Ali on the Run Show

Every week on the Ali on the Run Show, I talk with inspiring people who lead interesting lives on the run and beyond. And while running is what brings us all together, on these episodes, we're digging a little deeper. These conversations are about the decisions people have made to get where they are today, and how getting sweaty has factored in. Whether you’re on the run toward something great or away from something that’s holding you back, join me on this never-ending adventure, and let’s all pick up the pace together.

899. LIVE at lululemon SeaWheeze 2026 with Phily Bowden 08/12/2026

898. Kara Goucher's 2026 City Tri Half Marathon Recap 08/06/2026

898. Kara Goucher's 2026 City Tri Half Marathon Recap "That’s part of the loss. It isn’t how it was. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing." This past weekend, Kara Goucher ran her first half marathon in seven years, and her first since being diagnosed with runner's dystonia in 2022. The former pro, author of , cohost of , broadcaster, analyst, wife, and mom has had a long road to getting back on the run. From being told she'd never run again to breaking the tape at the City Tri Half Marathon alongside longtime friend Carrie Birth-Davis ("CB"), this is Kara's poignant race recap. She shares what it took to get to the start line, how she handled herself when things got tough with five miles to go (and really tough with three to go), and why this race was about so much more than 13.1 miles. SPONSOR: Lagoon. My favorite pillows and pillowcases! to get the limited edition Ali on the Run x Lagoon Cool Flex Performance Pillowcase (!!!), and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off. IN THIS EPISODE: How Kara is feeling after 13.1 miles (5:00) All about Kara's friend, affectionately known as CB! (8:30) Why Kara ended up running this race, and how it all came together — and the mid-race encounter with a car (19:25) What Kara’s training was like leading up to this race, and what the emotional side of dystonia is like (29:30) Why Kara kept this race mostly under the radar (40:30) What Kara’s relationship with the half marathon is like now (43:35) What was the goal for the day? (47:15) What it’s like racing with the whole family (49:40) On being anonymous at the start line (52:45) The familiar pre-race nerves Kara felt on race day (59:00) Was it fun? (1:03:20) What helped when it got hard? (1:09:45) That finish line moment, and why this course was so meaningful for Kara and her family (1:11:10) How much was Sunday about running, and how much was it about so much more? (1:16:15) All about , Kara’s writing and running retreat with co-author Mary Pilon (1:31:40) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/42319540

897. Jay Holder, USATF Chief Content & Communications Officer 07/30/2026

897. Jay Holder, USATF Chief Content & Communications Officer "I’m starstruck every time I’m at a track meet and I get to be side by side with some of these incredible athletes. That has not worn off and I don’t think it ever will. And I hope it never does." It's been a few years since Jay Holder has been on the Ali on the Run Show, and today he returns as USA Track & Field's Chief Content & Communications Officer. Jay talks about how he got the job a year ago, what the first year in the role has been like, and what impact he hopes to have on the organization, the sport, the athletes, and beyond. He reflects on his time going from New York City newsrooms to the Atlanta Track Club to being Executive Director of Running USA, and shares his advice for people looking to break into the running industry. Plus, his recap from this year's U.S. National Championships at Icahn Stadium in New York City, including what it took to get New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the meet, and what it was like once he was on site. Jay lives in Severna Park, MD, with his wife, Lauren, and their two children. SPONSORS: Lagoon. My favorite pillows and pillowcases! to get the limited edition Ali on the Run x Lagoon Cool Flex Performance Pillowcase (!!!), and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off. Vuori: for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! IN THIS EPISODE: What’s making Jay happy today, and how he found his local running group (3:20) Jay shares his take on running streaks — including one of his own — and what’s next on his race calendar (8:20) The books, music, movies, and TV shows Jay is into right now (12:40) Jay’s lows from 2026 USAs (19:40) What was the main feedback or critique from this year’s USAs? (23:30) Jay’s highlights from USAs, and how they got NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the meet (28:00) On racing the New York Road Runners Team Championships 5-miler in Central Park during the meet weekend (41:00) Who are the biggest stars in our sport right now? (45:35) How Jay got the job as USATF CCCO (50:30) What impact does Jay want to have on the sport? (56:30) What does a Chief Content & Communications Officer do? (1:04:30) On being starstruck at work (1:07:00) What will LA 2028 look like for Jay? (1:13:00) Jay’s advice for people who want to work in the running industry (1:19:50) On Jay’s recent health diagnoses, and how he has processed them (1:23:45) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/42253115

