550. Ask Ali!

"I kind of spiraled into this years-long cycle of trying to constantly seek improvement in my times and not give myself a break when I really needed it." If you've read an article about running in the past few years (which, who hasn't?), you've probably read something by Emilia Benton. Emilia is a freelance journalist (we talk a lot about her transition to going freelance after working in the magazine industry, and about why she's so much happier on her own) and is a regular contributor at Runner's World, Self, Women's Health, Shape, Popsugar, Prevention, Verywell, Fast Company, and more. On this episode, Emilia talks about making her freelance dreams come true and about the stories she's proudest of, and shares the one publication that's still on her writing wish list. Plus, Emilia — who lives in Houston, TX, with her husband, Omar, and their dog, Astro — shares her running story. She explains how she's gone from dreaming of one day running a two-hour half-marathon to recently running a sub-1:40 half, and talks about her Boston Qualifying dreams. She talks about developing a strong mental game, offers her thoughts on being a woman of color both in running and in publishing, and talks about being a twin! (Hi Carla!) SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: A day in the life of a freelance journalist (6:00) Why Emilia loves being freelance, and what the career is really like (9:40) Emilia shares her earliest experiences with racism growing up (28:20) Emilia's best advice for making a scary career move (34:00) Emilia reflects on her childhood growing up in Houston, Arizona, and Portland (38:15) How Emilia found running (41:00) On "learning to chill out on the run" (47:25) What we mention on this episode: I Learned to Chill Out During Marathon Training. Here's What Happened. by Emilia Benton for Runner's World "11 BIPOC Runners Speak Out About Running & Race," by Emilia Benton for Runner's World Ben Chan on Episode 277 of the Ali on the Run Show "How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Social Justice & Race," by Emilia Benton for Women's Health The Brown Ambition podcast Mandi Woodruff on Episode 276 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emilia: Instagram @emmiemarieb Twitter @emmiemarieb Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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 Mars 20211h 6min

"A lot of science is about asking questions. It's OK to not understand something. And it's OK that it's hard. That understanding comes in just being curious. We don't have all the answers, but we know how to go about looking for them." Welcome to Season 4 of the On the Job series! This season, you'll hear from seven women with cool, unique, interesting careers. We'll learn about the jobs we see on TV — lawyers and nurses and astronauts, oh my! — and we'll honor some frontline heroes, including an emergency room nurse and a middle school special education teacher. But first, we're going to space, with real-life rocket scientist Lynn McGrew! Lynn is a NASA aerospace engineer based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, and on this episode, she talks about the moment she fell in love with space ("For the first time, in the middle of the country, I saw this band of stars across the sky, and I was just fascinated by it. What is this magical view overhead? I was absolutely stunned, and so curious," she says.), explains how she broke into the competitive field, and talks about her decades-long involvement working on the Mars rovers in the jet propulsion laboratory ("JPL"), including the Phoenix, the Curiosity, and, most recently, the Perseverance. Plus, she talks about how running and cycling fit into her life. SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Go to tracksmith.com/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for $15 off your first Tracksmith order of $75 or more. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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 Mars 20211h 4min

"Whatever you want to do, whether it's to write a book or to run a marathon, you have to be brave enough and bold enough to start to say that out loud. It's the only way you can begin to own it and then to understand how to make it happen. You have to put it out there." When Meaghan B Murphy was first on the Ali on the Run Show in January 2019, she casually mentioned maybe kind of sort of wanting to write a book someday. Fast forward two years, and someday is today: Meaghan's debut book, Your Fully Charged Life, is officially on bookshelves! (Congratulations, Meaghan!) On this episode, Meaghan is back to talk about what it's like being a newly-published author. She talks about the getting-published process, and talks about what it was like writing a book during a pandemic with three kids (plus a dog!) at home while also navigating a promotion and new job as editor in chief of Woman's Day magazine. Meaghan talks about being terrified of getting Covid — and then getting it, and getting really sick, two weeks before she was set to record the audio version of her book. And of course, we talk about the book itself — what it is, what it isn't, and why Meaghan insists on putting everything through a "fun filter." If you loved hearing from Meaghan the first time she was on the show, you'll love this update from the most upbeat (but not toxically positive!) person on the planet. CLICK HERE to buy Your Fully Charged Life: A Radically Simple Approach to Having Endless Energy and Filling Every Day with Yay! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about the getting-published process (8:20) What is Your Fully Charged Life — and what is it not? (22:45) Which parts of the book were easiest and most challenging to write (29:30) Why Meaghan wanted to include the current events in the book (40:30) How to own an apology (46:45) Why Meaghan no longer says "little kids, little problems — big kids, big problems" (50:15) Meaghan's experience with Covid-19 (53:00) What we mention on this episode: Meaghan Murphy on Episode 113 of the Ali on the Run Show Meaghan on the Today show Follow Meaghan: Instagram @meaghanbmurphy Twitter @meaghanbmurphy Off the Gram podcast Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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!

