"I am nowhere near close to being an expert, and that’s part of why I wanted this job — a challenge."

Imagine you're a real-life woman in STEM. Someone who loves numbers, data, hypotheses, constants, and thoroughly researched experiments with scientifically-backed outcomes. Imagine you're also an athlete. A triathlete, specifically. So, what's the dream job? Triathlete in STEM Jinger Gottschall found it: Director of Sports Research at New Balance. In her role, Jinger oversees a team whose job it is to create, research, test, and design shoes and apparel that maximize performance and minimize injury. In this conversation — recorded in the Sports Research Lab at The TRACK at New Balance — Jinger talks about what her job entails, why she wanted this job, where work still needs to be done when testing products for men vs. women, and just how many pairs of shoes are in her closet.

SPONSOR: 

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order.

In this episode:

• What it’s like working at the New Balance Sports Research Lab (2:40)
• How Jinger describes her job (3:45)
• What it’s like when the pros come into the lab (6:30)
• How Jinger has learned about all the sports New Balance covers (11:45)
• How Jinger got the job she has today (14:30)
• On testing competitors’ shoes (24:30)
• The lab, by the numbers (33:00)
• Jinger’s take on testing for women’s products (35:45)
• What a day in the life is like at New Balance (43:45)
• Jinger’s favorite feature in the sports research lab, her favorite shoes, and more (48:20)

Follow Ali:

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"Be open to the possibility of what can happen when you relinquish control and just listen."

Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're tackling health stuff, running stuff, work stuff, and a total grab bag of miscellaneous questions. 

SPONSORS: 

• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order.
• Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

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!

She'll race the 800, the 1500, the mile, the 5K, the 10K...and in this conversation, Elise Cranny even hints at a possible marathon someday. Elise returns to the Ali on the Run Show to catch up on life since becoming a two-time Olympian (2020 and 2024). She talks about a lot of change: from Portland-based Bowerman Track Club and coach Jerry Schumacher, to Boulder-based Team Boss and coach Joe Bosshard, to now, training in Flagstaff, being coached by NAU's Jarred Cornfield, and taking a break from the team atmosphere. She explains why she made certain changes in an Olympic year, and talks about how she's feeling now, both physically and mentally. (Spoiler: She's fit, and she's headed to Sound Running's The TEN next weekend!)

FOLLOW ELISE @elise.cranny

SPONSOR: 

• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order.

In this episode:

• What’s on tap for today? (2:30)
• Elise’s New York Times Games morning routine (5:30)
• On life lately (10:50)
• The allure of the marathon (14:35)
• Which distance has Elise’s heart right now? (18:40)
• On chasing records (24:15)
• Elise recaps her 2025 indoor season (25:45)
• How Elise is feeling right now, and whether she’s currently feeling fit (30:30)
• All about Elise’s big changes over the past few years, including changing teams, coaches, and locations (35:20)
• On being a confident racer, and how Elise handles the comparison trap (43:15)
• Why Elise chose to sign with Grand Slam Track, and how being a racer has dictated this year’s schedule (45:50)
• How Elise has handled a tough couple of years (52:00)
• What Elise is excited about right now (57:30)
• No-such-thing-as-TMI talk! (This is the stuff I mentioned!) (59:35)

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!

"There are so many ways to get to the start line. There is not one way to do it. You just have to find what works best for you."

Parker Valby was a collegiate phenom. At the University of Florida, Parker set multiple collegiate records in the 5000m and the 10,000m. She earned six NCAA and SEC titles, including five NCAA titles in one year alone. She wrapped up her career as a Gator by competing at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, earning a spot on Team USA, and competing at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 11th in the 10,000m final and was the youngest runner in the top 15.

Now, 22-year-old Parker has officially gone pro. She signed with New Balance and joined Team New Balance Boston, where she trains alongside teammates — and fellow Olympians — including Elle Purrier St. Pierre, Heather MacLean, and Emily Mackay. 

