Ali on the Run Show

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107. The Great Turkey Trot of 2014 Nov 21, 2018

Show notes

"And then somebody comes by, stops, looks me in the eye and goes, 'Wow! You can do it, buddy!' And it was in that moment I realized that I wasn't running. I also realized I wasn't jogging. I was barely walking. I looked down, and the tops of my shoes are scraping the ground — one slow movement after the next slow movement. And people genuinely thought I had a serious medical condition, and that I was being a hero and a trooper by getting out there."

Three years ago, my now-husband, Brian Cristiano, and I lined up at the start of two very different Turkey Trots. Though both races were five miles, the outcomes were vastly dissimilar. I ran the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, NY, in a respectable 38:41 — a 7:44 minute-per-mile pace. Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, Brian was racing the Newport Pie Run. Here's a dramatic retelling of how his race went. This is forever my favorite story. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy LOL-ing!

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

What we mention on this episode:

Newport Pie Run

Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot

Meet Brian

Our engagement story

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Ugg slippers

Orangetheory Fitness

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106. I Had a Baby! Nov 15, 2018

Show notes

"It was like he was the deep breath, and I was the emergency barf bag."

I had a baby! On this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest: Annie Leigh Cristiano. Annie was born on October 16, 2018, at 8:09 AM, clocking in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. On this solo episode, I'm talking about how the first month with Annie has gone, and how my expectations have compared to the reality. I talk about the challenges we've faced so far (breastfeeding, ugh), what Brian is like as a dad, how being selfish comes into play as a new parent, and how I'm adjusting to this new life of ours. Plus, answering listener questions and an update on all things Crohn's disease.

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

What I mention on this episode:

Annie's Birth Story

Pregnancy + Baby Q&A

Ergo 360 carrier

Lori & David Feller on Episode 71 of the Ali on the Run Show

Ashley Fizzarotti on Episode 102 of the Ali on the Run Show

Ali on the Run Show LIVE! in San Diego

Ali on the Run Show LIVE! at New York Road Runners RunnerCon

Lauren Fleshman on Episode 103 of the Ali on the Run Show

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105. Emily Abbate, Fitness Writer & Host of the Hurdle Podcast Nov 08, 2018

Show notes

"I had already gotten so far, and I just wasn't willing to look back. That involved pushing my comfort zone and doing something I maybe wasn't the best at." —Emily Abbate

Emily Abbate is a freelance writer, editor, and content creator, a certified personal trainer, a marathoner, and the host of the Hurdle podcast. On this episode, Emily talks about her own #hurdlemoment, and what it took for her to lose 70 pounds — no quick fixes or fad diets included. She talks about her impressive journalism career, and shares how she rebounded after being laid off — twice. Plus, she opens up about confidence and failure, and dishes out life lessons galore.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Was this the life young Emily Abbate saw for herself? (2:15)
Emily shares her own hurdle moment, and opens up about how she lost 70 pounds and learned to love running (4:00)
How Emily became a super successful journalist and magazine editor (13:00)
Whether Emily sees herself as a risk taker (18:00)
Emily's journey through the publishing industry, including being laid off — twice — and how she's developed her confidence (19:00)
How Emily ended up freelancing, and the hustle it requires (31:30)
What a day in the life of Emily Abbate looks like (37:50)
Emily's best advice for aspiring journalists (48:15)

What we mention on this episode:

Café Mom

Rodale

University of Connecticut

The Hartford Courant

Liz Plosser on Episode 72 of the Ali on the Run Show

Emily's meditation book: Journey to the Heart

Athletic Greens

Lyons Den Power Yoga

TCS New York City Marathon

Lululemon Run All Day Backpack

Kuju Coffee Packs

WeWork

Ali on the Run Show LIVE in San Diego

R&Co. Dry Shampoo

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104. Stephanie Bruce Nov 01, 2018

Show notes

"When I think something is hard or challenging, I think of how I'm going to grow from it." —Stephanie Bruce

