Ali on the Run Show

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176. Megan Harrington, Creator of The Runner's Kitchen Sep 25, 2019

Show notes

"One run or two runs, or even a handful of runs, in the grand scheme of things isn't really going to make that much of a difference. So I try not to get too stressed out about it."

You may know Megan Harrington (formerly Kretz) as one of the OG running bloggers: She is the woman behind the popular "Runner's Kitchen" blog. In 2008, Megan had just graduated from Wesleyan University and moved to New York City to pursue her writing dreams. She joined the Central Park Track Club — and Twitter! — and started blogging about her training, in addition to working a slew of different jobs, including writing, editing, and working at a law firm. Today, Megan is a mom of two (to Teddy, 3, and Evelyn, 13 months) living in upstate New York with her husband, Brian. She works several part-time jobs: She's a freelance writer, social media manager for a local newspaper, and peer breastfeeding counselor for the county WIC program. On this episode, Megan talks about her recent postpartum half-marathon PR, when she fits marathon training into her busy life, and how running has changed for her since becoming a mom. Megan will be running the Chicago Marathon in two weeks.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Megan talks about running a big postpartum half-marathon PR, and her decision to hire a coach at this point in her life (3:45)
How Megan found and fell in love with running (8:00)
On having a running blog back in the glory days of blogging, and how the running industry has changed over the past decade (16:20)
Megan talks about her career evolution (20:30)
How running has changed for Megan since becoming a mom (24:40)
All about being a breastfeeding educator for the local WIC program (36:15)
Megan's advice to newly postpartum women who are eager to get back on the run (42:25)
Megan's Chicago Marathon plans, goals, hopes, and dreams (46:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Kelly Hogan on Episode 123 of the Ali on the Run Show

Central Park Track Club

New York Road Runners

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175. You Can Run a Marathon with Meb Keflezighi Sep 23, 2019

Show notes

"The marathon is a metaphor for life. It's about patience, and you get out of it what you put in it."

This is a very special episode of the You Can Run a Marathon series, because it was recorded live in front of a fantastic audience at Finish Line Physical Therapy in New York City. Meb Keflezighi is the only person to ever win the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, and Olympic silver medal. Runner's World named him The Most Influential Person in Running, and he's the author of several books, including Meb for Mortals and 26 Marathons. On this episode, Meb reflects on his career on the run, talks about what he's learned about life and running and how they intersect, and shares whether there's any chance we might see him at the start line of the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials in February. He also shares the story of getting a congratulatory phone call from President Obama after winning the 2014 Boston Marathon, and dining with the Obamas a few weeks later.

Thank you to Generation UCAN for sponsoring the You Can Run a Marathon series on the Ali on the Run Show! Click here and use code ONTHERUN for 20 percent off your order, plus free shipping. (First-time buyers, check out the UCAN Run Starter Pack here, and get 50 percent off.)

What you'll get on this episode:

What does it mean to Meb to "run to win?" And how does he keep going when the race is getting tough? (5:30)
Meb's New York City Marathon-specific advice (13:25)
What are the keys to being able to run for life? (17:50)
Why the 2013 New York City Marathon was so special for local runner Mike Cassidy, who got to finish with Meb (22:00)
Why the marathon is a metaphor for life (26:20)
All about that post-Boston-win call from President Obama (28:30)
Why the marathon for Meb? (35:20)
On pre-race nerves and anxiety, mental training, and visualization (46:10)
What race week looks like for Meb (53:30)
Is there any chance we might see Meb at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials?! (55:30)

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174. A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Ali on the Run Show Sep 18, 2019

Show notes

"If you are sitting on an idea, a dream, a plan, the longer you wait to execute on it, the sooner someone else will. So stop waiting, stop procrastinating. Do as I say, not as I've done!"

It's solo episode time! On this episode, I'm talking all about what goes on behind the scenes of the Ali on the Run Show, answering listener questions about getting started, choosing guests, recording, editing, working with sponsors, pay days, and more. I also talk about the episodes I've recorded but never aired — and why — and share a few never-before-told stories. Next week it's back to regularly exciting running-related programming. Until then, I hope you enjoy this long-winded peek behind the microphone.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Getting started (2:10)
All about equipment (12:00)
How I prep for episodes (15:00)
On choosing guests and having conversations (21:50)
All about recording and editing (48:00)
Sponsor stuff (1:01:40)
And more random questions about podcasting and the Ali on the Run Show (1:08:10)

What we mention on this episode:

Blue Snowball microphone

Blue Yeti microphone

Audacity

Libsyn hosting

ShePodcasts Facebook Group

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173. You Can Run a Marathon with Dawn Grunnagle Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

At about mile 9, I was in the porta-potty, wishing and praying that somebody would pick it up. I was like, 'If I stay here long enough, somebody will pick up the porta-potty. I just want to disappear in here.' That's how terrible I felt.""

