450. Grayson Murphy, Mountain Running World Champion

"If I can make someone else get comfortable and they can get the help they need, that seems like mission accomplished to me."

Grayson Murphy just may be the most versatile professional runner in the country right now. This year alone, Grayson has taken home wins on the trails, the track, and the roads. She won Saucony's Fast Future 10K in Germany, won her heat in the 3000m steeplechase at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (and ultimately finished sixth in the finals), won the USATF Mountain Running Championships, won the Deseret News 10K, and earned herself a personal best in the mile. On this episode, we cover all of the highlights from Grayson's fast, fun year, and talk about the tough stuff along the way. Grayson talks about dealing with race anxiety, shares her thoughts on the emotional side of running, and offers advice for thriving in a long-distance relationship. (Yay love language talk!) She talks about her passion for rest days, her love for journaling (check out her line of 2022 planners here!), and what's next on the run. (Hint: The word marathon came up an awful lot in this conversation...)

SPONSOR: The WineShine Half Marathon — Register today for the inaugural event, happening July 16, 2022. See you in Napa!

What you'll get on this episode:

• All about Grayson's morning run (3:00)
• Grayson talks about her race at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K in New York City (4:30)
• Riding in the lead vehicle during the TCS New York City Marathon — and Grayson's thoughts on an eventual marathon debut (6:20)
• Now what? (13:10)
• Why Grayson loves rest days (15:20)
• Grayson's 2021 highlight reel, and what makes racing fun for her (21:20)
• All about Grayson's line of planners, and her own mental health journey (24:40)
• How Grayson processed this summer's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials outcome (32:45)
• Grayson's favorite drug testing story (41:30)
• The anti-highlight reel (43:00)
• Trail running vs. the roads and the track (46:40)
• How Grayson reflects on her decision to leave HOKA and NAZ Elite after a year at the beginning of her professional career (48:45)
• Grayson's biggest hopes and dreams, on the run and off (52:40)

Follow Grayson:

• Instagram @racin__grayson
• Twitter @racin__grayson
• Website
• Buy her planners!

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!