Happy TCS New York City Marathon Week! The professional field is stacked this year, and among the top competitors is Stephanie Bruce, who trains and races with NAZ Elite and is sponsored by Hoka One One. Steph made her New York City Marathon debut in 2017 and finished in 10th — an impressive-on-paper result, but on this episode, Steph explains why she was disappointed with her finish. She opens up about her health struggles over the years, talks about how she's feeling going into this year's race, and gets super honest about "body stuff." Steph trains in Flagstaff, AZ, where she lives with her husband, Ben Bruce, and their sons Hudson and Riley.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Steph rehashes her Peachtree Road Race win (2:30)
Why Steph decided to return to the New York City Marathon this year, what her 2017 race was like, and how she gets through tough races (6:15)
How Steph's NYCM training is going, plus her best NYCM advice (12:30)
Steph shares her 2018 New York City Marathon goals (17:40)
Steph breaks down what was behind some of her recent Instagram posts (25:15)
Steph's take on failure (33:15)
Why Steph left Oiselle to go all-in with Hoka One One (35:15)
What it's like training with Ben Rosario (37:50)
Steph talks about "body stuff" and how becoming a mom has changed her as an athlete (40:00)

What we mention on this episode:

NAZ Elite

Hoka One One

Peachtree Road Race

TCS New York City Marathon

The Great North Run

New York Road Runners

London Marathon

Oiselle

Hoka One One Tracer 2

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103. Lauren Fleshman Oct 24, 2018

Show notes

"I hope I'm always willing to be wrong, willing to learn, and able to get better." —Lauren Fleshman

Lauren Fleshman is many things: She's a retired professional runner, a coach, the co-founder of Picky Bars, the co-creator of the Believe training journals, the creator of the Wilder retreat, one of the faces of Oiselle, a vocal USA Track & Field board member, a co-host of the Work, Play, Love podcast, wife to professional triathlete, and mom to Jude and Zadie. Phew! On this episode, Lauren talks about all of it, including her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, her honest thoughts on body image, and the real effect having kids had on her marriage. This is a fun, no-holds-barred conversation with one of the leading voices in the running industry.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

What takes up the majority of Lauren's time right now (2:00)
How Lauren became a professional runner (3:35)
Lauren reflects on her favorite race distance and her decision to stop competing professionally (10:00)
How having children affected Lauren's career, and what running was like for her during and after pregnancy, plus how becoming a mom changed her as an athlete (13:00)
Whether Lauren has always been confident speaking up and using her voice, and how she developed that confidence (23:00)
Lauren talks about what she sees as the biggest problems facing professional runners right now, and what makes her want to speak up the loudest (28:45)
What Lauren would tell a 16-year-old runner who wants to go pro (33:30)
How Lauren became an entrepreneur, and the evolution of Picky Bars (36:00)
How Lauren got involved with Oiselle, what her role is with the company now, and where she sees the company going (43:20)
How Lauren met her now-husband, Jesse Thomas, and what their relationship is really like — plus the struggles they've faced together since having kids (52:30)
What Lauren's relationship with her body is like right now, and what she wants more people to feel about their own bodies (1:03.15)

What we mention on this episode:

Picky Bars

Oiselle

Believe Training Journals

Wilder Retreat

Work, Play, Love podcast

"10 Reasons the 5K is Freaking Awesome" via Runner's World

Sally Bergesen

"Welcome to the New School" via Oiselle

"Dear Younger Me" by Lauren Fleshman

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102. Ashley Fizzarotti AKA Running Bun Oct 17, 2018

Show notes

"Make it important. Make a goal, and make time for it. It's not about 'no excuses,' but make it a priority." —Ashley Fizzarotti

Ashley Fizzarotti — best known on the internet as "Running Bun" — joins the Ali on the Run Show fresh off a huge PR and BQ at the Chicago Marathon. (That's personal record and Boston Qualifying time — AKA pretty big deals and accomplishments. She also raised more than $5,600 for Every Mother Counts.) Ashley is proof that hard work works: She's a 5-time marathoner who has shaved nearly an hour off her marathon time, going from a 4:24 marathon debut to her 3:29 in Chicago. On this episode, Ashley — who works in finance (we get into that), is a mom of two (Jennie and Christopher), and lives in New Jersey — talks about her training, setbacks, injuries, and how she made a dream six years in the making a reality.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

