121. Anna Kaiser, Founder of AKT

"Some of my closest friendships are with women I compete against. So when I see them do the things that they're doing, it truly makes me believe even more in myself in terms of what's possible for me." Welcome to Friendship Fest, Season 2! This seven-week series is all about celebrating friendship on the run. We'll hear from some of our favorite running buddies — from the pros to the everyday runners — about how they met, the role running plays in their friendship, and what big goals and dreams they share for the future. We're kicking off Season 2 of this series with Boulder-based besties and professional marathoners Laura Thweatt and Emma Bates. They share the story of their first meeting in 2019 ("I decided then and there that Emma Bates was my girl crush," recalls Laura), they talk about how their friendship progressed, and they talk about their time training together as members of Team Boss (which Laura has since left — with Emma's support, of course). Lots of laughter, lots of awwwwws, and lots of inspiration about how best to show up for the important people in your life. SPONSOR: Tracksmith. Click here and use code ALI22 to get free shipping. Plus, Tracksmith will donate 5% of your purchase proceeds to The Trevor Project. What you'll get on this episode: The extended warm-up round (2:20) Emma talks about the first time she met Laura (18:50) The art of adult female friendships (23:20) Laura's decision to leave Team Boss — and Emma's reaction, after having just joined the team (32:00) Laura recaps her recent win in the citizen's division at the Bolder Boulder 10K (39:40) How Emma is feeling heading into World Championships next month (51:30) All about that post-marathon trip to Hawaii with Molly Seidel (1:01:15) What Laura and Emma are each like when the other is racing (1:08:20) Laura and Emma share the moments when they each felt most proud of their friend (1:11:50) Check out: Laura Thweatt on Episode 440 of the Ali on the Run Show Laura Thweatt on Episode 228 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 490 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Bates on Episode 444 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emma: Instagram @emmajanelbates Twitter @emmajbates Follow Laura: Instagram @lthweatt Twitter @thweatt11 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

14 Juni 20221h 28min

"I've tried to get better at knowing that I can't be everything to everyone. But I do want this to be a place where anyone who feels like they are a part of the running community can find something that they enjoy or that inspires them or motivates them or makes them feel good or teaches them something." Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, I'm flying through 37 randomly selected listener questions, sent in via Instagram Stories (I'm @aliontherun1), about everything from house hunting, podcast guest selection, and getting recognized on the run, to staying focused and what a day in the life is like. SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order! You asked: Do you get recognized when you're out and about? (3:00) How do you stay focused when you're a multi-passionate person? (5:10) Was it hard switching from HOKA to New Balance? (8:45) Has the man from the TED Talk apologized about the Annie situation? (12:15) Can you make a Peloton hashtag for us? (It exists! Use #FriendsOfAliOTR) (13:15) How do you come up with series themes? (13:55) What was your favorite part of your Traverse City trip? (16:15) How do you decide who to interview? (18:05) What is the next email that you are going to send? (20:20) Where do you see yourself in five years? (21:35) Which race outside the U.S. do you want to go to? (21:50) If you could offer Annie — 30 years from now — one life nugget, what would it be? (23:15) What is a day in the life of Ali like? (24:45) How do you wipe sweat on the run? (30:50) What is making you excited these days? (31:10) Any update on the house hunting front? (35:50) What's your schedule for releasing episodes right now? (37:15) What is your favorite dessert? (39:20) Have you ever done a run streak? (39:40) What will the next great running invention be? (39:50) Are you coming back to Michigan next year for Bayshore? (40:00) Are you going to buy a house? (40:20) Do you do physical therapy on the regular? (40:25) How do you vet podcast guests? (41:00) What is something you want Annie to take from you, and what do you want her to take from Brian? (42:25) How is your Crohn's right now? (43:50) Do you have any lingering "niggles" from your injury? (44:00) Are you a timeline or specific goal-oriented person? (44:30) What's something you do for yourself each day? (44:40) What is your 5–10-year vision for Ali on the Run? (44:50) Tips for fitting in runs with a new baby (45:50) Would you rather deal with chafing or blisters? (47:00) Favorite season to run (47:15) Is your Notes app super organized or chaotic? (47:30) Is Brian a runner? (47:50) Are we any closer to an Ali on the Run 5K happening? (48:00) What did your mom get mad at you for most often? (48:05) Worth mentioning: My TEDxBoston Experience Elizabeth Holmes @eholmes Register for the WineShine Half Marathon! (Code ONTHERUN gets you $25 off!) Wellness In Motion Boston Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 202251min

