795. Jinger Gottschall, New Balance Director of Sports Research

"There’s a lot of bumps on the way up. And a lot of people see that final moment, the excitement, the emotion that took place. And it was such a genuine and real moment. But it’s all because of the things leading up to that moment." Tara Davis is an Olympic long jumper. Hunter Woodhall is a Paralympic medalist. With their powers combined, they are the ultimate track and field power couple. And this week, Tara and Hunter announced their new lululemon partnership: The engaged duo are now sponsored by lululemon as Global Ambassadors for the brand. In this conversation, we hear all about how the lululemon deal came to be, and about why this was the perfect fit for Tara and Hunter. The social media savvy couple also talks about what it's like sharing so much of their lives online: Collectively, they have more than 3 million followers on TikTok, 667,000 Instagram followers, and 421,000 YouTube subscribers. Plus, what a day in the life is like for two professional athletes, their love story, wedding planning updates, and what it's been like skyrocketing into the public eye after last summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials. 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: All about the lululemon partnership (4:35) What a day in the life of Tara and Hunter is like (9:50) Tara and Hunter talk about what their new race kits will look like, and what training has been like lately (11:40) The love story: Tara and Hunter met, started dating, and eventually got engaged (18:15) All about Tara and Hunter, content creators (26:45) What it was like skyrocketing to fame after last summer’s U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (31:35) How Hunter has saved Tara’s life, in her words (44:40) Tara’s a-ha moment, when she realized her role in the sport (48:00) What’s next? (50:40) Wedding planning updates! (53:55) For more, check out: YouTube: Tara & Hunter in NYC Follow Tara & Hunter: YouTube Instagram @hunterwoodhall Instagram @_taarra_ Tara's TikTok Hunter's TikTok 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!

2 Juni 20221h

"What do I love most? I want to fricken win. And I want to hurt. And I want to see how fast I can go." What a treat to get to host a live show with the legendary Des Linden this weekend at the Chateau Chantal winery as part of the Bayshore Marathon festivities in Traverse City, MI. Des has been on the show a lot — six times, to be exact — so the goal with this show was to try and learn something new about everyone's favorite runner. And? Mission accomplished. We played an opening game of Would You Rather. We got to know Little Kid Des, Teen Des, College Des (and Beer Mile Des), AOL Instant Messenger Des, and the Des who lives with a chip on her shoulder. We talked about how Des got into broadcasting, and what her TV plans look like for 2022, and talked about her racing plans, including the upcoming B.A.A. 10K and what she's eyeing for the fall. She shared her Boston Marathon 2022 takeaways, talked about dealing with a sports hernia injury, and reflected on her first-ever marathon (the good, bad, and ugly). Plus: the most fun Des has ever had during a race, whether she actually throws back a bourbon after every race, the race where she says everything clicked for her, and what she says is "the best racing advice" for every runner. For more, check out: Bayshore Marathon Chateau Chantal Word by Word Listen to Des on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 462 Episode 363 Episode 205: Love on the Run with Des & Ryan Linden Episode 100 Episode 77: Live in San Diego Episode 64 Follow Des: Instagram @des_linden Facebook Twitter @des_linden 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!

31 Maj 20221h 12min

"It felt important to me. And so I sent the email. I took my own advice, and I sent the email." On Monday, I had the honor of giving a TED talk. In this episode, I'm talking all about my experience speaking at TEDxBoston's "Epic Strides" event, celebrating women in sport and the 50-year anniversary of the passing of Title IX. I share how I got this opportunity, my hesitations, and how it went. Plus, I share the talk itself. SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting the 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: How I got the opportunity to be a TEDx speaker (2:00) On figuring out what to talk about (11:00) The rehearsal and preparation process (15:00) The week of TEDxBoston (23:00) Why I got really stressed the night before the event (38:00) My TED talk! (53:20) For more, check out: Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul & Ian Nurse on Episode 474 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan Alexandra Angelone: TEDxBoston Hair & Makeup Artist 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 Maj 20221h 13min

