is the one place in her life where she lets go of all the data and just runs. Fast-forward a few months, and Emily has a running coach (Kaitlin Goodman!), a training plan, a pair of super shoes, and finisher's medals from a 1:41 half marathon and 42:01 10K. Safe to say, Emily's relationship with running has evolved! In this conversation, recorded in front of a live audience at the Tracksmith Trackhouse in Boston, Emily — who is the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm — talks about that evolution, and about whether more racing is in her future. Plus, what it was like being honored as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2022, including how she found out about the honor, what it was like being on the red carpet next to Zendaya, and whether her kids are impressed by her achievements. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. Follow Emily: Instagram @ProfEmilyOster Twitter @ProfEmilyOster Subscribe to her newsletter Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Okt 20221h 10min