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"Sometimes you need to just shut your brain off and run." At this time last year, Karissa Schweizer was undergoing foot surgery. Then, as she mounted her comeback heading into an Olympic year, she faced another setback: a femoral stress fracture. But as we know, the comeback is always greater than the setback, and Karissa proved that by racing both the 5000m and the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials on her home turf at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, making the team in both distances. She went on to finish in the top 10 in both events at the Paris Olympic Games. Karissa's season didn't end there: She went on to race the 5000m at the Zurich Diamond League, she raced (and won!) the Fifth Avenue Mile, and she ran a season's best in the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Now, the two-time Olympian, Nike-sponsored athlete, and longtime Bowerman Track Club member is back in Oregon for some much-deserved downtime, and back on the Ali on the Run Show to catch us up on all of it. SPONSOR: UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN training essentials pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you'll get on this episode: Where in the world is Karissa Schweizer? (2:40) How Karissa approaches her training breaks (4:30) High school nerves vs. Olympics nerves (7:30) How Karissa's body is feeling after a big season of racing, and how she approached her comeback after multiple injuries (9:50) On having the confidence to line up at the Trials (20:25) What Karissa's training was like this year (22:00) How Karissa has handled the changing landscape of the Bowerman Track Club over the past few years (26:40) Karissa's experience at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games (30:45) “Is Karissa Schweizer a miler?” (37:25) How Karissa is processing her season (44:00) Karissa's advice for improving your running confidence (49:40) What's intriguing right now? (54:10) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!
"So many people asked me if I was going to keep running. And it's like, to me it's just a ridiculous question. You have a kid, what, you have to give up your whole career? I just needed a little bit of time!" She's back! After giving birth to her first child, a son, Ivan, in March, Elle Purrier St. Pierre made her return to racing in September at the Fifth Avenue Mile. In this conversation, she talks about what postpartum running has looked like, about what's next for her, and about what life on the dairy farm looks like these days. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you'll get on this episode: How Elle's day is going so far (2:20) What is Elle training for right now? (5:15) An update on farm life (7:40) On returning to racing at the 2023 Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15) How Elle has navigated nursing Ivan and returning to high-mileage training (25:50) Elle's thoughts on the “never-perfect” time to have a baby as a professional athlete (30:55) What it's like watching the women's 1500 from the sidelines (34:15) How motherhood has changed Elle's relationship with running (38:25) On racing as her “old self” vs. “new self” (43:20) Elle's message to fellow new moms (47:15) FOLLOW ELLE: @elleruns_4_her_life Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 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!
Sam, a Simpson College alum, tells how an invitation by coach Keith Ellingson to join the Storm cross country team in the mid-1990s changed the trajectory of his life. Sam turned that moment into something much more when he applied for a job as a web editor at the New York Road Runners. Sam tells the story of interviewing for the job and not thinking he would get it. Sam, the NYRR director of professional athletes since 2005, reveals one of the hardest days of his career in 2012. He explains why he believes the Fifth Avenue Mile is the best race in the world. He says why this race stresses him out much more than the New York City Marathon. Sam gives his view of the biggest change in distance running the past 10 years and why Iowa native Jenny Simpson is one of his favorite people in running. He also talks about how former Iowa State All-American Annie Frisbie made him a believer a couple of years ago and the process of moving elite runners from Midtown Manhattan to Staten Island on marathon morning. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lance-bergeson8/support
