Episode 169: Bri Qualizza - Pace and Purpose

Episodes

Aug 14

Listener note: This episode includes discussion of a pregnancy loss.

Riley nurse, former Colts cheerleader and brand-new run coach Bri Qualizza was training for her redemption marathon when doctors found two fractures in her shin. Now she's building back with gratitude.

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About this episode

Dr. Bri Qualizza grew up dancing in Terre Haute, cheered for the Indianapolis Colts for one season while in nursing school, and has worked at Riley Children's Hospital for 15 years, most recently earning her doctorate and moving into quality improvement for the PICU. She ran her first half marathon at the 2013 Indy Mini and her first marathon in 2016 at Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio as a St. Jude charity runner, then had ankle surgery the following week.

We talk about losing her first baby, Charlie, during the 2020 pandemic, pregnancy after loss, and coming back to racing after her son and daughter. Bri was training for her redemption marathon at Carmel when an MRI showed two fractures in her shin, one of them grade four. She shares her 10 weeks in a boot, starting a Riley run club, launching her coaching business Pace and Purpose, and the "You get to" mantra on her wall.

In this episode, we discuss

Running the mile in middle school track to build stamina for dance
Pom, hip hop and one season as an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader during the Deflategate year
How cheering helped her see that strong bodies look great
Meeting her husband Ryan at Howl at the Moon
Fifteen years at Riley Children's Hospital and earning her doctorate
Running her first half marathon at the 2013 Indy Mini
Losing her first baby, Charlie, at about 13 weeks during COVID
Moving 10 minutes a day during her pregnancy after loss
Teaching at CycleBar to stay active as a new mom
Coming back to the Indy Mini and setting a postpartum half PR
Her first marathon for St. Jude at Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio and ankle surgery a week later
Finding two shin fractures, one grade four, weeks before her redemption marathon
Ten weeks in a boot and running one mile on her birthday
Starting a Riley run club and launching her coaching business Pace and Purpose
Her mantra "You get to" and her song, Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"

Chapters

00:00 · Intro
02:00 · Dance, track and growing up in Terre Haute
04:00 · Pom, hip hop and cheering for the Colts
07:00 · Meeting Ryan at Howl at the Moon
09:00 · Fifteen years at Riley and a new doctorate
12:00 · A first half at the 2013 Indy Mini
15:00 · Losing Charlie in 2020
17:00 · Pregnancy after loss and staying active
23:00 · Coming back to racing as a mom
25:00 · Becoming a coach and starting Pace and Purpose
28:00 · A painful first marathon in San Antonio
31:00 · Redemption plans and two stress fractures
38:00 · Running again and starting a Riley run club
46:00 · Geist, Monumental, Disney and Carmel
48:00 · Coaching every runner
1:03:00 · Immigrant Song and "You get to"

Where to find Bri

Instagram: @briquals_
Pace and Purpose coaching

Mentioned in this episode

Races: Indianapolis Mini-Marathon, Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon, Carmel Marathon, Carmel Runners Club 20-miler, Geist Half Marathon, CNO Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon, Full Mo 50K, Prairie on Fire Backyard Ultra, That 5K (Tori's Hike for Another Tomorrow), Chicago Marathon
Organizations and charities: Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, CycleBar, Orangetheory Fitness, Carmel Runners Club
Other: Appalachian Trail, VDOT coaching app, Peloton, Worst Neighbor Ever, Maybe Running Will Help podcast, "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin

Previous guests mentioned

Related episodes

Frequently asked

Who is Bri Qualizza?

Dr. Bri Qualizza is an Indianapolis-area nurse who has worked at Riley Children's Hospital for 15 years, a former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader, a mom of two, and the founder of the run coaching business Pace and Purpose.

What injury kept Bri Qualizza out of her redemption marathon?

Bri Qualizza found out she had two stress fractures in her shin, one grade four and one grade one, weeks before her planned redemption marathon, and spent 10 weeks in a boot before returning to running.

What is Bri Qualizza's running mantra?

Bri Qualizza's mantra is "You get to," a reminder from a family friend's late husband that it's a privilege to do hard things, which now hangs on a light switch and a gallery wall in her home.

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Transcript

This transcript was generated automatically, so it may contain errors.

