841. Courtney Dauwalter, 2:49 Marathoner & Ultra Runner

"It felt like there was an earthquake in the running world, and we're seeing these fault lines change everything. And some things are good, and some things are weird." As the current American record holder in the 10,000 meters, Molly Huddle was one to watch heading into this year's Olympic Track & Field Trials. But just a few days before the Trials kicked off in Eugene, OR, Molly (who is also the American record holder in the 10 mile, the 20K, and the half-marathon) announced that she wouldn't be racing the 10K after all. She pulled out of the race, citing an injury that she's been dealing with since last year's Olympic Marathon Trials. On this episode, Molly — who represented Team USA at the last two Olympics, in 2012 in the 5000m and in 2016 in the 10,000m — talks about what it was like scratching from the biggest race of the year, and how she's handling the loss of an Olympic cycle and a chance to be on this year's team. She talks about watching her training partner and friend Emily Sisson win the 10K, shares her Trials highlights as a fan of the sport, and reflects on the current state of the running industry as a whole. Plus, Molly talks about what's next, including her running goals, her upcoming book (How She Did It, out next year), and what's on tap for the Keeping Track podcast, which she co-hosts with Roisin McGettigan-Dumas and Alysia Montaño. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it was like watching training partner Emily Sisson win the 10000m at the Olympic Track & Field Trials (6:20) What it's been like dealing with an injury for the past year (18:00) Reflecting on racing the Mini 10K a few weeks ago (22:30) Making the decision to scratch from the Trials (35:30) What it was like hearing about Shelby Houlihan's positive drug test (38:20) How Molly felt emotionally after scratching from the Trials (41:50) Molly's thoughts on returning to the track, what the fall has in store for her, how book writing is going, and what's coming soon to Keeping Track (45:00) Molly's "State of the Running Industry" (55:00) What we mention on this episode: Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show Molly Huddle on Episode 259 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Molly: Instagram @mollyhuddle Twitter @mollyhuddle 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!

1 Juli 20211h 5min

"Classical music may not be what you have playing in your car, but when you come and see all these musicians onstage, you can really connect to it. That's the hardest challenge — making it accessible and telling people about it." Beverly Everett has always been musical. As a kid, she found a passion for playing the organ — and her love for live music never waned. Today, Beverly is living her dream as a conductor and music director for two symphony orchestras (the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra in North Dakota, and the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra in Minnesota). She's also a music teacher, an organist, a rescue dog lover, a cancer survivor, and a marathoner. On this episode, Beverly talks about what a music director does ("It's not just standing up there and waving our arms around"), shares her thoughts on the lack of women in the industry, and talks about the confidence it takes to stand in front of both an orchestra and a live audience. 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!

29 Juni 20211h 6min

"I started crying. It was so intense. I was shaking with fear. And I just look up at Kyle, and I say, 'I want you to know that being your brother has been one of the greatest joys of my life. And I promise you, no matter what happens today, I'll give you every ounce of energy that I have. And all I ask is that you do the same.' And he looks back at me and says, 'You got it.' And then the cannon fires." —Brent Pease In 2010, Brent Pease completed his first Ironman triathlon. That night, his younger brother, Kyle — who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child — asked if someone in a wheelchair could do an Ironman. Brent said yes, and the rest, as they say, is history. Growing up, the Pease family was insistent that Kyle be able to do whatever his brothers were doing. They would play games, make up the rules, and adjust them as they went along, making sure the game was fair for everyone. Inclusion, the brothers say, was always a part of their lives. (One of their mottos is "where there's a wheel, there's a way.") Today, Brent and Kyle are known around the world as one of the most competitive duo teams at triathlons and marathons. They've completed major marathons (they talk about the 2015 New York City Marathon on this episode — have your tissues ready), and they've competed together at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. (They became the first push-assisted team of brothers to do so. Proof indeed that someone in a wheelchair absolutely can do an Ironman.) They are also the founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation, whose mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports. It's an honor to have them on the show, together, today. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: What it was like growing up in the Pease family (5:00) "Can people in wheelchairs do an Ironman?" (9:00) On starting to run — and race — together as a duo team (17:30) What it's like racing triathlons as a duo team (29:30) Kyle talks about what racing feels like for him (40:30) Looking back on the 2015 New York City Marathon (48:30) What it was like competing at the 2018 Ironman World Championships in Kona (1:01:15) What Brent and Kyle decided to do after Ironman 2018 (1:12:30) How the Kyle Pease Foundation was affected by the pandemic, and what they need right now (1:15:15) All about Jesse Itzler's Everesting challenge, "29029" (1:18:30) What we mention on this episode: Beyond the Finish, by Brent and Kyle Pease 29029 Everesting Follow Brent & Kyle: Instagram @walkingwithkp 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!

