Start Line Stories With Ali On The Run

Ali Feller, host and creator of the Ali on the Run Show, at Hayward Field during the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in July 2022.

Don’t call it her redemption tour, but 11 years after signing up to run the 2012 Eugene Marathon, New Hampshire runner Ali Feller – host of the Ali on the Run Show – will finally be toeing the start line on Agate Street.

In the fall of 2012, Ali was fresh off the high of her very first marathon and Eugene was in her sights for marathon number two: where she was also eyeing a PR finish on the iconic Hayward Field track. But the same enthusiasm that encouraged her to sign up, also drove her to overtrain. An injury ensued, followed by a flare of Crohn’s disease and finally a case of burn out, which all added up to not going to Eugene in 2012. The one highlight of that time was when Ali sat down and blogged about her experience of deciding not to run and her blog got picked up by Runner’s World and published in March of 2012 (definitely worth a read).

Ali went on that fall to run another marathon (the Manchester City Marathon due to the cancellation of the 2012 New York Marathon) and did end up grabbing that coveted PR of 3:51. That marathon was followed by four more: New York in 2013, Steamtown in 2014, and New York two more times in 2014 and 2016.

Six years and one extremely cute baby later, Ali started to get an itch to run another marathon. Eugene was the first race that came to mind, and by the end of 2022, she was registered and looking for a training plan. Now, with a steady training base and a supportive coach behind her, Ali is feeling more ready than ever to take on 26.2 miles this April, and we had the opportunity to catch up with her and get to know her Start Line Story:

Where is home right now? 

Hopkinton, New Hampshire

Why did you choose to sign up for Eugene in 2023? 

The first time I signed up for Eugene in 2012, I wanted it to be my second marathon ever; I had just finished my first one and I was overzealous and very excited; I wanted to run sub 4 and, no surprise, I got injured real quick. I was also dealing with a Crohn’s flare, so 2012 Eugene was a big DNS for me. Since then, Eugene has always been in the back of my mind. Then, this past summer, I spent 2 ½ weeks in Eugene, working for the World Athletics Oregon22 media ops team. I had an amazing time: loved the community, loved Hayward Field, loved the running trails. Then I had an itch to run another marathon, which I tried really hard not to have, because it’s such a huge commitment. When I decided to make the commitment to run [a marathon] again, Eugene was the first place that came to mind. I don’t want to say it’s redemption, but it’s another try.

Ali Feller, host and creator of the Ali on the Run Show, at Hayward Field during the Oregon22 Media 800-meter race in July 2022.

What is currently motivating you to get to the start line on April 30, 2023? 

Just seeing if I can do it. And I think I can. I’m putting in the work and the training. I’m also motivated by the idea of “just showing up” every day. And I’m motivated by the guests on the Ali on the Run Show. It’s had a huge impact on me, more than I ever thought it would. Last week I was out for an 18-miler and it was hard and I was tired, so I started channeling some of those interviews, thinking if I’m Des, or Shalane, or Kara, they are not stopping, they are not giving up just because they’re tired. With the podcast, there is no shortage of sources or motivation … whatever I’m feeling, someone has talked to me about. I’m very lucky. And the Ali on the Run Show community is the best community I’ve ever experienced. I’m very biased, but I feel no pressure to perform a certain way. I have nothing to hide. I know people will be following me on race day. That doesn’t make me feel pressure, just an added bonus to have people cheering me on.

What type of training plan are you following and do you have a specific goal for the race? 

I’m working with a coach this time: Kaitlin Goodman of Running Joyfully. I’ve been lucky to know her for a few years and I’ve had her on the podcast. Kaitlin is really focused on making sure that I’m enjoying the process. I haven’t worked with a coach or followed a training plan in seven years and I was afraid that it wouldn’t be fun. I’m happy to say that it has been amazing, she’s keeping me accountable and there’s a lot of positive reinforcement. I’m like a puppy who enjoys treats (in the form of compliments) and I’m eating them up.

My goal is to get to the start line healthy and to get to the finish line happy. I would also love to PR. I haven’t run a PR since 2012 and I love the idea of taking down an 11-year old mark 3:51.

How many marathons have you completed? 

6

Why run and why choose to run marathons? 

Running makes me feel like my best self. When I’m out for the run on any given day, that feels like home to me. It doesn’t matter if I’m in my hometown or traveling. I have just really grown to love the repetition of putting one foot in front of the other. It’s simple. I’m always happier, more relaxed, a better mom and a better wife when I’ve gotten a run in. I feel fortunate that I have a career in this industry.

Marathons are a really great challenge. Not many people do them. The majority of people do not complete marathons. I know that training for and running a marathon has so much power to change your life. When I was training for my first marathon, I was fresh off of a break-up and while I was training I ended up meeting my now husband, I met many of the people who are still my best friends, I found the best version of myself, I learned what I was capable of and it kick-started my career in the running industry.

I’m so excited to be running another marathon and to be back in Eugene. I can’t wait to experience those start line nerves and finish on the track at Hayward Field, where the best athletes in the world have competed.

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We are excited to welcome Ali to the start line and can't wait to enjoy some pancakes and mimosas with her after the finish. You can also catch her live show at the expo on Saturday, April 29 at noon with special guest Shalane Flanagan. And, as always, if you see her in your start corral on that final Sunday morning in April, be sure to give her a big hello, a “Let’s Go Ali!” and a big welcome back to TrackTown!