896. Ask Ali! 07/23/2026

895. Molly Seidel's 2026 Western States Recap (With Special Guest Molly Reidy) 07/16/2026

895. Molly Seidel's 2026 Western States Recap (With Special Guest Molly Reidy) "Being able to go into a race where you are a rookie, it opened me up to take chances I wouldn’t necessarily take. In the marathon, I felt like I got so scared of failing that I was really hesitant to make any moves, try anything big, or go for it. It was like a protective thing. 'I just want to play it safe so I can race as well as possible but not risk anything.' I think with this one, I went into this with nothing to lose. I’m gonna go out and try to race as well as I can and race hard and I know I’ll probably make mistakes, but so what?" Earlier this year, Molly Seidel — the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon — went all-in on ultra running, to the prestigious 2026 Western States Endurance Run 100-miler. In this episode, Molly recaps her 100-mile debut, reflecting on the highs, lows, river crossings, and more. She finished the race in 24 hours, 29 minutes, and 27 seconds. She was the 28th woman to cross the line, and came in 141st out of 323 finishers. And we're joined by a special guest: Molly's girlfriend, Molly Reidy! SPONSORS: Lagoon. My favorite pillows and pillowcases! to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. ! My favorite headphones! Use code ALI for $10 off your next Shokz purchase. (I love the Open Run Pro 2.) IN THIS EPISODE: How the Mollys are recovering from Western States in Wisconsin (2:00) What’s making the Mollys happy today (3:20) How the Mollys met, and how Molly Reidy has learned about what it’s like to date a professional runner (9:50) What Molly Reidy is like when Molly Seidel is racing (21:55) What Molly’s Western States training was like, and how she prepared mentally for her 100-mile debut (31:20) How Molly assembled her WSER crew (35:30) Why Molly shaved her head before the race! (40:00) All about the Western States race plan (43:20) What the Western States start line was like, and how the early miles unfolded (45:00) The halfway point: when things started to go south for Molly (58:30) All about that final mile, and making it to the finish line (1:15:00) Lessons learned from WSER 2026 (1:30:25) What’s next for Molly (1:36:40) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/42072525

894. Alyssa McElheny, Hyrox World Champion & OTQ Marathoner 07/09/2026

894. Alyssa McElheny, Hyrox World Champion & OTQ Marathoner "A lot of these things that seem like world-enders at the time can lead to bigger, better, happier things." Alyssa McElheny had a dream: to qualify for the Olympic Trials Marathon. When the qualifying standard dropped from 2:45 to 2:37, she thought it would never happen. But after a quick cry, she decided not to give up on the dream. In November 2025 — after multiple failed attempts — Alyssa got her OTQ, running 2:34:28 at the Indy Monumental Marathon. Two weeks later, she made her Hyrox debut. She thought she would simply dip her toes into the now-trending "hybrid fitness" competition world. But a dip of the toe led to so much more. Last month — just seven months after her first mixed doubles event — Alyssa became the 2026 Hyrox Elite 15 World Champion. In this conversation, she talks about how she very quickly became the best in the Hyrox world. She talks about the pursuit of fun, she shares some common Hyrox misconceptions, and she talks about what's next. FOLLOW ALYSSA SPONSOR: New Balance. to get your hands on the beautiful, just-released, hot pink Ellipse Breathe sneakers. What a dream! IN THIS EPISODE: What the Hyrox aftermath has been like (2:50) What’s making Alyssa happy today, and what the Hyrox homecoming has been like (3:30) Did Alyssa know — or at least believe — she could win it? (7:20) What Alyssa’s relationship with running is like right now (16:10) How life has changed since becoming a World Champion (19:30) What Alyssa was like growing up, on being diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at a young age, and how Alyssa eventually found marathoning (22:15) “What in the side quest is happening right now?” (33:00) Alyssa’s Hyrox strengths and weaknesses (37:00) Alyssa busts some common Hyrox misconceptions (43:20) Will we see Alyssa on the Olympic Trials Marathon start line in St. Louis in 2028? (46:00) On the pressure to stay at the top, and how the elite vibes compare at marathons vs. Hyrox (48:35) What it was like to win Hyrox World Championships (1:01:10) On Alyssa’s career as a wedding photographer (1:04:20) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/41983320

