Ali on the Run Show

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456. Talya Minsberg, New York Times Sports Editor Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

"It was so cool, and so weird, and it's still hard to describe."

For many sports journalists — especially the ones who cover running — New York City Marathon week is arguably the busiest of the year. That was certainly true for New York Times sports editor Talya Minsberg, who not only covered the race and many of the stories leading up to it, but also ran the marathon herself (and earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time in the process!). On this episode, Talya reflects on that week, sharing the stories she was most excited to tell (notably, the one about Tommy Rivers Puzey's comeback), and stories from her own race. She talks about what her days look like writing, editing, and managing the NYT Running newsletter. Plus, tales from the Met Gala, the Tokyo Olympics, and the Times comment section.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

What's making Talya happy right now? (5:00)
What Talya's busiest week of the year was like (6:00)
All about that Tommy Rivers Puzey story (14:30)
What Talya's reporting process is like (18:45)
The stories that give Talya butterflies (24:50)
What it was like running the virtual NYC Marathon in 2020, and how it compared to this year's in-person race (29:00)
What it was like being at the Tokyo Olympics this summer (31:30)
Talya shares her career highlight reel (40:00)
What Talya was like growing up, and how she got the job at the New York Times (45:00)
On being a comment moderator for the New York Times (53:40)
How Talya spends her days now (55:50)
Talya's take on the uneven coverage of women's vs. men's sports in the media (57:15)
The running stories Talya is excited about right now (1:03:30)
The New York Times piece Talya thinks everyone should read (1:07:30)

Check out:

Erin Azar in the New York Times

Tommy Rivers Puzey in the New York Times

"Why Are American Women Running Faster Than Ever? We Asked Them — Hundreds of Them"

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455. The Everyday Runner, Molly Burke Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

"We all just decided, we need to keep moving. We can't just stay here and wallow in this. Obviously we'll still be grieving, but we all made the decision that we had to just do the best we could."

Today's episode in the Everyday Runner series is extra special: Molly Burke is here, and she is the newest member of the Ali on the Run Show team! (Merch! Events! A retreat! A live show tour! All in the works, thanks to Molly!) Molly's story — both on the run and off — is a powerful one. On this episode, Molly talks about her family, about her dad (Brian Burke, president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins) being big time in the NHL, and about the close bond she shares with her siblings. She talks about the impact her dad's very public career had on her and her siblings growing up, and shares the story of her brother, Brendan, privately and publicly coming out as gay, and being the first NHL-affiliated person to do so. Tragically, Brendan was killed in a car accident just three months later. Molly talks about leaning into running as a way to help cope with her grief, and talks about being an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. (Come for the inspiration. Stay for the story about 19-year-old Molly getting kicked out of a Bruins game for standing up to a group of men using homophobic slurs.) Plus, Molly talks about her career working at Edelman and TripAdvisor, and talks about why she was hesitant to join a run group or group fitness class — and how she got over it.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

What running looks like for Molly right now (4:45)
What Molly's childhood was like (14:30)
How Molly is like her dad, and how she's like her mom (23:10)
All about Molly's brother, Brendan (25:00)
How Molly found running (42:00)
On being an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community (49:30)
What it was like running the virtual Boston Marathon last year, and raising more than $11,000 for You Can Play (54:00)
Molly's running and racing highlights (1:01:30)

Check out:

Katie Burke on Episode 327 of the Ali on the Run Show

Katie Burke on Episode 252 of the Ali on the Run Show

Katie Burke on Episode 84 of the Ali on the Run Show

Katie Burke on Episode 70 of the Ali on the Run Show

MyStryd Boston

"We love you, this won't change a thing."

You Can Play Project

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454. Ramblings on the Run with Ali & Matt Dec 06, 2021

Show notes

"I ran that fresh off a breakup, fueled by vodka and cute bartenders. I was not in a good headspace, and I rage ran — and I loved it. But now, I run better when I'm very happy."