"It's been hard to swallow that there is no miracle. It's going to take time." It's been nearly one year since Kara Goucher came on the Ali on the Run Show to talk about what it was like being a part of the NBC Sports broadcast team during the Tokyo Olympics. Today, Kara returns with all kinds of updates. In this fun, wide-ranging conversation, Kara talks about how she has gotten more comfortable in her role as an NBC Sports Distance Analyst, and shares her broadcast plans for the summer. She talks about how she's honed her skills, and shares whether she still gets nervous to go live on air. Kara talks candidly about her recent Runner's Dystonia diagnosis, and what that means for her health, her running, and her family. Plus: parenting during difficult times, going through life as a highly sensitive person (same), and the possibility of a Kara Goucher and Des Linden podcast. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: What's making Kara happy today (3:30) How Kara's confidence has grown as a commentator, and how she's balancing TV jobs and motherhood (4:15) All about calling the Boston Marathon (18:00) Are Kara and Des Linden launching a podcast?! (22:10) An update on Kara's runners dystonia diagnosis, and what treatment she's trying now (26:25) All things motherhood and parenting during difficult times (42:30) For more, check out: Kara Goucher on Episode 411 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara Goucher on Episode 86 of the Ali on the Run Show Kara and Adam Goucher on Episode 208 of the Ali on the Run Show What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan Follow Kara: Instagram @karagoucher Twitter @karagoucher Facebook Clean Sport Collective Podcast Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 Juni 20221h 21min

"I really felt strongly that sharing online would not only help hold me accountable to sticking with my goals and my values, but also would help other people to see that it's really normal to struggle, and it's OK to seek treatment, it's OK to seek help. And that even people who have had success don't necessarily have everything figured out." The past year hasn't been easy for professional runner Allie Ostrander. After a career that started out with a series of highs — like signing with Brooks, making her first world championships team, and getting to represent Team USA in Doha in 2019 — life lately has been challenging. In this candid conversation, Allie talks about the tough times and how she has gotten through them. She talks about living and dealing with an eating disorder, and about pursuing a treatment program last year before returning to competition at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, where she made it to the 3000m steeplechase final and ran a personal best. She talks about what life in the recovery program was like, about dealing with recurring injuries, and about how she handles her nerves on and off the track. Plus, how she's fallen back in love with running, racing, and the running community. SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite pullover, crop top, half-zip top, quilted pullover, and jacket.) What you'll get on this episode: What's making Allie happy today (4:05) How Allie got the role of pacer for the Trials of Miles steeplechase and 5K (5:45) On dealing with race day nerves, and why Allie gets nervous for everyday workouts (14:30) How Allie recently rediscovered her love for running, racing, and the running community (20:50) What life looked like last summer for Allie: injuries, eating disorder recovery, and the decision to share it all (23:50) What it was like leaving the treatment center to compete at the Olympic Track & Field Trials (31:00) The power of a quick cry in the bathroom (43:00) Allie's decision to end her contract with Brooks at the end of last year (45:00) What Allie's relationship with her body is like right now (53:00) What's next on the racing and coaching front (56:20) Allie's advice for people dealing with eating disorders, or people who know someone going through a difficult time (1:02:00) For more, check out: Allie Ostrander on Episode 170 of the Ali on the Run Show Allie Ostrander on Episode 162 of the Ali on the Run Show Trials of Miles Track Night NYC "Dear Body, I Love You," by Allie Ostrander for MileSplit Follow Allie: Instagram @allie_ostrander Twitter @allie_ostrander YouTube Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 20221h 12min

"There's a lot of bumps on the way up. And a lot of people see that final moment, the excitement, the emotion that took place. And it was such a genuine and real moment. But it's all because of the things leading up to that moment." Tara Davis is an Olympic long jumper. Hunter Woodhall is a Paralympic medalist. With their powers combined, they are the ultimate track and field power couple. And this week, Tara and Hunter announced their new lululemon partnership: The engaged duo are now sponsored by lululemon as Global Ambassadors for the brand. In this conversation, we hear all about how the lululemon deal came to be, and about why this was the perfect fit for Tara and Hunter. The social media savvy couple also talks about what it's like sharing so much of their lives online: Collectively, they have more than 3 million followers on TikTok, 667,000 Instagram followers, and 421,000 YouTube subscribers. Plus, what a day in the life is like for two professional athletes, their love story, wedding planning updates, and what it's been like skyrocketing into the public eye after last summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: All about the lululemon partnership (4:35) What a day in the life of Tara and Hunter is like (9:50) Tara and Hunter talk about what their new race kits will look like, and what training has been like lately (11:40) The love story: Tara and Hunter met, started dating, and eventually got engaged (18:15) All about Tara and Hunter, content creators (26:45) What it was like skyrocketing to fame after last summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (31:35) How Hunter has saved Tara's life, in her words (44:40) Tara's a-ha moment, when she realized her role in the sport (48:00) What's next? (50:40) Wedding planning updates! (53:55) For more, check out: YouTube: Tara & Hunter in NYC Follow Tara & Hunter: YouTube Instagram @hunterwoodhall Instagram @_taarra_ Tara's TikTok Hunter's TikTok Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 20221h