How Ashley's feeling post-Chicago, plus what her training looked like (3:00)
How Ashley fit marathon training into her very busy life (9:00)
What motivates Ashley (12:00)
Ashley talks about her mental training, and how she's evolved from the mistakes she made in the past (14:25)
Ashley breaks down the Chicago Marathon (22:15)
What's next for Ashley (27:15)
How Ashley's running has changed since having kids, and what running was like during both her pregnancies (29:00)
Ashley talks about her work ethic (35:00)
Ashley talks about what her diet looks like and her decision to become a vegetarian (40:20)
Confidence talk! Ashley shares her take on confidence, how she's instilling it in her kids, and what she's done recently to boost her own confidence (43:30)

What we mention on this episode:

Chicago Marathon

TCS New York City Marathon

Ashley's coach, Mary Johnson

Stephanie Bruce

How Bad Do You Want It? by Matt Fitzgerald

Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor

Boston Marathon

Spring Lake 5

What it's like to volunteer at the New York City Marathon

Parker Stinson

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101. Jeannie Klisiewicz of The Ellen DeGeneres Show Oct 10, 2018

Show notes

"You can have success and you can have money and you can have the best job in the world, but you're only going to sleep well at night if you're happy with who you are." —Jeannie Klisiewicz

You probably know Jeannie Klisiewicz as the bubbly, always super excited receptionist and often-on-camera star of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. (She even has her own show now: Life's First-Evers with Jeannie!) Jeannie just may be the happiest person on the planet, and she's on the Ali on the Run Show today sharing the amazing (and gutsy!) story of how she got her job working with Ellen, and how her role has evolved over the past 10 years. Jeannie, who grew up outside Chicago, talks about confidence and the power of staying true to yourself and, of course, about how she got into running and what it's done for her physically and mentally. Warning: This episode will make you smile so hard your cheeks hurt.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

How Jeannie got her job on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (3:00)
Why Jeannie says that, in spite of going out and asking Ellen DeGeneres for a job live on air, she's actually not confident (14:15)
How Jeannie — a small-town girl from outside Chicago — has adapted to life in Los Angeles, and a lifestyle that has her up-close-and-personal with celebrities every day (19:30)
What Jeannie's job was like when she started working with Ellen, and how it's evolved over the past decade (22:00)
Whether being put on camera changed Jeannie's relationship with her body and appearance (27:00)
What Jeannie's new show, Life's First Evers, entails (37:00)
What Jeannie's relationship with Ellen is like off-camera (40:15)
Jeannie's advice for people who want to get into the TV industry (49:30)
How Jeannie got into running, and how she fits it into her busy schedule (52:00)
What's next for Jeannie? (58:00)

What we mention on this episode:

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Ellen surprising Jeannie

Life's First-Evers with Jeannie

"Dennis Quaid is here!"

Adele at Jamba Juice

Ellen's New York to L.A.

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100. Des Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon Champion Oct 03, 2018

Show notes

"I would love to do something with finesse one of these days, but I guess I'm all grit." —Des Linden

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Ali on the Run Show! And for this very special episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back 2018 Boston Marathon winner Desiree Linden. This is the third time Des has been on the Ali on the Run Show, and it's always a treat getting a chance to get inside her hardworking, hilarious, competitive head. On this episode, Des recaps her monumental 2018 Boston Marathon victory (including how long her post-race shower was!), and talks about her recent (gritty!) Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon win. Des is currently gearing up to run the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, so she also talks about how training is going — and finally answers the question everyone's been asking: "Who's coaching you right now?" Des left the Hansons-Brooks Project earlier this year, and today she talks about how she's shaking things up post-Boston, and how she recovered from her 2017 running slump.

