"How can I not have success when I have this many people coming and supporting me?" On the Friday before the Boston Marathon, I hosted a panel at the race expo featuring three of Shokz-sponsored athletes: Hellen Obiri, , and . Hellen entered the race at the two-time defending champion, and she went on to finish second in 2:17:41, a significant personal best in a fast, gritty race. Conner, one of the best professional marathoners the United States has ever seen, ran hard and with heart, finishing fourth in 2:05:08, just seconds off the podium. And Dakotah, the smiley, speedy Paris Olympian, finished 16th in 2:26:09. In this conversation, these three runners talked about what success in Boston would look like for each of them and, of course, talked about what they like to listen to on the run, and shared their favorite sights and sounds of the Boston Marathon.&nbsp; SPONSOR:&nbsp;  : 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:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

804. LIVE at the Boston Marathon Expo with Hellen Obiri, Conner Mantz, and Dakotah Popehn, Presented by Shokz

"I’ve tried to take on that mindset for the last few years at these races, of, 'How do I show up as authentically as possible, as the Ali I know I am and want to be, while having fun, while being professional… What does that look like?' And I feel like I kind of nailed it this time around."  There’s nowhere I’d rather be on the third Monday in April than at the Boston Marathon finish line! This year, I was honored to be asked back to perform a variety of roles in Boston. I was one of the announcers at the Boston 5K, I hosted two panels and one live show, I was one of the race announcers at the finish on Marathon Monday, and I was the finish line reporter for the world feed broadcast. It was a fun, rewarding weekend that included quality time with my favorite people, my biggest live event ever, a million finish line hugs, a few too many after-parties, and so much more. SPONSORS:&nbsp;  THE AJC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE:&nbsp;The lottery for this year's most famous Fourth of July 10K is now open.&nbsp;&nbsp;for your chance to run Atlanta's iconic race. Lagoon:&nbsp; 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. UCAN:&nbsp; 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.  In this episode:  Friday: the press conference, the , the , dinner at Saltie Girl (get the lobster roll!), a finish line dance party, and a New Balance party at Sweeney’s (1:50) Saturday: the 5K, the New Balance show with , and the marathon relay at The Track (22:30) Sunday: a windy long run, bottle decorating, a Newbury Street stroll, sound check, and a broadcast meeting (41:40) Marathon Monday: all the stories from the finish line, including friends’ finishes, pro finishes, Paul Revere, Des’s final Boston, and the after parties (54:20)  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

805. My 2025 Boston Marathon Weekend Recap

"All those moments led to this. All the hard work really, truly pays off."  In 2022, Sharon Lokedi made her marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. It went pretty well for a first-timer: She won. Since then, Sharon has raced often and well, usually finding herself on a podium just behind frequent competitor and friend Hellen Obiri. Sharon finished second to Hellen in Boston last year, and finished just off the podium in fourth at last summer's Paris Olympics — again, just behind Hellen. So this year, Sharon lined up in Boston ready to see if she could overtake the two-time defending champion — and the rest of the field.  You know how it played out: Sharon won the 2025 Boston Marathon in a personal best time of 2:17:22. In this conversation, the Kenyan-born, Flagstaff-based Under Armour Dark Sky Distance athlete talks about what it took to break the tape that Monday in Boston. She talks her childhood as the oldest of four kids being raised by a single mom, and about the adjustment when she came to the United States for college. And, of course, she breaks down race day in Boston, including how she felt that morning, whether she had a feeling it was going to be her day, and how she celebrated afterward (hello, new Gucci bag!).&nbsp;  FOLLOW SHARON  SPONSOR:&nbsp;  goodr:&nbsp;&nbsp;and use code ALI for $5 off your next order.  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

