271. Rebecca Mehra, Professional Middle-Distance Runner
"I got to this point where I had to tell myself that I deserve to be there and I deserve to be on the starting line, and say, 'You are good enough, you've put in the work, you've put in the training.' My motto was 'Just give it a go.'" Rebecca Mehra is a professional middle-distance runner for Oiselle's Little Wing team, where she's coached by Lauren Fleshman. Earlier this year, Rebecca became a household name when she Tweeted about helping an elderly couple grocery shop at the onset of the pandemic — and that story went viral. Rebecca is an incredibly talented runner, but her life off the track is as compelling as her fast 1500m times. When she's not running, Rebecca is involved in public policy: She's the special assistant to the mayor in Bend, OR, and is the campaign manager for two local candidates. On this episode, Rebecca talks about going pro, getting political, going viral, and growing up in a biracial family (she's the daughter of an Indian immigrant father and a Jewish mother from Long Island) in California. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it's like training with Lauren Fleshman, and how and why Rebecca joined Oiselle's Little Wing team (8:30) On the idea of balance vs. going all-in (15:00) What does it mean being special assistant to the mayor of Bend? (18:45) Rebecca talks about her family, her childhood, and going viral earlier this year (24:40) The full story behind Rebecca's recent blog post for Oiselle, and what it was like growing up biracial (37:30) "The electrocution incident," and what Rebecca's running looks like right now (52:00) What we mention on this episode: Jenny Simpson on Episode 268 of the Ali on the Run Show Elle Purrier on Episode 210 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show "Mixed + Passing — Let's Talk About Race," by Rebecca Mehra for Oiselle Follow Rebecca: Instagram @rebecca_mehra Twitter @rebecca_mehra 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!
12 Aug 20201h 12min
270. Ali & the Experts with Jess Thomas, Therapist
"Our feelings are truly valid. Remember that the concerns that are leading to your struggles with anxiety and depression are valid and worthy of being talked about, gaining support, and being acknowledged." Raise your hand if you're feeling anxious! (Mine are both raised.) Then you've come to the right place. On this episode — the second in the six-part Ali & the Experts series — NYC-based therapist Jess Thomas is here to answer listener questions about anxiety, depression, perfectionism, quarantine dating, and how to handle life during a pandemic. Jess, who is part of the Viva Wellness team, also talks about being new to therapy, and debunks all kinds of common mental health myths. Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year's supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase! 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!
10 Aug 202050min
269. Ali & the Experts with Laura Parrott, Career Coach
"Looking for technical solutions to people problems doesn't work." Welcome to the Ali & the Experts series! For the next six weeks, I'll be talking with six different experts who will be answering all of your questions. We're kicking things off today with a major career pep talk, courtesy of Laura Parrott. Laura, who lives in Detroit, MI, is currently the Head of People at Floyd. Before that, she spent eight years leading recruiting work at McKinsey, seven years working in people management and leadership development at Google, and, most recently, she was the lead for manager development programming at Hubspot. Laura is also a fitness instructor and is the founder of her own coaching company. On this episode, she answers questions about people challenges at work, including dealing with a difficult boss, networking during a pandemic, being laid off, and getting back into the workforce after taking time off to have children. A must-listen! Thank you to Athletic Greens for sponsoring this series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to athleticgreens.com/ontherun to get a year's supply of Vitamin D with your first Athletic Greens purchase! 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!
6 Aug 20201h 4min
268. Jenny Simpson
"There's always someone gunning for that spot. And if you're off your game at all, they're going to take it." Jenny Simpson is the country's most-decorated female miler and 1500-meter runner. Case in point: She's a three-time Olympian, she won gold in the 1500 at the 2011 World Championships, she was the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal in the 1500 when she won bronze in Rio in 2016, and she's a two-time world silver medalist. She has won the Fifth Avenue Mile eight times, and her personal bests include a 3:57.22 1500 and a 4:16.1 road mile. On this episode, Jenny talks about how she and her husband Jason have been spending quarantine. She shares her thoughts on retirement (someday!), having a baby (someday!), and "waiting to be slow" (which may never happen!). But mostly, we talk about Truman, the dog Jenny and Jason adopted once the lockdowns started. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about Truman! (4:30) What life has looked like for Jenny during the pandemic (9:55) What do Jenny's easy days look like? (16:00) Jenny's thoughts on the Olympics right now (18:30) How do you know when to retire? (23:55) Which runners are Jenny's eyes on? (30:00) Jenny's advice for running a fast mile (39:00) What are Jenny's sponsor obligations right now? (45:00) Jenny talks about cheering for her husband, Jason, at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February (51:00) What we mention on this episode: Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook 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!
