Ali On The Run Show

"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 here.) 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 Mar

"It's a new day, it's a new age, let's learn, let's grow together. That's it." Last week, professional Colorado-based marathoner Emma Bates broke the running internet when she shared that she had been dropped by her fueling sponsor after they found out she was pregnant. In this conversation, Emma shares her side of the story that has taken the running community by storm. Emma also talks about running a 2:25 at the Valencia Marathon in the fall, about finding out the next day that she was pregnant, and about the realities of being a pregnant professional marathoner.  SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here 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 Emma happy today — and some news! (3:10) How Emma is feeling at almost 20 weeks pregnant (7:50) Emma's reflections on the 2025 Valencia Marathon (10:40) What it's like being a pregnant professional athlete, and the pressure of trying to conceive on

"I needed to do it like I needed to breathe." At any given marathon, there are thousands of runners on the start line, hoping to complete the 26.2-mile journey to the finish line. That means that at any given marathon, there are thousands of reasons to run. This episode is about those reasons. (Thank you to the nearly 1,000 of you who shared the stories behind why you ran your first marathon. Truly inspiring.) SPONSOR:  Oofos: The best in the recovery footwear game. Click here to check out Oofos's new CLUB+ line! Your feet are going to be so happy! In this episode: Why I ran *my* first marathon (2:35) Why you ran *your* first marathons (14:20) What do you wish you had known before your first marathon? (59:30) Your advice for first-time marathoners (1:12:20) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run

I remember being like, 'I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm doing this right now.'" It's been a while since I've done a race recap! This weekend, I ran the United Airlines NYC Half — my first half marathon in two years. With 11 rounds of chemotherapy in the rear view, I felt a major shift this weekend in my favorite city, with so many of my favorite people, doing one of my favorite things. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the entire weekend (in far too much detail, and with too many stories about parking, turkeys, and eyebrow tinting). From the parties and plays to the 13.1-mile journey from Brooklyn to Central Park, this is my 2026 NYC Half recap — plus, some big updates on the cancer and chemo front. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to check out the brand new Ellipse.  IN THIS EPISODE: Some big updates on the cancer front, and how I ended up running the 2026 NYC Half (2:45) Friday: the drive to NYC, the crime I willingly committed, the West Side Highway run, the New Balance welcome party

"Everyone deserves a super shoe." Welcome to the second episode in a new series on the Ali on the Run Show called "No Stupid Questions." This is where experts come in to answer everything you've always wanted to ask about running. We'll be covering a wide range of topics including personal running and coaching, the business of running, and "no such thing as TMI." Last week, Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught Leer kicked off the series answering questions about professional running — and then some.  This week, Jinger Gottschall returns to the show to answer questions about shoes and sports bras. Jinger is the Director of Sports Research at New Balance (listen to her previous episode here), and her days are spent in the research lab working on product innovation.  FOLLOW JINGER @jingerfitness SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here 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 Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the new

"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 ho

"Live free and grind." Welcome to the first episode in a new series on the Ali on the Run Show called "No Stupid Questions." This is where experts come in to answer everything you've always wanted to ask about running. We'll be covering a wide range of topics including personal running and coaching, shoes and gear, the business of running, and "no such thing as TMI." The goal is to offer both straightforward and nuanced answers to the questions you've been hesitant to ask or that you still don't quite understand. First up in this series: all about professional running, with former professional runners and current hosts of the Off the Rails podcast, Aisha Praught Leer and Eric Jenkins. Aisha and Eric offer unique perspectives. They both ran professionally for big brands (Nike, Under Armour, Puma), and have since retired while staying active in the sport. They have the inside scoop, but aren't bound by NDAs or brand loyalties. They are unfiltered, honest, and always willing to go there. FOLLOW AISHA @aishapr

"The last couple years have been so hard. I've been through so many ups and downs that I'm like, 'There is nothing in a race that I can experience that is worse than what I've just gone through.'" Watch out, ultra world: Molly Seidel has arrived! The Olympic bronze medalist has officially moved from the marathon to the mountains. Molly just completed the Black Canyon 100K, where she finished fourth and earned a golden ticket entry to this summer's 100-mile Western States Endurance Run. Earlier this year, Molly made her ultra debut at the Bandera 50K, where she won the race outright, beating the first male finisher by six minutes. Her 4:09:39 broke a course record that had stood since 2012. In this conversation, Molly breaks down her day at Black Canyon, and talks about how she's feeling about this new-to-her adventure.  FOLLOW MOLLY @bygolly.molly SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here 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

