14. My 10 Favorite Races

"I was doing everything I could, every section that I was coming upon. So in my head it was like, if I'm doing as best I can and I get caught and passed, then that's just how it played out, and I'm gonna cheer that person on who's passing me because that's cool, and that's how we get better together." Last month, Courtney Dauwalter defended — and reclaimed — her title at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 106.5-mile race, and smashed records along the way. She broke the all-time women's course record by seven minutes, finishing in 22 hours 30 minutes and 54 seconds. She beat her 2019 winning time by two hours and two minutes, finished sixth overall (the highest finish ever by a woman), and won the women's division by more than an hour and a half. On this episode, Courtney talks about this year's UTMB experience, describing the sights (and hallucinations), sounds, highs (more than 32,800 feet of climbing!), lows, and views (of France, Italy, and Switzerland) along the way. Plus, in true Courtney fashion, we laugh a lot and talk about candy. If you're looking for a conversation that's equal parts fun, silly, inspiring, and encouraging, this is it. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! What you'll get on this episode: A day in the life of Courtney Dauwalter (2:00) What do the numbers and stats mean to Courtney? (5:00) Courtney reflects on having to drop out of the Hardrock 100 earlier this summer (6:45) Courtney's goals for UTMB, and how she would grade her performance (12:30) How Courtney was feeling on race day (16:30) Courtney breaks down the race (19:45) Hallucination stories! And when things started to hurt (32:20) What Courtney listens to on the run (34:40) Marriage talk (41:00) How Courtney celebrated her UTMB win (44:00) What's next? (50:25) Candy talk! (53:00) Check out: Courtney Dauwalter on Episode 302 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Courtney: Instagram @courtneydauwalter Twitter @courtdauwalter 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!

13 Sep 20211h

"I took down all facades. I just could not hold up this fake exterior of everything was OK when I felt like I could barely get out of bed every day. I would just get up, go to work, and the only thing else that was consistent was running. I would run every day, despite how bad I felt. And it was such a sense of refuge at points. I would feel like I would be OK. And that's when I would start planning for the future. I was like, 'Deirdre, this is transient. This is going to get better. You are going to get better. Dad's looking out for you. Don't give up. Just keep going. Get through today. Tomorrow will hopefully be a better day. And if it's not, that's OK, too. We will get there.' Running reinforced that resiliency that I truly thought I'd lost." Deirdre Keane normally flies pretty under the radar. But last month, the 33-time marathoner (whose personal best time is 3:14) became a face seen by millions when she was featured on Humans of New York. Suddenly, 11.3 million people on Instagram and 17 million more on Facebook knew Deirdre's story. In the post, Deirdre shared the story of her dad, who was an avid (and fast!) marathoner. She talked about how he ran his final New York City Marathon the day before what turned out to be his final surgery to help treat his melanoma. Deirdre talked about how her dad so badly wanted his kids to be runners when they were growing up, but they weren't interested — until after his passing, when Deidre decided to run her first marathon on what would've been her dad's birthday. Then, Deirdre talked about going through a tough time last year, and how running became her constant — it was what she did to remember who she was, and who she is. On this episode, Deirdre talks about the rest of her story. She talks about waking up at 4 AM to run 10 miles to work from her home in the Bronx to the Upper East Side, where she's a nurse practitioner in the pediatric ICU at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She talks about working through the pandemic in New York City, about leaning into running after her brother was in a near-fatal car accident, and about her big plans for her next year on the run (starting with three fall marathons: Boston, New York City, and Dallas). When she's not working or on the run, Deirdre is pursuing her MBA at New York University, where she is also the editor-in-chief of the school's graduate newspaper. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On running through wet cement! (6:10) All about being featured on Humans of New York (11:00) Deirdre talks about her dad and his love for running (24:00) How Deirdre got into marathoning (28:35) How Deirdre has added more meaning to her running over the past year and a half (39:25) On being a "helper" (48:00) The role running has served for Deirdre over the past year (50:10) How training (for the Boston, New York City, and Dallas Marathons) is going, and what's next for Deirdre (1:00:00) Check out: Achilles International Manchester City Marathon 2020 Manchester City Half Marathon Recap From 4:13 To 3:51: My Manchester City Marathon Recap Follow Deirdre: Instagram @deirdremkeane 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 Sep 20211h 15min