"I've never been someone that felt like I did my best work trying to prove somebody wrong. I do my best work trying to prove somebody right." It hasn't been an easy year for three-time world championship medalist, three-time Olympian, and Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson. In the 48 hours before the calendar turned from 2021 to 2022, Jenny watched as her world began to crumble. On December 30, wildfires engulfed her historic home — a former schoolhouse, beloved by Jenny and her husband, Jason, and by their community. They (with their dog, Truman) evacuated, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. On December 31, her 12-year contract with New Balance ended, and wasn't renewed — something Jenny calls "a great heartbreak." Plus, the 1500-meter legend was injured. In true Jenny form, though, she's seeing the bright side now. Jenny and Jason's home somehow survived the fire, and after being displaced for three months, they were able to move back in and rebuild their lives. She's no longer injured, and with all systems go, she's officially transitioning from the track to the roads, with longer distances in mind. ("I'm not training for a marathon," she swears.) Two weeks ago, she won the Army 10-Miler, and she has one more race on the calendar for 2022. And she is, once again, a fully sponsored professional athlete. Jenny signed with Puma earlier this year. Today, she's here to talk about all of it. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Napa Valley Marathon & Half Marathon: Click here to register for these races — taking place March 5, 2023 — today! What you'll get on this episode: How Jenny has brought her community together in the wake of last year's Colorado wildfires (3:30) The lingering trauma from the wildfires (10:10) What Jenny's running has been like over the past year (16:30) On Jenny's recent Army 10-Miler win, and how she's feeling now (21:40) Is Jenny Simpson ready to become a marathoner? (36:45) How is Jenny measuring her success on the roads? (42:50) On the end of Jenny's New Balances sponsorship, and the beginning of her partnership with Puma (49:00) Jenny's shoes of choice right now (54:15) Did Jenny watch the Fifth Avenue Mile this year? (57:55) What Jenny sees in U.S. women's distance running right now (1:01:25) What running feels like for Jenny right now (1:07:15) For more, check out: Jenny & Jason Simpson on Episode 329 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 268 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show "Is Top Miler Jenny Simpson About to Be a Marathoner?" by Sarah Lorge Butler for Runner's World Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava 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 didn't realize at the time, but the chance Coach Ellingson gave me, it changed the trajectory of my entire life. I realize that more and more every year that I wouldn't be at NYRR today without that opportunity.” Have you wondered how the fields at the NYC Marathon and Fifth Avenue Mile are put together? Sam Grotewold and his team are responsible for putting together the world-class of the events you love. It also happens that Sam went to a D3 college and wouldn't be doing what is he today with the opportunity Coach Keith Ellingson gave him at Simpson College. Sam chose his path to college without running influencing his decision. He had his mindset on going to Simpson College to study graphic design and journalism. It wasn't until a meeting at orientation where the athletic director asked the incoming class if they were interested in doing a sport. Sam raised his hand and a few days later, Coach Ellingson called Sam to ask him to join the team. While Sam didn't go on to win National Titles or become an All-American, his opportunity to join the Simpson Cross Country team shaped his life and career trajectory. After Sam graduated, he joined New York Road Runners as a web editor. As NYRR began to have professional races, he transitioned from his web editing role into the Professional Athletes space. Sam explains the process of filling the fields, memorable stories, and fills us in if Kipchoge will run NYC. The impact of Sam's D3 experience shaped his life into what it is today. He gives credit to Coach Ellingson for giving him an opportunity when he didn't have to. Follow Sam on Twitter D3 Glory Days Patreon We launched a Patreon! As we said, we will never go behind a paywall - so any support is greatly appreciated. This past season was a great undertaking in our labor of love. We enjoy bringing you this content and we realized we could do so much more with a little bit of backing. We want to ensure D3 gets the coverage it deserves and keeping this website paywall free! If you have enjoyed this podcast and the articles we have put, please consider becoming a Patreon of D3 Glory Days. In full disclosure, the money will go directly into the show: equipment, subscriptions we need, and most importantly, money to our writers. If you are able, we would appreciate your support. How to Support D3 Glory Days As always, we really appreciate your support of this podcast. If you'd like to help spread the word, share the podcast with a friend, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. If you would like to help support the podcast or say thanks to our writers, please consider making a donation on the D3 Glory Days Venmo. This helps offset some costs, hosting services, and help out our new writers. If you want to rep D3 Glory Days on your next run, head to our Merch Store. And finally, follow us on social media! We're on Instagram, Twitter and Strava.