At 41 years old, Dawn Grunnagle is proof that you can, in fact, keep getting faster with age. Dawn is a Nike-sponsored professional 1500-meter runner turned master's marathoner. (Before going pro, she spent 10 years teaching third and fourth graders. Aw!) She has qualified for the Olympic Trials three times: first in 2012 in the 1500, and then in 2016 and 2020 in the marathon. Last year, she ran a 2:34 personal best time — but the road to OTQ glory hasn't been easy or pretty for Dawn. On this episode, she talks about her earliest marathon days, which involved a lot of porta-potties and puking. (Relatable!) She talks about how she chipped away at her time over the years, going from a 2:49 to a 2:34, and talks about her adventures in fueling. (Key takeaway: Just because it works for someone you admire doesn't mean it will work for you!) Dawn is currently training for the 2019 Berlin Marathon.

What you'll get on this episode:

How Dawn got into the marathon distance — and why she stuck with it despite getting off to a rough start (2:00)
What Dawn considers her breakthrough race (17:50)
How Dawn went from a 2:49 marathon to a 2:34, and what her marathon training looks like (19:00)
What Dawn's recovery looks like (26:50)
What race week is like for Dawn (33:00)
What Dawn's goals are for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials (39:30)

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172. Amanda Nurse, Elite Marathoner for adidas Sep 11, 2019

Show notes

"We decided, 'OK, I'm gonna run in the Trials and then we'll hopefully get pregnant right away, and then I'll maybe even be able to run a fall marathon the next year!' And…it didn't happen like that."

You probably know Amanda Nurse by her Instagram moniker: Amanda Runs Boston. And she sure does. Amanda is a 20-time marathoner and two-time Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon. She's a clinical social worker turned adidas-sponsored runner and coach who has taken her marathon time from 3:26 to a very impressive 2:40. On this episode, Amanda talks about her road to elite distance running, her decision to make a major career change, and her adventures in motherhood. She opens up about her "plans" to get pregnant and what that means for a professional runner, and shares what actually happened on her road to having Riley, her now two-year-old son. It's an honest, real-talk-filled conversation about the realities of new motherhood. (And fun fact: Amanda is coached by former Ali on the Run Show guest Kaitlin Goodman!

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Did Amanda always want to be a runner? Plus, the time Joan Benoit Samuelson called Amanda a sandbagger (2:50)
How Amanda met her husband at a local 5K (13:00)
Amanda reflects on the first time she qualified for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, and what running the Trials was like (22:00)
How Amanda has improved her mental strength (30:30)
On deciding to have a baby, and the surprising amount of time it took to get pregnant (34:40)
How Amanda felt throughout her pregnancy, and her adventures in postpartum running (45:00)
On postpartum emotions, depression, and more (54:10)
What Amanda wishes she had known as a new runner (1:02:35)

What we mention on this episode:

Beach to Beacon

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

How Bad Do You Want It by Matt Fitzgerald

Barre3

Kara Goucher on Episode 43 of the Ali on the Run Show

Molly Millwood on Episode 155 of the Ali on the Run Show

Amanda's postpartum post

To Have and To Hold by Dr. Molly Millwood

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171. You Can Run a Marathon with Molly Bookmyer Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

"You deserve to be on that starting line. Believe in yourself and your training."

Molly Bookmyer is a 2:44 marathoner who recently finished third in the U.S. 25K championships. But the road to an Olympic Trials qualifying time hasn't been easy. On this episode, Molly shares her inspiring story of resilience and positivity. In 2013, Molly's doctors found a brain tumor and needed to perform brain surgery to remove it. Then, she suffered a seizure while running on the treadmill, and had to have a second brain surgery. After recovering, getting healthy, and getting back on the run, Molly and her now-husband got married. But one week after returning from their honeymoon, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Molly is a force to be reckoned with, on the run and beyond.

What you'll get on this episode:

Molly's inspiring story (2:05)
On leaning into running during difficult times (8:50)
On grieving an injury and healing emotionally (12:15)
What Molly's work day looks like right now (15:20)
Why the marathon? Plus, what Molly's first marathon training cycle and race looked like (16:10)
How Molly fuels for marathon training and racing (22:00)
When Molly realized she had the potential to run an Olympic Trials qualifying time in the marathon (26:00)
On training in Ohio's ever-changing weather (34:10)
What race week looks like for Molly (35:10)

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Instagram @mollybookie

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170. LIVE at NYRR RunnerCon with Nikki Hiltz & Allie Ostrander Sep 08, 2019

Show notes

"Pressure is a privilege." —Nikki Hiltz

Allie Ostrander and Nikki Hiltz are both having huge breakthrough years on the run. Allie, who recently signed with Brooks Running, and Nikki, who is in her second year as a pro athlete for adidas, joined me for a live show at New York Road Runners's second annual RunnerCon event the day before the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile to talk racing, big dreams, goals, and activism. Neither Allie nor Nikki had ever run Fifth Avenue before, so it was fun talking to them on the eve of the big race. (Nikki ended up running strong and placing fourth!)

