Ali on the Run Show

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466. Hiruni Wijayaratne, South Asia's Fastest Marathoner Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

"I feel like I'm in love again with the process of waking up early, putting my shoes on, bundling up, and going for a run. It doesn't feel quite easy or fun all the time yet, but I'm definitely in love with the process again."

For most professional athletes, a day in the life includes running, eating, recovering, napping, resting, running again, eating again, and sleeping. But for Hiruni Wijayaratne — the 11-time Sri Lankan record holder in distances from the 5,000 meters to the marathon, and the fastest female marathoner in South Asia — running has to happen before or after her other jobs. Hiruni lives in Colorado, where she works full-time in the tech industry, coaches with Runcoach, and trains at an elite level under the coaching of Ric Rojas. On this episode, Hiruni talks about her years-long quest to qualify for Sri Lanka's Olympic marathon team, and what it's been like to fall short of that goal and break her mind, body, and spirit in the process. She talks about her struggles over the past few years, and about clawing her way back to loving running again. Most recently, Hiruni ran the California International Marathon (with training partner Nell Rojas!), where she earned her second-fastest marathon time, finishing in 2:34:22. But the road to the CIM start line wasn't easy, and today Hiruni is here to talk about what it means to bet on yourself — and how she's learned to do it.

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:

What it was like being in the Boulder area during the massive fires in December (4:10)
All about Hiruni's recent wedding! (11:15)
What Hiruni's job is like, what it entails, and when she runs (13:00)
All about those 12 seconds at CIM (16:45)
The road to CIM (18:20)
What Hiruni's relationship with running is like now (23:40)
Hiruni's high point in CIM training (28:00)
Hiruni's CIM goals (32:30)
How CIM played out for Hiruni (41:35)
How Hiruni learned to bet on herself (51:50)
On goal setting in the new year (58:15)

Check out:

Nell Rojas on Episode 434 of the Ali on the Run Show

Nell Rojas on Episode 431 of the Ali on the Run Show

Nell Rojas on Episode 229 of the Ali on the Run Show

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Instagram @hiruni_w

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465. The 2022 State of the Ali on the Run Show Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

"I don't know what the year will bring, but I know I'm going to keep showing up for myself and for all of you."

In 2021, I released 165 episodes of the Ali on the Run Show with 134 different guests. I welcomed 10 new sponsors to the show, and maintained a strong partnership with eight longtime sponsors. In addition to the "hallmark" Thursday conversations, there was a steady stream of fun series options to choose from, including Love on the Run, On the Job, Ask Ali, What's New With You, Just Missed, Ramblings on the Run, and The Everyday Runner. After a long, pandemic-induced break, I was thrilled to return to in-person live shows in both Boston and New York City, and I hosted two virtual live shows earlier in the year. In October, the show surpassed 10 million downloads. November saw the show's single highest week of downloads, and became the show's highest-ever month of downloads. I hired a new member of the Ali on the Run Show team, and finally (finally!) created and sold merchandise.

It wasn't an easy year. We were — and still are — in this pandemic. I'm still recording all of my episodes remotely, without having face-to-face conversations with the guests. I'm still trying to do a better job of navigating my role in the running industry's problems with racism and representation, and on this episode, you'll hear me acknowledge where I feel I fell short this year.

Today, I offer my annual State of the Ali on the Run Show, reflecting on the past, present, and future of this podcast. I'm here (solo today, and returning with guests next week) to look back on 2021, sharing both the by-the-numbers and beyond-the-numbers looks at the past year. I touch on my personal highlight reel from 2021, and revisit my 2021 goals. I share some key takeaways from the year-end listener survey (thank you to the thousand of you who participated!), and share what you can expect from this show in 2022.

SPONSOR: Shokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

The Ali on the Run Show in 2021, by the numbers (2:20)
Revisiting my 2021 goals (42:50)
Key takeaways from the 2021 Ali on the Run Show year-end listener survey (51:30)
What you can expect from the Ali on the Run Show in 2022 (1:05:15)

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464. Michelle Wolf, Comedian & Ultramarathoner Dec 30, 2021

Show notes

"If I'm stuck on a joke, I'll go for a run and think about it during my run. And almost all the time, I can figure it out on the run."