We're back! After an eight-month hiatus, Ramblings on the Run returns! On these episodes, Matt Chittim — host of the Rambling Runner podcast and the Road to the Trials podcast — and I catch up on how our running is going, share what we're loving right now, and talk about what we're excited about. And then, in our fourth segment, we play a game of "High, Low, High," sharing our high and low points from 2021 both personally and in the running industry.

SPONSOR: The Run Show USA — Use code ONTHERUN to get free admission to The Run Show in Boston, happening January 29–30, 2022.

What we mention on this episode:

In It for the Long Run by Damian Hall

Be There in Five podcast

Grayson Murphy on Episode 450 of the Ali on the Run Show

My 2021 New York City Marathon Experience

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453. Ask Ali! Dec 03, 2021

Show notes

"Get holiday cheer whenever and wherever and however you want. I support that. I support all of the cheer and sparkles and glitter."

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 my relationship with my mom, how I got into running, holiday celebrations, merchandise, and more. (Plus, a very special guest!) 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:

How did my mom and I become so close? (2:30)
What happened to Ramblings on the Run? (22:30)
How did I get into running? (23:50)
Have I ever considered having Ali on the Run merchandise? (29:45)
Do I really not drink coffee? (33:15)
Team holiday music after Halloween or Thanksgiving? (35:50)
Will I be doing another listener survey? (39:30)

Check out:

My Running Story

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452. Alexi Pappas, New York City Marathoner Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Photo by Stone Malick.

"I just started to leap — like a prancing dancer across one of the intersections. And the crowd just lit up and went crazy… And I realized, this is fun!"

There were more than 30,000 runners at this year's New York City Marathon. But it feels safe to say that no one had more fun on that course than professional runner and Olympian Alexi Pappas. On this episode, Alexi recounts her joyful journey from Staten Island to Central Park. She talks about her plans and goals for the day, and shares the story of how she made a friend — Vito — at mile three, with whom she went on to run the entire rest of the race. She talks about leaning into fun, about channeling her true inner self on the run, and about the life-changing advice she got from Jenny Simpson after the race. Plus, how she's coped with the post-marathon comedown, and why she wants people to stop asking professional runners what's next.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

The New York City Marathon comedown (4:00)
Alexi's favorite moment from the marathon (12:35)
On marrying competitive drive and joy (26:30)
All about running with Vito (32:30)
The finish line feeling (35:00)
Alexi's advice for how to make your next race more fun (42:30)

Check out:

Alexi Pappas on Episode 330 of the Ali on the Run Show

Alexi Pappas on Episode 296 of the Ali on the Run Show

Alexi Pappas on Episode 163 of the Ali on the Run Show

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451. The Everyday Runner, Lara Kondor Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

"I just had to keep moving forward… I never let myself stop and wallow in it, because I was afraid that if I did, I'd never stop. I just had to keep going. So I did."

Lara Kondor is — and always has been — tough. She's a 46-year-old ultra-running mom of three who lives in New Hampshire, and on this episode, she talks about how she found running, and about the powerful role running has played in her life. Lara is a 13-time marathoner and nine-time ultramarathoner, with dreams of hitting the 100-mile mark in a single event. (Her longest so far is 92 miles at The Hamsterwheel 24-hour race.) Both on the run and off, Lara is a full-time caregiver for her oldest child, Noah, who is 25 and was diagnosed with autism at three years old. Noah is mostly nonverbal, but running has given him a new way to communicate. In this conversation, Lara talks about Noah's diagnosis, about new motherhood, and about how they started running together. She talks about asking for help, about accepting help, and about seeing Noah thrive (and get faster!) on the run.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

All about Lara's childhood growing up in Florida (4:15)
On having children at a young age, and what it was like getting Noah's autism diagnosis when he was three years old (6:20)
How Lara found running (17:25)
Why Lara loves running ultras — on a track (31:40)
How Noah found running (36:00)
Why Lara and Noah joined the Millennium Running Club (42:30)
What's next for Lara and Noah? (55:40)

Check out:

Clearwater Running Festival

Melissa Cummings on Episode 375 of the Ali on the Run Show

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Instagram @lara_runs_in_circles

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450. Grayson Murphy, Mountain Running World Champion Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

"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)

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449. Elyse Kopecky, Marathoner Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

"There was never a low point for me. Is that weird?!"

