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

"I'm very proud that I have managed to, in less than a year, do four half marathons. It's not something I ever could have dreamed of doing. And I'm just proud I have really stuck it out. Because it's hard. It's not easy to try to work yourself back from a poor health standard, or to bring yourself out of that mental hole that people can fall into. I'm very proud that I have stood up and said, 'I need help, and I need to make a change.' That's a huge step for anybody to take. The fact that I've taken that step and I keep moving forward… That means a lot to me." Welcome to the final episode of the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. For the past four weeks, we've been hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Today, we wrap things up with Melissa Cummings, a runner — or "walker with purpose," as she likes to say — from Manchester, NH. On this episode, Melissa shares the story of wanting to take back control of her life, and how she found running, racing, and a welcoming running club along the way. She talks about that title, "runner," and shares her thoughts on whether or not she — as a four-time half-marathoner — has embraced it yet. She talks about what it was like joining the Millennium Running Club, and what it was like being named 2020's Club Member of the Year. And she talks about her experience with depression, and how running has helped. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) What you'll get on this episode: What Melissa's childhood was like as the youngest of five children (6:45) How Melissa found running (11:00) How one race became a year of races (18:45) On joining a running club (23:30) Melissa's quest to "take back her life" (33:30) On becoming a half-marathoner! (35:45) On being named Millennium Running's Club Member of the Year (45:15) What got Melissa to sign up for a marathon (50:40) On owning the title, "runner" (54:00) Follow Melissa: Instagram @mlynette01 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

18 Maj 20211h 9min

"I noticed that there were young Black girls without role models in their communities. Because of lack of representation in our society, sometimes we don't see people that look like us doing things that we want to do, so we think that we can't do it. And that definitely applied to me." As U.S. Track & Field athletes across the country gear up for the Olympic Trials (June 18–27), triple jumper and long jumper Keturah Orji is feeling good. And rightfully so: Keturah, who was named the NCAA's Collegiate Woman of the Decade, just took back the American Record in the triple jump (14.92m)! On this episode, the 2016 Olympian and five-time U.S. champion talks about what it takes to be at the top of the jumping game. (If you're new to the triple jump and long jump, fear not: Keturah offers a "Jumping 101" halfway into the episode, breaking down what, exactly, these events entail, and what it takes to master them.) She talks about how she found jumping, what her goals are for this year's Trials, and what it was like competing at the 2016 Games, where she finished fourth in the triple jump and missed making the podium by just three centimeters. Keturah currently trains at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California, and when she's not there, she's working toward her master's degree in accounting. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: On setting the American Record in the triple jump (4:30) What it was like competing at the 2016 Olympic Games, as a 20-year-old college sophomore (9:05) Keturah's race-day rituals (13:30) All about Keturah's childhood, and how she discovered running and jumping (14:30) On the decision to go pro, and what it's like training at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Center (21:35) Are jumpers getting enough credit? (28:30) Triple Jump & Long Jump 101, and what Keturah's training looks like right now (32:20) Keturah's plans and goals for the Olympic Track & Field Trials (41:10) On being a newlywed (47:30) "I am my ancestors' wildest dreams" (51:50) What we mention on this episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear Follow Keturah: Instagram @ktorr1 Twitter @keturahorji 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!

