Oh hi!
It's been a while. How have you been?
Got a fresh chop for summer! I’ve never liked having short hair, but as I enter this much-anticipated season of regrowth, cutting off the dead ends felt so good and so necessary. I feel lighter, and ready to reclaim summer after last year’s particularly cruel one!
Oh my gosh, it’s good to be back! I launched this newsletter at the end of 2022 and was so excited to have a space to write beyond the Instagram caption limits every week. And then I got cancer, and then I got overwhelmed, and then I stopped writing here.
But like any good craving, the urge has returned.
How have you been? What’s new? What do you have planned for summer?
I posted an Instagram Q&A box earlier this week, and then my Instagram (I’m @aliontherun1) was being glitchy and weird, and it wouldn’t let me post any responses. So in lieu of a long catch-up session today, how about finally getting to that Q&A? (As if people were losing sleep over this.)
But OK, a quick catch-up, because the most popular question, by far, was “How are you doing?” And you’re all very kind to ask, and I appreciate that.
I am doing OK? It’s been a hard, hard year. The answer to this question can change by the day, by the hour, by the breath. So right now, in this moment, in this breath… I’m OK.
My Crohn’s disease is flaring worse than it has in a decade. (My worst flare was in 2012–2014, and this one is rivaling that, but fortunately without the nightly fevers and night sweats.) So that’s frustrating. I am so, so tired of being in pain and running for the bathroom dozens of times a day. It’s very inconvenient! And there’s absolutely no sugar-coating this one: It sucks. It’s debilitating. It’s embarrassing.
A few weeks ago, I also started having this awful low back / SI / piriformis / “my entire left side hurts” pain. It was so bad that I couldn’t put any weight on my left side, which was particularly fun in the middle of the night when I’d need to run for the bathroom but couldn’t walk and would crawl to the bathroom. Seriously, life. Keep it coming. “I’m a real tough kid, I can handle my shit…” Fortunately and unsurprisingly, an eventual visit to Dr. Ian at Wellness in Motion seemed to do the trick. I’ll see him again today, but I’m definitely on the upswing and the pain seems to be easing up.
I haven’t run since the Eugene Half Marathon. I’ve barely been going for walks, because it’s just not fun — I don’t want to walk through pain, I don’t want to make it worse, and I’m tired of having to run into the woods a handful of times on a 2-mile walk, dragging poor Ellie into the woods with me. (She doesn’t mind. But I always apologize!)
This all sounds like a bummer, huh? That’s life lately for ya.
It’s not all bad. Annie is an absolute joy, and this weekend is her first dance recital on the big stage! The same stage that I called home from the ages of 5–18. It’s so special seeing her thrive up there, with the biggest smile on her face.
The pool is open. Ellie swims every day. I got my eyebrows tinted for the first time, which felt like such a little treat.
I’m going to be OK.
(Nice attempt at a “quick catch-up,” Ali! You’re doing great!)
Let’s get to the Q&A, shall we?
Live in Brooklyn with Becs and Zac! You can listen to that episode here.
Sequin top or sequin skirt?
Sequin flare pants.
Any plans for Ali on the Run apparel?
Working on friendship bracelets. Apparel is tricky, because I struggle with what it should say. Good branding and marketing says it should say Ali on the Run Show on it somewhere, but I simply cannot imagine people wanting to wear something with the name of a podcast on it. I want something with more mass appeal. I have ideas. (Fun ones! Cute ones! Comfy ones!) I need someone to execute them for me.
What is making you happy lately?
Dance recital week!!! It’s so fun.
Have you ever recorded and not released an episode?
Yes, a few! It was within the first year of launching the show. One was because of technical difficulties. One was because a guest changed her mind about being ready to share her story, but then we were able to record together a few years later when she was ready, and that was beautiful and wonderful. One was because I had to keep pausing the conversation to go to the bathroom and it was just…not good. I was so off my game that day. We re-recorded it, and that guest — Amanda Nurse! — has since been on the show multiple times and has become a dear friend.
If you hosted a podcast other than Ali on the Run, what would be the topic?
My girlfriends and me, chatting about a different random topic every week, probably? Just an excuse to get to hang with my friends more.
Can’t-miss event at the Olympic Trials? There are so many to choose from!
The women’s marathon, the women’s 1500m final, and the men’s 1500m final. (Look at me giving love to the men! Loving the 1500m storylines this year! Talk that trash, boys.)
Do you have mentors? Who are they?
I am so lucky to have a strong support network of people who work in the running industry who have been instrumental to my success and happiness. Mary Wittenberg and Christine Burke are at the top of that list.
You’re captain of a Ragnar Relay van — for fun, not racing. Five pros and you. Who are you inviting?
This is hard because, as you know, I love them all so much. But in the spirit of “people I want to be around / who make me laugh and feel good,” let’s go with:
Keira D’Amato
Des Linden
Nikki Hiltz
Emma Bates
Rachel Schneider Smith
But I would also want to include Sara Hall. And Molly Seidel. And Aliphine Tuliamuk. And Emily Durgin is so lovely to be around. And Emily Durgin’s parents. And Dakotah Lindwurm. And Sara Vaughn. And Courtney Wayment. Oh and obviously Courtney Dauwalter. OK I hate this game, I choose everyone. And you know what? Throw Sha’Carri Richardson in there, too. This will be fun!
Everyday New Balance walking shoe you recommend?
The 1080v13
Best nutrition advice you received from Feathers?
