In this episode of At Your Own Pace, Mike sits down with Ali Brettnacher for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what running looks like when you strip away pace, performance, and comparison — and focus instead on people, purpose, and connection.

Ali shares her journey from once hating running to fully embracing it as a source of community and meaning, shaped by family influence, life’s chaos, and a growing desire to show up for others. Together, Mike and Ali explore how running evolves from something that can feel like punishment into something deeply joyful when rooted in shared experiences, vulnerability, and support.

They talk openly about setbacks, injuries, and disappointment — and why being kind to yourself through those moments matters just as much as consistency and discipline. Ali also discusses the inspiration behind creating her Finish Lines and Milestones podcast, driven by a belief that every runner’s story is worth telling, not just the fastest or most visible ones.

A powerful part of the conversation centers on running for a cause, particularly Ali’s involvement with Ainsley’s Angels, and the transformative emotional impact of pushing athletes with disabilities. Mike and Ali reflect on how crossing a finish line alongside someone else can completely redefine what success means.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that running isn’t about pace or comparison — it’s about the connections you make, the stories you collect, and learning to honor your own journey. You belong in this space exactly as you are.