893. Rachel Entrekin, 2026 Cocodona 250 Champion 07/02/2026

893. Rachel Entrekin, 2026 Cocodona 250 Champion "If the winner thinks that everyone’s important, then goddamnit I must be right." Rachel Entrekin arrived at the start line of the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon in May having already won the women's race twice. But as Rachel says, "You don't start and finish Cocodona as the same person." And this year, Rachel finished the race as a history-maker and record breaker. The women's defending champion became the first woman to win Cocodona outright. She finished the 253.3-mile race from Phoenix to Flagstaff — through the desert and the mountains, climbing more than 39,000 feet along the way — in 56 hours 9 minutes and 48 seconds. She finished seven hours faster than she did last year. She beat the entire men's elite field, and beat the existing course record by more than two hours. In this conversation, Rachel breaks down everything from her approach to training ("vibes-based") and her goals for Cocodona 2026 to her mid-race encounter with a very special woman and what the finish line was really like. FOLLOW RACHEL SPONSOR: Lagoon. to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. IN THIS EPISODE: What’s making Rachel happy today? (2:40) What Rachel’s Cocodona recovery has looked like (4:10) How Rachel celebrated her birthday last week (10:00) What it means to Rachel to be a “vibes-based runner” (11:00) Why did Rachel’s win have such a massive impact? (14:15) What did it take to do what Rachel did at Cocodona this year? (20:45) Rachel explains what she does, and what Cocodona is (22:40) On “liking the person I am when it gets challenging” (28:20) Running alone vs. with pacers — and a camera crew (36:10) All about the Native American woman Rachel met on the Cocodona course (38:00) How Rachel found running, and how eating disorder recovery changed her relationship with it (46:00) All about the sleep situation at Cocodona (55:45) Did Rachel wake up feeling like it was going to be a special day? (1:02:55) “Someone’s gonna win it. Why not me?” (1:05:25) The sights and sounds of the Cocodona finish line (1:10:20) All about the post-race shower! (1:16:00) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/41907095

892. Emma Coburn & Parker Valby, Training Partners 06/25/2026

891. Laura Thweatt, On Athletics Club Assistant Road Team Coach 06/23/2026

891. Laura Thweatt, On Athletics Club Assistant Road Team Coach "When she said those words to me on that run, I was like, 'It’s the same thing, Laura. You’re gonna do the same thing that you’ve done. You were OK after every decision, after every scary thing you did in your career. It opened up new doors, it opened up new opportunities, I met new people. Some of those people who changed my life completely and it impacted me in ways I would never have imagined. But none of that would have happened if I didn’t have the courage to trust myself to make the scary decisions and not stay in something that was no longer working because it was safe.' I just needed someone to remind me of that." Last year, Laura Thweatt chose to retire from professional running. Now, she's the Assistant Road Team Coach for On Athletics Club in Boulder, CO, and she's thriving. But the road to post-pro fulfillment wasn't easy. In this conversation, Laura talks about that heavy retirement decision, and shares the advice she got from fellow retired pro Jenny Simpson that made the decision a little easier. She talks about how she approached the next chapter in her life, about learning the art of the corporate interview, and about the emotional side of life after going pro. Plus, how she got the OAC job, why she feared her first day on the job would also be her last, and what it's like traveling the world with Hellen Obiri. SPONSOR: Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! IN THIS EPISODE: Laura’s “Summer of 10Ks” traveling the east coast (2:00) What race-day nerves are like as a coach (5:45) What’s making Laura happy today (7:55) What Laura’s into right now (14:40) Laura plays favorites with her OAC athletes (25:00) Laura talks about her decision to retire from professional running, and the life-changing advice she got from Jenny Simpson in the process (30:00) On figuring out “what’s next?” (37:35) Laura recounts her first day as an On Athletics Club coach (52:30) On getting comfortable in a coaching role (1:02:00) Has Laura ever questioned whether retiring was the right decision? (1:05:30) What race weekends are like as a coach (1:10:05) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/41730035

