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.

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

869. No Stupid Questions: Shoes & Sports Bras Edition, with Jinger Gottschall 03/12/2026

868. Emma Grace Hurley's 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championships Recap 03/05/2026

868. Emma Grace Hurley's 2026 USATF Half Marathon Championships Recap "It's been a really, really tough couple days. I've never been such a combination of stressed and sad." At Sunday's USA Track and Field Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, the top three women — Jess McClain, Emma Grace Hurley, and Ednah Kurgat — were led off course in the final mile of the race. The three were on track to take the podium, and to earn spots to represent the United States on a World Championship team. All signs were pointing to Jess, Emma Grace, and Ednah becoming Team USA ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen this September. National titles, prize money, sponsor bonuses, and, of course, the glory of breaking the tape and earning that moment were all on the line. Much has been said about the race, the misdirection, and the immediate aftermath. Molly Born ultimately broke the tape, as Jess, Emma Grace, and Ednah clawed their way back into the mix. But what happens now? The one unanimous takeaway from that day in Atlanta is that no one feels good about how the day played out. Today, Emma Grace Hurley comes to us from her much-deserved post-race vacation in the Cayman Islands to offer her unique perspective on all of this. Emma Grace spent the early years of her running career as a member of Atlanta Track Club Elite. She has served on committees for USA Track and Field, and currently lives in Indianapolis, where she is coached by former Atlanta Track Club Elite coach Andrew Begley. Emma Grace has a deeper understanding than most about how these various organizations work, about what goes into pulling off a road race of this scale and, of course, about what it's like being an athlete with so much at stake. FOLLOW EMMA GRACE SPONSOR: UCAN. to get a UCAN Edge Energy Gel sample pack, and use code ALI for 30% off your entire UCAN order. 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/40323885

867. No Stupid Questions: Professional Running Edition, with Aisha Praught Leer & Eric Jenkins 03/03/2026

866. Molly Seidel, Ultramarathoner 02/26/2026

865. Paul Swangard, Track & Field Analyst & The Voice of Hayward Field 02/19/2026

865. Paul Swangard, Track & Field Analyst & The Voice of Hayward Field "I want to be part of making people care. My hope is that my enthusiasm for the sport as a fan of the sport comes through in my calls." Even if you don't know his face, you definitely know his voice: Paul Swangard is here! Paul, a lifelong resident of Eugene, OR, is known as the Voice of Hayward field, where he's the longtime in-stadium announcer at the University of Oregon. He's an Emmy-award winning member of the NBC sports talent team, where he is an analyst and does play-by-play for track and field and distance events including the Olympics, World Championships, US National Championships, Millrose Games, New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Diamond League meets, and more. He also does the world feed broadcasts for the New York City and Boston Marathons. Paul is a professor in the School of Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon, he's a sought-after media consulstant and strategic advisor for brands in running and beyond, and he is one of the best to ever get on the mic. FOLLOW PAUL 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: What is making Paul happy today? (3:00) What Paul hopes his University of Oregon students take from his classes and his teachings (5:40) Paul’s road to Hayward Field — and the microphone (13:25) What it was like working World Championships in 2022 at Hayward Field (24:05) Paul explains his role on any given NBC broadcast (31:55)\ Paul’s most meaningful memories on the mic (37:15) What makes a broadcast a success? (47:30) On getting nervous before going on air (56:50) What Paul wishes the viewers at home understood about a race broadcast (59:25) 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/40124005

864. Love on the Run with Deena & Andrew Kastor 02/12/2026

863. Love on the Run with Mica Rivera & Adam Wood 02/10/2026

862. Roisin Willis, Professional Runner & Stanford University Student 02/05/2026

862. Roisin Willis, Professional Runner & Stanford University Student "Sometimes you’ve just gotta be a little bit fearless." The last time Roisin Willis was on the Ali on the Run Show, the "fastest high schooler in American history" at the time was fresh off earning a gold medal in the 800m at the USA Track and Field U20 Outdoor Championships, and was headed to Stanford University. (Listen to that episode .) Now, the middle-distance runner is wrapping up her time at Stanford — and she's gone pro! The two-time NCAA 800m champion opted to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of signing a professional contract with New Balance, and she just made her pro racing debut with a stellar indoor season. In this conversation, Roisin talks about racing at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (she ran and won the 800m), at Boston University (she ran 1:57.97, becoming the first American woman to break 1:58 indoors, and breaking the American record in the event), and at the Millrose Games (she won the 600m). She also talks about her struggles with mental health during her time at Stanford, and about the tools that helped her through the hardest days. Plus, a peek at what's next. (First: midterms!) FOLLOW ROISIN 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: Where in the world is Roisin Willis? (3:00) What it’s like being a professional athlete as a senior in college (4:30) On being in a sweet spot with running right now, and where Roisin wants to improve (8:50) The athlete Roisin looks up to most in the sport — and all about the first time they met (11:30) What’s making Roisin happy today (14:55) Roisin’s key takeaways from the short but sweet 2026 indoor season (16:35) What it was like making her professional debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (18:45) Why Roisin decide to race the 800m at BU six days later — and how she broke the American record in the indoor 800m (22:50) How Roisin approached racing the 600m at the Millrose Games, which she also won (27:45) Why Roisin decided to forgo her remaining NCAA eligibility in favor of going pro, and what that process has looked like (33:20) Roisin talks about making it through the dark days, and about the tools that helped her find the sunshine again (46:00) What’s next for Roisin on the run and off? (1:01:15) 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/39993775

