Welcome to the Running Start podcast. I'm your host, Alisa Meraz-Fishbein, a distance runner at the University of Colorado. Tune in to this podcast to hear conversations with high-level collegiate and professional runners. I hope you learn more about your favorite runners and are inspired in the process. Happy running!
Episode 5: Val Constien- Olympic Steeplechaser with Full-Time Job
Valerie Constien, a newfound steeplechase Olympian, joins me on the show! Val is a University of Colorado graduate, where she was a three-time All-American (twice in the steeplechase, and once in cross-country). Last year she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in the steeplechase, where she finished twelfth in the final. However, Val's success has not come easily. She faced injury in the middle of college and faced problems with mental health. As an unsponsored post-collegiate runner, Val has to balance a heavy training load with a 40-hour workweek. She was able to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics while doing so, paying her way up until the Olympics.
Follow along to learn about Val's running and mental health journey, as well as details on her upcoming races.
My Instagram: @alisamfish (https://www.instagram.com/alisamfish/)
Val's Instagram: @valerieconstien (https://www.instagram.com/valerieconstien/)
14 Nov 2021
Episode 4: Jenny Simpson- 1500m World Champion and Olympic Medalist
Jenny Simpson, one of the most decorated American runners in history, joins me on the show! Jenny began her running career as a steeplechaser at the University of Colorado, where she was a three-time NCAA steeplechase champion. Once she turned pro she shifted her attention to the 1500m and became a World Champion and Olympic medalist at this distance. Most recently, Jenny ran in the Cherry Blossom 10-mile Championship, where she finished second in a time of 52:16, just three seconds behind the winner.
Follow along to learn about Jenny's running journey, as well as more details about her preparation for her first-ever 10-mile race.
My Instagram: @alisamfish (https://www.instagram.com/alisamfish/)
Jenny's Instagram: @trackjenny (https://www.instagram.com/trackjenny/)
Episode Sponsor: Bjorn’s Colorado honey (https://bjornscoloradohoney.com/)- This local honey is made in small batches right here in Boulder, Colorado! Colorado My favorite is their propolis honey which helps boost your immune system. Go try out their delicious honey today! Also makes a great gift.
25 Sept 2021
Episode 3: Cooper Teare- NCAA National Champion and current 5th year runner at Oregon
NCAA National 5k Champion Cooper Teare joins me on the show! Cooper is entering his fifth year at the University of Oregon as a very accomplished runner. He earned his first All-American honors in his sophomore year of college, finishing fourth in the indoor 3k in 2019. Hi junior year, Cooper placed sixth at cross-country nationals and earned All-American honors there as well. This past year, Cooper had even more success. He set the collegiate indoor mile record in February with a time of 3:50.39. Then, at nationals in March, Cooper finished second in the 3k and anchored Oregon's winning DMR team. In his outdoor track season, Cooper won a national title in the 5k, running 13:12.27. In doing so, he set the American collegiate record, the meet record, and the Oregon record. It also qualified him for the 5k at the US Olympic Trials, in which he finished fourth.
Listen in to hear Cooper talk about his 5k win, why he's staying a fifth year at Oregon, and so much more.
My Instagram: @alisamfish (https://www.instagram.com/alisamfish/)
Cooper's Instagram: @cooperteare (https://www.instagram.com/cooperteare/)
Episode Sponsor: Drifted (https://drifted.co/)- Sustainably sourced, ethically made clothing for women. Their clothes are comfortable, fashionable, and versatile.
3 Sept 2021
Episode 2: Courtney Frerichs- Steeplechaser, Olympic Silver Medalist, American Record Holder
Olympian and American record holder Courtney Frerichs joins me on the show today! Courtney is a professional steeplechaser currently running for Nike and the Bowerman Track Club. She is a two-time Olympian and won a silver medal in the steeplechase this year in Tokyo. Two and a half weeks after that feat, Courtney broke her own American record in the steeplechase at the Prefontaine Classic. In addition to this, Courtney has a World Championship silver medal and also holds the NCAA steeplechase collegiate record. Tune in to hear about her Olympic experience, her mentality before and after this pivotal race, and what's next.
My Instagram: @alisamfish (https://www.instagram.com/alisamfish/)
Courtney's Instagram: @courtneyfrerichs (https://www.instagram.com/courtneyfrerichs/)
Episode Sponsor: Ultima Replenisher (https://www.ultimareplenisher.com/)- a powerful electrolyte hydration powder with six electrolytes and no sugar, calories, or carbs.
16 Aug 2021
Episode 1: Sage Hurta- NCAA Champion who recently joined On Athletics Club
Sage Hurta joins me on the show today! Sage is a recently turned professional runner for On, graduating from the University of Colorado this spring of 2021. In her 2020-2021 NCAA season, she became an individual NCAA champion in the indoor mile and was the runner-up in the outdoor 1500m run. After graduating, Sage signed with On and represented them for the first time at the 2021 Olympic Trials in the 800m run. Most recently, she competed in the Sir Walter Miler, where she placed third with a new mile PR of 4:26.76.
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