720. It's Been a Year...

"Ask the tough questions. Who are you? Who aren't you? What do you want? What don't you want? Be so clear on who, what, where, when, how, why, and don't sacrifice any piece of that puzzle if you want to live a full life." —Olivia Young Olivia Young is the founder and creator of Box + Flow, a yoga and boxing studio in New York City. But her plan wasn't always to be a heavy-hitter in the fitness industry: Olivia, who grew up in Miami Beach, moved to New York City to attend culinary school and to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. She worked with celebrity chefs and made a name for herself in the restaurant world, all the while waking up crazy early to run, box, and do yoga. Those early-morning passions eventually manifested in what is now Box + Flow. On this episode, Olivia, who was recently named "the woman who is redefining how NYC works out" on the coveted PureWow 100 list, reflects on her career path, her business mistakes, her great successes, what she's afraid of, and what it means to "liv young." Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Why Olivia doesn't bother with fancy workout clothes (3:30) What it means to Olivia to "liv young" (5:30) Where Olivia got her work ethic, and how not getting a lead role in a musical led to her first disappointment — and changed her life (8:15) Why Olivia pursued a career in hospitality, and what culinary school was like (14:00) What it was really like working in the restaurant industry (22:00) All about Box+Flow, Olivia's fitness studio in NYC (27:00) Did Olivia know Box+Flow would be an immediate success? And what does it mean to "flow through the fight?" (31:00) Where Liv got her confidence, and what has the power to make her feel insecure (37:00) Is it hard working in the restaurant industry and living a healthy lifestyle? And how Olivia feels about the idea of "cheat days" (43:00) What Olivia says she's proudest of, what she's afraid of, and how she focuses on being brave (48:45) What we mention on this episode: Box + Flow Lyons Den Power Yoga King Cole Bar Polo Bar Food & Wine Magazine Natural Gourmet Institute French Culinary Institute Two Hands Raoul's The Ear Inn JG Melon Jack's Wife Freda Atla Follow Olivia: Instagram @livyoung Website 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 Dec 20181h

"I was like, 'I need more friends, so I'm going to start running. Everyone looks like they're having a good time — maybe I can have a good time!'" Jes Woods is always. smiling. And she has good reason to be as happy as she is! As a Nike Run Coach and Flywheel Sports studio manager in New York City, Jes is living a good life — one she carefully crafted herself after an eight-and-a-half year career in broadcast journalism. Jes is an ultra runner who has completed 16 ultramarathons, including four 100 milers. (Most recently, Jes ran the Javelina Jundred.) On this episode, Jes talks about how she went from TV to a life on the run. She talks about working for NBC during the Beijing Olympics, and what it was like being a runner and covering the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Plus, Jes opens up about a recent breakup and the effect it had on her running, talks about why she struggles not to get too involved with the athletes she coaches (she loves them too much!), and talks about the rewarding parts of her job and what she says is "her Christmas." Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What did Young Jes want to be when she grew up? Plus, how Jes used her engineering degree to pursue a career in television. (2:55) The big news stories Jes loved — and didn't love — working on during her time at NBC (5:15) How Jes got her start as a runner (6:50) When and how Jes realized it was time to make a career change (10:45) Jes's advice for people considering a major career switch (23:20) What makes Jes a good run coach? And what's her favorite type of runner to coach? (24:10) Jes's best "game" to play to make your next run more fun (26:30) The most common question Jes hears from runners she coaches (28:30) Why running? (36:50) How Jes got her jobs at Mile High Run Club and Flywheel, and what a day in the life for her looks like now (41:10) What Jes says is the most rewarding part of her career (49:45) Jes talks about her recent breakup, and how it affected her latest 100 miler (56:00) Jes's advice for getting into the fitness industry (57:00) What's next for Jes Woods? (58:00) What we mention on this episode: Nike Running Flywheel Sports Chelsea Javelina Jundred Mile High Run Club Carnegie Mellon University Boston Marathon New York City Half Marathon Team in Training Pittsburgh Marathon Nike Women's 15K Toronto Western States Endurance Run OSR 30 Follow Jes: Instagram @jeslynnyc Twitter @jeslynnyc 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!