25 Feb 20211h 4min

"There's a lot of uncertainty, and getting better at that has taken a lot of practice." Welcome to the second episode in the new monthly "Ask Ali" series — where you call in with your questions, and I answer them. This time around, we're covering everything from motherhood and going on family fun runs to how I maintain a positive attitude with a chronic illness (or do I?). I talk about the art of interviewing, finding a therapist, what it would be like if I hosted an "Ali on the Run" race, and, naturally, I offer up some hot takes on Broadway Shows, Center Stage, and The Greatest Showman. 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! What I mention on this episode: Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show "All About the Peloton Treadmill," via Ali on the Run Subscribe to Fast Women Rachel Gersten on Episode 198 of the Ali on the Run Show Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo on Episode 245 of the Ali on the Run Show The Idea of You Bravey by Alexi Pappas Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb Millennium Running 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!

19 Feb 20211h 15min

"People don't know what you go through or the feelings you have if you don't express and you don't talk about them. People can have all of these assumptions about you, but unless you verbalize what's really going on in your mind, they will never know." When it comes to running, India Cook is passionate about sharing her story — but it's not about her, she'll tell you. It's about making sure other runners in the community feel seen, heard, and welcome on the run. India is a two-time marathoner and 15-time half-marathoner from Atlanta, GA, and she's a content creator and storyteller (and former semi-professional cheerleader, which, yes, we talk about on this episode!). India is the co-host of The Run Duo podcast and hosts the Miles From India YouTube channel. She's also an RRCA-certified run coach. On this episode, India talks about racing in the Covid-19 era, shares her thoughts on what it means to be a brand ambassador in 2021, and talks about what it has been like being a BIPOC public figure in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it's been like participating in "low-risk races" during the pandemic (6:15) Looking back at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta (12:00) India talks about her childhood and how running entered the picture (16:45) All about The Run Duo podcast and the evolution of the show (27:00) All about "Miles with India" on YouTube (40:00) India's thoughts on being a running brand ambassador in 2021 (46:00) All about Coach India (55:00) What we mention on this episode: "Racing During the Covid-19 Pandemic" via Miles From India BLACK LIVES MATTER via The Run Duo Follow India: Instagram @i_of_endigo_runs Miles From India YouTube The Run Duo 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!

18 Feb 20211h 6min

"I got to be a little brother and a big fan." Happy Valentine's Day, and welcome to the final day of Love on the Run Week on the Ali on the Run Show! Today, we're wrapping things up with the best-loved brothers in running: Meb and Hawi Keflezighi. On this episode, Meb and Hawi talk about their childhoods, share stories of emigrating to the U.S. from Eritrea, and talk about their brother-turned-professional relationship (Hawi is Meb's agent). At the end of this week, I hope this series has made you laugh, smile, and feel the love! SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order! What we mention on this episode: Hawi Keflezighi on Episode 263 of the Ali on the Run Show Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden LIVE at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials with Carrie Tollefson, Meb Keflezighi, & UCAN You Can Run a Marathon with Meb Keflezighi Run to Overcome by Meb Keflezighi Follow Meb: Instagram @runmeb Twitter @runmeb Facebook Follow Hawi: Instagram @hawimanagement Twitter @hawisports Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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 Feb 20211h 11min

"Best buds for life." On the surface, sisters Sarah and Marisa Cummings seem like they could be twins. Both were competitive ice skaters and valedictorians of their respective graduating high school classes. They each went on to attend Princeton University, where they each ran on the cross-country team. Then, though three years apart, they each moved to New York City to pursue jobs in the finance industry and to run for the New York Athletic Club. But to know Sarah and Marisa is to know that they aren't identical, they swear. On this episode, Sarah and Marisa talk about their sisterly bond, and about how they've supported each other over the years. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order! What we mention on this episode: Sarah Cummings on Episode 215 of the Ali on the Run Show Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahccummings Follow Marisa: Instagram @marcummings Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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!

13 Feb 20211h 6min

"That was the kicker: Matt said, 'If the dog doesn't like you, you have to go.'" One day, in Flagstaff, AZ, professional runner Matt Llano walked into a local coffee shop where Brannon Harbur was working. That first day they met, they talked for hours — long after Brannon's shift had ended. They agreed to meet up for a first date of sorts, at a group run. Fitting, for a professional runner. But Brannon wasn't a runner. Still, he showed up, because he was interested — in Matt, not in running. Brannon went on to run 10 miles (alongside Stephanie Bruce), getting to know Matt in the process. They've been together every day since then. Today, Matt is a professional runner for Under Armour and Dark Sky Distance, and Brannon is the Chief Experience Officer of Mental Performance at HYPO2. On this episode, they talk about how running factors into their relationship today, and about the time Brannon tried to teach Matt about accounting while on a long run. (It…didn't go well.) Plus, they talk about meeting each other's families, share their coming out stories, and talk about being LGBTQ+ role models in the running community and beyond. They live together in Flagstaff with their two dogs. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ontherun for 20% off your next UCAN order! Follow Matt: Instagram @mattllano Follow Brannon: Instagram @brannonharbur Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 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 Feb 20211h 14min