861. The Support Squad Series: Round 9 with Seema Mack 01/29/2026

860. Sinclaire Johnson, HOKA Athlete 01/22/2026

860. Sinclaire Johnson, HOKA Athlete "This seems like a no-brainer. There’s this company that really values what we’re doing, and they don’t really want to change that. All they want to do is find a way to support us." Professional middle-distance runner Sinclaire Johnson returns to the Ali on the Run Show today — this time as a HOKA-sponsored athlete. Sinclaire is the American record holder in the mile on the track and on the roads, both of which she set last year, in addition to making two 2025 world teams and running multiple personal bests. After spending her entire career thus far as a Nike athlete, Sinclaire is excited about big changes ahead with HOKA. In this conversation, she talks about why she made the sponsor switch now, and what that means for her home base, her coaching (she's coached by fiancé Craig Nowak; listen to their Love on the Run episode ), and her next steps. Sinclaire will kick off her indoor season — in her new racing kit! — this weekend at . FOLLOW SINCLAIRE 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 Sinclaire happy today (2:20) What Sinclaire’s watching right now (6:00) An update on wedding planning (7:35) Why Sinclaire decided to sign with HOKA this year after a long career as a Nike-sponsored athlete (13:05) Recapping Sinclaire’s year of big changes and reflecting on her coaching change in 2025, from Union Athletics Club’s Pete Julian to fiancé Craig Nowak (28:30) Sinclaire’s “big training risks” from 2025 (34:40) Sinclaire’s “failures” from 2025 (35:50) Sinclaire’s biggest successes in 2025 (40:05) How 2025 was a year of growth for Sinclaire (52:15) How Sinclaire is feeling heading into her indoor season opener at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she’ll be racing the mile (55:00) Sinclaire’s hopes, dreams, and plans for 2026 (59:00) 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/39801695

859. Hope Walz, Runner & Activist 01/15/2026

859. Hope Walz, Runner & Activist "I’m a firm believer that there are more good people than bad. No matter what, I believe that." Hope Walz is a runner who works the night shift at a homeless shelter in Bozeman, MT. She is also the daughter — and running buddy — of Minnesota governor Tim Walz. This conversation was recorded the day after Governor Walz, Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 presidential election, announced that he wouldn't be seeking reelection in Minnesota. Hope talks about what that day (which started with a run, of course) was like from her vantage point. She talks about growing up in a political family and about the role running has played throughout her life, including on the campaign trail with her family in 2024. Plus: a very special guest pops into the Zoom room! FOLLOW HOPE SPONSOR: : Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. In this episode: What’s making Hope happy today (3:50) What it was like running with dad Tim Walz the day he announced he wouldn’t be seeking reelection as governor of Minnesota (5:35) What Hope’s relationship with the news is like, and how she protects her peace online (10:00) Hope’s role in big family decisions, and her earliest memories of being raised in a political family (12:25) How Hope manages public scrutiny toward her family and herself (20:45) How Hope found out her dad would be running alongside Kamala Harris as the vice presidential nominee in the 2024 election (22:05) “My dad’s here if you wanna say hi!” (26:15) What it’s like when your dad runs for Vice President of the United States (27:45) What it’s like having a Secret Service detail (34:40) On the run on the campaign trail (37:10) How Hope maintains hope in an increasingly intense, scary, and divided world (40:30) Why running is a privilege, and why Hope wanted to talk about that publicly (43:30) Hope’s take on the running community, and how running first came into her life (46:15) How Hope is feeling after her dad’s big announcement (56:40) 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/39698550

858. The 2026 State of the Ali on the Run Show 01/08/2026

857. Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Infielder & Runner 12/31/2025

857. Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Infielder & Runner "I think there are a lot of athletes out there that are just so scared to show who they truly are and what they like because of their teammates and their coaches. And they’re trying to get to the next level, and they’re like, 'Oh well, if I like this then I’m not gonna get to the next level.' It’s actually the opposite. You’re probably gonna play better if you show who you truly are, because you’re more free." Everyone loves . The Savannah Bananas infielder is on a mission to make baseball more fun — and he's doing just that. Jackson has made a name for himself playing Banana Ball, which is like the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. The exhibition-style games include full-on performances with choreography, lip syncing, and walk-ups designed to delight the sold-out stadium crowds. In this conversation, Jackson talks about his road to the Bananas, and his road to becoming a runner. This fall, Jackson ran his first race — the Disney Wine & Dine 5K — and now he's training for a 10K in January while figuring out how running fits into his busy baseball season. Plus, talking Taylor Swift, Disney World, and how Jackson found his voice and his confidence. FOLLOW JACKSON SPONSOR: New Balance: to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! In this episode: On identifying as a runner (2:40) Jackson shares the journey to his first 5K, and his impressions of the running community (5:00) Why Jackson turned down an offer to go pro out of college (13:55) How Jackson learned to embrace his Disney-loving Swiftie side (20:40) How Jackson became a Savannah Banana (29:30) All about the theatrics behind the Bananas, including how Jackson pulled off his “Life of a Showgirl” walkup the day after The Life of a Showgirl was released (34:45) What it was life living out a childhood dream: playing at Yankee Stadium (43:25) Taylor Swift talk! (48:30) Will we see Jackson on Dancing With the Stars? (58:00) How Jackson is feeling heading into this season with the Bananas (1:02:00) 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/39571545

856. A Holiday Message from Ali, 2025 Edition 12/22/2025

855. Lauren “Fithy” Hunnewell, Animal Rescue League Volunteer & 41-Time Marathoner 12/18/2025

854. Jenny Grimshaw, 2:32 Marathoner 12/11/2025

854. Jenny Grimshaw, 2:32 Marathoner "I had this sense of nostalgia, of we’re going to look back on this as something special. We all felt a little bit of something magical going on." She’s come a long way, baby! Jenny Grimshaw returns to the Ali on the Run Show, this time as a 2:32 marathoner. Jenny just ran four-minute personal best at the California International Marathon, qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials with room to spare. This is the same Jenny who spent years trying to break three hours. The Jenny with a long history of race anxiety. The Jenny who dropped out of CIM in 2022. In this episode, Jenny, a mom to two young kids who lives in San Francisco and works full-time, talks about how she made that 2:32:50 happen, and how she has kept chipping away at her marathon time and enjoying herself along the way. Jenny also has the BRCA1 gene: She had a preventative prophylactic double mastectomy a few years ago, and will have her ovaries removed next year. FOLLOW JENNY SPONSOR: New Balance: to get your hands on the fan favorite Rebel v5! Lagoon: to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sale, happening now! In this episode: Jenny’s snapshot moment from CIM 2025 (2:50) All about Peninsula Distance Club, and the power of female friendships (5:20) How Jenny fits running and training into her days, and on learning to get over mom guilt (10:00) How being a mom has made Jenny a better runner (15:15) What it felt like to run a 2:32 marathon (17:40) How Jenny reacted when, at six weeks postpartum, she learned that the Trials standards had changed from 2:45 to 2:37 (21:10) On running 2:36 at the London Marathon this year — before the OTQ window opened for 2028 (25:50) How Jenny has navigated big running dreams and family planning (27:40) The decision not to run this year’s Chicago Marathon, and why Jenny chose to do CIM instead (30:20) How Jenny knew it was going to be a special day at CIM (34:20) What it felt like standing on the CIM start line, and Jenny's goals for the day (38:30) What happens when the CIM finish line clock hits 2:37 (50:00) What's next for Jenny on the run (51:10) How Jenny is feeling about needing to have her ovaries removed as a result of having the BRCA1 gene (55:15) Jenny's advice for people who have big goals and dreams and are feeling stuck (58:20) All about Jenny's job at Equip, which provides virtual eating disorder treatment (1:00:15) 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/39363920

853. The Support Squad Series: Round 8 with Danielle "Dee" Mastronardi 12/04/2025

852. Ask Ali! 11/25/2025

851. Jordan Litz’s 2025 New York City Marathon Recap 11/20/2025

850. Carl Radke’s 2025 New York City Marathon Recap 11/18/2025

849. Katie Couric, Journalist 11/13/2025

848. Amanda Vestri’s 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Recap 11/11/2025

847. My 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Recap 11/07/2025

846. LIVE in New York City with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone 11/03/2025

Ali on the Run Show

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