6 Dec 20181h 9min

"I started considering the amazing potential outcomes instead of the worst possible ones." At some point last year, I realized my once stellar confidence had taken a major hit — so I took action. I started making big and small changes to help boost my self-confidence and to feel like a badass again. On this episode — another solo episode — I'm sharing the 11 things I've done to improve my confidence over the past year. I dare you to do at least one thing on this list today if you feel your confidence lacking. Don't wait. Do it today. Do it within the hour. You got this. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What I mention on this episode: Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show Dance Spirit magazine Episode 57 of the Ali on the Run Show Bethany Lyons on Episode 25 of the Ali on the Run Show Ali on the Run Show LIVE in San Diego Ali on the Run Show LIVE at NYRR RunnerCon 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 Nov 201831min

"And then somebody comes by, stops, looks me in the eye and goes, 'Wow! You can do it, buddy!' And it was in that moment I realized that I wasn't running. I also realized I wasn't jogging. I was barely walking. I looked down, and the tops of my shoes are scraping the ground — one slow movement after the next slow movement. And people genuinely thought I had a serious medical condition, and that I was being a hero and a trooper by getting out there." Three years ago, my now-husband, Brian Cristiano, and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41 — a 7:44 minute-per-mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. Here's a dramatic retelling of how his race went. This is forever my favorite story. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy LOL-ing! Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What we mention on this episode: Newport Pie Run Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot Meet Brian Our engagement story Mystery Science Theater 3000 Ugg slippers Orangetheory Fitness Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Follow Brian: Instagram @boldceo Facebook Twitter @boldceo Growing BOLD BOLD Worldwide 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!

21 Nov 201836min

"It was like he was the deep breath, and I was the emergency barf bag." I had a baby! On this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest: Annie Leigh Cristiano. Annie was born on October 16, 2018, at 8:09 AM, clocking in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. On this solo episode, I'm talking about how the first month with Annie has gone, and how my expectations have compared to the reality. I talk about the challenges we've faced so far (breastfeeding, ugh), what Brian is like as a dad, how being selfish comes into play as a new parent, and how I'm adjusting to this new life of ours. Plus, answering listener questions and an update on all things Crohn's disease. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone bundle! What I mention on this episode: Annie's Birth Story Pregnancy + Baby Q&A Ergo 360 carrier Lori & David Feller on Episode 71 of the Ali on the Run Show Ashley Fizzarotti on Episode 102 of the Ali on the Run Show Ali on the Run Show LIVE! in San Diego Ali on the Run Show LIVE! at New York Road Runners RunnerCon Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show 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 Nov 201851min

"I had already gotten so far, and I just wasn't willing to look back. That involved pushing my comfort zone and doing something I maybe wasn't the best at." —Emily Abbate Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, editor, and content creator, a certified personal trainer, a marathoner, and the host of the Hurdle podcast. On this episode, Emily talks about her own #hurdlemoment, and what it took for her to lose 70 pounds — no quick fixes or fad diets included. She talks about her impressive journalism career, and shares how she rebounded after being laid off — twice. Plus, she opens up about confidence and failure, and dishes out life lessons galore. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Was this the life young Emily Abbate saw for herself? (2:15) Emily shares her own hurdle moment, and opens up about how she lost 70 pounds and learned to love running (4:00) How Emily became a super successful journalist and magazine editor (13:00) Whether Emily sees herself as a risk taker (18:00) Emily's journey through the publishing industry, including being laid off — twice — and how she's developed her confidence (19:00) How Emily ended up freelancing, and the hustle it requires (31:30) What a day in the life of Emily Abbate looks like (37:50) Emily's best advice for aspiring journalists (48:15) What we mention on this episode: Café Mom Rodale University of Connecticut The Hartford Courant Liz Plosser on Episode 72 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily's meditation book: Journey to the Heart Athletic Greens Lyons Den Power Yoga TCS New York City Marathon Lululemon Run All Day Backpack Kuju Coffee Packs WeWork Ali on the Run Show LIVE in San Diego R&Co. Dry Shampoo Follow Emily: Instagram @emilyabbate Twitter @emilyabbate Hurdle 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 Nov 20181h 7min

