logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
1h 7m

471. Sara Vaughn, 2021 CIM Winner & Puma...

ALI FELLER
About this episode

“Celebrating victories big or small — that’s definitely how I choose to live life now.”

The "great time to be a 30-something mom on the run" celebrations continue today on the Ali on the Run Show. Sara Vaughn is a full-time realtor and mom of four who just made — and won — her marathon debut at CIM and, within hours of crossing the finish line, was on the phone about to sign her first professional running contract with Puma. Sara has been competitive on the track for a long time, having great success particularly in the 1500m and the steeplechase. But last year, she got the itch to go long, and decided to give the marathon a try. Now, at 35, she's a fully-sponsored professional runner for the first time. On this episode, Sara talks about what life is like now with her new Puma deal, and explains how that deal came together. She talks about motherhood, identity, and whether always being pegged as a mom-on-the-run has helped or hurt her career. Plus, her spring 2022 racing plans, her decision to prioritize her mental health, and so much more.

SPONSOR: The 2022 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend — Go to atlantatrackclub.org and use code ONTHERUN to get 10% off your registration for the 5K, half marathon, marathon, or kids' races, taking place February 26–27.

What you’ll get on this episode:

  • On being a mom on the run right now, and Sara’s take on being defined as a mom (4:00)
  • On celebrating the big and little wins, and how Sara does that (13:00)
  • What a day in the life is like for Sara (15:50)
  • Reflecting on the fires in the Boulder area, and what things are like there now (18:45)
  • All about that post-CIM phone call with Puma (21:45)
  • The pre-marathon questions that Sara asked friend Amy Cragg (26:30)
  • On signing with Puma! (30:00)
  • Sara’s expectations for her debut marathon, and how the reality compared (39:00)
  • Sara’s approach to training for the 2022 Boston Marathon (48:00)
  • What’s next for Sara? (52:45)

Follow Sara:

Follow Ali:

Listen & Subscribe:

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Up next
Aug 21
829. The Support Squad Series: Round 4 with Emily Halnon
I'm fresh off my fourth round of chemotherapy, and am back on the couch recording with friends. This time for chemo, I was joined by my OG running blog friend Emily Halnon, and this is our recap from the day at the infusion center and the few days we spent together. SPONSOR: Lago ... Show More
1h 36m
Aug 12
828. Emily Infeld’s 2025 USA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships 10,000m Recap
"I love this sport and I love the people in it. I love the people I race against. I love all the fans. People are wonderful." Fresh off her U.S. Outdoor National Championships 10,000m win, fan favorite Emily Infeld returns to the Ali on the Run Show to talk about winning her firs ... Show More
1h 12m
Aug 6
827. Nikki Hiltz’s 2025 USA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships 1500m Recap
"This was a really important step in my journey to feeling more like myself, and I’m really happy I did it." We heard from Nikki Hiltz right before they competed at the 2025 U.S. Track and Field Outdoor National Championships — and now they're back as a nine-time national champio ... Show More
1h 16m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2021
Why Running A Marathon Will Change Your Life with Hugh Brasher #204
This Sunday 3rd October, I’ll be one of 40,000 people taking to the streets to run the Virgin Money London Marathon. So, in preparation for what I’m told will be a life-changing day, I spoke to its Event Director, Hugh Brasher. But this episode is more than a conversation about r ... Show More
1h 55m
Sep 2022
BONUS | Why Running A Marathon Will Change Your Life with Hugh Brasher
RE-RELEASE: This episode first aired in October 2021. To enter to ballot for 2023 click here http://www.londonmarathon2023.com/ballot This Sunday 3rd October, I’ll be one of 50,000 people taking to the streets to run the Virgin Money London Marathon. So, in preparation for what I ... Show More
1h 54m
Oct 2023
EP47: The fast track:🏃🏽‍♀️ 🇱🇧 Fastest Woman in Lebanese History, Aziza Sbaity, on uncovering identity and purpose through sprinting
Hi Guys,Our show today is as power-packed as our guest when the gun goes off on a run track.Aziza Sbaity, who has earned the title of the Fastest Woman in Lebanese History, joined us for a chat right after her first track and field training session of the season - as she starts h ... Show More
1h 17m
Nov 2022
#55: Race Faster By Training Slower, with 2:49 Marathoner Astrid Feyer | MAF Training
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to http://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO  to get your free sample pack with any purchase. Astrid Feyer is a 47-year-old mother of two, currently living in Australia. She has experienced her fair share of injuries and discovered MAF low heart rate ... Show More
57m 16s
Mar 2023
#62: Kate's Incredible Running Transformation, How She Did It
Thanks to LMNT and HVMN for sponsoring this video! Visit https://drinklmnt.com/FLO to get your free LMNT sample pack with any purchase. Visit https://hvmn.com/FLO to save 20% off your order of Ketone IQ.  Kate Martini Freeman improved from a 4:59 marathon to a 2:58 marathon. She ... Show More
1h 1m
Jul 2023
#69: MAF Low Heart Rate Success with Maria Lurenda Westergaard
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO to get your free sample pack with any purchase.   Maria Lurenda Westergaard is a runner, a Doctor of Medicine and member of our Personal Best Program. She shares her success with low heart rate training ... Show More
1h 21m
Jun 2024
200th Episode Special with Meg Davis
To mark our 200th episode we are back today with the one and only Megan Davis to chat about their most recent marathon in Geneva! If you have any other questions for the next episode drop them in here: ngl.link/thenotsofitcouple1 Join MyCoach: Code: NotSoFit for a special discoun ... Show More
1h 19m
Nov 2021
45. RUNNERS & CHEERERS: Marathon Life with Shalane Flanagan
1. How a marathon is an analogy for life: the danger of comparison, the ride of emotions and self-doubt, that love is fuel, and that the world needs both runners and cheerers.  2. The question Abby kept asking herself throughout the race—and why she’s still wearing her marathon m ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 2022
CrossFit Legend Annie Thorisdottir on Competition, Motivation, and Motherhood
Annie Thorisdottir has twice been named the Fittest Woman on Earth at the CrossFit Games. Since taking CrossFit by storm, she's gone on to multiple podium finishes, including becoming the first woman to win back-to-back CrossFit Games titles. She joins the podcast to talk about h ... Show More
36m 37s
Jan 2021
Maggie Guterl; amazing ultra runner and first woman to win Bigs Backyard.
Episode 86 is an interview with the amazing athlete Maggie Guterl. Maggie made headlines when she won Big’s Backyard Ultra in 2019, a ‘last man standing’-style event run by Lazarus Lake (organiser of the infamous Barkley Marathons) which sees runners cover a 6.7km loop on repeat. ... Show More
52m 16s