149. The Women Reporting on Women's Running
"There's a lot of work that goes into this, and we take it really seriously." —Sarah Lorge Butler Welcome to the first-ever Ali on the Run Show roundtable! I was thrilled and honored to get to have this conversation with four of the women leading the charge reporting on the women's running industry: Erin Strout (Women's Running), Sarah Lorge Butler (Runner's World), Lindsay Crouse (The New York Times), and Alison Wade (Fast Women). On this episode, we talk about what it's like covering professional women's running — both the highlights and the challenges. We talk about whether the four of them are competitive when it comes to breaking major stories, like Lindsay's recent "Dream Maternity" piece in the Times. They open up about their relationships with the best-known professional runners, and sound off on the current state of the industry as they see it. They also share their perspective on how to cover the industry critically and thoughtfully while also wanting to support runners of all abilities and advance the sport. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: Are these women friends, competitors, or both? (4:45) Lindsay talks about the reaction to her "Dream Maternity" stories (6:00) Finding the balance between being critical and wanting to elevate and advance the industry (17:00) How the Fast Women newsletter comes together every week (19:30) On reading the comments (23:50) What is the current state of the women's running industry? (24:40) Who do these women love interviewing, and what are their relationships with the pros like? (33:30) What is the biggest struggle right now when it comes to covering women's running? (48:30) How to measure success in reporting (56:00) What we mention on this episode: Erin Strout on Episode 73 of the Ali on the Run Show "Nike Told Me to Dream Crazy, Until I Wanted a Baby," by Lindsay Crouse for The New York Times "Allyson Felix: My Own Nike Pregnancy Story," by Lindsay Crouse for The New York Times "7 Pearls of Wisdom From a 103-Year-Old World Record Holder" via Women's Running Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Des Linden on Episode 100 of the Ali on the Run Show Sara Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show "How the 'Shalane Flanagan Effect' Works," by Lindsay Crouse for The New York Times "How Emily Infeld Cross-Trained Her Way to the Olympics," by Erin Strout for Runner's World Follow Erin: Instagram @erinstrout Twitter @erinstrout Follow Sarah: Instagram @sarahlorgebutler Twitter @slorgebutler Follow Alison: Fast Women newsletter Instagram @fastwomen Twitter @fast_women Follow Lindsay: Instagram @lindsaycrouse Twitter @lindsaycrouse 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!
12 Juni 20191h 3min
148. April Cargill on Becoming a Marathoner at 50
"I thought oh, London Marathon, that sounds cute! So I signed up. And then I was like Paris Marathon? Oh my god, that sounds so cute, too. So I signed up for that, too." In her twenties, April Cargill was a two-pack-a-day smoker working long days and staying up late nights in the fashion industry in New York City. Today, at 55, the Harlem native is a six-time marathoner on a quest to complete all six World Marathon Majors. On this episode, April — who is the director of production for designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss — talks about why she started running in her fifties, what finally got her to kick the smoking habit, and what it's like being a hard-working single mom. Thank you to the New York Road Runners Virtual Pride Run 5K for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE to register (it's free!) and complete your run between June 22–30. Everybody's doing it! What you'll get on this episode: What was 20-year-old April up to? (3:00) What April's job in the fashion industry is like (4:50) How April got into a serious smoking habit — and found fitness when she quit (7:40) What it was like starting running in her fifties, and the intimidation factor that came with it (23:00) On joining November Project, and working out with her son, Aubrey (32:00) April opens up about being a single mom (41:40) How running has helped April get through tough times (47:11) What we mention on this episode: Project Start Candice Huffine on Episode 11 of the Ali on the Run Show Pratt Institute New York Road Runners John Honerkamp on Episode 4 of the Ali on the Run Show November Project Harlem Run Alison Desir on Episode 3 of the Ali on the Run Show April's November Project post Meaghan Murphy on Episode 113 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow April: Instagram @abril413 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 Juni 201958min
147. Jess Movold, Running & Strength Coach
"He said, 'I get it. The mountain's too steep.' And I said, 'No. It's just the wrong mountain.'" Jess Movold is perhaps best known as the super positive, super uplifting, super kind and empowering run and strength coach at Mile High Run Club and The Fortitude Strength Club in NYC. She's the current face of Runner's World (check her out on the cover!), and is the official "Runner's World Coach." So surely the 3:13 marathoner and 1:29 half marathoner from Missouri always envisioned this über-fit life for herself, right? Not quite. Jess began her career in the fashion industry, and she has stories that rival the ones in The Devil Wears Prada. On this episode, she shares her journey from high fashion to ultramarathons, and it's one that's packed with endearing and hilarious stories along the way — including the best "nothing new on race day" story I've ever heard. Up next: Jess wants to break three hours at the Berlin Marathon. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How it feels to see herself on the cover of Runner's World (2:55) How Jess got her start in the fashion industry — and found running along the way (7:00) The crazy stories about what being an executive assistant in the high-fashion industry looked like for Jess (31:00) Why Jess left the fashion industry and went all-in on fitness instead (41:15) What we mention on this episode: The Fort Mile High Run Club "The Workout That Helped This Runner Trim 20 Minutes Off Her Marathon Time" via Well+Good The Speed Project The Great New York 100 Mile Running Exposition Falmouth Road Race Follow Jess: Instagram @jessmovold Instagram @runnersworldcoach 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!