"When I think something is hard or challenging, I think of how I'm going to grow from it." —Stephanie Bruce Happy TCS New York City Marathon Week! The professional field is stacked this year, and among the top competitors is Stephanie Bruce, who trains and races with NAZ Elite and is sponsored by Hoka One One. Steph made her New York City Marathon debut in 2017 and finished in 10th — an impressive-on-paper result, but on this episode, Steph explains why she was disappointed with her finish. She opens up about her health struggles over the years, talks about how she's feeling going into this year's race, and gets super honest about "body stuff." Steph trains in Flagstaff, AZ, where she lives with her husband, Ben Bruce, and their sons Hudson and Riley. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Steph rehashes her Peachtree Road Race win (2:30) Why Steph decided to return to the New York City Marathon this year, what her 2017 race was like, and how she gets through tough races (6:15) How Steph's NYCM training is going, plus her best NYCM advice (12:30) Steph shares her 2018 New York City Marathon goals (17:40) Steph breaks down what was behind some of her recent Instagram posts (25:15) Steph's take on failure (33:15) Why Steph left Oiselle to go all-in with Hoka One One (35:15) What it's like training with Ben Rosario (37:50) Steph talks about "body stuff" and how becoming a mom has changed her as an athlete (40:00) What we mention on this episode: NAZ Elite Hoka One One Peachtree Road Race TCS New York City Marathon The Great North Run New York Road Runners London Marathon Oiselle Hoka One One Tracer 2 Follow Steph: Instagram @stephrothstein Twitter @steph_rothstein Facebook 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!

1 Nov 201855min

"I hope I'm always willing to be wrong, willing to learn, and able to get better." —Lauren Fleshman Lauren Fleshman is many things: She's a retired professional runner, a coach, the co-founder of Picky Bars, the co-creator of the Believe training journals, the creator of the Wilder retreat, one of the faces of Oiselle, a vocal USA Track & Field board member, a co-host of the Work, Play, Love podcast, wife to professional triathlete, and mom to Jude and Zadie. Phew! On this episode, Lauren talks about all of it, including her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, her honest thoughts on body image, and the real effect having kids had on her marriage. This is a fun, no-holds-barred conversation with one of the leading voices in the running industry. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What takes up the majority of Lauren's time right now (2:00) How Lauren became a professional runner (3:35) Lauren reflects on her favorite race distance and her decision to stop competing professionally (10:00) How having children affected Lauren's career, and what running was like for her during and after pregnancy, plus how becoming a mom changed her as an athlete (13:00) Whether Lauren has always been confident speaking up and using her voice, and how she developed that confidence (23:00) Lauren talks about what she sees as the biggest problems facing professional runners right now, and what makes her want to speak up the loudest (28:45) What Lauren would tell a 16-year-old runner who wants to go pro (33:30) How Lauren became an entrepreneur, and the evolution of Picky Bars (36:00) How Lauren got involved with Oiselle, what her role is with the company now, and where she sees the company going (43:20) How Lauren met her now-husband, Jesse Thomas, and what their relationship is really like — plus the struggles they've faced together since having kids (52:30) What Lauren's relationship with her body is like right now, and what she wants more people to feel about their own bodies (1:03.15) What we mention on this episode: Picky Bars Oiselle Believe Training Journals Wilder Retreat Work, Play, Love podcast "10 Reasons the 5K is Freaking Awesome" via Runner's World Sally Bergesen "Welcome to the New School" via Oiselle "Dear Younger Me" by Lauren Fleshman Follow Lauren: Instagram @fleshmanflyer Twitter @laurenfleshman 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!

24 Okt 20181h 14min