"I didn't prepare for it. I wasn't ready for it. It was very, very hard, and dark, and scary."

Welcome to the second episode in the new Beyond the Run series on the Ali on the Run Show. Twice a month, we're checking in with industry experts, professional runners, and everyday runners to talk about the intersection of running and mental wellness. (The first episode in this series with Dr. Ian Nurse and Emily Saul was a must-listen.) Today, running and strength coach Jess Movold returns to the show to talk about her pregnancy (she's currently 21 weeks along with her first baby, a boy!) and how she's coped with the physical and emotional changes in her life. It's an honest, vulnerable conversation about expectations vs. reality, dealing with dark days, and how life is changing on the run and beyond.

SPONSOR: New Balance — Go to newbalance.com/beyondtherun to learn more about how New Balance is supporting the conversations around mental wellness in running. (And check out my current favorite jacket, joggers, and long-sleeve shirts.)

What you'll get on this episode:

• Jess shares her experience running the Austin Half Marathon at 21 weeks pregnant (5:10)
• Jess's relationship with her dad (11:40)
• How Jess found out she was pregnant, and what it was like running the New York City Marathon a few weeks into her pregnancy (20:00)
• The story of Kelly (31:00)
• Expectations vs. reality (35:00)
• How Jess is dealing with the tough days (46:15)
• Body talk (50:00)
• Why Jess says mental wellness "is everything" (1:05:30)
• Jess offers runners a pre-race pep talk — and tries to convince us all to do 10 push-ups (1:08:30)

For more, check out:

Jess Movold on Episode 249 of the Ali on the Run Show

Jess Movold on Episode 147 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Jess:

• Instagram @jessmovold
• Instagram @runnersworldcoach

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• Instagram @aliontherun1
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• Twitter @aliontherun1
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