178. Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Ultra Runner & Best Friend to Gabe Grunewald

178. Ladia Albertson-Junkans, Ultra Runner & Best Friend to Gabe Grunewald

"Gabe was all about trying her best, whereas I was more about striving for perfection. And thankfully, I had Gabe in my life to show me what that really meant — trying your best — and why that was so much better than striving for perfection."

Ladia Albertson-Junkans is a collegiate cross-country runner turned ultramarathoner. Most recently, Ladia ran the Western States 100, and followed that up by running the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood. Ladia is also well known in the running community as Gabe Grunewald's best friend. On this poignant episode, Ladia beautifully shares stories about Gabe, who passed away this summer. She talks about their friendship, including the sweet story of how they met, and opens up about being by Gabe's side during her final days. She talks about what it means to be brave, the role running played in her grieving process, and about learning how to say goodbye. Ladia also talks about how important it was to Gabe to make sure the Brave Like Gabe Foundation kept running and inspiring fellow cancer patients.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

  • On running the Fastest Known Time on the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood, including how Ladia felt Gabe's presence before and during the run (6:00)
  • On running Western States in June (19:40)
  • When does Ladia fit running into her busy life? (26:20)
  • How Ladia and Gabe met, and why Gabe wouldn't let Ladia quit running after college (27:30)
  • Ladia opens up about what Gabe's last few weeks were like, and shares a few stories about Gabe that speak to her remarkable character (33:45)
  • Ladia talks about that visit from Chip and Joanna Gaines (41:30)
  • Did Gabe know the impact she had on the world? (46:00)
  • What does it mean to live #BraveLikeGabe? (55:30)

What we mention on this episode:

Gabe Grunewald on Episode 62 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brave Like Gabe Foundation

Follow Ladia:

Follow Ali:

Listen & Subscribe:

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!

Avsnitt(884)

857. Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Infielder & Runner

857. Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Infielder & Runner

"I think there are a lot of athletes out there that are just so scared to show who they truly are and what they like because of their teammates and their coaches. And they're trying to get to the next...

31 Dec 20251h 7min

856. A Holiday Message from Ali, 2025 Edition

856. A Holiday Message from Ali, 2025 Edition

"I felt your hands on my back. And I needed them." I love you. I appreciate you. In this short solo episode, I'm wishing you the happiest holidays and reflecting a bit. This year, for me, was at times...

22 Dec 202517min

855. Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell, Animal Rescue League Volunteer & 41-Time Marathoner

855. Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell, Animal Rescue League Volunteer & 41-Time Marathoner

"I run with all dogs, any dogs." Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell is the North America running events manager for New Balance. She is the New York Road Runners partnership lead, so she works super closely wi...

18 Dec 20251h 6min

854. Jenny Grimshaw, 2:32 Marathoner

854. Jenny Grimshaw, 2:32 Marathoner

"I had this sense of nostalgia, of we're going to look back on this as something special. We all felt a little bit of something magical going on." She's come a long way, baby! Jenny Grimshaw returns t...

11 Dec 20251h 5min

853. The Support Squad Series: Round 8 with Danielle "Dee" Mastronardi

853. The Support Squad Series: Round 8 with Danielle "Dee" Mastronardi

"You prioritize your life for the people who mean the most to you. And that's how it's been since day one for us." Two days before Thanksgiving, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for ...

4 Dec 20251h 46min

852. Ask Ali!

852. Ask Ali!

"If they come up with a Dancing with the Stars and it's Dancing with the Podcast Hosts, and it's tap dancing, put me in, coach." Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questio...

25 Nov 20251h 11min

851. Jordan Litz's 2025 New York City Marathon Recap

851. Jordan Litz's 2025 New York City Marathon Recap

"Running the marathon and doing two Broadway shows in the same day — I've never felt more New York than that day." Did you hear about the man who ran the 2025 New York City Marathon and then went on t...

20 Nov 20251h 13min

850. Carl Radke's 2025 New York City Marathon Recap

850. Carl Radke's 2025 New York City Marathon Recap

"Running single-handedly saved me during this last year." Carl Radke is best known as a longtime cast member on Bravo's Summer House. Through nine seasons of the reality show, he's been open and hones...

18 Nov 20251h 20min

Populärt inom Hälsa

somna-med-henrik
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
inga-beiga-morsor
rss-jossan-nina
angestpodden
rss-vuxna-pa-latsas
rss-viktmedicinpodden
sexnoveller-deluxe
johannes-hansen-podcast
not-fanny-anymore
sova-med-dan-horning
brottarbroder
sa-in-i-sjalen
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
rss-insikter-fran-utsikter-en-podd-du-mar-bra-av
tyngre-traningssnack
rss-fet-fakta-podcast
sex-pa-riktigt-med-marika-smith
rss-basta-livet
rss-pa-insidan-med-bjorn-rudman