806. Sharon Lokedi, 2025 Boston Marathon Champion

"We don’t do things the easy way."  Ten years ago, Darcy Budworth was feeling burned out on running and racing in New York City. The interior designer felt a pull toward something beyond the classic weekend morning road races in Central Park. Enter&nbsp;: an unsanctioned urban race through city streets and over bridges, navigating traffic, pedestrians, and bike messengers, all at night, in the dark. In this conversation, Darcy talks about building the thing she thought was missing from the running community. She talks about how Take the Bridge has grown and expanded beyond NYC to 27 cities and nine countries. She talks about how they've stayed true to TTB's roots, fostering community, connection, and exciting racing — and about what they're doing to celebrate the event's 10th anniversary this summer. ( to be a part of it on July 25, 2025!)  FOLLOW DARCY  SPONSORS:&nbsp;  Oofos:&nbsp;The best in recovery footwear! Check out Oofos's new&nbsp;&nbsp;— before it sells out! UCAN:&nbsp; 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.  In this episode:  Have you run today? (2:25) What Darcy is looking for on the run right now (4:20) All about Darcy’s job as an interior designer (7:00) How Darcy found running (12:15) What running looked like for Darcy in the mid-2010s in New York City — and how Take the Bridge was born (16:45) What it’s like participating in an unsanctioned race (23:40) What it’s like running Take the Bridge (32:15) When Darcy knew she was building something special (41:50) How Darcy has stayed focus on her original mission as Take the Bridge has expanded to 27 cities and 9 countries (43:40) How a Take the Bridge race actually works (49:15) How Darcy has seen the NYC running scene and community evolve since the mid-2010s (53:15) The best bridges: which ones Darcy has loved the most (58:15) How Take the Bridge will celebrate its 10th birthday this summer (1:08:40) Darcy’s advice to anyone afraid of taking a big risk (1:15:30)  Follow:       SUPPORT:&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends! &nbsp;

807. Darcy Budworth, Founder of Take the Bridge

"It's just this phase of life I'm in right now where I just can't get enough of going out and having fun. Within reason. In sweatpants." I had the absolute privilege of getting to attend the London Marathon with New Balance (a sponsor of the race). I attended a New Balance Women's Summit, hosted a panel the night before the race, and spent a ton of time exploring as much of London as I could. On race day, I was at the finish line cheering for the runners as they made their way from Buckingham Palace down the chute. (Congratulations, runners! Not an easy day out there!) The entire experience was incredible. I loved the city of London, the people, the architecture, the pub scene (!!!). I already can't wait to go back.&nbsp; SPONSORS:&nbsp;  New Balance:  to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. Lagoon:&nbsp;&nbsp;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.  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

808. My 2025 London Marathon Weekend Recap

"For two years, I have been sad. Not all the time. But it got pretty bad and pretty dark and pretty scary for a long time. And over these past few weeks, I’ve seen the light. And I feel like I get to be the light. And it’s been really fun to genuinely be enjoying my life." If you follow me on Instagram (I'm ), I'm sure you're sick of my 40th birthday posts. But I had so much fun that this warranted an audio version of the weekend. So we brought in the big guns:&nbsp;, here to guest host this week's episode! Best spring ever? Best spring ever.&nbsp; SPONSOR:&nbsp;  : Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. Lagoon:&nbsp;&nbsp;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.  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

809. On Turning 40, With Guest Host Cousin Jackie

"They just want a chance to compete." Yesterday, after much anticipation and speculation, USA Track &amp; Field announced the changes to the qualifying times for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. So, what's it going to take to OTQ leading up to LA 2028, and to get to run at the Trials? For women, the qualifying mark stays the same: 2:37:00. On the men's side, things are getting faster: Men will now need to run 2:16:00 to qualify — a full two minutes faster than the qualifying time for the 2024 Trials. In this episode, USATF's Chairs of the Long Distance Running Committee —  and  — join the show to explain what what into making these decisions, and what they mean for athletes and fans alike. (Read the full USATF release&nbsp;.) SPONSOR:&nbsp;  New Balance:&nbsp;&nbsp;to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season.  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

