795. Jinger Gottschall, New Balance Director of Sports Research

"When I’m happy and feel safe and I’m energized by the people and things around me, that’s when I’m going to run the best." Nikki Hiltz returns to the Ali on the Run Show for the fifth time — with some big news! Nikki is a professional middle-distance runner who is here to talk all about their new sponsor (it's lululemon!), their new coach (Mike Smith!), their new training partners (Rachel Schneider Smith!), their recent move to Flagstaff, and the first-ever in-person Pride 5K (it's happening IRL in Flagstaff in October!). Nikki and I recorded this conversation just a few days after they ran at the Trials of Miles Track Night NYC. That night, Nikki ran a personal best in the 800m, and returned to the track 50 minutes later to finish second in the 1500m. This week, Nikki will be competing at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, OR. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: On being a 1500m specialist (3:30) Why Nikki decided to open their season at Trials of Miles in NYC (3:30) “The Nikki Kick” (10:20) Nikki’s new sponsor! (13:45) All about this year’s Pride 5K (20:45) Nikki’s decision to move to Flagstaff and train with Mike Smith (26:20) What Nikki’s training has been like recently (32:20) Nikki’s upcoming racing plans (36:00) Why selling T-shirts resurrected Nikki’s hope in this sport (42:00) What Nikki has learned about authenticity and vulnerability (46:30) For more, check out: Nikki Hiltz on Episode 476 of the Ali on the Run Show Nikki Hiltz on Episode 294 of the Ali on the Run Show Nikki Hiltz on Episode 188 of the Ali on the Run Show Nikki Hiltz on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show Trials of Miles Track Night NYC Register for the Pride 5K! Follow Nikki: Instagram @nikkihiltz Twitter @nikki_hiltz 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!

23 Juni 20221h 6min

"You convinced me to come out for a run. And thank god I did. Everything has snowballed from that run." What a treat today to get to welcome two of my favorite friends to Friendship Fest on the Ali on the Run Show! Jess Movold and Conor Nickel are New York City-based run coaches who met one fateful day several years ago at Mile High Run Club, where they were each auditioning to be instructors. Now, they are not only the best of friends, they also continue to work together: Conor is the Chief Operating Officer at The Fortitude Strength Club, which is co-owned by Jess's husband, Kyle, and is where Jess is also a coach. In this conversation, we get to know new-to-the-show Conor — a former runner at the University of Pennsylvania who has worked in the running industry for his entire adult life. (You'll love his stories from working the start line of the New York City Marathon!) And we get an update from fan-favorite Jess, who gave birth to her first baby, a boy very appropriately named Battle, when she was just 26 weeks pregnant. (The day we recorded this, Battle turned 11 weeks old! He's still in the NICU getting big and strong, and Jess continues to prove her strength by navigating new motherhood as a NICU parent.) Jess and Conor's friendship is filled with pride and admiration — and plenty of laughter. Also: There's a part in this conversation where Conor is talking about the tunnels underneath NYC, and Jess mentions people living down there. My mind went to fantasy-type stories — perhaps I've been watching Trolls too much lately with my daughter — but Jess shared the title of a book, The Mole People, which is about the homeless population that lives beneath NYC. I ordered myself a copy and am looking forward to digging in and learning about something I, clearly, had no idea about. (When Jess mentioned this, I responded, "Cool!" because I thought surely that wasn't real and was thinking it was adventure-seekers below the surface. It's not that at all. The more you know indeed.) 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. What you’ll get on this episode: What brought Jess and Conor to Mile High Run Club the day that they met (9:20) How Jess and Conor became friends (15:00) Why Conor resisted Jess’s invitations to strength train with her — and what happened when he finally gave in (22:20) Is Conor single? (32:45) Conor’s best stories from the New York City Marathon start line (35:35) Conor and Jess share their takes on adult friendships (48:00) Jess is a mom! (57:00) Conor and Jess share the moments when they felt proudest of each other (1:03:30) Check out: Jess Movold on Episode 486 of the Ali on the Run Show Jess Movold on Episode 249 of the Ali on the Run Show Jess Movold on Episode 147 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jess: Instagram @jessmovold Instagram @runnersworldcoach Follow Conor: Instagram @conor_nickel 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!