13 Maj 202158min

"I feel like I'm in a good position to have a real crack at making the team." With the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials coming up, now's a great time to get to know as many of the competitors as possible! Today (bonus episode day!), Bowerman Track Club's Sinclaire Johnson is here. Sinclaire is BTC's resident rookie: She joined the team last year, and made her official debut as a Bowerman member in February, where she ran and won the 800m at the Prickly Pear Invitational. (Not bad for the new kid!) On this episode, Sinclaire confirms that she will be competing in the 1500m at the Trials (her personal best is a 4:03.72, officially making her one to watch). She talks about running at Oklahoma State University, where she was the 2019 NCAA 1500m champion, and explains her decision to forgo her fifth-year eligibility in favor of going pro. She talks about signing with Nike, and about why she wanted to join Bowerman Track Club. (It has a little something to do with Shelby Houlihan.) Sinclaire and the team are training at altitude in Park City right now, though she otherwise calls Portland, OR, home. SPONSOR: Ranger Ready Repellents — Use code ONTHERUN10 for 10% off your purchase. What you'll get on this episode: What life is like training at altitude in Park City (3:55) Sinclaire talks about her Bowerman Track Club racing debut — and win! (12:30) How Sinclaire is feeling looking forward to the Track & Field Trials (17:45) What Sinclaire's childhood was like, and when running entered the picture (21:45) On winning NCAA Championships in the 1500m in 2019 (31:30) The decision to go pro (37:45) Why Bowerman Track Club? (43:45) All about Craig (55:00) What we mention on this episode: Shelby Houlihan on Episode 357 of the Ali on the Run Show Emma Abrahamson's "A Day in the Life of Sinclaire Johnson" video Emma Abrahamson on Episode 319 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Sinclaire: Instagram @sinclairejohnson 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

12 Maj 20211h 2min

"At times in my life when I've struggled or when I've maybe been less than my best self, my mom always asks, 'When was the last time you went for a run?'" Welcome to the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. On this series, we're hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Today, meet Dr. Margi Johnson. Margi is a family medicine physician and mom of three with big goals and dreams on the run. (Hint: She wants to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials someday, which would mean running a sub-2:45 marathon!) On this episode, Margi shares her story of being an "airlift baby," born in Vietnam and brought to the United States, where she was adopted and raised. She talks about being athletic as a child, but admits that running was never her first love. (She chose to be a jumper, because she wanted the sport that involved the least amount of running! The irony!) It wasn't until Margi was in her surgical residency — with two kids and a third to come — that she rediscovered and truly fell in love with running. Margi talks about what the past year has been like for frontline workers, shares her story of getting Covid a whopping three times, and explains her family's decision to relocate from New Jersey to Georgia. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) What you'll get on this episode: Margi shares her adoption story, and what it meant to be an "airlift baby" (6:15) How Margi became a runner — and a jumper! (14:00) The road to becoming a doctor (21:20) On rediscovering running as an adult, a resident, and a mother (29:30) When Margi finally started calling herself a runner (41:45) When Margi finds time to run, and what this past year has been like for her (50:10) Adjusting to life in Georgia (59:45) Follow Margi: Instagram @chasing_an_otq 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

11 Maj 20211h 17min

Happy Mother's Day! Earlier this week, I had the honor and privilege of hosting a virtual live show with four inspiring, iconic women: Lauren Fleshman, Alysia Montaño, Stephanie Bruce, and Dawn Harper-Nelson. It was an open, honest, totally unfiltered conversation about the realities of motherhood — the good, the bad, the messy, the 4 AM feedings, and the pressure we put on ourselves to, sigh, "do it all." We talked about asking for help, and why that can be more complicated than it seems, and talked about what mothers need — like really need — to thrive in society today. (And we raised more than $5,000 for &Mother — Alysia's organization that is dedicated to breaking down barriers that limit a woman's choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood — in the process!) And on a personal note: Whatever stage of motherhood you are in, please know that I see you, and you are not alone. If you're an aspiring mom, if you are trying to conceive, if you are basking in new motherhood, if you are struggling in new motherhood, if you're a seasoned mom, if you have a complicated relationship with your own mother, whatever stage or phase you are in right now, know that I see you. I see how hard you are working, how hard you are trying, how you are showing up every day, doing your best. And if no one has told you yet today: You're doing great. Truly. Mother's Day can bring up a lot of emotions for a lot of people, and I want you to protect your heart, today and always. I hope this conversation will help some people feel seen or less alone, but I also know that spending 90 minutes hearing about motherhood may not serve a lot of people right now, so please do what is best for you. [Hug.] SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off.) For more: Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show Lauren Fleshman & Jesse Thomas on Episode 161 of the Ali on the Run Show Alysia Montaño on Episode 259 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 104 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph & Ben Bruce on Episode 206 of the Ali on the Run Show Steph Bruce on Episode 354 of the Ali on the Run Show 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

8 Maj 20211h 32min

"Having an invisible illness yourself is a constant reminder that you never know what other people are dealing with." Welcome to Ask Ali, a bi-weekly series where I answer all of your questions. This time around, we've got listener questions about what I'm looking forward to (and what I'm anxious about) as life begins to return to "normal," whether podcast guests ever annoy me, my personal running progression over the years, what life without Crohn's disease could have been like, and new motherhood. 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! What I mention on this episode: Natalie Morales on Episode 33 of the Ali on the Run Show Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show The Motherhood Center of New York Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page 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!

