14. My 10 Favorite Races

"You're honestly doing a really good job. I know all you see is all the ways you think you're failing. But I promise, you're doing OK, and no one has it all figured out, despite what you see on Instagram! Stop scrolling. Read a book." In 2019, I interviewed Dr. Abby Bales — a pelvic floor physical therapist and the owner and founder of Reform Physical Therapy — as part of the Ali on the Run Show's Motherhood Mondays series. Ever since, Abby has asked when I would be willing to flip the script; when I would be willing to hand over the microphone so I could answer her questions. And today is that day. Welcome to the Dr. Abby on the Run Show! On this episode, Abby is in control, asking me questions about Crohn's disease, motherhood, life with a chronic illness, running, career stuff, and how they all intersect. (Listen to Dr. Abby's previous conversations on the Ali on the Run Show here, here, and here.) SPONSOR: The AGA IBD Parenthood Project — Follow the link for resources and support on your own journey navigating parenthood and life with an inflammatory bowel disease. What you'll get on this episode: Why now? (4:40) My Crohn's disease story (7:45) On Crohn's and the decision to have children (10:45) My experience with postpartum anxiety… (16:00) …and my decision to finally start therapy (20:45) On having a support system (29:30) Do I worry about Annie getting Crohn's? (36:15) Talking to Annie about feelings (48:20) How having a chronic illness has made me more resilient, and helped me better relate with people (52:00) How Crohn's disease has affected my career (58:00) How living in New Hampshire has helped my health (1:01:15) What goals now seem possible? (1:06:00) Follow Abby & Reform Physical Therapy: Instagram @reformptnyc Facebook Twitter @reformptnyc 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!

2 Nov 20211h 24min

"It's been fun to stand on the start line with really good friends and just feel like we're a team, in this together." Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky are best friends — best friends who run, bake, and co-author best-selling cookbooks together! On this episode, Shalane and Elyse are here to talk about their latest cookbook (available now!), Rise & Run. They talk about the unexpected success and popularity of their Superhero Muffins, and admit that they never thought anyone would publish their first cookbook (Run Fast, Eat Slow), let alone turn it into a three-book series. They share their friendship story (and stories about tequila), talk about how motherhood has changed their relationship, and talk about how they're celebrating their 40th birthdays this year. Shalane talks about Project Eclipse — her quest to run all six World Marathon Majors in 42 days — and about how she's feeling heading in her sixth and final race, the New York City Marathon next weekend. And Elyse talks about training for her marathon debut, also in NYC. Lots to celebrate on this episode, from muffins and marathons to motherhood and more! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How Shalane and Elyse are feeling heading into the New York City Marathon (4:30) All about Rise & Run (7:15) Shalane talks "taper" (14:45) Shalane and Elyse talk NYC Marathon plans (20:20) Shalane and Elyse share their friendship story (24:40) What runs with Shalane and Elyse are like (35:00) How Shalane and Elyse's friendship has changed since becoming mothers (39:35) On Shalane's "runway looks" for Project Eclipse (48:40) Shalane reflects on her Project Eclipse training (55:50) Shalane's New York City Marathon advice (58:15) Why Rise & Run is dedicated to parents and caregivers (1:04:45) FOR MORE: Listen to Shalane on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show. Follow Shalane: Instagram @shalaneflanagan Twitter @shalaneflanagan Facebook Follow Elyse: Instagram @ElyseKopecky Twitter @ElyseKopecky 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!

28 Okt 20211h 20min

"You have to honor the race by going and trying to do the best you possibly can." In December 2019, three men — Menso de Jong, Chris Stehula, and Ken Rakestraw — led 72 women to Olympic Trials qualifying times at the California International Marathon. Soon after, they came on the Ali on the Run Show to share their stories. Before CIM, neither Menso, Chris, nor Ken had ever run 2:45 marathons before. But that day, they pulled it off. And, in the process of doing so, they each earned themselves Boston Marathon qualifying times. So now, Menso, Chris, and Ken are back on the Ali on the Run Show for another race recap episode — but this one is different. This time, the only people they were pacing were themselves, and there were plenty of highs, lows, and backward walks along the way. Enjoy hearing about their race day strategies (most of which did not go according to plan), what the rolling start in Boston was really like, and what lessons they learned on the course that day. SPONSOR: The WineShine Half Marathon — Register today for the inaugural event, happening July 16, 2022. See you in Napa! What you'll get on this episode: How everyone's feeling after Boston (6:45) The desire to run Boston (10:30) What training for Boston looked like (13:30) Everyone's plans for Boston (26:45) What the start was like (37:00) How the race broke down for everyone (44:15) Highs and lows from the day (52:25) 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!

26 Okt 20211h 8min

"It was a win-win either way. If they go with me, they're running my race, and that's great. And if they don't go with me, I have a huge lead at Boston, and that's pretty awesome, too!" If you watched the 2021 Boston Marathon, you got to know CJ Albertson — or at least his face — pretty well. That's because CJ, who runs professionally for Brooks Running, took the lead in the men's elite race right from the start, and held it for 21 miles. He ran solo that entire time, gapping the rest of the field by two minutes at one point. After 21 miles, the pack caught up to CJ — who was also celebrating his birthday that day — but he was able to hang in and ultimately finished 10th. Those 21 miles at the front may have put CJ on the Boston map, but he's hardly new to the running scene. The California native is a 2:11 marathoner and cross-country and track coach at Clovis Community College. In 2019, he completed the indoor marathon world record challenge in 2 hours 17 minutes and 59 seconds. (That's 26.2 miles, indoors, on a 200-meter track!) Then, in 2020, CJ set an all-surface 50K world best time of 2:42:30, which he also ran on a track. CJ loves pursuing the fun side of running, and is always up for a challenge, whether it's leading the Boston Marathon or topping the leaderboard of every Peloton class he takes. All that and more, on this episode of the Ali on the Run Show. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What CJ's Boston recovery has been like (2:30) On feeling like a star (6:30) What the day before the race was like (8:30) On praying before the race (17:00) What it was like walking to the start line (23:50) CJ's race plan, and how it played out (26:20) On gapping the field — by two minutes — and eventually getting caught by the pack (35:15) That finish line feeling (48:15) CJ's love for Peloton (50:55) What's next? (57:40) Follow CJ: Instagram @cjalbertson 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 Okt 20211h 4min

