119. Love on the Run LIVE at New York Road Runners

"You always have to stay in the fight." It is an honor and a privilege to get to share this very special conversation with the legendary Wyomia Tyus today! Wyomia Tyus, now 75, is a two-time Olympian and four-time medalist (three gold, one silver). She competed in the 1964 Games in Tokyo at 19 years old (just like Athing Mu!), and again at the 1968 Games in Mexico City, where she became the first person to ever win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters. On this episode, Wyomia tells her life story, reflecting on growing up as the youngest of four kids in the Jim Crow South, and dealing with racism and segregation at a young age. She shares the story of her house burning down when she was 14 and, one year later, the death of her father. She talks about meeting coach Ed Temple, who took her under his wing and coached her to all four Olympic medals while also filling the void left by her father's passing. Plus, she talks about her role in the 1968 Olympic protests, and what it was like being in Mexico City during a time of so much political and social unrest. (If you love Wyomia's story — which I think you will! — you can hear more from her in her book, Tigerbelle: The Wyomia Tyus Story.) SPONSOR: Oiselle — Use code ONTHERUN for 15% off. What you'll get on this episode: Wyomia talks about what it's been like watching this year's Olympics in Tokyo (4:50) What Wyomia's childhood was like, growing up in Georgia (8:30) Reflecting on the year when Wyomia's house burned down and, later, her dad died (14:30) On meeting and being trained by the legendary coach Ed Temple at Tennessee State University (18:30) How Wyomia developed confidence on the run (27:45) Wyomia's experience competing at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo (36:00) On returning home after the Games (55:15) What it was like going to the Olympics in Mexico City to defend her title in the 100m (57:40) How Wyomia felt when she heard a broadcaster say Carl Lewis was the first person to run back-to-back 100m races — when it was actually Wyomia who had done that (1:05:00) Being a part of the protests at the 1968 Olympic Games (1:06:30) Dancing the "Tighten Up!" (1:13:45) Wyomia's decision to step away from competing after the 1968 Games (1:16:00) What it was like being at the opening of Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park (1:18:00) Wyomia's message to this year's Olympic athletes (1:25:10) 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!

11 Aug 20211h 28min

"Why can't I do it all? Why can't I be a mom, a really good mom, be the mom that I want to be, and also be an athlete, a really good athlete, the athlete I want to be?" The last time professional runner and coach Neely Spence Gracey was on the Ali on the Run Show, she had just run her first postpartum marathon after having her son, Athens. She ran a 2:44 at the Houston Marathon and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in the process. A year and a half later, a lot has happened in Neely's life — including another baby! On this episode, Neely offers updates about what it was like running the Marathon Trials last year and what life for her family was like during the pandemic. She talks about getting pregnant, in spite of having an IUD at the time, while she was training for The Marathon Project, and talks honestly about what that surprise was like. Neely talks about her pregnancy run streak, about giving birth to Rome on June 14, and about what postpartum life as a mom of two has been like so far. THE LAST TIME NEELY WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 42 Episode 201 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: On the transition from one to two kids (5:15) All about the names Athens and Rome (7:00) On getting pregnant with an IUD (9:30) What Neely's pregnancy was like (16:55) How Neely recovered from running the Houston Marathon and prepared to run the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2020 (20:30) What the pandemic was like for Neely's family (28:00) What running was like during Neely's pregnancy with Rome (33:50) What labor and delivery was like with Rome (38:00) On experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety (46:45) On returning to running after having Rome (51:45) What's next for Neely? (58:00) What we mention on this episode: Rome's birth story Follow Neely: Instagram @neelysgracey Facebook Twitter @neelysgracey Blog 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 Aug 20211h 6min

"If you're thinking, 'Ali, basketball isn't really supposed to be a contact sport…' It was the way I played it!" 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 dealing with self doubt, running friendships, the mental side of marathon training, 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: Why can't professional marathoners tell you which fall races they're running?! (2:20) What is it about running that can really attract such powerful friendships and relationships? (6:00) Advice for becoming an early morning runner (16:30) Should I drop from the marathon to the half-marathon? (24:50) Which ball sport would you play? (29:30) How to train for the mental side of marathon training (40:00) What I mention on this episode: Diane Nukuri on Episode 403 of the Ali on the Run Show Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi on Episode 211 of the Ali on the Run Show Ladia Albertson-Junkans on Episode 404 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show "How to Wake Up for Morning Workouts" Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 128 of the Ali on the Run Show Dr. Nicole Detling on Episode 278 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!

6 Aug 202150min

"I said, 'The best thing for me right now is to just choose life, and to step away.'" Tomorrow, Robyn Stevens will make her Olympic debut, representing Team USA in the 20K race walk. In June, Robyn won her event at the Olympic Track & Field Trials, officially becoming the fastest female walker in the country. And on this episode, she talks about the long road to becoming an Olympian, which included a 17-year break and retirement from the sport to recover from a severe eating disorder. But now, "Walkin' Robyn" is healthy, cruising at a 7:40/mile pace, and becoming an Olympian at age 38. Plus, Robyn offers a bit of "Race Walk 101" (race walking: it's not just fast walking, it's definitely not slow running, and it comes with lots of rules and regulations!), and shares her excitement about getting to head to Tokyo to compete with her boyfriend, fellow race walk champion and Team USA member Nick Christie. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What Robyn's training has looked like between the Trials and Tokyo, and how it feels to be representing Team USA (5:00) What it took for Robyn and Nick to make Team USA (16:15) Race Walk 101 (23:00) How Robyn got into race walking (34:00) "Imagine how much faster she would be if she were skinnier" (45:00) Robyn's decision to take her life back (1:07:45) On returning to the sport and making Team USA (1:22:30) Why Robyn owns 30+ wigs! (1:26:20) Follow Robyn: Instagram @robyndesign Twitter @robyndesign 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!

