Would You Run If No One Was Watching?

​In this episode of Young Hearts Run Free, we sit down with ultra-runner, coach, and author Allie Bailey for a conversation that strips endurance running back to its raw, unvarnished truth.

​Allie isn't here to sell you the "running is a cure-all" dream. Instead, she challenges the modern obsession with metrics, exploring how watches, apps, and social media have transformed a simple joy into a performance to be measured and judged.

​In This Episode, We Discuss:

​The Comparison Trap: Why we’ve traded the joy of movement for the validation of the "upload."

​The Emotional Hangover: A candid look at the "crash" that follows legendary feats like the Dragon’s Back and the Spine Race. As experienced first hand by Allie.

​Sobriety & Mental Health: Allie shares her deeply personal journey through mental health struggles and the role of sobriety in finding her "purple patch."

​31 Days: Insights from Ali’s new book on the daily mindset shifts required to change how we think—not just how we run. A zero-bullsh*t mindset masterclass for the modern runner.

​Funny, fierce, and unflinchingly honest, this conversation moves far beyond the trails. It is an exploration of identity, the cost of resilience, and the vital importance of honesty and love when the finish line is long behind you.

​"Running isn't always the answer. Sometimes, it's just a place to hide. The real work happens when the shoes come off."

​Connect with Ali:

​Book: 31 Days (Available now here) https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/31-days-allie-bailey

​Socials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ab_runs/

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