"From the start, it was like, I’m gonna deal with this, but I’m not going to let this take over. I’m not going to let it take my life away. I’m not going to let it take my happiness away. So I do it, and I deal with it, and some days are really tough, but I still want to live my life." In January, 13-time marathoner Saila Consalvi was told she'd be lucky if she could watch this year's Boston Marathon, let alone run it. And yet, four months later, she defied expectation: She completed the 2022 Boston Marathon. In this conversation, Saila talks about what it took to complete her third Boston Marathon, and about her road to the start line, which hasn't been easy. In 2017, Saila was 35 years old and had just completed her ninth marathon and her first Ironman. She was in the best shape of her life. But soon, things just felt...off. Then, she was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Today, Saila — who is from Finland — lives in Denver, CO, with her husband and their four-month-old son, Enzo. 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: Why Saila ran Boston with “Sally” on her shirt (3:40) Saila’s story about running Boston with Peloton instructor Jess Sims (6:00) Saila’s Boston Marathon recap (8:00) Saila’s advice for runners who are raising money for charity (14:20) How Saila got into running (16:35) Saila’s lung cancer diagnosis (24:00) On fear, and adjusting to life with cancer (37:30) How Saila remains optimistic in the face of so much bad news (52:00) How Saila found the strength to get to the Boston Marathon start line (56:50) For more, check out: Jess Sims on Episode 516 of the Ali on the Run Show "My Beauty Uniform: Saila Hanninen," via Cup of Jo Follow Saila: Instagram @saila_jaksaa JAKSAA 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!

19 Maj 20221h 17min

"Let’s just go out with a bang." Steph Bruce finished 12th at this year's Boston Marathon. The professional runner for HOKA NAZ Elite ran a 2:28, and while it wasn't her fastest time at the 26.2-mile distance, Steph says Boston 2022 ranks up there as one of her best and favorite marathons. And this year's race was unique for Steph: It's her last year competing as a professional athlete. Last year, Steph was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, and that discovery forced her to start making some tough choices. She decided that 2022 would be her last year running professionally — and that she would go out with a celebration. Steph is calling this year her "Grit Finale," and she's taking fans along for the ride. (Check out her Boston recap on YouTube here.) In this conversation, Steph talks all about that life-changing diagnosis, about her Boston training, about race day, and about her thoughts on life after professional running. As always, an open, honest, candid conversation with one of the sport's most-loved athletes. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! What you’ll get on this episode: How Steph is feeling post-Boston (4:00) All about “The Grit Finale,” and the life-changing diagnosis that led to Steph’s last professional year on the run (6:20) What Steph needed to include in her last year of racing (17:30) How Steph was feeling heading into her last Boston Marathon (20:40) Steph recaps her Boston training, and why (and how!) she makes racing a family affair (23:55) Steph’s feelings of imposter syndrome early in her career, and how she feels now (29:00) Steph’s story from the church (31:25) How Steph was feeling on the start line, and how the race played out (33:00) Making the move at mile 22 (46:00) The Grit Finale finale (50:45) Steph’s thoughts on her legacy (55:00) For more, check out: Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph & Ben Bruce on Episode 206 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 354 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 371 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Steph: Instagram @stephrothstein Twitter @steph_rothstein Facebook Blog 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!