“I wasn't known for anything else but my running. That's what I kind of latched onto. I didn't have many extras, like summer camps or lots of material goods, but I did have my running and my legs and a TV set and goals.” Alisa Harvey's impressive running career spans decades and distances. The first time she qualified for the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials was in 1988, in the 1500 meters, when she was still a student at the University of Tennessee. The last time she did so was in the 800 meters in 2008—at age 42. In between, she won gold in the 1991 Pan American Games in the 1500 meters. She qualified for the 2000 Olympic Marathon Trials by running 2:49:28 in her debut at the distance. And, she's notched countless victories in road races, including the Fifth Avenue Mile and the Army Ten-Miler. At 56, she might no longer be able to match her personal best of 1:59.72 in the 800 meters, but Harvey still competes at a high level, chasing Master's records on the track and the roads. And, she's coaching athletes who range from ages 10 to 95, aiming to help them pursue the same long-term success she's experienced.
“I ended up on a dude ranch in Arizona. I just wanted to go far away from New York and from home and just do something completely different. I felt like I'd kind of lost a sense of myself in that pursuit of running really fast and high achievement, so I wanted to recalibrate and go somewhere where no one knew me and running didn't matter.” Henna Rustami is a rising star in the running world. Though she describes herself as "the worst runner" on her high school and college teams, she has gone on to thrive on the run, becoming an Ivy League champion (running for Columbia University) and thriving on the New York City competitive running scene. Most recently, Henna won the NYRR Women's Road Mile division at the Fifth Avenue Mile, breaking the tape in four minutes and 45 seconds. And she's thriving off the run, too: Henna graduated from law school earlier this year! On this episode, Henna reflects on her running journey and her childhood, growing up in Long Island as the daughter of refugees from Afghanistan. She talks about her parents' journeys fleeing Afghanistan in the 1980s, and about what it was like growing up in a Muslim family in the wake of 9/11. She talks about finding confidence on the run, about escaping to a dude ranch for six months, and about what her training looks like today as a member of Brooklyn Track Club. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: Henna recaps her NYRR Women's Road Mile win at the Fifth Avenue Mile (4:55) On confidence in running (8:45) What Henna's training looks like (10:45) All about Henna's childhood (14:50) How Henna's parents responded to her love for running, and what it was like growing up in an Afghan family on Long Island after 9/11 (22:15) On graduating from law school and starting a career in the pursuit of fighting injustices (35:45) What it was like going from being “the worst runner on the team” to an Ivy League champion (41:35) On navigating what role running would play after college (44:50) What's next for Henna? (53:35) Check out: Ali on the Run Show LIVE on International Women's Day Caitlyn Tateishi on Episode 226 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Henna: Instagram @hennarustami Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!