Michelle Wolf is a comedian who is best known for her stand-up specials (Michelle Wolf: Joke Show on Netflix, and Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady on HBO), and her roles as a writer and on-air contributor at both The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Late Night with Seth Meyers. And though she's been successful on the comedy scene for a long time, it was her set as the headliner at the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner that really made headlines. Where was she when she got the call about being invited to the dinner? On a run. And what did she do in the aftermath, when life was, as she recalls, "tumultuous?" Go for a run. Michelle is a college high jumper turned avid distance runner, ultramarathoner, and self-proclaimed "track and field super fan." On this episode, she talks about her road to comedy fame, what her joke-writing process is like, and how she deals when rejection and feedback are essential parts of her job. Plus, all about that White House Correspondents' Dinner, including how she came up with the material, what it was like in the moment, and what happened next.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

How Michelle became a fan of the sport (6:40)
On writing and telling running jokes (15:15)
Is the goal as a comedian to make everyone laugh the entire time? (17:00)
What Michelle was like as a kid (19:20)
How Michelle went from Wall Street to comedy (25:45)
What Michelle's comedic process is like (39:40)
All about the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner (47:30)
Why that time in Michelle's life was so "tumultuous" (1:03:20)
What hasn't Michelle done? (1:09:55)
Michelle's advice for being more confident (1:17:55)

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463. Jesse Harmon, Founder of Run Hard Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

A disclaimer, before we get into it: This conversation talks at great length about one man's experience with disordered eating and anorexia. We discuss his eating habits and behaviors, his weight fluctuations, and what worked for him during recovery. As always, I want you to take care of yourselves and your hearts, and if for any reason these topics are hard for you to hear about right now, please consider listening cautiously or skipping this episode.

"They looked me straight in the eye and said, 'You're dying.' And I didn't believe them."

Jesse Harmon is a 12-time marathoner with a 2:58 personal best in the distance. He's a dad of four, living with his wife and kids in South Carolina, where he's the founder of Run Hard — an after-school program for kids, where the goal is to create self-confidence through running. And though Jesse is a talented runner and an eager role model, the road there hasn't been easy. In 2013, Jesse was diagnosed with anorexia. His doctors told him he was going to die if he kept living the way he was living. On this episode, Jesse shares his story — the highs, the lows, the scary parts, and the light bulb moment that got him to finally commit to recovery. Plus, where he's at now in what he calls this "lifelong race."

SPONSOR: The Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, all taking place on February 6, 2022. Click here to register today!

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462: The 2020 Virtual Live Show Holiday Party with Shalane Flanagan, Des Linden, & Aisha Praught Leer Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

"Holiday songs are my passion." —Aisha Praught Leer

One year ago, we closed out 2020 on the Ali on the Run Show with a holiday party of sorts. It was virtual, with a 500-person Zoom audience, a Schitt's Creek-inspired soundtrack, and an all-star guest lineup: Shalane Flanagan, Des Linden, and Aisha Praught Leer. We sat in front of our Christmas trees (Shalane wore holiday pajamas!), and indulged in 90 minutes of warm, fuzzy feelings. It felt like what we all needed at the time. And now, more than 365 days later, it seems like we might need those good feelings again. So, I'm releasing the episode to the public for the very first time. Whether you were there with us when the show first happened, or you're tuning in for the first time now, I hope this conversation brings you some holiday cheer. Shalane, Des, and Aisha talk about their holiday traditions, their earliest memories of happiness and joy, and what kept them motivated during peak pandemic times. (We also surprised Shalane, Des, and Aisha with a video that included tons of clips from their loved ones, and though you can't see the video here, listening in is still pretty fun, and you can see the names of all the guests, in order, below.)