812. Everything You Need to Know About the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Standards

“This sucks, and it’s going to be hard, and this is very real. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop having fun along the way. So let’s have fun when it feels right.” We're due for a catch-up. SPONSOR:&nbsp;  UCAN:&nbsp; to get a FREE UCAN sample pack (you’ll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your entire UCAN order.  Follow:       SUPPORT:&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

813. A Life Update From Ali, Again

"I’m laser focused. This is serious."  She's the 2018 Boston Marathon champion. She's the co-host of . She's one of the most admired, most accomplished, and most respected distance runners of our time, and now, Des is taking it to the trails. After running her final professional marathon in Boston in April, Des's next big adventure will be pacing friend  at the Western States Endurance Run in just a few weeks. In this conversation, Des talks about what her pacing duties will entail, what training camp was like, and what's exciting her right now.&nbsp; SPONSOR:&nbsp;  :&nbsp;Use code ALI for $10 off your next purchase. Code valid in the U.S. and Canada. Lagoon:&nbsp;&nbsp;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 life has been like since the 2025 Boston Marathon — Des’s final professional marathon (2:25) Will we see Des at the big fall marathons? (5:30) Des’s parting thoughts on the 2025 Boston Marathon (7:25) Des’s introduction to all things Western States (16:25) The WSER pacing plan (21:15) Which races are on Des’s radar now (25:45) How Des sees her role in the trail running community (27:00) Des’s pacing resumé (29:20) How much do you know about what that day pacing will look like? (35:35) What Des is looking forward to most about Western States (41:15) The athletes Des admires in the trail world (43:40) The road racing athletes Des thinks we should all be watching (47:25) Some of the key takeaways from Des and Kara Goucher’s Save the 10,000 event — including 1,800 people participating in the virtual event (51:10)  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

814. Des Linden, Western States Endurance Run Pacer

"It was dark, and I remember looking over the ledge thinking, 'What’s down there?' I probably don’t want to know…" Deirdre Keane has never encountered an adventure she didn't want to pursue. The  turned McKinsey consultant is always on the run, whether it's at a world marathon major or it's completing — ! — the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. Deirdre's latest endorphin chase: the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon! In this conversation, she talks about the three-week excursion traversing glaciers and mountain passes and, ultimately, an unplanned trek back to base camp. Warning: This episode may inspire you to go do something big, scary, and life-changing.&nbsp; SPONSOR:&nbsp;  New Balance: Click here to shop the just-released !  In this episode:  Deirdre’s introduction to the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon, and how she was able to make it happen (4:00) Deirdre’s lasting relationships with her World Marathon Challenge crew (7:30) How Deirdre planned to complete the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon, and what her training was like (9:00) The logistical components of the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon (17:20) Deirdre’s adventures&nbsp;before  the ultra, summitting Island Peak (21:45) What it was like seeing Mount Everest for the first time (36:20) All about the Everest accommodations (41:00) Deirdre talks about completing the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon (45:30) On finishing the Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon — and the road away from the mountain (58:40) Deirdre's top takeaways from this experience (1:08:40) What's next on the run for Deirdre (1:10:40)  Follow Ali:       SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!&nbsp;If you’re enjoying the show, please&nbsp;. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

816. Deirdre Keane, Everest Extreme Ultra Marathoner

Welcome to the Ali on the Run Show — your best running buddy! This is a podcast where we talk about working hard, running hard, and doing whatever it takes to break a physical and mental sweat. I’m your host, Ali Feller, and I’m a writer and editor in New York City. I write about health and fitness for Well+Good, Women’s Health, Self, Shape, Allure, Fitness, and more, and am the former editor in chief of Dance Spirit magazine. I also blog at Ali on the Run, which is what inspired this podcast. Every week on this show, I'll bring on guests to talk about everything from marathon training and yoga to mental health and wellness. They're people I think are cool, and that I think you'll find cool, too. Bring us along on your next run — I’ll do my best to leave you feeling excited, inspired, and ready to pick up the pace along the way.

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