14. My 10 Favorite Races

"Holiday songs are my passion." —Aisha Praught Leer One year ago, we closed out 2020 on the Ali on the Run Show with a holiday party of sorts. It was virtual, with a 500-person Zoom audience, a Schitt's Creek-inspired soundtrack, and an all-star guest lineup: Shalane Flanagan, Des Linden, and Aisha Praught Leer. We sat in front of our Christmas trees (Shalane wore holiday pajamas!), and indulged in 90 minutes of warm, fuzzy feelings. It felt like what we all needed at the time. And now, more than 365 days later, it seems like we might need those good feelings again. So, I'm releasing the episode to the public for the very first time. Whether you were there with us when the show first happened, or you're tuning in for the first time now, I hope this conversation brings you some holiday cheer. Shalane, Des, and Aisha talk about their holiday traditions, their earliest memories of happiness and joy, and what kept them motivated during peak pandemic times. (We also surprised Shalane, Des, and Aisha with a video that included tons of clips from their loved ones, and though you can't see the video here, listening in is still pretty fun, and you can see the names of all the guests, in order, below.) SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. The video guest list (they're all past Ali on the Run Show guests!), in order of "appearance:" Will Leer (Aisha's husband) Laura Thweatt (Aisha's former teammate and close friend) Courtney Frerichs (Shalane's athlete and friend) Gwen Jorgensen (Shalane's athlete and friend) Ryan Linden (Des's husband) Mary Kate Shea (Des's friend) Elise Cranny (Shalane's athlete) Listen to Des on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 363 Episode 205: Love on the Run with Des & Ryan Linden Episode 100 Episode 77: Live in San Diego Episode 64 Listen to Shalane on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 438 Episode 242 Listen to Aisha on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 415 Episode 204 Episode 197 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!

23 Dec 20211h 22min

"That seems to have diminished quite a bit since having a baby. The outcomes really don't matter. It's just so much more about who I'm becoming as I'm trying to reach these goals. It's so cliché, right — the journey. But it really is true. The journey and who you're becoming are just so much more important." Last year, Makenna Myler went viral when she ran a mile in five minutes and 25 seconds — at nine months pregnant. On this episode, Makenna talks about that day, and about the bet she had with her husband that motivated the run. She also talks about the aftermath of going viral, and the criticism she received just days before going into labor. Today, Makenna is mom to one-year-old Kenny Lou, and she's had a strong comeback on the run. She qualified for the Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 10K, competed at the Trials and finished 14th (her goal was to finish in the top 15!), won the Deseret News Half Marathon (and set a course record in the process), and signed a professional contract with Asics. Most recently, Makenna ran the TCS New York City Marathon — and she's hungry for more. Plus, Makenna talks about her expectations about running and motherhood, and shares what the reality has been like for her. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: When Makenna gets out for her runs (5:50) Makenna's tradition of racing a mile at important times in her life (7:10) The dare, the mile, and the aftermath (10:00) On the decision to have children when you are a professional athlete (21:00) Makenna's expectations about running and motherhood, and how the reality compares (26:30) Makenna's quest to qualify for the Olympic Track & Field Trials, and what it was like competing at the Trials (29:30) On signing with Asics (40:30) Makenna's experience at this year's New York City Marathon (48:00) What's on Makenna's mind now (56:30) Follow Makenna: Instagram @benzmakenz 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!

21 Dec 20211h 4min

"I hit a severe low. I went through a bout of depression, actually. I felt lost, in some ways. I had this dream and this goal, and I was so focused, and then I achieved it…and then it was like I didn't have anything." Earlier this year, Sika Henry made history, becoming the first African American woman to become a professional triathlete. She's an Ironman, an ultramarathoner (she just completed the JFK 50 Mile last month), and a Hoka-sponsored athlete. But the road to trailblazing status hasn't been without its challenges. In 2019, Sika was competing at an Ironman 70.3 event in Texas when she crashed her bike and had to be rushed to the hospital. On this episode, she recalls that day, and talks about the road to getting back on the bike, and back to herself. She talks about earning her triathlon pro card this year, and about dealing with a bout of depression afterward. Plus, all about the breakup that inspired her to get her start in triathlon (relatable!), what it was like completing the JFK 50 Mile, and why representation is so important to her. (For more from Sika, check out her recent profile in the New York Times.) SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On working full-time and being a professional triathlete (2:15) Why Sika wanted to run the JFK 50 (5:25) Sika's JFK 50 race plan (11:45) Sika's JFK 50 recap (16:00) How the ultra community compares to the triathlon community, in Sika's experience (22:00) Sika's highlight reel (27:00) All about Sika's family and childhood (30:15) How Sika got into triathlon (39:35) Sika's bike accident in 2019 (41:30) All about Sika's first Ironman at World Championships in Kona (46:50) On becoming the first African American woman to earn her triathlon pro card (50:00) Sika talks about making her pro debut (56:15) What Sika wants to do next (1:00:25) Follow Sika: Instagram @sikahenry Twitter @sika_henry Website 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!