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

The video guest list (they're all past Ali on the Run Show guests!), in order of "appearance:"

Will Leer (Aisha's husband)

Laura Thweatt (Aisha's former teammate and close friend)

Courtney Frerichs (Shalane's athlete and friend)

Gwen Jorgensen (Shalane's athlete and friend)

Ryan Linden (Des's husband)

Mary Kate Shea (Des's friend)

Elise Cranny (Shalane's athlete)

Listen to Des on the Ali on the Run Show:

Episode 363

Episode 205: Love on the Run with Des & Ryan Linden

Episode 100

Episode 77: Live in San Diego

Episode 64

Listen to Shalane on the Ali on the Run Show:

Episode 438

Episode 242

Listen to Aisha on the Ali on the Run Show:

Episode 415

Episode 204

Episode 197

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461. Makenna Myler, Professional Distance Runner Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

"That seems to have diminished quite a bit since having a baby. The outcomes really don't matter. It's just so much more about who I'm becoming as I'm trying to reach these goals. It's so cliché, right — the journey. But it really is true. The journey and who you're becoming are just so much more important."

Last year, Makenna Myler went viral when she ran a mile in five minutes and 25 seconds — at nine months pregnant. On this episode, Makenna talks about that day, and about the bet she had with her husband that motivated the run. She also talks about the aftermath of going viral, and the criticism she received just days before going into labor. Today, Makenna is mom to one-year-old Kenny Lou, and she's had a strong comeback on the run. She qualified for the Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 10K, competed at the Trials and finished 14th (her goal was to finish in the top 15!), won the Deseret News Half Marathon (and set a course record in the process), and signed a professional contract with Asics. Most recently, Makenna ran the TCS New York City Marathon — and she's hungry for more. Plus, Makenna talks about her expectations about running and motherhood, and shares what the reality has been like for her.

SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order!

What you'll get on this episode:

When Makenna gets out for her runs (5:50)
Makenna's tradition of racing a mile at important times in her life (7:10)
The dare, the mile, and the aftermath (10:00)
On the decision to have children when you are a professional athlete (21:00)
Makenna's expectations about running and motherhood, and how the reality compares (26:30)
Makenna's quest to qualify for the Olympic Track & Field Trials, and what it was like competing at the Trials (29:30)
On signing with Asics (40:30)
Makenna's experience at this year's New York City Marathon (48:00)
What's on Makenna's mind now (56:30)

Follow Makenna:

Instagram @benzmakenz

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460. Sika Henry, Professional Triathlete Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

"I hit a severe low. I went through a bout of depression, actually. I felt lost, in some ways. I had this dream and this goal, and I was so focused, and then I achieved it…and then it was like I didn't have anything."

Earlier this year, Sika Henry made history, becoming the first African American woman to become a professional triathlete. She's an Ironman, an ultramarathoner (she just completed the JFK 50 Mile last month), and a Hoka-sponsored athlete. But the road to trailblazing status hasn't been without its challenges. In 2019, Sika was competing at an Ironman 70.3 event in Texas when she crashed her bike and had to be rushed to the hospital. On this episode, she recalls that day, and talks about the road to getting back on the bike, and back to herself. She talks about earning her triathlon pro card this year, and about dealing with a bout of depression afterward. Plus, all about the breakup that inspired her to get her start in triathlon (relatable!), what it was like completing the JFK 50 Mile, and why representation is so important to her. (For more from Sika, check out her recent profile in the New York Times.)

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you'll get on this episode:

On working full-time and being a professional triathlete (2:15)
Why Sika wanted to run the JFK 50 (5:25)
Sika's JFK 50 race plan (11:45)
Sika's JFK 50 recap (16:00)
How the ultra community compares to the triathlon community, in Sika's experience (22:00)
Sika's highlight reel (27:00)
All about Sika's family and childhood (30:15)
How Sika got into triathlon (39:35)
Sika's bike accident in 2019 (41:30)
All about Sika's first Ironman at World Championships in Kona (46:50)
On becoming the first African American woman to earn her triathlon pro card (50:00)
Sika talks about making her pro debut (56:15)
What Sika wants to do next (1:00:25)

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459. Sara Hall's 2021 Recap Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

"We all want love and belonging at the end of the day. And so when you feel like your love and belonging is threatened if you fail…at a young age I started to really become afraid of that."

We kicked off 2021 on the Ali on the Run Show with professional runner Sara Hall, and today, Sara is back to recap the highs and lows of her year, both on the run (wins and podiums!) and off (getting Covid early in the year and dealing with a long recovery). Sara talks about her win at the NYRR Mini 10K, her fifth-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials 10K, and her third-place finish at the Chicago Marathon in October. She also talks about supporting her daughters in their endeavors, whether on the sidelines at their races or in mother-daughter hip-hop classes. Plus, a look ahead at 2022 and Sara's hopes and dreams as a member of the World Championship Marathon team.

