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

"Sometimes you just need an advocate to kick you in the pants." Sarah Lesko just might be one of the most-loved women in the running industry. As the leader of corporate development for Oiselle, Sarah — or "Lesko," as most call her — is beloved by her colleagues, by Oiselle's elite athletes, and by the hundreds of members of the Volée team. So what is about Lesko that makes people so drawn to her? After hearing about Oiselle from countless women on this show — Lauren Fleshman, Sally Bergesen, Alison Mariella Désir, Rebecca Mehra, Kara Goucher, Courtney Carter — it's time to hear from Lesko herself! On this episode, Sarah talks about growing up on a commune, going to (and running for) Yale, and becoming a doctor. She talks about the health issue that forced her to take an 18-year break from running, and explains what drew her back in and got her on the run again. She talks about having kids (she's a mom to three boys) while in her medical residency, and about life as a mom and family medicine doctor. And she talks about her decision to leave the medical industry in 2015 to work for Oiselle. Today, Sarah manages Oiselle's philanthropic efforts, its Bras For Girls program, and the elite team. In this conversation, she reflects on helping grow the brand, including the initiatives she's proudest of, and the missteps along the way. Plus, she talks about why, at 52, she's proud to be "faster as a master." SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. EMBED EPISODE HERE What you'll get on this episode: How was your run today? (4:40) What's dominating your brain right now? (5:55) What Sarah's childhood was like as a self-proclaimed "child of hippies" (9:30) On med school, raising children during med school, and becoming a family medicine doctor (14:20) Meeting Sally Bergesen, and the road to Oiselle (22:25) Why Sarah took 18 years off of running (25:21) Reflecting on where Oiselle was at when Lesko entered the picture (29:50) On leaning in to internet culture, engaging with influencers in the running space, and starting to sign and sponsor professional athletes (34:35) What, exactly, Lesko does all day, and all about Bras for Girls (42:45) On being so loved (48:45) How Oiselle has evolved over the years (52:00) On hiring Alison Mariella Désir, and the brand's goals for DEI work (58:45) The role running plays in Sarah's life right now (1:05:25) What we mention on this episode: Sally Bergesen on Episode 48 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Bras For Girls Oiselle Light Luxe Fabric Alison Mariella Désir on Episode 292 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show Running Industry Diversity Coalition Follow Sarah: Instagram @drlesko Twitter @drlesko 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!

10 Juni 20211h 20min

"I always felt a special thrill with anchoring, but I had zero idea if I was any good at it! But there was potential there." Joelle Tomlinson wakes up at 3:02 AM — precisely — every day in pursuit of her dream job as a CTV Calgary morning news host. On this episode, Joelle talks about what it's like anchoring the news, and what her road to the news desk was like. (It involved a stopover as a weather girl!) She busts some common misperceptions about being a face on TV, talks about the pressure to look or dress a certain way, and shares the types of stories she loves covering, the ones that still give her butterflies, and the ones that have had the greatest impact on her. She talks about how she's learned to put her emotions aside when covering difficult stories, and about why, sometimes, it's OK to cry on live TV. Plus, she talks about her morning routine, dealing with criticism from viewers, and all the unseen parts of the job. When Joelle isn't live on televisions across Canada, she's most likely getting sweaty: She's an ultramarathoner and spin instructor who signed up for her next ultra within an hour of us finishing this recording! SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. EMBED HERE 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!