This conversation was recorded at The TRACK at New Balance during the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet. Enjoy as NB Olympian Vernon Norwood drops in mid-chat and takes over hosting duties!

FOLLOW PARKER @parkervalby

FOLLOW VERNON @vernon400m

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Does Boston feel like home? (2:40)
• Can Parker still do a split? (4:00)
• On adjusting to life as a professional athlete (6:30)
• Parker’s experience joining Team New Balance Boston (7:30)
• What Parker was like growing up, and how her dad became her agent (10:35)
• Parker’s “going pro” support network (16:45)
• Is it hard to be the best? (18:20)
• What it was like winning the Bowerman Award — and just how much it weighs (23:55)
• What it was like making her pro debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (26:00)
• All about Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan (31:10)
• Parker’s preferred methods of cross training (39:45)
• What it’s like getting recognized on the run in Boston (48:00)
• Vernon Norwood takes over hosting duties (59:00)

SPONSOR: 

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

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!

"The thing that they just really want is to race the best people, and for people to watch them. They legitimately want to race really good people, and they want it to matter."

You've probably seen the hype for track's newest league. But what, exactly, is Grand Slam Track, and why should we care about it? In this conversation, Grand Slam's Senior Director of Racing, Kyle Merber, returns to the Ali on the Run Show to tell us everything we need to know about the "Slams." He talks about his role, and about the athlete recruiting process. Plus, what he's most excited for, why he thinks everyone should watch, and a bit of celebration for his 2:26 marathon PR from the Houston Marathon earlier this year.

SPONSOR: 

• Shokz: Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. (Check out the limited edition Boston Marathon OpenRun Pro2!)

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!

"Win or learn, and then pick up and move on."

The girls were back in town! Keira D'Amato and I spent the weekend in Richmond, VA, for the second River City Half Marathon and 5K (she ran — and won — the half, and I ran the 5K). Thank you so much to the best bejeweled and bedazzled audience for such a fun afternoon. We laughed, we debated hot takes, and we love you so much.

SPONSOR: 

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

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!

"It’s not sustainable if you’re not having fun with it."

Tristin Colley ran her first marathon in 2019 in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Just four years later, Tristin she 15 minutes off that time, running 2:25 at the Chicago Marathon. Now, Tristin (formerly Van Ord) is throwing down 110-mile weeks with her team, ZAP Endurance, as she gears up for this year's Boston Marathon. Tristin lives in Blowing Rock, NC, with her husband, teammate, and fellow pro marathoner Andrew Colley. This past weekend, they each competed at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta. In this conversation, Tristin reflects on that race, and looks to her next one in Boston. She talks about going pro, being raised by a single mom, and doing triple workouts as part of her Boston prep.

FOLLOW TRISTIN @tristinvanord

IN THIS EPISODE:

• On running to the Shrek soundtrack on repeat, the ZAP Endurance team vibe, and “ketchup with seemingly ranch” (2:50)
• Tristin’s take on off days (8:15)
• Tristin recaps her race at the USATF Half Marathon Championships (9:40)
• How Tristin deals with disappointment (12:00)
• Tristin’s takeaways from last weekend’s race (15:55)
• Reflecting on a tough year, and what Tristin’s mindset was heading into the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon (17:00)
• What it was like living in North Carolina during last year’s floods (21:25)
• All about Coach Colley, and Tristin’s involvement at Appalachian State University (26:30)
• How Tristin’s Boston Marathon training is going (28:10)
• How Tristin met now-husband Andrew Colley (32:10)
• How Tristin has shaved 15 minutes off her marathon time (38:30)
• Why Tristin wanted to run with ZAP Endurance (40:15)
• All about Tristin’s mom, and what Tristin was like as a kid (41:00)
• Tristin looks back on her experiences at both the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (47:15)
• The pros and cons of dating a teammate and fellow professional marathoner (57:00)

SPONSORS: 

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.
• goodr: Click here and use code ALI for $5 off your next order.

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!