21 Juni 20221h 14min

"I loved running. I had the best race of my life and I was so excited. That feeling! You know that feeling? And they took it away from me that day. Anyone should be able to excel at what they love without these roadblocks of discrimination." In 2019, 17-year-old Noor Abukaram ran the best, fastest cross-country race of her life at a local meet in Ohio. But when she checked the results afterward, her name wasn't there. She learned that she had been disqualified before the race even started. For wearing a hijab. Noor — who was raised in a Muslim family and started wearing a traditional head and neck covering as a teenager — shared her story from that day, of being disqualified for rules unbeknownst to her, and it quickly went viral. And so she turned her heartache into advocacy. She founded "Let Noor Run," a campaign to raise awareness about religious-based discrimination in sports and beyond. She successfully helped change the laws and legislation that protect the freedom of religious expression for athletes in Ohio. And at only 19 years old, she just starred in an ESPN film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite pullover, crop top, half-zip top, quilted pullover, and jacket.) What you’ll get on this episode: What Young Noor was like growing up (3:30) How Noor became a runner (9:30) What Noor’s early high school experience was like (14:00) Why wearing a hijab means so much to Noor (21:00) On attending an Islamic school but playing sports at the local public high school (25:00) The cross-country meet in Ohio that changed everything for Noor (30:50) How “Let Noor Run” was born (37:00) What it was like going viral (43:00) On seeing an opportunity for change in a crappy situation (50:30) Noor’s willingness to be an advocate (53:30) Noor gives us all the “SB 181 101” — what it means and what it does as a law (59:20) How all of this has affected Noor’s relationship with running (1:01:35) Noor’s dreams for the future (1:04:20) Follow Noor: Let Noor Run Donate a Hijab Instagram @nooralexandria 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!

17 Juni 20221h 12min

"I have to trust that I have something I want to say, and just double down on that." Kate Fagan is one of today's most important voices in women's sports. She is the best-selling author of three books — and is best-known in the running community as the author of What Made Maddy Run, about University of Pennsylvania runner Madison Holleran. Kate spent seven years as a columnist and feature writer for ESPN, she was a regular panelist on ESPN's Around the Horn, and she was host of Outside the Lines. Today, she writes for Sports Illustrated, and is co-host of the Off the Looking Glass podcast. In this conversation, we talk about Kate's road to writing greatness, including why she never really wanted to be on TV, the compromises she made to herself along the way, and her time as a Division-1 basketball player struggling with her sexuality and identity while at the University of Colorado Boulder. She talks about the process of writing Split Image, and later writing What Made Maddy Run, and the emotions involved in both. Plus: all about Kate's recent TEDxBoston talk, her take on why we watch sports, and her wishes for the future of women's sports. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: What Kate’s watching right now, and what’s making her happy (4:30) All about Kate’s writing process (8:00) On caring — or not — about what people think, why Kate never wanted to be on TV, and her dreams for a women-centric sports show (9:30) Kate’s efforts to get women’s sports covered by ESPN (24:30) Kate’s TEDxBoston experience (28:45) “Stakes & Storylines” (35:20) How Kate got involved in sports (47:00) Kate’s college dreams at University of Colorado at Boulder, and how she reflects now on her college experience (52:00) How Kate became a magazine writer and book author (58:00) Reflecting on Split Image and What Made Maddy Run (1:05:30) Writing as a therapeutic process (1:19:40) A day in the life of Kate Fagan (1:22:15) For more, check out: What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan All the Colors Came Out by Kate Fagan The Reappearing Act by Kate Fagan Ali's TEDxBoston talk Kate’s TEDxBoston talk Split Image by Kate Fagan for ESPN Kara Goucher on Episode 525 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Kate: Instagram @ Twitter @katefagan3 Off the Looking Glass podcast 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!