8 Juni 20211h 8min

"It's not easy, but I'm at a point now of knowing I can handle it. It's not always fun — but I can handle it. And I know you can, too." 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 why I (mostly) stopped drinking, how to practice getting comfortable saying no, wishing for a new body, what life could be like without running and podcasting, 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 aren't you drinking anymore? (2:30) How do you get more comfortable saying no? (7:20) What is my strength training routine? (14:05) Do you have any advice for mentally getting back into running when you've been sidelined for a while? (17:35) Do I ever wish for a new body? (26:35) What is my favorite race that I've announced? (33:00) What would my life be like if I didn't start podcasting and running? (38:00) What's the process of choosing guests for the Ali on the Run Show? (40:00) Tips for running in the heat (45:45) What I mention on this episode: Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries The Injured Athletes Club podcast Clearwater Running Festival 2022 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 Juni 202152min

"This is a definite compliment from Des. She was like, 'I like you enough where I can hang out with you for three hours!'" In April, Des Linden made history by making her ultramarathon debut and, in the process, breaking the world record in the 50K (2:59:54) and becoming the first woman to run a 50K in under three hours. And while Des may hold the new record, she didn't go it alone: She was joined by Charlie Lawrence. Charlie ran at the University of Minnesota, and made his marathon debut at the California International Marathon in 2018, where he ran a 2:16 and earned himself an Olympic Trials qualifying time. On this episode, Charlie talks about what it was like pacing Des that day in Oregon, including what their pre-race conversation was like, what he remembers most from the race, and what he thought about his first "Shoey." And go give Charlie some love: He'll be racing the 50K road championships next weekend! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How Charlie got the job as Des's pacer (4:20) How Des and Charlie met (7:45) What 2021 was looking like for Charlie on the run (9:50) How Charlie trained and prepared for the 50K (13:30) What Des and Charlie's pre-race talk was like (17:30) What the race was like (27:30) Highlights from race day (32:40) What the finish line and post-race celebrations were like (36:15) What's next for Charlie? (43:20) Is this the life Young Charlie imagined? (47:55) What we mention on this episode: Des Linden on Episode 363 of the Ali on the Run Show Billy Yang on YouTube Calum Neff on Episode 318 of the Ali on the Run Show The CIM Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Charlie: Instagram @lawrence_char Twitter @lawrence_char 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 Juni 20211h

"As much as this is your job and this is serious, there's a lot of fun and joy in the process." Welcome to Season 5 of the On the Job series on the Ali on the Run Show! On this series, we hear from women who have cool, unique, interesting careers — and who also happen to be runners. We're kicking off this season with Rikki Gimelstob, a casting director who works on films, television shows, commercials, and theater productions. (Most recently, Rikki worked on the upcoming Dear Evan Hansen film, and the new AMC show Kevin Can F**k Himself, starring Annie Murphy of Schitt's Creek fame!) On this episode, Rikki explains what, exactly, a casting director does. She explains how she got into the industry (it involves the opera!), and addresses whether or not what she does is actually like what we've all seen on Entourage. Plus, she talks about some of the craziest dressing room requests she's seen, and shares her thoughts on diversity in the industry. (When you're done listening, go watch this — the greatest video ever on YouTube, or anywhere.) SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. 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!

1 Juni 20211h 7min

"You give yourself your own life raft, and it feels so great to come up for air and think, jeez, that was a close call! But I'm here. And it's given me strength to go further and deeper than that next time." Becs Gentry is a Peloton Tread and Strength instructor, and in March, she added another very impressive title to her fitness resume: 2:32 marathoner and Olympic Marathon Trials competitor for Team Great Britain. On this episode, Becs — who is from the UK but has lived in New York City since she took the Peloton job in 2019 — talks about what it was like being invited to compete for Team GB, and about what it took to finish fourth that day and to run a nearly five-minute personal best time. She talks about her training and how she prepared for race day, including how she balances her own training with teaching and how she survived a 22-mile run on a treadmill one day. She talks about the dark days and the tough runs, and how she got through them, and shares her own struggles with confidence both on and off the roads and treadmill. Plus, she talks about privacy and why she didn't tell her parents she was auditioning to be a Peloton instructor, and why she didn't tell people she was training for the Trials until shortly before race day. Finally, Becs talks about how she's learned to deal with the pressure of racing, whether it's an unplanned 5K (she did it once and says "never again") or an ultramarathon (of which she's done several). SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How the opportunity to run the Olympic Trials came about, and when it first became a dream for Becs (6:45) Where Becs was at with running when she found out she would be competing in the Trials (17:00) How Becs trained for the Trials (21:00) On confidence (24:15) That time Becs ran 22 miles on a treadmill (30:20) How Becs balances teaching at Peloton with her own training (34:20) What race day was like (47:00) On dealing with tough moments during races — and getting past them (1:03:10) How Becs recovered, physically and emotionally, from the Trials and from the 2019 New York City Marathon (1:05:10) Did Becs have any idea how big Peloton would be, and how well-known she would be? (1:13:00) Why Becs didn't tell her parents she auditioned for the Peloton job (1:16:30) What we mention on this episode: Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Becs: Instagram @becsgentry 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!

