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Ali’s fans know her as the host of The Ali on The Run Show, the world’s top rated running podcast. She’s a race announcer, broadcast correspondent, and community builder extraordinaire in the running world. She’s also a mom, a cancer survivor, and a fellow 2003 graduate of Hopkinton High (Go Hawks!)

I’m lucky to have known Alison since kindergarten, and it surprises me not one tiny bit that this talented writer, determined creator, and quick-witted, self-aware woman has built such a successful career, and beautiful life.

But despite many personal and professional highlights — going live from the broadcast booth at the New York City Marathon! Taking her daughter Annie to Disney! Selling out Carnegie Hall! — this last year was, in many ways, hellacious for Alison: She battled breast cancer and went through a divorce, while managing a pretty public life.

I’m so grateful to Alison for sharing her playbook on building a creative career and a thriving community, while being so honest and open about the ups and downs she continues to experience.

Whatever your year looked like, I hope this episode will inspire you to joyfully mark your milestones, and keep moving through the tough stuff until you get to your own version of what Alison calls, “The stagelight at the end of the tunnel”.

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