16 Juni 20221h 40min

"Some of my closest friendships are with women I compete against. So when I see them do the things that they’re doing, it truly makes me believe even more in myself in terms of what’s possible for me." Welcome to Friendship Fest, Season 2! This seven-week series is all about celebrating friendship on the run. We'll hear from some of our favorite running buddies — from the pros to the everyday runners — about how they met, the role running plays in their friendship, and what big goals and dreams they share for the future. We're kicking off Season 2 of this series with Boulder-based besties and professional marathoners Laura Thweatt and Emma Bates. They share the story of their first meeting in 2019 ("I decided then and there that Emma Bates was my girl crush," recalls Laura), they talk about how their friendship progressed, and they talk about their time training together as members of Team Boss (which Laura has since left — with Emma's support, of course). Lots of laughter, lots of awwwwws, and lots of inspiration about how best to show up for the important people in your life. 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. What you’ll get on this episode: The extended warm-up round (2:20) Emma talks about the first time she met Laura (18:50) The art of adult female friendships (23:20) Laura’s decision to leave Team Boss — and Emma’s reaction, after having just joined the team (32:00) Laura recaps her recent win in the citizen’s division at the Bolder Boulder 10K (39:40) How Emma is feeling heading into World Championships next month (51:30) All about that post-marathon trip to Hawaii with Molly Seidel (1:01:15) What Laura and Emma are each like when the other is racing (1:08:20) Laura and Emma share the moments when they each felt most proud of their friend (1:11:50) Check out: Laura Thweatt on Episode 440 of the Ali on the Run Show Laura Thweatt on Episode 228 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 490 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 444 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emma: Instagram @emmajanelbates Twitter @emmajbates Follow Laura: Instagram @lthweatt Twitter @thweatt11 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 Juni 20221h 28min

"I’ve tried to get better at knowing that I can’t be everything to everyone. But I do want this to be a place where anyone who feels like they are a part of the running community can find something that they enjoy or that inspires them or motivates them or makes them feel good or teaches them something." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 37 randomly selected listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about everything from house hunting, podcast guest selection, and getting recognized on the run, to staying focused and what a day in the life is like. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Do you get recognized when you’re out and about? (3:00) How do you stay focused when you’re a multi-passionate person? (5:10) Was it hard switching from HOKA to New Balance? (8:45) Has the man from the TED Talk apologized about the Annie situation? (12:15) Can you make a Peloton hashtag for us? (It exists! Use #FriendsOfAliOTR) (13:15) How do you come up with series themes? (13:55) What was your favorite part of your Traverse City trip? (16:15) How do you decide who to interview? (18:05) What is the next email that you are going to send? (20:20) Where do you see yourself in five years? (21:35) Which race outside the U.S. do you want to go to? (21:50) If you could offer Annie — 30 years from now — one life nugget, what would it be? (23:15) What is a day in the life of Ali like? (24:45) How do you wipe sweat on the run? (30:50) What is making you excited these days? (31:10) Any update on the house hunting front? (35:50) What’s your schedule for releasing episodes right now? (37:15) What is your favorite dessert? (39:20) Have you ever done a run streak? (39:40) What will the next great running invention be? (39:50) Are you coming back to Michigan next year for Bayshore? (40:00) Are you going to buy a house? (40:20) Do you do physical therapy on the regular? (40:25) How do you vet podcast guests? (41:00) What is something you want Annie to take from you, and what do you want her to take from Brian? (42:25) How is your Crohn’s right now? (43:50) Do you have any lingering “niggles” from your injury? (44:00) Are you a timeline or specific goal-oriented person? (44:30) What’s something you do for yourself each day? (44:40) What is your 5–10-year vision for Ali on the Run? (44:50) Tips for fitting in runs with a new baby (45:50) Would you rather deal with chafing or blisters? (47:00) Favorite season to run (47:15) Is your Notes app super organized or chaotic? (47:30) Is Brian a runner? (47:50) Are we any closer to an Ali on the Run 5K happening? (48:00) What did your mom get mad at you for most often? (48:05) Worth mentioning: My TEDxBoston Experience Elizabeth Holmes @eholmes Register for the WineShine Half Marathon! (Code ONTHERUN gets you $25 off!) Wellness In Motion Boston 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!