Two weeks before this year's New York City Marathon, Elyse Kopecky was on the Ali on the Run Show with best friend Shalane Flanagan, talking all about their NYC Marathon plans and dreams, and about the release of their third cookbook, Rise & Run. Now, Elyse is back — and she's officially a marathoner! On this episode, Elyse shares every detail of her debut marathon experience. She talks about the highs and lows of training, about the struggle of being a mom pulled in many directions at all times, and about traveling to New York City alone. She reflects on the excitement of Rise & Run becoming a New York Times best-seller the same week as the marathon, and breaks down her race week. Then, she talks about lining up on the top of the Verrazzano Bridge next to Shalane, and about meeting her at the finish line 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds later. Plus, all the excitement of the 26.2 miles in between.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

On Rise & Run making the New York Times best-seller list the week of the marathon (3:00)
Elyse shares her pre-NYC knowledge (5:00)
The highs and lows of training (8:00)
All the new things Elyse did before race day (11:15)
What it was like lining up at the start line next to Shalane (16:30)
All about the race! (20:00)
That finish line feeling (29:30)
How Elyse celebrated her marathon finish (34:00)
"The biggest thing that was new on race day" (39:45)
Now what? (44:30)

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448. The Everyday Runner, Adalgisa Rivera Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

"I just loved what I saw. I felt seen. I felt heard. There were so many people that looked like me, or they had similar journeys. They were in a transitional point in their lives, and fitness was part of that. So I just kept coming back."

This week on the Everyday Runner series, meet Adalgisa (best known as "Lisa") Rivera. Not only did Lisa and I record this episode just a few days after she completed the New York City Marathon, we also did so on Veteran's Day — an especially meaningful day for Lisa, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard for eight years. On this episode, Lisa shares her emotional NYC Marathon recap, and talks about how she first found running several years ago. (It involved being dragged to a Harlem Run workout "kicking and screaming." Fast forward a few years, and Lisa is now a five-time marathoner and pacer for Harlem Run.) She talks about her childhood, and about discovering the importance of community. And she talks about getting her master's degree in social work, and pursuing a career working in child welfare. Plus, all about her experience at the TransRockies Run this summer (and why she wants to double that distance in 2022), and why it's so important for Lisa to be a "change agent" in her community.

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

What you'll get on this episode:

Lisa reflects on her time serving in the military (4:10)
Lisa's emotional New York City Marathon recap (17:00)
What Lisa's childhood was like, and how she got into social work (27:00)
How Lisa found running (39:30)
What's next for Lisa? (59:50)

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Instagram @lovelylisa125

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447. Cortney White, Professional Photographer Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

"This was something I would never pass up. It's the opportunity of a lifetime to document these moments."

Cortney White has a unique lens on the running world — literally. Cortney is a professional photographer who just spent the past two months on the road with Shalane Flanagan, documenting every step of her Project Eclipse journey. On this episode, Cortney talks about how she got involved with this project, and shares her own highlights, challenges, and most memorable moments from the six-marathons-in-six-cities experience. She also talks about getting started in the industry, about the camaraderie among running photographers, and about why she wants to get cameras in the hands of more women. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from her adventures, all about her #vanlife, and her answer to whether she's ever missed a major moment on camera.

SPONSOR: goodr. Click here and use code ONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire goodr order!

What you'll get on this episode:

All about Cortney's #vanlife (4:00)
How Cortney got involved with Project Eclipse (6:00)
Seeing that giant billboard in NYC (12:30)
The logistical side of Project Eclipse (15:20)
Cortney's favorite photo from Project Eclipse (29:45)
Project Eclipse superlatives! (32:55)
The camaraderie among professional photographers (35:30)
All about that Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle moment at the New York City Marathon (48:50)
How Cortney got her start as a photographer (51:50)
On working with the Bowerman Track Club during a difficult year (59:45)
Cortney's favorite part of the job and the ultimate dream assignment (1:02:30)

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