16 Dec 20211h 7min

"We all want love and belonging at the end of the day. And so when you feel like your love and belonging is threatened if you fail…at a young age I started to really become afraid of that." We kicked off 2021 on the Ali on the Run Show with professional runner Sara Hall, and today, Sara is back to recap the highs and lows of her year, both on the run (wins and podiums!) and off (getting Covid early in the year and dealing with a long recovery). Sara talks about her win at the NYRR Mini 10K, her fifth-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials 10K, and her third-place finish at the Chicago Marathon in October. She also talks about supporting her daughters in their endeavors, whether on the sidelines at their races or in mother-daughter hip-hop classes. Plus, a look ahead at 2022 and Sara's hopes and dreams as a member of the World Championship Marathon team. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: On the pursuit of the perfect hip-hop class (4:15) On daughter Mia's recent race and the responses to Sara's post about it (6:15) Reflecting on running The Marathon Project one year ago (8:40) How Sara's handling her current downtime, and what Sara's like on the sidelines while her daughters are racing (11:35) How Sara plans and balances her race calendar (17:45) Has Sara ever felt fully satisfied after a race? (19:30) On training with Emma Coburn in Crested Butte before the Olympic Track & Field Trials (25:30) Looking back on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (28:00) Reflecting on this year's Chicago Marathon, and on learning to cope with outside expectation and pressure (35:00) The moment from the Chicago Marathon that Sara remembers most (47:20) What hasn't Sara done yet? (50:40) Sara's High / Low / High from 2021 (56:00) Check out: Sara Hall on Episode 321 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Sara: Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 Facebook 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!

15 Dec 20211h

"Women really only get tougher. I've figured that out myself, and I've figured that out watching others. I don't really put a limit at this point of what being a mom and being a runner means anymore." Welcome to the fifth and final episode in Season 2 of the Everyday Runner series. And today, we're getting a two-for-one deal, with Denver-based running best friends Robyn Mayer and Julia Berteletti! This warm-fuzzy-filled episode is all about the power of female friendships, both on the run and beyond. Julia and Robyn met through Twitter (remember those days?!) a decade ago, and eventually met in real life when they both moved to Colorado and started working out with November Project. On this episode, they share their real-life meet-cute moment, and talk about why they hit it off right away. They talk about their expectations about running after having children, and about the reality. Julia is mom to three-year-old Max, and talks about her hopes to have a second child, and the three miscarriages she has suffered along the way. Robyn is mom to two-year-old Rosie, and talks about her experience with Crohn's disease and how it affects her every day. Both women just ran CIM as their first marathons since becoming moms, so they reflect on how marathon training is different with a little one at home when you are also working full-time outside the home. Plus, what they talk about on the run together, and all about their Shalane Flanagan and Abby Wambach moment at CIM. SPONSOR: COROS — Use code ONTHERUN for a free keychain watch charger with the purchase of any watch! What you'll get on this episode: Julia and Robyn share their CIM recaps (5:00) What it was like marathon training as a parent vs. pre-parenthood training (19:30) Robyn's experience with Crohn's disease (24:15) What Young Julia was like (29:25) What Young Robyn was like (30:40) How Julia and Robyn each found running (34:15) How Julia and Robyn met (40:20) When Julia and Robyn get their runs in (46:40) On family planning when you're a runner with big dreams and goals (49:10) The running highlight reels, and what Julia and Robyn are looking forward to and dreaming about now (53:30) Follow Julia: Instagram @griffeletti Follow Robyn: Instagram @rbbirdie 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 Dec 20211h 11min