"You hear the thing, 'Are you glass half full or glass half empty?' I'm so damn glad I have a glass!" Jesse Itzler is all about "building your life resume." He's a wildly successful entrepreneur, rapper, owner of the Atlanta Hawks, 60-time marathoner, ultramarathoner, best-selling author, creator of events including the 29029 Everesting challenge and Hell on the Hill, dad of four, and husband to Spanx founder Sara Blakely (talk about a power couple). I've been a fan of Jesse's since I read his book Living with a SEAL (and, later, Living with the Monks), and was psyched when I met him at the finish line of this year's Clearwater Marathon — which he has since called his most memorable marathon. (Not because he met me at the finish, but because his four kids ran the last six miles with him, and they all crossed the finish line together.) In this rapid-fire conversation, Jesse and I cover a range of topics, including how he lives in constant pursuit of fun, and the importance of making time for ourselves. Plus, fruit, muffins, and so much more. SPONSOR: Millennium Running's Clearwater Running Festival — Join us in Florida in January 2022, and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your race registration. Check it out: Fit for Life by Harvey Diamond Brent and Kyle Pease on Episode 389 of the Ali on the Run Show Ashley Paulson on Episode 409 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jesse: Instagram @jesseitzler Twitter @JesseItzler YouTube 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 Sep 202148min

"Once I got on the start line, that was the most at peace I'd felt in a long time." "Drink a beer for me," Molly Seidel told her family over FaceTime from Sapporo, just moments after becoming an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the marathon. Even better: drinking a beer with Molly, which is exactly what a few hundred of us did on Tuesday, August 31, during this virtual live show with the newly minted Olympic medalist. During this fun celebratory conversation, Molly talks about throwing out the first pitch at the Red Sox game a few weeks ago (let's just call it a strike, OK?), that viral airplane Tweet ("It was 100 percent mansplaining," she says), where she plans to keep her bronze medal ("somewhere weird"), and the fellow Olympic marathoner she's "shooting her shot" with. Plus, every detail on the Olympic marathon, including Molly's fun travel details, tales from the Athlete Village, and some jaw-dropping stories of mid-race trash talking and why Molly was veering away from the pack (it wasn't in search of shade). SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) Check it out: Molly Seidel on Episode 341 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Molly: Instagram @bygolly.molly Twitter @ByGollyMolly12 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 Sep 20211h 31min

"To me, it's not heroic to have a miserable experience. It's not heroic to further injure myself. It's not heroic to set myself back, for what? A medal, an Instagram post, a couple hundred likes? Not worth it. I'd rather be the people's champion by saying, 'Hey, I made the tough call.'" 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 Schitt's Creek friendships, adjusting to hilly running routes, DNFs, and so much 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: Is there a list of the best of the Ali on the Run Show? (5:05) Have you ever not finished a race that you trained for and started? (6:50) What is your honest opinion on LetsRun.com? (15:30) Do you have any funny injury stories? (22:05) If you lived in Schitt's Creek, who would you be friends with? (28:30) How have you adapted to running on hillier terrain? (32:10) What tips do you have for preparing for a busy time? (37:00) I mentioned: "Start Here" Aisha Praught Leer on Episode 415 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 278 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 128 of the Ali on the Run Show 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!

3 Sep 202143min

Photo by Jason Suarez, @notafraid2fail "It's not who I am. It's something that happened to me." Abbey Cooper was the talk of this year's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. She may not have ultimately made Team USA, but Abbey, who is sponsored by New Balance, threw down not one but two of the most inspiring, gutsy performances at Hayward Field. First, in the 5K prelims, when she broke away from the field and ran the majority of the race solo in pursuit of the Olympic Standard (and she hit it, with a few seconds to spare!). Then, in the 5K final, when she was with the lead pack until the final moments, when she ultimately finished fourth, just one and a half seconds off the podium. Abbey is perhaps best known for her performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, when she fell during the 5K prelims. But people don't talk about the fall — they talk about how Abbey got right back up and helped her fellow competitor to the finish. On this episode, Abbey talks about how Rio has — and hasn't — defined her, and she reflects on the highs (like her recent 5K personal best at the Prefontaine Classic!) and those just-missed moments on the track. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Abbey reflects on her 5K PR at the Pre Classic, and why she feels like she's been "running on house money" this year (4:50) On working with a sports psychologist: Abbey's husband (9:40) What it means to be "relationally healthy" (11:00) What it was like watching friend Molly Seidel win bronze at the Olympic marathon (18:30) On entering the off season (22:00) Reflecting on this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials (25:45) On all those just-missed moments along the way (40:35) On being defined — or not — by Rio 2016 (44:20) More thoughts on just-missed moments and the lessons that come with them (55:00) On "trusting the process with both commitment and surrender" (1:00:45) What does "Running with Heart" mean right now? (1:05:15) Follow Abbey: Instagram @abbey_dags Running With Heart 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 Sep 20211h 20min