24 Juni 20211h 28min

"I had never seen a woman trucker. I was going to be an anomaly to myself." Yuma Haidara had a plan. After high school, she enlisted in the Navy. After serving for seven years, she went on to nursing school, in pursuit of becoming a pediatric nurse. But something caught her eye on her daily commute: a trucking school. One day, Yuma decided to pull in and see what it was all about. And the rest, as they say, is history. Yuma enrolled in the three-week course to get her commercial driver's license (CDL), and today, she is a truck driver for Walmart. Yuma, who is based out of New Hampshire, spends 14 hours a day on the road, bringing general merchandise (anything that's not groceries — so TVs, clothes, sneakers, tools, tires, even Christmas trees) to and from warehouses and stores. On this episode, she talks about why this is the perfect job and why she loves being alone in the truck with her music and audiobooks. She talks about being the only woman in her class getting her CDL, offers tips for sharing the road with truckers, and addresses stereotypes about truckers and truck stop culture. She talks about staying safe on the road, shares her scariest experience while driving, and talks about being an essential worker during the pandemic. Plus, she shares her running story, and explains how running fits into her long days on the road. And when she's not driving or running, Yuma is an entrepreneur: She's the creator of A Yummy Life body butter! SPONSOR: Tracksmith — Use code ONTHEJOB for free shipping, plus five percent of your purchase will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. What we mention on this episode? Melissa Cummings on Episode 375 of the Ali on the Run Show She Runs This Town 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!

22 Juni 20211h 2min

"I had the stuff I needed. I had the things. But I didn't have the confidence." 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 postpartum running, what a day in the life looks like, what it's like entering the other side of the pandemic, llamas and alpacas, running in New York City, 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: Do you have any advice for postpartum running? And what is a typical weekday like for you? (2:50) What are you most excited for about your new home in New Hampshire? (17:45) Do you prepare your responses to the Ask Ali episodes? (22:35) What is it like on the other side of Covid? (33:00) How are the llamas and alpacas next door? (44:20) Where to run in New York City, and how to find a running group (48:20) What I mention on this episode: Kristin Mallon on Episode 136 of the Ali on the Run Show The Idea of You by Robinne Lee Victoria Asikis on Episode 349 of the Ali on the Run Show NYRR Clubs & Teams list 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!

18 Juni 202158min

"I feel so lucky that running has made me feel empowered and given me a lot of confidence. Finding that throughout high school was something that was really life-changing for me. I really want the younger generation to have that opportunity and to see the power of sport and the power they can find in themselves and in their team, and in connecting with others who have similar goals and passions. I really want to inspire that younger generation and see all the great things that they can do." Welcome to U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials Week! The Trials officially kick off tomorrow, June 18, at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, and today's guest, Elise Cranny, is definitely one to watch. Elise runs professionally for Nike and the Bowerman Track Club, and she will be competing in both the 5K (June 18) and 10K (June 26). Elise comes into the Trials with the fastest qualifying time in the 10K, and the third-fastest time in the 5K (behind her BTC teammates Shelby Houlihan and Karissa Schweizer), and she is fit, both physically and mentally. Just a few weeks ago, Elise won the 1500m event at the Portland Track Festival, running a 4:02 and earning both a personal best and an Olympic qualifying time (though she won't be going for the 1500m at the Trials). Before going pro, Elise was a standout runner at Stanford University. She was a 12-time All-American, and finished second at NCAA Championships four times. On this episode, Elise talks about her path to the Trials, her dreams for making her first Olympic team, her history with RED-S, and her experience as a Voice in Sport mentor. Keep your eyes on Elise this week! SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Elise talks about her 1500m win at the Portland Track Festival (3:50) Elise confirms which events she'll be competing in at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (7:20) On training at altitude in Park City, UT (11:50) Comparing the 1500, 5K, and 10K (14:30) What it's like working with Coach Shalane Flanagan (17:50) The workouts Elise loves — and the ones she loves a little bit less (22:00) On getting dropped at practice (25:40) How Elise has built her mental toughness and confidence (29:00) What Elise says her strengths and weaknesses are on the run (31:00) What Bowerman Track Club practice is like (35:00) Elise shares her running story (37:00) Elise's experience with RED-S in college (42:10) On the decision to go pro (46:30) Elise looks back on her first practice with Bowerman Track Club (50:00) Elise shares her pre-race rituals (1:01:20) Elise's biggest hopes, dreams, and goals both on and off the track (1:06:00) What we mention on this episode: Sinclaire Johnson on Episode 373 of the Ali on the Run Show Gabriela DeBues-Stafford on Episode 353 of the Ali on the Run Show Shelby Houlihan & Karissa Schweizer on Episode 357 of the Ali on the Run Show Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Voice in Sport Sterling K. Brown's 2018 Stanford University commencement address Follow Elise: Instagram @elise.cranny 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!

17 Juni 20211h 15min

"The whole day revolved around dance. And that, to me, was the dream." "When I'm onstage," Emily Kikta says, "no one can stop me." Emily is living every aspiring ballerina's dream: She's a corps de ballet member at New York City Ballet, where she has been a member of the company for 10 years. On this episode, Emily talks about her road to a Center Stage-like life. She grew up competing with her local dance studio, and went on to attend the School of American Ballet, which is the feeder school for NYCB. She talks about getting a job in the company, about her first performance onstage, and about how she keeps the magic alive onstage every night. She also talks about the pandemic's impact on the arts industry, and about how she and her fiancé (fellow NYCB member Peter Walker) turned to choreographing, directing, and producing during their forced time offstage. Plus, Emily talks about body image in the dance community, what a day in the life is like, and how she got into running during the pandemic. 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!

15 Juni 20211h 13min

"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