5 Juni 20191h 6min
146. Motherhood Mondays with Kate Parker, Author of Strong is the New Pretty
"It's not a girl message, and it's not a boy message. It's a human message. It's about celebrating who you are, whatever you are." Kate T. Parker is the photographer and author behind the best-selling books Strong is the New Pretty and The Heart of a Boy. Her message for children is profoundly simple: You, just as you are, are worthy. You don't need to change who you are. Kids should feel strong and empowered being whoever they are. They should be accepted for staying true to themselves, whatever that looks like. Kate, a mom of two girls (Ella, 14, and Alice, 10) in Atlanta, GA, had a revelation a few years ago while taking photos of her kids. The photos weren't stereotypically "pretty" and posed, and the girls weren't sitting, smiling, wearing matching bows and dresses. They were messy. They were loud. They silly. And Kate wanted to make sure they always embraced that spirit. On this episode, Kate talks about the failure and rejection she experienced on the way to viral success, and talks about the moments when she knew the Strong is the New Pretty movement was making an impact. (They involve a Tweet from Emma Watson, and a DM exchange with David Beckham.) Kate, who is also a multiple-time triathlete and Ironman, opens up about what it's like when your middle school-aged daughter is dealing with bullying or mean girls, and talks about what she's doing to raise strong, confident children. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase. What you'll get on this episode: On the highs, the worries, and the stress and loneliness of new motherhood (3:00) All about Strong is the New Pretty (11:15) All about The Heart of a Boy (35:15) The story behind Kate's Blended project (40:40) Kate's advice for raising confident children (42:40) Kate looks back on what new motherhood looked like for her (45:15) What we mention on this episode: Strong is the New Pretty The Heart of a Boy Strong is the New Pretty Journal Kate's Disney campaign BLENDED Scary Mommy A Mighty Girl on Facebook Meaghan Murphy on Episode 113 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Kate: Instagram @katetparker Twitter @ktparkerphoto Facebook Website 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!
2 Juni 201959min
145. Leigh Anne Sharek, Co-Founder of Brooklyn Track Club
"It took a while — a lot of runs, a lot of soul searching — to have this confidence now to just show up and say, 'I've earned this. I deserve to be here. I've put in the work to be in this spot.'" Leigh Anne Sharek is the co-founder of the Brooklyn Track Club, which started as an idea a few years ago and has since grown to nearly 250 members. She's the co-host of the Runners of NYC podcast, she's a sub-five-minute miler, and she's a forensic scientist for New York City's chief medical examiner. (So cool!) On this episode, Leigh Anne talks about going from a 4-hour marathon to a 2:41 marathon, and nabbing an Olympic Trials qualifying time. She talks about running with faster people and what it's like when you realize you're fast, and she shares some oh-so-relatable feelings about showing up to her first group run. Leigh Anne, a former gymnast, has become a well-known face on the NYC running scene, and was named one of New York Road Runners' Runners of the Year last year. So what's it like moving up to the front of the pack and racing alongside the pros? Leigh Anne lets us know, and talks about the great state of the women's running community in New York City right now. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: On going from a 4-hour marathon to a 2:41 Olympic Trials Qualifier (4:20) Leigh Anne's take on having a chill approach to running and racing, and on finding her place at the front of the pack (13:25) Where the pressure to run well comes from (20:45) The birth and growth of Brooklyn Track Club (22:30) What it was like qualifying for the Olympic Trials (35:45) Leigh Anne's hopes and dreams for Brooklyn Track Club (43:00) All about life as a forensic scientist, including how Leigh Anne got into the field (44:30) Leigh Anne's advice for conquering big goals (51:10) What we mention on this episode: Leigh Anne Sharek on Episode 129 of the Ali on the Run Show Pace University New York Road Runners NYCRUNS Nike Run Club Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show NYRR New York Mini 10K Steve Finley Follow Leigh Anne: Instagram @wicked.la Twitter @leighannesharek 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 Maj 201957min
144. Sara & Ryan Hall
"We're distance runners. We know how to dig in with hard stuff and persevere." Sara and Ryan Hall are one of the best-known couples in the running industry. Ryan is a retired professional runner: He holds the American record in both the half marathon (59:43) and marathon (2:04:58), and represented the United States at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games. Today, he's a coach, he's spending a ton of time bulking up in the gym, and he just published his latest book, Run the Mile You're In. Sara is a professional middle-distance-turned-long-distance runner, who holds a 2:26 marathon PR and has her eyes set on the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. On this episode, Sara and Ryan talk candidly about their marriage, what they fight about, and what it's like being coached by your spouse. Ryan is Sara's coach, and they were very honest about what it's like for each of them when Sara doesn't have a good race or workout. They also talk about adopting their four daughters from Ethiopia, and take a trip down memory lane sharing their love story, from first sushi date to proposal to becoming parents. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: What the Halls are celebrating right now (3:50) Sara talks about what it's like being coached by her husband — and a glimpse at what they fight about in their relationship (4:40) Ryan and Sara's love story, including who made the first move, the first kiss, how Ryan proposed, and the roles running and religion have played in their relationship (13:30) Sara and Ryan's adoption story (23:35) How prepared did Sara and Ryan feel for parenthood, and what were their expectations? Plus, how they support and encourage their daughters when it comes to running (30:40) Fast Ryan or Ripped Ryan? Sara tells all! (45:15) What Ryan's decision to retire meant for the Hall family (49:15) How Sara has gotten faster over the past few years (50:45) What's next for the Halls? (58:10) What we mention on this episode: Run the Mile You're In NYRR New York Mini 10K Follow Sara: Instagram @sarahall3 Twitter @sarahall3 Facebook Follow Ryan: Instagram @ryanhall3 Twitter @ryanhall3 Facebook 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!