"I know that for me to run well, I need to be happy, I need to not be stressed, I need to be relaxed, and I need to know that the time on the clock does not define me as a human." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around — the last Ask Ali of the year! — we've got listener questions about early morning running, my favorite winter running gear, what to do when training feels discouraging, how I decide who to feature on the podcast, and more. Thanks to everyone who called in for this one. Enjoy! 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 ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Tips for morning running (3:00) What I wear when I run in the dark (10:00) My favorite pieces of running gear (14:45) My favorite running songs and playlists (17:50) What to do when you're feeling discouraged instead of empowered after a workout (23:25) How I decide who to interview on the show, and how I get in touch with them (31:45) What to look for in a running coach (38:50) I mentioned: Amphipod light vest Noxgear light vest Millennium Running code Headlamp Hoka Cliftons lululemon socks lululemon Base Pace tight Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer Down For It All vest and jacket lululemon earwarmer lululemon gloves lululemon Wunder Train Long Line bra Ali's Spotify playlists 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!

10 Dec 202145min

"It was so cool, and so weird, and it's still hard to describe." For many sports journalists — especially the ones who cover running — New York City Marathon week is arguably the busiest of the year. That was certainly true for New York Times sports editor Talya Minsberg, who not only covered the race and many of the stories leading up to it, but also ran the marathon herself (and earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time in the process!). On this episode, Talya reflects on that week, sharing the stories she was most excited to tell (notably, the one about Tommy Rivers Puzey's comeback), and stories from her own race. She talks about what her days look like writing, editing, and managing the NYT Running newsletter. Plus, tales from the Met Gala, the Tokyo Olympics, and the Times comment section. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What's making Talya happy right now? (5:00) What Talya's busiest week of the year was like (6:00) All about that Tommy Rivers Puzey story (14:30) What Talya's reporting process is like (18:45) The stories that give Talya butterflies (24:50) What it was like running the virtual NYC Marathon in 2020, and how it compared to this year's in-person race (29:00) What it was like being at the Tokyo Olympics this summer (31:30) Talya shares her career highlight reel (40:00) What Talya was like growing up, and how she got the job at the New York Times (45:00) On being a comment moderator for the New York Times (53:40) How Talya spends her days now (55:50) Talya's take on the uneven coverage of women's vs. men's sports in the media (57:15) The running stories Talya is excited about right now (1:03:30) The New York Times piece Talya thinks everyone should read (1:07:30) Check out: Erin Azar in the New York Times Tommy Rivers Puzey in the New York Times "Why Are American Women Running Faster Than Ever? We Asked Them — Hundreds of Them" Follow Talya: Instagram @tminsberg Twitter @tminsberg 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!

9 Dec 20211h 18min

"We all just decided, we need to keep moving. We can't just stay here and wallow in this. Obviously we'll still be grieving, but we all made the decision that we had to just do the best we could." Today's episode in the Everyday Runner series is extra special: Molly Burke is here, and she is the newest member of the Ali on the Run Show team! (Merch! Events! A retreat! A live show tour! All in the works, thanks to Molly!) Molly's story — both on the run and off — is a powerful one. On this episode, Molly talks about her family, about her dad (Brian Burke, president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins) being big time in the NHL, and about the close bond she shares with her siblings. She talks about the impact her dad's very public career had on her and her siblings growing up, and shares the story of her brother, Brendan, privately and publicly coming out as gay, and being the first NHL-affiliated person to do so. Tragically, Brendan was killed in a car accident just three months later. Molly talks about leaning into running as a way to help cope with her grief, and talks about being an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. (Come for the inspiration. Stay for the story about 19-year-old Molly getting kicked out of a Bruins game for standing up to a group of men using homophobic slurs.) Plus, Molly talks about her career working at Edelman and TripAdvisor, and talks about why she was hesitant to join a run group or group fitness class — and how she got over it. SPONSOR: COROS — Use code ONTHERUN for a free keychain watch charger with the purchase of any watch! What you'll get on this episode: What running looks like for Molly right now (4:45) What Molly's childhood was like (14:30) How Molly is like her dad, and how she's like her mom (23:10) All about Molly's brother, Brendan (25:00) How Molly found running (42:00) On being an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community (49:30) What it was like running the virtual Boston Marathon last year, and raising more than $11,000 for You Can Play (54:00) Molly's running and racing highlights (1:01:30) Check out: Katie Burke on Episode 327 of the Ali on the Run Show Katie Burke on Episode 252 of the Ali on the Run Show Katie Burke on Episode 84 of the Ali on the Run Show Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show MyStryd Boston "We love you, this won't change a thing." You Can Play Project Follow Molly: Instagram @mollysburke Twitter @mollysburke 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!

7 Dec 20211h 21min