Meghann Featherstun, our queen. She successfully convinced me to eat before I run. After years of running on an empty stomach because I thought I preferred it, she got me eating before every run, and it felt so much better.
Any new content planned for Patreon? No pressure! Just curious! You’re doing great.
Look at how nice and cute this question is. LOLOLOLOL I love you. Yes, I’m actually going to put out a Patreon episode soon — spicy takes! We love getting a little salty on Patreon!
What was your favorite part of your Dance Spirit magazine days?
The free tickets to any shows we wanted, anytime. From New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to Alvin Ailey to every Broadway show that was out between 2007–2014, I got to see it all — for free. The ultimate perk, especially as a 20-something making $30K/year in New York City. No question. It was amazing. (I saw In the Heights like eight times, and got to see the original casts of most shows, including Hamilton. Such a gift. Forever grateful for those experiences.)
And the people. I’m still close with many of them. One is my best friend.
Do you think you will ever run the Boston Marathon?
Nope!
Aside from the races you’ve already participated in, do you have a dream race to run or work?
Really wanting to take the Ali on the Run Show international, and am working on a pitch for London 2025…
What Disney princess do you identify with?
Rapunzel is my favorite. I identify with Anna from Frozen in many ways (hopeless romantic + family is everything + “do the next right thing”). And I’m an aspiring Moana.
Have you ever dyed your hair? What fantasy color would you choose if you had to do something funky.
Never / pink.
What are your favorite summer running shorts?
What type of strength training do you do? I have heard you reference Peloton.
I half-ass the 10-minute strength classes while I watch TV or scroll my phone. It’s very inspiring. (Usually a combination of upper body and core.)
Do you have any hidden talents or party tricks?
I love to try to convince party guests to play the game of “name all 50 states in 7 minutes.” It’s not fun if people know the 50 states song, but I don’t know the song, and I like to number a piece of paper 1 to 50 and try to name them all. I usually forget Nebraska. Sorry, Nebraska.
Do you ever go to open dance classes? They’re so fun!
There is an adult tap class starting next week at my old dance studio. I want to do it. I still have my tap shoes… I do not, however, still have my tap skills.
What do you hope Annie remembers about her childhood?
That she was so loved, cared for, and supported by so many people, every second of every day.
What is your favorite smell?
Lilacs. This candle. This shower gel. And this for basically everything (soap, lotion, reed diffuser, candles).
When and where is the next Ali on the Run live show?
Taking a much-needed break from live shows right now. I’ve done eight live shows so far this year, and I need to recharge a bit. I don’t like to overextend on live shows. I want them to be special, fun experiences. So, none planned for summer, but then we’ll get back to it in the fall!
Favorite tracks on The Tortured Poets Department?
In order:
I Can Do It With a Broken Heart (obviously)
…Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
But Daddy I Love Him
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
The Black Dog
So High School is very fun and flirty. thanK you aIMee is great. And Robin is so sweet. loml makes me cry, but it’s beautiful.
What is your favorite Taylor Swift song?
In order:
Long Live
Love Story
You’re On Your Own, Kid
All Too Well (10-Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
Getaway Car
Did you move?
No.
Will you be sharing more about your divorce?
Also no. I know people are curious. I get it. But I hope people understand the importance of boundaries here, and this part of my life — which involves other people, not just me, of course — isn’t for public consumption. It’s a private situation. You understand, right?
Good place to end? Phew, got through a lot there!
This week on the Ali on the Run Show:
Run Your Way with Emma Coburn, LIVE in Brooklyn: Emma’s eighth time on the show, and our fourth live show together! Emma’s perspective on dealing with a season-ending injury in an Olympic year is, frankly, remarkable and almost unbelievable. Emma Coburn for president. Of everything.
What I’m watching:
Always Be My Maybe (Netflix): Finally watched this one, starring Ali Wong and Randall Park. It was cute! Light, fun, predictable. (Spoiler: They end up together at the end!!!)
The Idea of You (Amazon Prime): OBVIOUSLY. My favorite book, now a movie, and I’ve watched it three times. I love it. I love the book more, but do we need to play that game? Nah. I loved this. And, like many, I love the ending so much more than the ending in the book. Get it, Anne Hathaway.
Love is Blind Season 6 (Netflix): I watched this a while ago (once I finally finished every season of Suits, which took a while!), and wow. Absolutely train wreck of a season. I couldn’t look away. What a delight.
Summer House (Peacock): I am not particularly proud of this one. I’m not a Bravo girlie, but here we are. (Emma Coburn would be proud, though!) I turned on one episode, because I listen to Giggly Squad and was curious was Hannah and Paige were like on the show. And then…I got hooked. And now I’m in deep. Sigh.
What I’m reading:
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. A “sorry you’re going through cancer, maybe a fun book will help” gift from Emily Halnon (whose book you should also read), and I finally got around to it. I loved it! Light, fun, cute, satisfying. And now I get to watch the movie…as soon as I can turn off Summer House.
OK. Too long, Ali, too long!
Thanks for reading. Thanks for sticking with me.
I’m trying to get back into a podcast recording groove, but the Crohn’s stuff makes it super hard. (I had to make two bathroom breaks during therapy today. Annoying!) Thanks for being patient with me during the ups, the downs, and all the funky in-betweens.
And so…
Take good care of yourselves. Take good care of each other. Tell someone you love them today. Thank you so much for being here. And whatever you’re going through, keep going.
Love,
Ali
Was so happy to see this in my inbox!
You’re doing great! And these definitely aren’t too long 😁