22 Maj 20191h 8min
143. Motherhood Mondays with Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, OB/GYN & President of Saving Mothers
"Women are dying of causes that should not kill them in 2019." Dr. Taraneh Shirazian is a board-certified OB/GYN and surgeon practicing at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, where she's also the Director of Global Women's Health at NYU's College of Global Public Health. In 2009, Dr. Shirazian created the Saving Mothers nonprofit organization, whose goal is to lower the global rate of maternal deaths. Currently, 350,000 women worldwide die due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. That's one mother dying every two minutes. On this episode, we talk about the important work Saving Mothers is doing to further women's empowerment and patient advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth, and we discuss why, exactly, so many women are dying this way, particularly women of color. Dr. Shirazian, a mom of two, also talks about her newest venture, Mommy Matters, which directly supports Saving Mothers. Thank you to Sweaty Betty for sponsoring Motherhood Mondays on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to sweatybetty.com and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your purchase. What you'll get on this episode: Why Dr. Shirazian says doctors make the worst patients (5:15) Why are so many women dying during childbirth? (7:45) All about Saving Mothers (12:30) Why are so many women dying during childbirth in New York City? Plus, the racial disparities involved with maternal deaths (17:00) Shirazian's recommended resources for pregnant women (23:00) How to support Saving Mothers (24:30) All about Mommy Matters (27:20) Shirazian's message to moms in all stages of motherhood, plus what she remembers about her own experience as a new mom (35:50) On returning to work post-baby (41:30) What we mention on this episode: Saving Mothers Mommy Matters American College of OB/GYN Patient Education Portal Run the TCS New York City Marathon for Saving Mothers Mommy Matters ergonomic pillow 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!
19 Maj 201955min
142. Jen Ator, Women's Running Editor in Chief
"You really can do anything. That doesn't mean it's going to be easy and that doesn't mean it's not going to be without sacrifice. It also doesn't mean you're going to be a rockstar at it. But you can do anything if you're willing to put yourself out there and really risk failing in a huge way." Last month, Jen Ator was hired as the new editor in chief of Women's Running. Before joining WR, Jen was the longtime fitness director at Women's Health. On this episode, Jen talks about her decision to leave one dream job for another, and shares her hopes, dreams, and big plans for Women's Running. She shares her running story, including the heartbreaking knee injury that sidelined her just as she was hitting her running groove. Plus, she shares her advice for getting through some "really tough days." Jen also talks about the opportunity of a lifetime: getting to race Ironman Kona with training partner and Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. She talks about her friendship with Deena Kastor, how her approach to exercise has changed over the past few years, and her book, The Fitness Fix. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle! What you'll get on this episode: How it feels to get to say "I'm an editor in chief" Plus, Jen opens up about her decision to leave one dream job for another (3:30) Jen's hopes, dreams, plans, and goals for Women's Running — and is anything off-limits? (9:15) What does the editor in chief job entail? (16:20) Jen reflects on her time at Women's Health, and how she rose through the ranks and really proved herself to a tough editor in chief (30:00) Jen's running story — how she went from college lacrosse player to runner to devastating ACL injury to competing at Ironman Kona alongside Apolo Ohno (39:30) On dealing with imposter syndrome leading up to Ironman Kona (54:30) What's next for Jen? (1:01:10) What we mention on this episode: Liz Plosser on Episode 72 of the Ali on the Run Show Erin Strout on Episode 73 of the Ali on the Run Show Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor Roz Frazier on Episode 135 of the Ali on the Run Show The Women's Health Fitness Fix by Jen Ator Follow Jen: Instagram @jen_ator Twitter @jen_ator 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 Maj 20191h 8min