890. Lee Glandorf, Creator of The Sweat Lookbook 06/18/2026

889. The Latest Life Update From Ali 06/12/2026

888. Re-Run: Ellie Kemper, Actress & Marathoner 06/04/2026

887. Re-Run: The 2019 CIM OTQ Pacers 05/28/2026

886. Re-Run: The First Ali on the Run Show LIVE Event 05/21/2026

885. No Stupid Questions: Coaching Edition, with Kim Conley 05/14/2026

884. A May Message from Ali 05/07/2026

883. Cousin Jackie’s 2026 Boston Marathon Recap 05/05/2026

882. My 2026 Boston Marathon Weekend Recap 04/30/2026

881. Chelsea Clinton’s 2026 Boston Marathon Recap 04/28/2026

881. Chelsea Clinton’s 2026 Boston Marathon Recap "I’m so proud of all of us. I’m so proud of anyone who decides to even run a mile." Of the 30,000 runners who completed this year's Boston Marathon, only one is a former resident of the White House. Chelsea Clinton — a mom of three, podcast host, activist, author, avid runner, and former First Daughter — is now and forever a Boston Marathoner. In this episode (her on the Ali on the Run Show!), recorded just 48 hours after the race, she talks about running Boston with her best friend, Jen, and about what it took to run a personal best time of 3:40:52. SPONSOR: Lagoon. to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. IN THIS EPISODE: How Chelsea is feeling 48 hours post-race (1:30) How Chelsea met Jen, her longtime friend and running buddy (4:30) How Chelsea’s recovery is going, and reflections on marathon training this time around (6:15) When — and why — Chelsea decided she wanted to run this year’s Boston Marathon (8:35) How Chelsea has explained to her children who their grandparents are (12:10) On the security team that ran with Chelsea (17:35) How Chelsea fits training into her busy schedule (20:30) Chelsea’s impressions of Boston Marathon weekend upon arrival (24:00) Why Chelsea ran under the alias “Margaret Smith,” and the meaning behind that choice (26:30) How Chelsea was feeling on race morning (30:25) The moment Chelsea and Des saw each other at the start (34:30) What the former President and First Lady thought of the Boston Marathon finish line (40:30) Chelsea’s running must-haves (42:25) Chelsea’s Boston Marathon race day recap (45:45) All about the finish line (57:10) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/41009920

880. LIVE from the 2026 Boston Marathon Expo with Annie Frisbie & Amanda Vestri 04/23/2026

879. LIVE at The TRACK at New Balance with Aisha Praught Leer & Eric Jenkins 04/21/2026

878. LIVE at WBUR CitySpace in Boston with Claire Holt 04/20/2026

877. My Boston Marathon Pep Talk 04/16/2026

876. Sara Hall, Author of For the Love of the Grind 04/14/2026

876. Sara Hall, Author of For the Love of the Grind "Doubt and belief can coexist. In the book, you see a ton of my doubts and struggles with confidence. But then there’s also this untouchable belief that’s always there, too. So it’s almost like, which voice are you going to listen to?" It's a big week for professional runner Sara Hall! She turns 43 tomorrow, and then heads east to race the Boston Marathon on Monday. And while most marathoners are recovering on Tuesday, Sara, in true Sara form, will be doing the opposite: It's book launch day! Sara's debut memoir, , comes out April 21, and in this conversation, Sara talks about why the time was right to write a book. She talks about what the writing process was like, about the part of the book that's likely to shock readers, and about why she wanted to get in touch with Eminem before the book came out. Plus, how she's feeling heading into Boston 2026. SPONSOR: Lagoon. to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. FOLLOW SARA IN THIS EPISODE: All about Sara’s workout in Crested Butte, what’s making her happy today, and what husband Ryan is up to these days (2:10) Reflecting on 11 years since Sara made her marathon debut at the L.A. Marathon (6:00) Sara’s advice to this year’s Boston Marathoners — especially those whose training may not have gone perfectly (10:00) How Sara is feeling heading into the 2026 Boston Marathon (11:50) Sara isn’t the only Hall running Boston: Eldest daughter Hana is running, too! (16:10) Sara’s plans for her 43rd birthday this week (22:00) Why Sara always tosses her watch mid-marathon (24:20) For the Love of the Grind: Why Sara decided to write a book now, and what the writing process was like (27:25) Why Sara wanted to get in touch with Eminem, and what it was like recording the audiobook (34:00) The part of the book that made me gasp — and the story behind it (39:15) On 21 years with ASICS (43:45) Who is this book for? (47:55) What’s exciting for Sara on the run right now? (48:50) Sara’s superlatives: talking about the most fun, most challenging, and most memorable races of her career (58:55) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/40828990

875. Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Boston Marathon 04/09/2026

875. Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Boston Marathon "Calm, calm, calm. Relax, relax, relax." Welcome to your guide to the 2026 Boston Marathon! We just about one week away from the 130th running of the world's oldest marathon. This year's Boston Marathon takes place, as always, on the third Monday of April — this year, that's April 20. In this mega-episode, I (along with a team of experts and insiders) attempt to answer all of your questions about all things Boston. Katie Hawkes and Lauren Proshan from the Boston Athletic Association are here to talk logistics (take some deep breaths — the journey to the start line is doable, and you won't be waiting around for too long once you get there!), elite athlete coordinator and B.A.A. Chief Operating Officer Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional fields and about which storylines to follow, and 2018 champion and Boston favorite Des Linden joins to talk course strategy. Get excited: Whether you're running, volunteering, cheering, or watching from home, it's always a Boston to remember. SPONSOR: ! The official headphone of the Boston Marathon! Use code ALI for $10 off your next Shokz purchase. (I love the Open Run Pro 2.) IN THIS EPISODE: B.A.A. director of brand and experience Katie Hawkes talks about the significance of the Boston Marathon, and shares what's new for 2026 (4:45) Want to run Boston someday? Here's what you need to know about getting in (38:25) B.A.A Chief Operating Officer and elite athlete coordinator Mary Kate Shea talks about assembling this year's professional athlete fields, and shares the storylines to watch (56:45) Lauren Proshan, the B.A.A.'s chief of race operations and production, explains the process of getting to the start line in Hopkinton, and what to know once you're there (1:22:40) 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden breaks down the Boston Marathon course (2:05:45) All about the Boston Marathon finish line (2:36:25) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/40779220

874. Emily Sisson, Boston Marathon-Bound 04/07/2026

873. Jess McClain, Boston Marathon-Bound 04/02/2026

873. Jess McClain, Boston Marathon-Bound "All I can do is move forward knowing that one day I’ll have that moment." Jess McClain just might be the most-loved professional marathoner in the country. The Phoenix, AZ-based Brooks athlete made national headlines last month when she was leading the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships in Atlanta and was led off course by an official vehicle in the final mile of the race. That day, Jess lost out on a national title, a spot on Team USA, and a good amount of prize money. (Listen to Emma Grace Hurley's recap of the day .) She handled the aftermath with grace, compassion, and optimism. In this conversation, Jess talks about the race, and about the moment she realized she'd been led off course and was no longer in the lead. She also talks about the just-announced resolution (she has a spot on Team USA, and will be competing at World Championships in Copenhagen later this year) and how she feels about it. Jess, who is coached by David Roche, talks about how she's feeling heading back to the Boston Marathon, where she ran a personal best (2:22:43) last year and was the top American woman in the race. Plus, reflections on egg freezing, being a pacer at The Marathon Project in December, and how Jess is feeling after this weekend's Sound Running 10K. FOLLOW JESS SPONSOR: New Balance. to check out the brand new Ellipse, New Balance's just-released everyday trainer. (It's gorgeous!) IN THIS EPISODE: What’s making Jess happy today (3:15) How Jess is feeling after running the 10K at the Sound Running meet this weekend (8:10) Jess sums up her 2026 Boston training block (16:25) How Jess handled the stress of the aftermath of the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships (21:45) How Jess feels about the resolution, and about being named to Team USA for World Championships in Copenhagen (30:00) What it was like unwittingly being at the center of a major running controversy (37:15) Jess recaps her day at the 2026 U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, and talks about the moment when things went astray (41:00) Jess talks about her day as a celebrity pacer for the women’s OTQ group at The Marathon Project (51:25) Jess’s experience freezing her eggs, and why she made the decision to go through the process now (55:20) What it takes to run a personal best in Boston (1:02:40) Follow Ali: SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please . Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! /episode/index/show/aliontherunshow/id/40692530

872. Emma Bates, Mom-to-Be 03/31/2026

871. Why Did You Run Your First Marathon? 03/26/2026

870. My 2026 NYC Half Weekend Recap 03/19/2026

Ali on the Run Show

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