“Everybody who has ever run a marathon in the history of ever has run a first marathon. And I guarantee you that some of the concerns and doubts and fears that you or I had in our first marathon have crept into the minds of someone like Shalane Flanagan or Meb Keflezighi in the weeks and days and hours before they ran their first marathon.” Every year at races like the New York City Marathon and the Fifth Avenue Mile, dozens of professional runners assemble for their shot at glory. And in New York City, Sam Grotewold is the guy who brings them all together. As the director of professional athletes for New York Road Runners, it's Sam's job to recruit the professional fields at major events like the TCS New York City Marathon, the New York City Half, the Mini 10K, and the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile. And on this episode, the self-proclaimed “running and track nerd” explains how he makes that happen. With more than 20 years of experience, Sam knows the wooing process well. Here, he shares his goals for the recruitment process, how he measures success in his role, and how this year's New York City Marathon field (which features professional runners from 25 countries and territories) came together. Plus, he shares some of his best stories from his time with the pros, and tells which athlete he reached out to first as he was assembling this year's NYCM field. SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you'll get on this episode: All about Sam's role in the New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile (5:30) On getting the athletes to the start line (19:00) How Sam got his job (21:30) How Sam assembles the fields of professional athletes (29:40) The narrative for this year's TCS New York City Marathon (33:45) Sam's process for recruiting athletes (39:00) Sam's favorite thing about New York City Marathon week (46:15) What goes into the contracts for professional athletes (48:50) On schmoozing, socializing, and spreadsheets (51:20) What New York City Marathon day is like for Sam — plus some of his best race day stories! (56:00) Reflecting on the past year and a half at New York Road Runners (1:08:00) Follow Sam: Twitter @nyrr_pro Instagram @s.grotewold Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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 don't want my motivation to be other people. There's part of me that realized that's what I was leading up to the trials. I want to be more than a mullet and a mustache. I want to be more than just making teams." Shortly after finishing second in the Prefontaine Classic men's international mile, Craig Engels sat down in the Magic Boost tent to briefly chat about how he's found fun in the sport after finishing fourth at the Olympic Trials in the men's 1,500 meters and missing the Tokyo Olympics by one spot. He addresses the recent rumors that he may be contemplating retirement. We kept this conversation fairly short since we'll likely record a much longer episode in person, if Craig competes at the Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City in September.
We welcome two-time Olympian and Parkrun World Record Holder, Andy Baddeley to UAP. Andy, who is a middle distance specialist has had some impressive victories in the mile, clocking 3:49 in Oslo in 2008 to win the prestigious Dream Mile and then a year later, beating a stacked field to win the prestigious Fifth Avenue Mile. Andy’s Parkrun World Record, where he ran 13:48 for 5km at Bushy Park, is something that has gained attention across the globe but what makes it remarkable is that he only decided to go for this challenge after he was knocked out of the London 2012 Olympic Games just a few days earlier.Andy is the founder and CEO of therunningchannel.com whose mission is to bring great content to those who love to run, no matter their ability or experience.In this episode we talk about:His victories in the Dream Mile and Fifth Avenue MileHow pacing is key to fulfilling potential His training group and the role of team dynamics in a very individual sportFailing to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic FinalSetting the Parkrun World RecordThe rise of ‘The Running Channel’The episode also contains a special guest appearance from Michael Skinner who was part of Andy’s training group and is the agent for many world class athletes including Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and Dina Asher-Smith.Unlocking Athletic Potential proudly partners with Red Dot Running Company, who specialise in in sports nutrition and running kit and are based in Singapore. You can find them at rdrc.sg
"There’s always someone gunning for that spot. And if you’re off your game at all, they’re going to take it." Jenny Simpson is the country's most-decorated female miler and 1500-meter runner. Case in point: She's a three-time Olympian, she won gold in the 1500 at the 2011 World Championships, she was the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal in the 1500 when she won bronze in Rio in 2016, and she's a two-time world silver medalist. She has won the Fifth Avenue Mile eight times, and her personal bests include a 3:57.22 1500 and a 4:16.1 road mile. On this episode, Jenny talks about how she and her husband Jason have been spending quarantine. She shares her thoughts on retirement (someday!), having a baby (someday!), and "waiting to be slow" (which may never happen!). But mostly, we talk about Truman, the dog Jenny and Jason adopted once the lockdowns started. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for 15% off all wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: All about Truman! (4:30) What life has looked like for Jenny during the pandemic (9:55) What do Jenny’s easy days look like? (16:00) Jenny’s thoughts on the Olympics right now (18:30) How do you know when to retire? (23:55) Which runners are Jenny’s eyes on? (30:00) Jenny’s advice for running a fast mile (39:00) What are Jenny’s sponsor obligations right now? (45:00) Jenny talks about cheering for her husband, Jason, at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February (51:00) What we mention on this episode: Jenny Simpson on Episode 96 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jenny: Instagram @trackjenny Twitter @trackjenny Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!