This is a Sandy Boy Productions podcast Bri Qualizza: not only did I end up having a fracture, I had two. One of them was a grade four. The other one was a grade one, four inches long. and he goes, " , so I'm just here to tell you under no circumstances are you running your race." Ally Brettnacher: Welcome to Finish Lines and Milestones, a podcast for everyday runners. I'm your host, Ally Brettnacher, and if you run, you're a runner, and every runner has a story. Join me each week as I share these stories, and we celebrate finish lines and milestones together. Before we get into today's episode, I wanted to make sure that if you are local to Central Indiana, you know about That 5K.

Stands for Tori's Hike For Another Tomorrow. It's happening this Saturday, August 15th. It's put on by Christina Hook and her mom, Tu Anne. If you haven't heard Christina's episode yet, go back to episode 65. It's one that has certainly stuck with me. Her and her family started this race in honor of her sister Tori to raise awareness around mental health. It is a beautiful cause, beautiful community, so if you are local, you should come. This week's episode is brought to you by Athlete Bouquets. More on that in a minute. My guest this week is Dr. Bre Kwasila. She is a nurse, mom of two, plus an angel baby, former NFL cheerleader, brand new run coach with an energy that is so infectious.

We talk about her redemption marathon, a shin injury that you just heard about, and how she is building her own coaching community called Pace and Purpose, one lollygag long run at a time. Let's get into my conversation with Bre. Hope you enjoy thank you for doing this. It's so nice to finally meet you in person. Yeah. We've interacted a little bit on the internet, but- I know ... yeah. Bri Qualizza: how it all starts. Ally Brettnacher: And probably like run by each other or been at the same race as many times- Yep ... as it happens here. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And I'm notorious for being creepy.

Like, Abby, who was on your podcast a few times ago. Ally Brettnacher: Yes. Bri Qualizza: I met her at the 20-miler for Carmel and I was just like, "Hi, Abby," and, and she was like, "Uh," I'm like, "I, we have liked each other's things on the internet." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, for a long time. So we're basically friends. Bri Qualizza: friends. This is just now how we are in person. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. So this community has been just so fun to get to know. Bri Qualizza: Pretty cool. Ally Brettnacher: And so you've been running for a while, since middle school? Bri Qualizza: Yeah, since middle school.

So I started doing track, to keep me in shape for dance, and because you just like do a lot of really quickly, quick things, ideally beautifully for, short little bursts. Mm-hmm. And so I was like, well, an endurance sport will kind of help me be that. So my event was a mile. I was very bad at it. I was like B, C string all the time. Ally Brettnacher: Gosh, a mile, that sounds awful. Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. For track, no one cares- Ally Brettnacher: Okay ... Bri Qualizza: about... Also, I was bad, so I was, like, not only not good, also a mile. but then one time, I did do long jump once at my Ally Brettnacher: There you go.

Bri Qualizza: short stature, but we didn't have enough kids, and they were like, "Hey- Ally Brettnacher: Well, you just- Bri Qualizza: Gimmicky, you're gonna be..." And I'm like, Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh ... " Bri Qualizza: Okay." Ally Brettnacher: All Bri Qualizza: always my claim to fame is I was a track and field athlete- There you go ... one time. Ally Brettnacher: Does the high... Well, high, does high jump count for the field then? Yeah. I guess so. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: think so. Ally Brettnacher: the track. Yeah. So I did that one time, as did Abby Prentice- See ... speaking of. So we Bri Qualizza: There you go.

Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: yeah, so. Bri Qualizza: That is cool. Ally Brettnacher: dance, when did you start dancing? Before middle school? I think like three. Okay. Yeah. Like, Bri Qualizza: yeah, it's been a lifelong- Ally Brettnacher: Thing ... Bri Qualizza: thing. Dance and gymnastics- Oh Ally Brettnacher: do you have siblings? Bri Qualizza: you have siblings? I have a little brother- Little brother. Okay ... who is now, well- Ally Brettnacher: of the family Bri Qualizza: the dancer. He swam. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Bri Qualizza: I- Nice ... typically doggy paddle- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, same. So. Are you from here? Bri Qualizza: I'm from Terre Haute, so it's on the border, um, for those who don't know, it's on the border of Illinois and Indiana.