"I've always been my own biggest believer." In 2004, Cory McGee's dad was working security for the FBI at the Olympic Games in Athens — which meant Cory got to tag along! It was then that she vowed to one day return to the Olympics — as a competitor. And just a few weeks ago, Cory's dream came true when she got to represent Team USA in Tokyo. (She became an Olympic finalist, no less!) On this episode, Cory, who is sponsored by New Balance, talks about traveling to Japan to compete in the 1500m. She talks about that brutal fall in the semifinals, and about the physical and emotional toll that took on her. She shares how coach Joe Bosshard has helped her over the years, and has worked with her to turn her weaknesses into strengths. Plus, Cory talks about ending her season early on account of some bone bruising from that fall, and talks about hosting a Covid-19 vaccine event back home in Mississippi. THE LAST TIME CORY WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 284 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: Cory's decision to end her season earlier than expected (4:45) On becoming an Olympian (9:00) On performance ruts and getting through them (12:50) Cory looks back on competing at the U.S. Track & Field Trials and earning her spot on Team USA (17:50) What training was like between the Trials and the Olympics (20:00) What makes Cory McGee tick? (22:45) All about the travel journey to Tokyo (27:45) What it was like walking into Olympic Stadium for the first time (38:50) That semi-final fall (43:00) What running the 1500m final was like (51:40) On phone calls back home (54:50) What the Closing Ceremonies and flight home were like (57:10) On hosting a Covid-19 vaccine drive in Mississippi (1:03:00) What's next for Cory (1:07:15) Follow Cory: Instagram @corymcgeeruns Twitter @corymcgeeruns 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!

30 Aug 20211h 10min

"He said, 'I want you to feel like you can take over this race. And take over early.' And I was like, 'Wait, what?!'" This girl is on fire! Courtney Frerichs is a two-time Olympian for Team USA who just returned from Tokyo as a silver medalist! Courtney, who trains with Nike's Bowerman Track Club, competed in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics, and made the final an exciting one when she made her move and took the lead with four laps to go. (A move she attributes both to coach Jerry Schumacher's plan and to her own quiet confidence and instinct taking over mid-race.) Courtney went into the Games as the American record holder in the 3000m steeplechase and as a world silver medalist, and just a week after returning from Tokyo, she competed at the Prefontaine Classic where she became the first American woman to go sub-9:00 in the steeplechase. On this episode, Courtney talks about the hard work she's done on her mental game leading up to this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials and, ultimately, the Olympics. She talks about what it was like being in Tokyo, gives a behind-the-scenes look at life in the athlete village (where she roomed with Team USA's 1500m runner Elle Purrier St. Pierre), and shares the mantras that helped her through it all. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Where is Courtney keeping her silver medal? (3:30) Courtney's plans and goals for the Pre Classic, and whether she feels pressure going into the race (5:40) All about Courtney's decision to prioritize her mental health recently (9:30) Courtney's first impressions when she got to Tokyo (23:15) How Courtney was feeling before the racing started at the Games (32:00) What running was like in Tokyo (40:45) Courtney recaps the Prelims (43:30) Courtney shares her pre-race routine (47:00) All about Courtney's race plan and that "big move" (53:50) What it felt like to cross the line and earn an Olympic silver medal (1:02:50) How Courtney is feeling now (1:08:30) On going back to school for nutrition (1:10:15) Follow Courtney: Instagram @courtneyfrerichs 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 Aug 20211h 23min