"It’s a pretty misunderstood lifestyle. Unless you’re in it, you don’t really have a clue what it’s like to do it or why you would do it, because it’s so much work. But the people who have a passion for it would never change that." Earlier this month, Elle Purrier won the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City. In the process, she set a new American record in the indoor mile (4:16.85), broke a 37-year-old record, ran an 8-second personal best time, and ran the second fastest indoor mile in history. On this episode, Elle, who runs for New Balance, talks about that day, and reflects on her indoor season before she begins training for outdoor season — and the 2020 Olympic Track & Field Trials. She also talks about growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont, and how that impacted her work ethic. Thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to atlantatrackclub.org to sign up for this weekend's Publix Atlanta 5K, where you can finish in the same spot as the men and women running the Olympic Trials Marathon the day before! What you’ll get on this episode: Recapping Elle’s amazing race at the 2020 Millrose Games (3:00) Recapping the next week’s USATF indoor championships in Albuquerque, where Elle ran the 3000m (11:00) Elle sounds off on her competition (19:15) What’s next for Elle, and how does outdoor training compare to indoor training? (20:30) On growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont (22:45) A closer look at Elle’s training, and looking back at the 2019 Fifth Avenue Mile (28:30) Follow Elle: Instagram @elleruns_4_her_life Twitter @ellepurrier Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play 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!
And they always involve Mo Farah and Jenny Simpson. We talked Great North Run and Fifth Avenue Mile plus that Woody/woodsy 5000 on Nike's track. We also tried to convince you about how great the Japanese trials are going to be and talked about the organic track beef coming from the Kenyan steeple team. The 1609 Podcast is a proud member of the CITIUS MAG Podcast Family! For more running content, check out @CITIUSMAG on twitter or citiusmag.com. Catch us at @1609pod on social and Patreon or at 1609pod@gmail.com!
In the intro to this one, we talk about Jenny Simpson's 6th straight win at the Fifth Avenue Mile (with a challenge from Colleen Quigley), Mo Farah's result at the Great North Run, and Emma Coburn's controversial comments about the new steeple WR. Then, at 26:10 into the episode, we start our 5th round of answers to your listener questions. In this episode, we give answers to: - What to look for in a coach? - How to learn to sustain 5K race pace for a full 5K? - How to think about prep races? - How did Rogue get its start? And more...
Two years ago, at the 2015 Fifth Avenue Mile, Witold Bialokur ran a seven minute time. He did it at 80 years-old. The second place finisher in his group came in a minute and twenty seconds later. Witold is what most of us can only dream of becoming at his age. He’s fit, not frail, and he runs faster that most Americans can run at any age. But greatness like this comes at a price. We’ll visit Witold Bialokur, a Polish immigrant born before the start of WWII. Witold’s run nearly his whole life. When he was young, it was a way to survive as a kid in exile during the war. Later it became a path to notoriety as a promising athlete and national running coach in Poland. And, when he got older, running was a part-time passion—and an obsession—as an amateur in Queens, New York. Take a journey through the life of one of the most remarkable runners around. You’ll get a glimpse into the methods of a master running coach, see what it takes to achieve greatness, but also the perils of being super competitive and obsessed with being your best. And there will be dancing. This episode of Human Race is sponsored by Aaptiv, an on-demand audio fitness app that you can do at home, at the gym, outdoors - anywhere. Get your first month free when you sign up for a monthly subscription at and use the promo code "HUMAN." To see pictures of Witold and Urzsula and of the master coach in action, head to www.runnersworld.com/audio and check out the show page for this episode. Visit Witold's Runner's at: https://www.facebook.com/witoldsrunners/ Episode Credits: Host: David Weinberg Producer: Mervyn Degaños Editing help: Christine Fennessy, Sylvia Ryerson Theme music: Danny Cocke Human Race editor in chief: David Willey Human Race is a proud part of Panoply. Follow us on Twitter (@rwaudio) and Facebook (Runner's World Audio).