SPONSOR: UCAN. Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order!

What you'll get on this episode:

On the pursuit of the perfect hip-hop class (4:15)
On daughter Mia's recent race and the responses to Sara's post about it (6:15)
Reflecting on running The Marathon Project one year ago (8:40)
How Sara's handling her current downtime, and what Sara's like on the sidelines while her daughters are racing (11:35)
How Sara plans and balances her race calendar (17:45)
Has Sara ever felt fully satisfied after a race? (19:30)
On training with Emma Coburn in Crested Butte before the Olympic Track & Field Trials (25:30)
Looking back on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (28:00)
Reflecting on this year's Chicago Marathon, and on learning to cope with outside expectation and pressure (35:00)
The moment from the Chicago Marathon that Sara remembers most (47:20)
What hasn't Sara done yet? (50:40)
Sara's High / Low / High from 2021 (56:00)

Check out:

Sara Hall on Episode 321 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sara Hall on Episode 300 of the Ali on the Run Show

Sara and Ryan Hall on Episode 144 of the Ali on the Run Show

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458. The Everyday Runners, Julia Berteletti & Robyn Mayer Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

"Women really only get tougher. I've figured that out myself, and I've figured that out watching others. I don't really put a limit at this point of what being a mom and being a runner means anymore."

Welcome to the fifth and final episode in Season 2 of the Everyday Runner series. And today, we're getting a two-for-one deal, with Denver-based running best friends Robyn Mayer and Julia Berteletti! This warm-fuzzy-filled episode is all about the power of female friendships, both on the run and beyond. Julia and Robyn met through Twitter (remember those days?!) a decade ago, and eventually met in real life when they both moved to Colorado and started working out with November Project. On this episode, they share their real-life meet-cute moment, and talk about why they hit it off right away. They talk about their expectations about running after having children, and about the reality. Julia is mom to three-year-old Max, and talks about her hopes to have a second child, and the three miscarriages she has suffered along the way. Robyn is mom to two-year-old Rosie, and talks about her experience with Crohn's disease and how it affects her every day. Both women just ran CIM as their first marathons since becoming moms, so they reflect on how marathon training is different with a little one at home when you are also working full-time outside the home. Plus, what they talk about on the run together, and all about their Shalane Flanagan and Abby Wambach moment at CIM.

SPONSOR: COROS — Use code ONTHERUN for a free keychain watch charger with the purchase of any watch!

What you'll get on this episode:

Julia and Robyn share their CIM recaps (5:00)
What it was like marathon training as a parent vs. pre-parenthood training (19:30)
Robyn's experience with Crohn's disease (24:15)
What Young Julia was like (29:25)
What Young Robyn was like (30:40)
How Julia and Robyn each found running (34:15)
How Julia and Robyn met (40:20)
When Julia and Robyn get their runs in (46:40)
On family planning when you're a runner with big dreams and goals (49:10)
The running highlight reels, and what Julia and Robyn are looking forward to and dreaming about now (53:30)

Follow Julia:

Instagram @griffeletti

Follow Robyn:

Instagram @rbbirdie

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457. Ask Ali! Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

"I know that for me to run well, I need to be happy, I need to not be stressed, I need to be relaxed, and I need to know that the time on the clock does not define me as a human."

Welcome to Ask Ali, a twice-a-month series where I answer all of your questions. This time around — the last Ask Ali of the year! — we've got listener questions about early morning running, my favorite winter running gear, what to do when training feels discouraging, how I decide who to feature on the podcast, and 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:

Tips for morning running (3:00)
What I wear when I run in the dark (10:00)
My favorite pieces of running gear (14:45)
My favorite running songs and playlists (17:50)
What to do when you're feeling discouraged instead of empowered after a workout (23:25)
How I decide who to interview on the show, and how I get in touch with them (31:45)
What to look for in a running coach (38:50)

I mentioned:

Amphipod light vest

Noxgear light vest

Millennium Running code

Headlamp

Hoka Cliftons

lululemon socks

lululemon Base Pace tight

Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer

Down For It All vest and jacket

lululemon earwarmer

lululemon gloves