13 Maj 202259min

"It takes a lot to get to a start line. I never take that for granted." Shalane Flanagan has run the Boston Marathon six times: four times as a professional athlete; once as a retired pro, the day after racing the Chicago Marathon; and now, as a guide. Shalane is a four-time Olympian, an Olympic silver medalist, and the 2017 New York City Marathon champion. She is a coach, a New York Times best-selling cookbook author, and a mom to two-year-old Jack. After racing the Boston Marathon in the fall as part of Project Eclipse, Shalane returned to Boston this year — and it was different than any other time she had run the race. Because this time, Shalane's race wasn't about the pursuit of a podium or a personal best. She ran the race as Adrianne Haslet's coach and guide in the para athletics division. In this conversation, Shalane talks about coaching Adrianne, about her own training for this race, and about her goals as Adrianne's guide. She shares her favorite memories from the course, and talks about what's next both on and off the run. 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: Shalane’s memories of meeting Adrianne Haslet (4:10) Shalane’s history with the Boston Marathon (6:15) Shalane’s most profound memory from this year’s Boston Marathon (10:30) On experiencing running a marathon in the middle of the pack (17:30) All about the crowds from Hopkinton to Boston (21:00) What it was like coaching Adrianne for Boston (25:45) What Shalane’s Boston training was like (30:00) The race plan (37:00) How Shalane kept the focus on Adrianne on race day (41:55) Shalane’s favorite parts of the Boston Marathon course, and what the finish line was like (47:30) The toughest parts of the day (51:50) Shalane’s top Boston memories from over the years (54:20) What hasn’t Shalane done? (58:25) How Shalane fit this experience into her life (1:00:20) The weight of the past year and a half (1:04:20) For more, check out: Adrianne Haslet on Episode 514 of the Ali on the Run Show Adrianne Haslet on Episode 506 of the Ali on the Run Show Adrianne Haslet on Episode 192 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 462 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 438 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Mary Kate Shea on Episode 247 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Shalane: Instagram @shalaneflanagan Twitter @shalaneflanagan 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!

12 Maj 20221h 10min

"We know you can push through. We know you’re capable of that. A sign of your mental toughness isn’t pushing through — it’s can I hold back?" On March 5, I went out for a 13.1-mile run. A few miles into the run, my lower left leg started to hurt. I cut the run short and limped home. By that night, I could barely walk. I was dealing with my first real running injury. Two months later, I'm back on the run — but I never received an official diagnosis, I'm a bit trepidatious about running again, and I'm overwhelmed trying to remember how I even fit running into my life pre-injury. I thought I would be itching to get back on the run, but I'm...not? Enter Carrie Jackson. Carrie is a certified mental performance consultant with a Master's degree in sports psychology. She's the author of On Top of Your Game: Mental Skills to Maximize Your Athletic Performance, and co-author of Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries. She and Rebound co-author Cindy Kuzma also host The Injured Athletes Club podcast (and check out their Facebook group). This conversation is akin to a live therapy session with Carrie, where I'm the patient. If you've ever wondered what it's like working with a sports psychologist or mental performance coach, consider this an intro for all of us. (And I'm thrilled to report that this past weekend, I raced a 5K, had a blast, and am slowly starting to feel reinvigorated about running.) SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting the conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite pullover, crop top, half-zip top, quilted pullover, and jacket.) Follow Carrie: Instagram @feedtheathlete The Injured Athletes Club 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!

6 Maj 20221h 18min

"She said, ‘This is how it was supposed to be. This is how it was supposed to feel.’ And at that moment, I realized the magnitude of what we gave to each other." Fan favorite Jess Sims is back — and this time, she returns to the Ali on the Run Show as a marathoner! On April 18, the beloved Peloton instructor surprised the world by showing up at the start (and finish!) line of the Boston Marathon. And she had a good reason for keeping her marathon debut on the down-low. In this very special conversation, Jess talks about receiving a fateful message from Boston Marathon bombing survivor Michele Blackburn last December — a message that ultimately guided Jess every step of the way toward that finish line on Boylston Street. Jess talks about her training, about how she felt on the start line, and about why she still feels marathon imposter syndrome, even after earning that blue and yellow medal. (You'll want tissues on hand 17 minutes into this one. You've been warned.) 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: How Jess is celebrating — her dog’s birthday, that is (4:40) All about that fateful message from Michele Blackburn (6:25) What happened after Jess committed to running the Boston Marathon, and what her training was like (23:30) Why Jess kept her Boston Marathon plans a secret (34:50) Why Jess gets nervous talking about her marathon experience (42:15) How Jess was feeling when she arrived in Boston (46:00) The ride to the start line (50:00) What it was like running the 2022 Boston Marathon (56:00) On seeing Michele at the finish line (1:01:45) The physical and emotional recovery (1:05:30) Running with Usain Bolt! (1:16:35) For more, check out: Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Kirsten Ferguson on Episode 505 of the Ali on the Run Show Becs Gentry on Episode 379 of the Ali on the Run Show Matt Wilpers on Episode 398 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jess: Instagram @jsimsfit 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!

5 Maj 20221h 23min