What we mention on this episode:

Emma Coburn and Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show

Allie Ostrander on Episode 162 of the Ali on the Run Show

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Instagram @nikkihiltz

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169. Emily Sisson Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

"At this level, everyone works really hard. You can't just say, 'Oh, she just works the hardest.' All the elite athletes on that starting line, everyone has their own challenges in their build up and had to overcome those. Everyone has their own story."

Emily Sisson just might be having the best year of her life. The professional runner for New Balance kicked off her year by running a 1:07 at the Houston Half Marathon — coming just five seconds short of the American record. In April, Emily made her marathon debut at the London Marathon, where she ran a 2:23, finishing in sixth place and becoming the seventh-fastest U.S. woman ever at the marathon distance. It was also the second-fastest marathon debut by an American woman. This summer, Emily competed in the 10,000 meters at USA Track & Field Nationals, and landed a spot on the U.S. world team. She'll head to Doha later this month to represent the United States. On this episode, Emily reflects on her breakout year and talks about what's next, including where her head is at leading up to the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials in February. She talks about what training at altitude is really like and what her training looks like right now, and she shares the game-changing marathon advice she got from Meb Keflezighi, Des Linden, and training partner Molly Huddle.

Thank you to the New York Road Runners Virtual Halfway There 13.1M for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE to register (it's free!) and complete your 13.1-mile run between September 7 and October 13. Everybody's doing it!

What you'll get on this episode:

How was Emily's run today? (3:00)
What is training at altitude really like? (4:20)
All about Emily's relationship with her husband and part-time pacer (10:30)
Emily reflects on the highlights of her year on the run (14:30)
What advice did training partner Molly Huddle give Emily before running London? (19:30)
Why Emily chose not to run this year's NYRR New York Mini 10K, and how she came back to land a spot on the U.S. 10,000m team (21:50)
Is there pressure surrounding the 2020 Olympic Trials? Plus, what it's like being an American female distance runner right now (28:00)
How Emily and Molly became friends and training partners (38:10)
What Emily's diet looks like (42:20)

What we mention on this episode:

Molly Huddle on Episode 66 of the Ali on the Run Show

Molly Huddle on Episode 51 of the Ali on the Run Show

Amy Cragg on Episode 97 of the Ali on the Run Show

Des Linden on Episode 100 of the Ali on the Run Show

Des Linden on Episode 64 of the Ali on the Run Show

Maurten

The Heart's Invisible Furies

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168. Dr. Shelby Harris, Clinical Psychologist & Sleep Expert Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

"When I started running, people laughed at me. But it was a challenge I needed to do for myself."

Dr. Shelby Harris is a clinical psychologist and clinical associate professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the neurology and psychiatry departments. She specializes in anxiety, depression, and treating sleep disorders, and is the author of The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia. What does that have to do with running? On this episode, Dr. Harris shares how treating her insomnia-and-sleep-apnea-riddled patients led her to marathon running. She's now a 13-time marathoner who has taken her time from 5:19 to 3:45, and she's currently training for the 2019 Chicago Marathon, where she hopes to run a Boston Qualifying time. Dr. Harris shares her story of being seconds away from crossing the Boston Marathon finish line in 2013 when the second bomb went off, and talks about losing hearing in her left ear as a result of the blast. She also talks about using exposure therapy as a way to get back to running and racing. Plus, she answers your sleep questions! We received more than 200 questions from listeners (wow!), and Dr. Harris dishes out loads of advice, from how to deal with insomnia to how sleep impacts running and so much more.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

How Shelby got into the sleep field — and found running along the way (5:10)
How much sleep should we all be getting, realistically? (8:50)
On having phones in the bedroom (14:00)
How sleep impacts running (19:35)
How Shelby shaved nearly 90 minutes off her marathon time (21:50)
Shelby's 2013 Boston Marathon story (24:10)
Shelby answers listener questions about sleep (34:00)

What we mention on this episode:

Montefiore Sleep Disorders Center

Team in Training

Jen Bigham on Episode 151 of the Ali on the Run Show

Jack Daniels Run S.M.A.R.T. Program

Wake Up Narcolepsy

New York Road Runners

Newport Marathon

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167. You Can Run a Marathon with Mo Alkhawaldeh Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

"You just have to show up. And I showed up."

Not too long ago, Mo Alkhawaldeh was a casual smoker. Today, he's a 2:23 marathoner with his sights set on representing his home country of Jordan in the 2020 Olympic Games. But although Mo is one of the top-ranked runners in the Middle East and Africa, he's not a full-time runner: He works full-time at Princeton University, where he's also the head coach of the Princeton Running Club. He gets his training done before and after work — elite marathoners, they're just like us! In 2015, Runner's World named Mo one of the 50 most influential people in running. Mo, who is coached by Ryan Hall, is currently training for the Berlin Marathon, where he hopes to run a 2:18.

What you'll get on this episode:

Why running, and why the marathon for Mo (2:30)
The sacrifices that come with training at a high — but not professional — level (11:30)
How Mo stays healthy on the run (18:10)
A day in Mo's diet (19:50)
What race week looks like for Mo (25:00)

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