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.

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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:

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• Twitter @aliontherun1
• Blog
• Strava

Listen & Subscribe:

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