"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 @paul_sw

"So we kissed, and then we spent every day after that together."  They're one of running's greatest power couples: Deena and Andrew Kastor are here for Love on the Run Week! In this conversation, the Olympic bronze medalist and the esteemed coach talk about how they met, how long they waited to call each other, and who made the first move. Today, Deena and Andrew live in Mammoth Lakes, CA, with their daughter, Piper.  FOLLOW DEENA @deenakastor FOLLOW ANDREW @coachkastor SPONSOR: Lagoon. Click here 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 Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"Running can feel pretty isolating. It's a very individual sport. But she's in it with me every single day. It makes me feel very special. She really cares about what I'm trying to do." Welcome to Love on the Run 2026! We're kicking off Valentine's Week with Utah-based high school sweethearts Mica Rivera and Adam Wood. Mica and Adam are content creators and marathoners who were on the same high school track team, went to separate colleges to run (her to Utah State University, him to Brigham Young University), and are now married and running together for a living. Adam just ran a marathon PR at CIM, finishing in 2:16:58. And Mica, who is coached by Ed Eyestone, made her 26.2-mile debut at The Marathon Project in December (paced by Adam!), where she ran 2:31:35. FOLLOW MICA & ADAM @thewoodsrun SPONSOR:  Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next headphone purchase. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Subscribe to the newsletter Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! I

"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 here.) 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 Stanf

"Your person doesn't need you to be perfect. They just need you to be there and show up, and bring as much positivity and lightheartedness as possible. There are going to be times when it gets really heavy and hard, and if you can bring a little levity, a little humor, it goes a long way." On December 30, 2025, I was up at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for my ninth round of chemotherapy. This time around, I was joined by my dear friend Seema Mack, who is president and CEO of KidsVax, a mom (to Sloane, 8, and Reese, 5), a wife, and an amazing friend. This is our [way too long] recap from the day at the infusion center, plus the story of how we met, and a bit about what makes Seema "The Magic Maker." SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released New Balance 1080 v15. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating an

"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 here), and her next steps. Sinclaire will kick off her indoor season — in her new racing kit! — this weekend at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.  FOLLOW SINCLAIRE @sinclairejohnson SPONSOR:

"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 @hopewalz SPONSOR:  Shokz: 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 gov

"I needed you all to know that I was drowning, and I was scared." It's tradition: Happy New Year, and welcome to the annual State of the Ali on the Run Show episode! In this solo episode, I'm recapping 2025: the personal highs and lows, the professional highs and lows, and the beauty and chaos in between all of it.  Last year, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 25 million downloads. There were 82 episodes of the show with more than 70 guests (32 first-timers, and 38 recurring and returning guests), plus 11 solo episodes and six live shows. (The guest with the most podcast appearances in 2025: Cousin Jackie!) Thank you for being her for the rollercoaster ride that was 2025, and for sticking around to see what 2026 has in store. This show may have my name in the title, but none of this exists without all of you. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this community. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you, and take advantage of Lagoon's holiday sal

"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 Jackson Olson. 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 i

"I felt your hands on my back. And I needed them." I love you. I appreciate you. In this short solo episode, I'm wishing you the happiest holidays and reflecting a bit. This year, for me, was at times wonderful and filled with joy. But mostly, I will remember 2025 as the year my breast cancer recurred and spread, reentering my life as a Stage IV, incurable diagnosis. Here's where I'm at — and what I wish for you — as we close out this year. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

"I run with all dogs, any dogs." Lauren "Fithy" Hunnewell is the North America running events manager for New Balance. She is the New York Road Runners partnership lead, so she works super closely with the NYRR team on events including the New York City Half, the Fifth Avenue Mile, and, of course, the New York City Marathon. So, Lauren has a super fun job. She also does something really amazing every Monday and Friday morning: She runs with shelter dogs. Twice a week, every week, no matter the weather, Lauren goes to her local animal shelter to take the dogs for runs. Over the past two years, Lauren has logged more than 500 miles with dogs who need homes. In 2025 alone, she ran with 33 unique breeds. In this conversation, Lauren, who has run more than 40 marathons, talks about how she became an animal lover, and how she ended up volunteering at the Animal Rescue League down the street.  FOLLOW LAUREN @fithy07 SPONSORS:  Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. Oofos: The best in recovery fo

"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 @jenny_gshaw SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your h