Des loves coffee, and if you do, too, you should drink her coffee! Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your Linden+True coffee order.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

How it feels to be the 2018 Boston Marathon champion (2:45)
What the vibe was like standing on the Boston Marathon start line in the cold, pouring rain, and what was going through Des's mind before starting the race (4:40)
Des breaks down the moment when Shalane made that now-famous bathroom stop during the race (7:00)
Des offers up advice for how to make a mental shift mid-race (11:30)
What it felt like crossing the finish line and winning the Boston Marathon, and what Des remembers most from those few minutes after finishing (15:15)
How soon after Boston Des started thinking about her next race and goal, and why she decided on the New York City Marathon (20:45)
Who's coaching Des Linden? (24:30)
What it was like winning the Rock N Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon last month (29:00)
Des shares her goals for the 2018 New York City Marathon, and whether she feels more pressure going into this race after winning Boston (32:00)
Des's best advice for staying good, strong, healthy, and injury-free on the run (35:30)
Des answers listener questions, including who she considers her main American competitors right now, whether she's down to take selfies with fans, and whether there's a mini Des and Ryan in the future (36:30)

What we mention on this episode:

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

Des Linden on Episode 77 of the Ali on the Run Show

Ryan Linden on Episode 83 of the Ali on the Run Show

Boston Marathon

TCS New York City Marathon

Linden+True Coffee

Brooks Running

Molly Huddle

New York Road Runners

Rock 'N' Roll Philadelphia

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

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99. One Month Until Baby! Sep 27, 2018

Show notes

"I hope she finds her passion in life, and that she's never discouraged to go after it." —Brian Cristiano

In honor of our third wedding anniversary and the realization that Baby Cristiano's due date is just one month away, Brian and I decided to record an episode about all things, marriage, pregnancy, baby, and life. We talk about our decision to work with a midwife and how that's been going, and we get into the highs, lows, and surprises of this pregnancy journey. Plus, I put Brian on the spot and asked for his honest reaction to my changing body.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Is marriage what Brian expected it to be? (2:00)
Has the pregnancy experience been what Brian expected? Plus what the midwife experience has been like, and why Brian wanted to be at every appointment (4:15)
The highs, lows, and biggest surprises of pregnancy so far (15:30)
How Brian has reacted to my changing body (26:45)
Whether Brian has felt increased pressure in life and at work since I got pregnant (35:00)
The advice Brian has received that's stuck with him (42:15)
Brian shares his wishes for our baby, and the kind of dad he wants to be (48:30)
Listener Q&A (52:00)

What we mention on this episode:

"We're Having a Baby!"

Brian on Episode 2 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brian on Episode 17 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brian on Episode 47 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brian on Episode 52 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brian on Episode 57 of the Ali on the Run Show

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98. Mary Wittenberg, Former CEO of New York Road Runners & Virgin Sport Sep 20, 2018

Show notes

"My greatest fear is letting fear get in my way." —Mary Wittenberg

Mary Wittenberg is the former president and CEO of New York Road Runners and race director of the New York City Marathon, and was the Global CEO of Virgin Sport. Her titles are impressive, and she has the legacy to match. Mary has had an incredible impact on running. She is largely credited for turning marathon running into a spectator sport, and for getting female professional runners to be compensated appropriately. Mary was the brains behind the creation of the World Marathon Majors series, and she was at the helm of NYRR in 2012, when she and the city had to make the very public and controversial decision to cancel the New York City Marathon in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. On this episode, she talks about what it was like making that call, how she went from law school to big law to being a powerful force in the American running boom, and what's next for her since leaving Virgin Sport.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

Mary explains whether she's always been someone who loves being busy and super active (2:00)
What it was like growing up surrounded by men, and how that impacted Mary's future (4:00)
How — and why — Mary went from law school to big law to the sports industry (7:20)
Mary opens up about her decision to wait to have children because of her career (13:45)
What it was like being race director of the New York City Marathon (15:00)
Mary shares her favorite memories from her time at New York Road Runners (29:15)
What it was like being a race director in a post-Boston Marathon bombings world (32:20)
Mary opens up about the 2012 New York City Marathon, and the decision to cancel the race after Hurricane Sandy — plus how she came back from that difficult time (36:50)
Who gets to hold the tape at the marathon finish line?! (45:45)
Why Mary left NYRR for Virgin Sport, and what it was like working with Richard Branson (48:00)
Whether Mary has ever regretted leaving her dream job at NYRR (53:00)
What it was like when Mary finally got to run the New York City Marathon for the first time in 2016 (57:00)
Mary offers her best advice for women in male-dominated industries (59:20)
What's next for Mary Wittenberg? (1:01.15)