About this episode
"I don't chase podiums and PRs. I have a tendency to chase clocks and cutoffs. And that's fine with me." Welcome to the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. On this series, we're hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Last week, we kicked things off with Jen Correa , the mom of two whose family lost everything in Hurricane Sandy. Today, meet Meg Navatto! Meg is a cell genetic technologist from Long Island who started running at age 37. Meg's running story began when she and her husband set out to get healthy with a Couch to 5K program. Today, Meg is a 14-time marathoner and ultramarathoner. (She's run Badwater three times!) On this episode, Meg talks about what it took to (finally!) call herself a runner, and talks about why she's proud to be a back-of-the-pack runner. She talks about her emotions around finishing last in a race, and how that's changed over the years, and shares the story of the time she was told she was "too fat to be a runner." Meg is so fun, so inspiring, and so positive — you're going to love her. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun , where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off. What you'll get on this episode: What Meg's childhood was like, and how she decided on a career path (2:45) How Meg found running and, eventually, racing (6:45) Meg reflects on her first 5K (16:25) On identifying as a runner (19:00) On finishing last at races, and why the back of the pack is awesome (23:30) The allure of ultramarathons (27:30) Why Meg runs to raise money for The Herren Project, and why that cause is so important to her and her family (31:50) The time Meg was out for a training run and overheard two women say, "She's too fat to run" (42:45) What life is like for a cell genetic technologist (49:30) What we mention on this episode: Couch to 5K November Project The Herren Project Chris Mosier on Episode 13 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Meg: Instagram @megatron_runs DONATE to The Herren Project Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe , and leave a rating and review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts . And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!