5 Aug 20201h 15min
267. Catching Up with Emily Halnon
"There's this possibility to live with this duality of life. You can both grieve and have a really, truly happy day. You can be really stressed and scared, and also be extraordinarily brave." In January, the world truly lost one of the greatest lights and coolest women on the planet: Andrea Halnon, or as she's known around here, "AndyJHa." Emily Halnon was the very first guest on the Ali on the Run Show, and is one of my dear friends, and when her mom passed away after a 13-month battle with a rare uterine cancer, it was devastating. On this episode, Emily returns to the show to graciously and openly talk about her badass mom's amazing legacy, and what the grief process is like. She also talks about how she'll be bravely and boldly honoring that legacy starting this Saturday: By running 453 miles across the state of Oregon, from the California border to Washington, in an attempt to run the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail. In doing so, Emily is also raising money for the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, which supports rare cancer research. CLICK HERE TO DONATE. Let's see if we can get Emily to $10K by the time she reaches Washington! This one's for you, AndyJHa. We love you. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What we mention on this episode: Chris Heuisler on Episode 265 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Halnon on Episode 1 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Halnon on Episode 85 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Emily: Instagram @emilysweats Twitter @emilysweats 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!
29 Juli 20201h 3min
266. On the Record with Mario Fraioli, Host of The Morning Shakeout
"I won't use my voice unless I can back up whatever argument I'm trying to make. But I've gotten increasingly more comfortable putting myself in those situations and taking a stance on something and then being able to back it up, whether it's systemic racism, whether it's diversity in the sport, whether it's how we should be handling the pandemic right now as runners. We all have thoughts on those things. A lot of us are afraid to share those thoughts. Not all of us have platforms where we can share those thoughts and have it have an impact, and I am very cognizant of the fact that I do, and I want to make sure I'm using my platform for good in those ways and spurring up healthy conversation and debate." Today, we wrap up the On the Record series with Mario Fraioli, host of The Morning Shakeout podcast and creator of The Morning Shakeout newsletter. Mario comes to podcasting with a background in journalism: He's a longtime sports writer and was the editor of Competitor magazine. On this episode, Mario talks about taking that journalistic approach when it comes to having conversations with running's top athletes, and opens up about getting comfortable taking a stance and using his voice. And he explains why sometimes, you have to let the silence do the work. Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: How and why Mario got into podcasting (11:00) How Mario prepares for his interviews (18:40) What's on Mario's mind right now? (29:00) On choosing guests for The Morning Shakeout (35:50) Mario shares his dream-come-true moments (43:00) On speaking out (53:50) What we mention on this episode: Ali Feller on The Morning Shakeout Subscribe to The Morning Shakeout newsletter Tommy Rivers Puzey GoFundMe "Interview: Mebrahtom Keflezighi," by Mario Fraioli for mensracing.com "Retraction Reaction," by Mario Fraioli Erin Strout on Episode 73 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Mario: Instagram @mariofraioli Twitter @mariofraioli Website 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!
26 Juli 20201h 15min
265. Catching Up with Chris Heuisler
"That's what I have now: I have hope." A lot has changed for Chris Heuisler since the last time he was on the Ali on the Run Show. He turned 40! He's no longer the Global RunWestin Concierge. And he got sober. On this episode, Chris — for the first time publicly — talks about his past with alcoholism, and his journey to sobriety. (SO PROUD OF YOU, CHRIS.) Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What we mention on this episode: Chris Heuisler, National Run Concierge for Westin Hotels Chris Heuisler's Most Embarrassing Running Moment! Ali on the Run Show LIVE! Featuring Meb Keflezighi, Andrea Barber, Chris Heuisler, and Des Linden Des Linden on Finding Mastery Catching Up with Andrea Barber Andrea Barber AKA Full House's Kimmy Gibbler Follow Chris: Instagram @chrisheuisler Twitter @runheuisler Brontosaurus L.A. EMAIL: chris.heuisler@gmail.com 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!
22 Juli 20201h 21min
264. On the Record with Dana Giordano, Host of More Than Running
"What matters most to me is talking about athletes, especially female athletes, in the way that I would want someone to ask me questions. I want someone to respect me as a whole person and dig a little bit deeper and learn about who I am and what I have to give beyond the typical rote questions we hear over and over again." Dana Giordano is a professional middle-distance runner for the B.A.A. and adidas. She's a 4:34 miler and 15:47 5K runner who ran track and cross-country at Dartmouth College and hopes to compete at the 2021 Olympic Track & Field Trials. In April, Dana added another line to her impressive resume: host of the More Than Running podcast. Dana enters the running podcast space with an inside look at the sport. On this episode, she talks about relatability on the track, inspiration on the run, and how she wants to see the industry improve. She also offers her take on how to make running more accessible, and talks about why it's so important to share women's stories and celebrate other women's successes. Thank you to Gatorade Endurance for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to gatoradeendurance.com and use code ONTHERUN20 for 20% off your order. What you'll get on this episode: How and why Dana decided to leave her corporate job to become a professional runner (4:00) As a podcast host, what's matters most to Dana? (13:50) How Dana sees her role in the running industry (27:00) On choosing guests for the show (40:00) What Dana's running looks like right now (56:00) What we mention on this episode: Chris Chavez on Episode 262 of the Ali on the Run Show "Dana Giordano's Falmouth Run is For a Greater Cause," via Citius Mag Follow Dana: Instagram @dana_gio Twitter @dana_gio6 More Than Running podcast 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 Juli 20201h 4min