"What do I love most? I want to fricken win. And I want to hurt. And I want to see how fast I can go." What a treat to get to host a live show with the legendary Des Linden this weekend at the Chateau Chantal winery as part of the Bayshore Marathon festivities in Traverse City, MI. Des has been on the show a lot — six times, to be exact — so the goal with this show was to try and learn something new about everyone's favorite runner. And? Mission accomplished. We played an opening game of Would You Rather. We got to know Little Kid Des, Teen Des, College Des (and Beer Mile Des), AOL Instant Messenger Des, and the Des who lives with a chip on her shoulder. We talked about how Des got into broadcasting, and what her TV plans look like for 2022, and talked about her racing plans, including the upcoming B.A.A. 10K and what she's eyeing for the fall. She shared her Boston Marathon 2022 takeaways, talked about dealing with a sports hernia injury, and reflected on her first-ever marathon (the good, bad, and ugly). Plus: the most fun Des has ever had during a race, whether she actually throws back a bourbon after every race, the race where she says everything clicked for her, and what she says is "the best racing advice" for every runner. For more, check out: Bayshore Marathon Chateau Chantal Word by Word Listen to Des on the Ali on the Run Show: Episode 462 Episode 363 Episode 205: Love on the Run with Des & Ryan Linden Episode 100 Episode 77: Live in San Diego Episode 64 Follow Des: Instagram @des_linden Facebook Twitter @des_linden Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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!

31 Maj 20221h 12min

"It felt important to me. And so I sent the email. I took my own advice, and I sent the email." On Monday, I had the honor of giving a TED talk. In this episode, I'm talking all about my experience speaking at TEDxBoston's "Epic Strides" event, celebrating women in sport and the 50-year anniversary of the passing of Title IX. I share how I got this opportunity, my hesitations, and how it went. Plus, I share the talk itself. SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting the conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite pullover, crop top, half-zip top, quilted pullover, and jacket.) What you'll get on this episode: How I got the opportunity to be a TEDx speaker (2:00) On figuring out what to talk about (11:00) The rehearsal and preparation process (15:00) The week of TEDxBoston (23:00) Why I got really stressed the night before the event (38:00) My TED talk! (53:20) For more, check out: Emily Saul on Episode 510 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul & Ian Nurse on Episode 474 of the Ali on the Run Show Emily Saul on Episode 59 of the Ali on the Run Show What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan Alexandra Angelone: TEDxBoston Hair & Makeup Artist Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 20221h 13min

"From the start, it was like, I'm gonna deal with this, but I'm not going to let this take over. I'm not going to let it take my life away. I'm not going to let it take my happiness away. So I do it, and I deal with it, and some days are really tough, but I still want to live my life." In January, 13-time marathoner Saila Consalvi was told she'd be lucky if she could watch this year's Boston Marathon, let alone run it. And yet, four months later, she defied expectation: She completed the 2022 Boston Marathon. In this conversation, Saila talks about what it took to complete her third Boston Marathon, and about her road to the start line, which hasn't been easy. In 2017, Saila was 35 years old and had just completed her ninth marathon and her first Ironman. She was in the best shape of her life. But soon, things just felt...off. Then, she was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Today, Saila — who is from Finland — lives in Denver, CO, with her husband and their four-month-old son, Enzo. SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Why Saila ran Boston with "Sally" on her shirt (3:40) Saila's story about running Boston with Peloton instructor Jess Sims (6:00) Saila's Boston Marathon recap (8:00) Saila's advice for runners who are raising money for charity (14:20) How Saila got into running (16:35) Saila's lung cancer diagnosis (24:00) On fear, and adjusting to life with cancer (37:30) How Saila remains optimistic in the face of so much bad news (52:00) How Saila found the strength to get to the Boston Marathon start line (56:50) For more, check out: Jess Sims on Episode 516 of the Ali on the Run Show "My Beauty Uniform: Saila Hanninen," via Cup of Jo Follow Saila: Instagram @saila_jaksaa JAKSAA Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 20221h 17min