5 Aug 20211h 33min

"There just aren't enough boys named after awesome women out there, so I just wanted to contribute to that!" The last time Ladia Albertson-Junkans was on the Ali on the Run Show, she was in Atlanta, about to run the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Ladia had qualified for the Trials, and then went on to run the Western States 100-miler, and then ran the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood. Then, soon after running the Olympic Marathon Trials, her next great endurance adventure began: motherhood. Today, Ladia is mom to seven-month-old Gabriel Birch. On this episode, Ladia talks about what new motherhood has been like, and shares the special story of how Baby Gabe got his name. (Without giving away too much: He's named after Ladia's late best friend, professional runner Gabe Grunewald.) Plus: big goals, rainbows, and Taylor Swift. THE LAST TIME LADIA WAS ON THE SHOW: Episode 178 Episode 215 SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order! What you'll get on this episode: All about Gabriel Birch's name (5:00) Reflecting on the post-Olympic Marathon Trials baby boom (7:45) What it was like running the Olympic Marathon Trials (10:00) What Gabe's pregnancy was like (15:30) Ladia shares Gabe's birth story (21:00) What new motherhood has been like for Ladia (25:30) On striving for perfection in motherhood (33:45) Ladia's return to running since giving birth (43:45) On the power of rainbows (47:30) Taylor Swift talk! (52:30) What we mention on this episode: Gabe Grunewald on Episode 62 of the Ali on the Run Show Brave Like Gabe Foundation Follow Ladia: Instagram @ladiahallie Twitter @ladiahallie 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 Aug 20211h 7min

"I'm just training and racing and I'm living my best life… I'm living my American Dream." At 15, Diane Nukuri became an Olympian. At 16, she fled her home country of Burundi, seeking asylum in Canada. By 20, she was a student at the University of Iowa, fluent in English (her third language) and thriving on the run. Soon after, she competed at the 2012 Olympics, then again at the 2016 Games. Today, Diane is a dual citizen of the United States and Burundi, she's a professional runner sponsored by Asics, and she holds the Burundian records in the 1500, the 5,000, the 10,000, the half-marathon, and the marathon. She has represented Burundi in the Olympics three times at three different distances: the 5K in Sydney in 2000, the marathon in London in 2012, and the 10K in Rio in 2016. On this episode, Diane talks about growing up in Burundi as one of eight siblings, and about her decision to leave the country amidst its violent Civil War. She talks about living with family in Ontario, enrolling in a French-speaking high school, and then attending community college so she could learn English and continue running before attending the University of Iowa. Plus, periods, meditation, Diane's fall racing plans, and more! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it means to Diane to be living her best life right now (3:15) How Diane's running and racing have been going this year (8:15) What Diane has learned from training alongside other fast women (17:30) What it was like growing up in Burundi as one of eight siblings (23:20) On becoming an Olympian at 15 years old (26:30) What it was like seeking asylum from Burundi and moving to Canada (34:15) On building confidence on the run and off at the University of Iowa (41:30) On competing at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics (45:00) The process of becoming a United States citizen (51:00) How Diane gets in the right headspace when she doesn't feel like running (55:00) Follow Diane: Instagram @dianenukuri Twitter @ddnukuri 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!

29 Juli 20211h 7min

"I was just so excited. I knew at that moment that it was going to change my life." Last year, Dinée Dorame, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, made her podcast debut as a guest on the Ali on the Run Show. Today: She's a podcast host of her own! At the beginning of 2021, Dinée launched her show, the Grounded podcast, which explores the intersection of running, community, land, and culture. On this episode, Dinée reflects on how the show has changed her life, and how she has found her voice and interview style along the way. She talks about being a recipient of the first-ever Tracksmith Fellowship program, and about being seen in the running community for all that she is, and not as simply "the Native runner." Plus, Dinée offers an update about how her own running is going, and the latest developments in her Accessory Navicular Syndrome. And she shares stories about interviewing some of her first guests on the Grounded podcast, including the legendary Billy Mills, Jordan Marie Daniel, and Meb Keflezighi (who surprisingly FaceTimed Dinée — who was in her pajamas — before their interview). THE LAST TIME DINEE WAS ON THE SHOW: Dinée Dorame on Episode 239 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 made Dinée want to start a podcast (5:40) How podcasting has changed Dinée's life (12:55) Dinée's dream guests (17:15) All about the time Meb FaceTimed Dinée — by surprise! (20:30) How Dinée has found her interview style, and what her preparation process is like (26:00) On working with mentor Mario Fraioli (31:45) How Dinée hopes people feel when they listen to her podcast (49:20) On being injured (51:00) What has surprised Dinée most about launching a podcast (58:45) On getting engaged and wedding planning (1:00:30) What we mention on this episode: Mario Fraioli on Episode 266 of the Ali on the Run Show Apply for the Tracksmith Fellowship program Dinée on Episode 145 of The Morning Shakeout podcast IVL Collective @gaithappens on Instagram Follow Dinée: Instagram @dinee_pink22 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 Juli 20211h 13min

"High hopes, low expectations." 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 what I'm watching right now, finding your identity when you can't run, leaving New York City, working in the running industry, and so much more. Plus: another surprise appearance by Brian Cristiano! 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: The top five things I'm watching right now (3:10) All about my trip to Ocean City, NJ (10:00) How to find your identity when you don't have running anymore (18:55) About the mental shift regarding leaving New York City and being happy — not sad — to come back and visit (27:25) All about running with a jogging stroller (36:45) Advice for working in the running industry (44:45) Brian joins the show to share our love story! (53:15) What I mention on this episode: The Little Mermen Thule Urban Glide II Calum Neff on Episode 318 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!

23 Juli 20211h 2min