876. Sara Hall, Author of For the Love of the Grind
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In this episode of the Ali on the Run Show, host Allie Feller welcomes Sarah Hall, author of the newly released memoir *For the Love of the Grind*, just days before Hall's 43rd birthday and her upcoming Boston Marathon debut. The conversation dives deep into Hall’s journey as a professional runner, mother, and now author, highlighting her resilience, self-belief, and unique approach to training and racing. Hall reflects on her marathon debut in 2015, her evolution from doubt to unwavering confidence, and the emotional and spiritual turning point of tripping on mushrooms during a personal crisis, which helped her realign with her values and relationships. She discusses her groundbreaking partnership with ASICS, her role as a coach to her daughter Hannah—who also qualified for Boston—and her philosophy of embracing the joy of running itself, not just the results. The episode also explores the book’s release timing around Boston, the challenges of writing a memoir while competing, and her candid reflections on mental health, psychedelics, and being the hero of her own story. With warmth, humor, and vulnerability, Hall shares what it means to keep grinding, even when the path isn’t perfect.
Self-belief, even in the face of failure, is the foundation of long-term success in endurance sports.
The most powerful moments in life often come not from triumphs, but from personal transformation during hardship.
Longevity in sport is not just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual, requiring constant recalibration and self-awareness.
True partnerships (like with ASICS) are built on mutual respect, loyalty, and the courage to speak up when needed.
Being the 'hero of your own story' means taking ownership of your journey, especially as a woman in a male-dominated space.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Show: Sarah Hall’s Big Week
“This is the calm before the storm because it's like, you know, Boston's always really busy.”
Boston Training and the Hall Family Affair
Hall shares her current training in Crested Butte, Colorado, and reflects on her recent string of strong marathons. She discusses her daughter Hannah qualifying for Boston and her role as her coach, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and connection in parenting and coaching.
The Marathon Debut and the Power of Belief
“There was this part of me that was like, I know I can be good at this one day, like just because I'd been, I knew what it took to be good at the marathon.”
The Sled Dog Mindset: Running for the Love of It
“I think like, that's like the kind of energy I try to really channel going into a race, no matter how the buildup went or it's just the excitement to be out there and like run.”
Why Now? The Journey to Writing a Memoir
Hall explains her decision to write *For the Love of the Grind*, including her initial hesitation, imposter syndrome, and the pivotal moment after the 2024 trials that made her feel her story had an arc worth telling.
“I found them at a point where I really like my ambition in the sport was hurting my relationships and it really helped realign myself like with what's most important, which is loving people well.”
“I just at the end of it, like I came to realization, like I'm the hero of this story. Like I found a way to keep believing in myself.”
“There was this part of me that was like, I know I can be good at this one day, like just because I'd been, I knew what it took to be good at the marathon.”
Host
Guest
Sarah Hall
person
Allie Feller
person
Boston Marathon
other
Ryan Hall
person
For the Love of the Grind
book
Hannah Hall
person
ASICS
brand
Mushrooms
other
London Marathon
other
Eminem
person
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