7 Maj 202159min

"So, there is hope. I am still an optimist about this, and I'm doing as much as I can to keep myself healthy. If this is my destiny or whatever and there's nothing I can do to stop it, that's fine. But I'm gonna live my life to the fullest in the meantime, because nothing is guaranteed. So I'll keep challenging myself to do things while my mind and my body are able." I have been following Devon Pass since before she was Devon Pass. Devon was one of the OG bloggers in the early 2010s, and I loved following her travel adventures on Tumblr. (She was Devon Mills at the time.) Today, Devon is married to her husband, Aaron, and they live in Washington with their five-year-old daughter, Evie. Devon is a copywriter for Nordstrom (cool!), and is a six-time marathoner. We cover a lot of ground in this episode — it really was just catching up with an old friend. Devon talks about how she learned to save money in her twenties, and how she was able to support herself while she traveled the world. She talks about the moments that made her stronger along the way, and talks about how she met her now husband. She shares her running story, and talks about what she's doing right now to get faster and stronger. She talks candidly about new motherhood, and what it was like being the first in her friend group to have a baby. And she talks about her mom, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her sixties. (Tissue warning for this part of the conversation.) It's a well-rounded conversation that perfectly showcases this well-rounded woman. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: How was your run today? (5:30) Devon shares her running story, and talks about a recent unsettling encounter on the run (9:00) On having a goal-oriented mentality, and where that came from (22:50) Devon looks back on her time traveling the world alone in her early twenties (28:30) Reflecting on new motherhood (40:00) What Devon's days are like as a copywriter for Nordstrom (49:20) Why Devon says her marriage has been "stronger and happier than ever" during the pandemic (54:20) Devon talks about her mother's Alzheimer's disease diagnosis (1:03:30) What we mention on this episode: Down Dog app @trackclubbabe @charihawkins American Glutton podcast The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey The Art of Non-Conformity "Puzzle Pieces," Devon's post about being a new mom Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor Follow Devon: Instagram @dev.on.running Blog 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!

6 Maj 20211h 36min

"I don't chase podiums and PRs. I have a tendency to chase clocks and cutoffs. And that's fine with me." Welcome to the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. On this series, we're hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Last week, we kicked things off with Jen Correa, the mom of two whose family lost everything in Hurricane Sandy. Today, meet Meg Navatto! Meg is a cell genetic technologist from Long Island who started running at age 37. Meg's running story began when she and her husband set out to get healthy with a Couch to 5K program. Today, Meg is a 14-time marathoner and ultramarathoner. (She's run Badwater three times!) On this episode, Meg talks about what it took to (finally!) call herself a runner, and talks about why she's proud to be a back-of-the-pack runner. She talks about her emotions around finishing last in a race, and how that's changed over the years, and shares the story of the time she was told she was "too fat to be a runner." Meg is so fun, so inspiring, and so positive — you're going to love her. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun, where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off. What you'll get on this episode: What Meg's childhood was like, and how she decided on a career path (2:45) How Meg found running and, eventually, racing (6:45) Meg reflects on her first 5K (16:25) On identifying as a runner (19:00) On finishing last at races, and why the back of the pack is awesome (23:30) The allure of ultramarathons (27:30) Why Meg runs to raise money for The Herren Project, and why that cause is so important to her and her family (31:50) The time Meg was out for a training run and overheard two women say, "She's too fat to run" (42:45) What life is like for a cell genetic technologist (49:30) What we mention on this episode: Couch to 5K November Project The Herren Project Chris Mosier on Episode 13 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Meg: Instagram @megatron_runs DONATE to The Herren Project 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 iTunes or Apple Podcasts. And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!

4 Maj 20211h 15min