10 Juni 202251min

"It’s been hard to swallow that there is no miracle. It’s going to take time." It's been nearly one year since Kara Goucher came on the Ali on the Run Show to talk about what it was like being a part of the NBC Sports broadcast team during the Tokyo Olympics. Today, Kara returns with all kinds of updates. In this fun, wide-ranging conversation, Kara talks about how she has gotten more comfortable in her role as an NBC Sports Distance Analyst, and shares her broadcast plans for the summer. She talks about how she's honed her skills, and shares whether she still gets nervous to go live on air. Kara talks candidly about her recent Runner's Dystonia diagnosis, and what that means for her health, her running, and her family. Plus: parenting during difficult times, going through life as a highly sensitive person (same), and the possibility of a Kara Goucher and Des Linden podcast. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: What’s making Kara happy today (3:30) How Kara’s confidence has grown as a commentator, and how she’s balancing TV jobs and motherhood (4:15) All about calling the Boston Marathon (18:00) Are Kara and Des Linden launching a podcast?! (22:10) An update on Kara’s runners dystonia diagnosis, and what treatment she’s trying now (26:25) All things motherhood and parenting during difficult times (42:30) For more, check out: Kara Goucher on Episode 411 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara and Adam Goucher on Episode 208 of the Ali on the Run Show What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan Follow Kara:  Instagram @karagoucher Twitter @karagoucher Facebook Clean Sport Collective Podcast Blog 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!

9 Juni 20221h 21min

"I really felt strongly that sharing online would not only help hold me accountable to sticking with my goals and my values, but also would help other people to see that it’s really normal to struggle, and it’s OK to seek treatment, it’s OK to seek help. And that even people who have had success don’t necessarily have everything figured out." The past year hasn't been easy for professional runner Allie Ostrander. After a career that started out with a series of highs — like signing with Brooks, making her first world championships team, and getting to represent Team USA in Doha in 2019 — life lately has been challenging. In this candid conversation, Allie talks about the tough times and how she has gotten through them. She talks about living and dealing with an eating disorder, and about pursuing a treatment program last year before returning to competition at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, where she made it to the 3000m steeplechase final and ran a personal best. She talks about what life in the recovery program was like, about dealing with recurring injuries, and about how she handles her nerves on and off the track. Plus, how she's fallen back in love with running, racing, and the running community. SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite pullover, crop top, half-zip top, quilted pullover, and jacket.) What you’ll get on this episode: What’s making Allie happy today (4:05) How Allie got the role of pacer for the Trials of Miles steeplechase and 5K (5:45) On dealing with race day nerves, and why Allie gets nervous for everyday workouts (14:30) How Allie recently rediscovered her love for running, racing, and the running community (20:50) What life looked like last summer for Allie: injuries, eating disorder recovery, and the decision to share it all (23:50) What it was like leaving the treatment center to compete at the Olympic Track & Field Trials (31:00) The power of a quick cry in the bathroom (43:00) Allie’s decision to end her contract with Brooks at the end of last year (45:00) What Allie’s relationship with her body is like right now (53:00) What’s next on the racing and coaching front (56:20) Allie’s advice for people dealing with eating disorders, or people who know someone going through a difficult time (1:02:00) For more, check out: Allie Ostrander on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show Allie Ostrander on Episode 162 of the Ali on the Run Show Trials of Miles Track Night NYC “Dear Body, I Love You,” by Allie Ostrander for MileSplit Follow Allie: Instagram @allie_ostrander Twitter @allie_ostrander 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!

3 Juni 20221h 12min