"I think being sensitive can be a strength in many ways. It's OK to be sensitive. It's OK to be emotional. It's OK to have feelings. It's OK to care." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about Center Stage (best movie ever), my ideal desserts, recent impulse purchases, finding a running coach, dealing with difficult people, 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: Will I ever come run CIM? (4:30) Which character from Center Stage would I love to hang out with? (7:35) My ideal dessert bracket (10:55) My best recent impulse buy (15:05) How to find a running coach (19:45) How to deal with unkind people (23:20) What to know about running the Manchester City Marathon (31:30) Check out: High-rise flare jeans! Chunky boots! Mary Johnson on Episode 195 of the Ali on the Run Show Kaitlin Goodman on Episode 160 of the Ali on the Run Show Manchester City Marathon 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!

22 Okt 202137min

"I hope that brands see the value in me and my future in running and what I have to offer to the running community." On October 11, Nell Rojas ran her fourth marathon. In her Boston Marathon debut, Nell finished sixth overall, ran a personal best time of 2:27, and was the first American woman across the finish line. We heard from Nell before the race, and now she's back to recap every detail of race day. On this episode, Nell shares how she was feeling heading into the race, what race morning was like, and what it was like doing breathing exercises in a church nursery. She reflects on why her goal was to be first American that day, what that goal means to her now, and whether or not it matters. Plus, she shares fun stories from her post-race interviews and talks about what's next. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Was Boston the best day of Nell's life? (2:45) How Nell spent the day before the race (7:15) On lining up behind Des Linden at the start, and what the pre-race technical meetings are like (10:45) Choosing a race day outfit (15:00) How Nell was feeling on race morning (18:20) Nell's goals and her plan for race day (23:45) Why Nell's goal was to be top American at Boston (32:20) How Nell's race played out (38:25) The finish line experience (48:00) On being unsponsored, and what happens next (50:50) Nell answers a listener question about protein (54:20) What's next? (57:00) Follow Nell: Instagram @nell_rojas_running Twitter @nellrojas 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 Okt 20211h 1min

"I just turned around and it was like, oh man, I'm an Olympic photographer. With that one click." Jason Suarez — also known as @notafraid2fail — is one of the best, most sought-after photographers in running today. He has shot nearly every track and field event, every major marathon, and every athlete you know, love, and follow in this sport. And we recorded this conversation just a few days after Jason returned from a true dream-come-true experience: being an official photographer at the Olympic Games. He shot the track and field events inside Olympic Stadium, and dabbled in shooting new events, including gymnastics and swimming. But the Queens-born-and-raised former collegiate sprinter turned marathoner never planned for or expected this life. On this episode, Jason talks about his career trajectory — in addition to being a professional photographer, he also works for Apple — and about the importance of networking, relationships, and being a good person along the way. He talks about breaking into the industry, and shares his career highlights, including spending a week in Kenya with Eliud Kipchoge. Plus, he talks about feeling burned out and about questioning his next moves as a photographer. SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: What it means to be "notafraid2fail" (3:45) The significance of Jason's laptop background (6:30) How and why Jason got to go to the Tokyo Olympics (7:45) On learning the ropes in Tokyo (12:25) The business side of being a freelance sports photographer (22:00) When Jason realized his dream was coming true (28:00) Jason's running story (30:45) How Jason got his start in photography (37:30) Jason's highlight reel (45:30) All about the Pansa Boyz! (51:00) What's next for Jason, on the run and behind the lens (59:35) Why Jason loves shooting marathons (1:08:15) Jason's advice for taking better photos (1:15:00) Follow Jason: Instagram @notafraid2fail Twitter @notafraid2fail 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!

19 Okt 20211h 22min

"In my gut, I knew my life was about to change." Shayla Martin has a lot to celebrate right now. First, her 43rd birthday. Then, a spontaneous experience dancing onstage at a concert with Diplo. And, perhaps most importantly, her three-year anniversary of being cancer-free. On this episode, meet two-time marathoner Shayla Martin, a woman who is always joyful, smiling, and seeking a good time. But in 2017, at just 39 years old, Shayla's world was rocked when she found a lump in her breast that turned out to be breast cancer. Here, Shayla shares her cancer story, which included a mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and three breast reconstruction surgeries. She talks about how cancer changed her relationship with her body, and why, in her forties, she decided to pursue therapy for the very first time. She talks about living her best life at Burning Man, about a low point in her life last summer, when she was arrested on her way home after a run, and about why she thinks "life should be lived in a tutu." Shayla lives in New York City where she works in hospitality sales for GrubHub. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On dancing onstage with Diplo and Jess King, and going to Burning Man (3:00) What Shayla's life was like before her cancer diagnosis (15:30) What it was like being diagnosed with breast cancer (19:50) How Shayla responded to chemo and radiation (35:00) How Shayla's relationship with her body has changed since getting cancer, and what it was like being told she was cancer-free (44:55) Therapy talk (54:00) Shayla's experience getting arrested last summer while walking home after a run (1:04:00) Check out: The Pink Agenda Black Burner Project on Instagram @blackburnerproject Follow Shayla: Instagram @sdotmartin05 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 Okt 20211h 22min