27 Maj 20211h 28min

"You don't know everything. I share a lot, and that still is only a fraction of my life, of my thoughts, of my opinions, of my day." 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 the mental component of Crohn's disease, my Enneagram type (3w2!), my thoughts on raising a daughter in the era of Instagram filters, getting back into running after a long break, Outback Steakhouse, "parasocial relationships," 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: How to carry things on the run (2:29) The mental component of Crohn's disease + how often I use my Peloton Tread (9:27) What is my Enneagram type? (19:59) My thoughts on raising a daughter in the time of Instagram filters and Kardashians (25:22) Advice for getting back into running after a long break (33:00) My pre-race dinner, running the Falmouth Road Race, and sounding "smooth" on the microphone (40:30) On "parasocial relationships" (46:20) What I mention on this episode: SPIBelt FlipBelt Koala Clip lululemon Far and Free Jacket Danielle Cemprola on Episode 41 of the Ali on the Run Show Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone RINGR Audacity Be There in Five podcast Clearwater Running Festival 2022 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!

21 Maj 202158min

"I'm the quarterback of my life. All these different people play supporting roles, and I need all of them for sure. You can't be a team with only a quarterback. But I get to be the one in charge, making the plays. And that feels super empowering and very exciting." Colleen Quigley is arguably one of the most influential track and field athletes today. She's a professional athlete who primarily competes in the Steeplechase, and she's a Team USA Olympian, a Florida State University alum, an NCAA champion, a model, and a mental health advocate. Colleen spent the first five years of her professional career sponsored by Nike and competing with the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, OR. But at the end of 2020, Colleen announced she was making a change: She was no longer sponsored by Nike, and was leaving the Bowerman Track Club. Now, after many months of anticipation and much speculation, Colleen announced yesterday that she has signed with lululemon, and is officially a lululemon-sponsored athlete. On this episode, Colleen talks all about her decision to leave Nike and BTC, and about what this lululemon partnership looks like. She talks about what it's like navigating sponsorships in the running industry today (with the help of Allyson Felix's brother, Wes), and about why a less-traditional model works for her right now. Plus, she shares that she'll be moving to Los Angeles with her boyfriend this fall, and talks about how she's feeling heading into this summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about Colleen's new sponsorship deal, including why she left Nike and Bowerman Track Club (4:30) What Colleen's lululemon sponsorship (or partnership!) entails (13:30) What shoes will Colleen be racing in? (23:15) What Colleen has learned about the professional running scene (26:35) Is a Peloton partnership in the works? (34:15) On speaking up, standing up, getting loud — and reading the comments (37:00) Why Colleen is passionate about mental health (46:00) How has Colleen's life been different than what she imagined? (56:00) How Colleen is feeling — physically and mentally — heading into the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (58:15) What we mention on this episode: Jasmine Blocker Coffey Running to Protest Colleen's "Open Letter to the Bowerman Track Club" Armchair Expert with Prince Harry Cheat Code Follow Colleen: Instagram @steeple_squigs Twitter @steeple_squigs 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!

20 Maj 20211h 12min