"It’s never too late. It’s never too late to switch careers, ask for a raise, do something you want to be doing. If you’re feeling stuck, just know that it’s never too late. If you want to make a change, life is short. Do it."

Talia McKinney is on her feet all day, every day — and every day starts with a run. The New York City-based marathoning real estate agent is one of the top agents at SERHANT, where she works with Million Dollar Listing and Owning Manhattan star Ryan Serhant. Talia is a speaker, host, and world traveler (she's been to 45 countries!), who runs as a guide with Achilles International. In this conversation, she talks about what it's like selling a $31.5 million home (!!!) and about the most impressive amenities she's ever seen, and she shares her running and real estate origin stories.

FOLLOW TALIA @taliamckinney

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Talia celebrated her birthday in Idaho (1:50)
• All about Talia’s run today — and how she found her running buddies (4:45)
• How Talia became a guide for Achilles International (7:15)
• What Talia’s training for right now (11:55)
• Why Talia decided to run her first marathon (13:10)
• A day in the life of Talia McKinney (19:00)
• Some of Talia’s most memorable sales (21:10)
• Talia’s dream runner-friendly building (29:10)
• How Talia became a real estate agent, and why she wanted to work with Ryan Serhant (30:45)
• Talia's advice for anyone who isn't feeling seen, heard, or taken seriously (43:10)

SPONSOR: 

• UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN Edge sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.

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!

"It’s good to get to a place where you can accept that there are terrible things happening and good things happening, and they all happen at once, and we don’t get to plan when they happen. So if you’re going through something really hard and joy shows up for you, see it and notice it."

Welcome to Ask Ali, a monthly series where I answer all of your questions submitted on Instagram (I'm @aliontherun1). This time around, we're covering everything from how to trust your training to how to stay positive in the face of adversity to "What's saving your life right now?"

SPONSOR: 

• New Balance: Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.

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 needed to have the year I had to really give me the push to make the changes I made."

In 2022, Sinclaire Johnson cemented her spot as a middle-distance rising star when she broke the women's 1500m tape at the U.S. National Championships. Since then, the Nike-sponsored athlete has made a lot of changes on the run. She transitioned from Jerry Schumacher's Bowerman Track Club to Union Athletics Club, where she was coached by Pete Julian. Last year — a year when she finished fourth in the 1500m at the Olympic Track & Field Trials — Sinclaire knew it was time to change it up again, this time opting to forgo a team environment and be coached by her fiancé, Craig Nowak. Now, with a fresh 3:56 1500m PR from the 2024 Trials, Sinclaire is in the middle of her indoor season. She ran a personal best in the mile (4:23.58) at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, where she finished third, and then finished sixth in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City. This weekend, Sinclaire will race at U.S. Indoor Nationals. 

FOLLOW SINCLAIRE @sinclairejohnson

SPONSORS: 

• St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville: Register for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 mile, KiDSROCK, or Doggie Dash, all taking place April 26–27, 2025 in Music City, USA! Use code ONTHERUN at checkout for $10 off your Saturday race registration. 
• Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon’s 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for $25 off your next Lagoon order.

In this episode:

• Where in the world is Sinclaire Johnson? (2:10)
• How Sinclaire and her Nike-sponsored friends have navigated change over the past few years — and what it’s meant for their relationships (6:00)
• Sinclaire reflects on her third-place finish and personal best at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (8:00)
• How Sinclaire was feeling heading into the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York City (12:35)
• Sinclaire looks back on her pro racing debut (15:20)
• How Sinclaire processed last year’s U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials, where she finished fourth in the 1500m (20:40)
• How Sinclaire has navigated some big recent changes, including a team change and a coaching change (27:45)
• What Sinclaire’s training looks like right now (42:00)
• How Craig proposed to Sinclaire (47:30)
• What’s on Sinclaire’s 2025 racing calendar — including a distance debut later this year (53:20)
• Sinclaire's advice for anyone feeling stuck right now (59:20)

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 love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!