Yep. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. ISU, Rose-Hulman is Ally Brettnacher: Rose-Hulman. Mm-hmm. Been there. Bri Qualizza: went, so that's- Ally Brettnacher: There you go. Bri Qualizza: you go so I know the- Yeah ... Fighting Engineers. Yes, Ally Brettnacher: the engineers. Ooh. Bri Qualizza: The little elephant. Ally Brettnacher: I'm also married to an engineer. He went to Purdue though, so. I understand. But yeah, same, like they're the best. They're the best. It's great to be married to an engineer. Bri Qualizza: It's li- we have such cool things. Mm-hmm. Everything works. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, and if it doesn't, it will. Bri Qualizza: It will. It will very quickly and effectively.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Oh my gosh. okay, so back to dance real quick. Mm-hmm. So you started when you were really little. Mm-hmm. And what types of dance did you do growing up? Bri Qualizza: So dance team, so starting in middle school we did, jazz and pom. pom is basically what you think of, like you have pom-poms- Okay ... you're doing sharp movements, you do the jumps, all the things. Ally Brettnacher: they call it pom dance, not cheerleading? Bri Qualizza: because then if you're cheerleading, you're doing the tumbles and all of the things. Ah. Whereas dance is mainly like... Although now people are so talented, they're doing aerials and they're flipping and they're doing- Ally Brettnacher: All things Bri Qualizza: all the things that I never had to do.

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. and then in high school we did some hip hop which l- led into the collegiate pro stuff very easily- Okay ... and made it kind of blend together, 'cause you think of, like with the Colts stuff- Mm-hmm that's, pom and hip hop combined, like cutesy dance. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Okay, so in middle school, high school- Mm-hmm did you cheer and dance then, or could you only pick one? Bri Qualizza: You could only pick one and- Only pick one ... because you perform at the football games, you perform at Ally Brettnacher: it's all... Yeah, okay. Bri Qualizza: Yeah.

Okay. And so yeah, I just, I danced. I went full send into that. Ally Brettnacher: then when you worked with the Colts, were you, you were a cheerleader though- Yes versus dance. And so then is it everything at that point? It's everything. Bri Qualizza: Okay. So you have some women who had been cheerleaders, you have some that were just gymnasts, you have some that danced like me. Okay. Got Ally Brettnacher: Yep, Got it. Bri Qualizza: but yeah, I mean that was, that was fascinating. Ally Brettnacher: And then in college, where did you go to school? Bri Qualizza: I went to IU and then I transferred up here, freshman year for nursing school.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Bri Qualizza: So as much as I went kicking and screaming after going into sophomore year up here at IUI now, it was IPUI back then, it was the right choice. I've been at Riley for 15 years. Wow. You know, I've just been everywhere doing everything, so it was nice. And it also brought me to where, when I was in nursing school I was able to do the Colts- Wow ... because I was Ally Brettnacher: I was able Bri Qualizza: to Ally Brettnacher: do the Colts. Wow. Being up here working. Yeah ... Bri Qualizza: which was Ally Brettnacher: guess my only frame of reference is when they, they have the Dallas Cowboys Bri Qualizza: reality show.

I know. Ally Brettnacher: reality show. Yeah, Dallas. And I'm like, oh yeah, like there were a lot of nurses on there I feel like where they do- Bri Qualizza: 'Cause you can do three twelves- Yeah ... you know, and then you can just Ally Brettnacher: then just, geez. I mean, I thought, I was like, that is nuts, but it kind of makes sense. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, it's just easier Yeah You know? 'Cause we did like five-hour practices on Tuesday and Thursday, and then you would just... Oh, it was nuts. It just- Ally Brettnacher: Wow. How long did you do that? Bri Qualizza: Just one season, 'cause then I graduated, nursing school and- Ally Brettnacher: Okay ...

Bri Qualizza: it was just a lot, and so I'm like, "All right." Ally Brettnacher: I can only imagine. It has to be so intense. Bri Qualizza: was so intense And Ally Brettnacher: interesting, like I feel like body image stuff Bri Qualizza: Yeah, you know- Ally Brettnacher: know- ... interesting Bri Qualizza: really funny is it got so much better with the Colts than it ever was growing up, because I was like, I mean, probably 90 pounds- Oh ... my entire Ally Brettnacher: I mean, I guess that makes sense, right? And- You'd already dealt with that your whole life. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, but then like I, I gained 10 or 15 pounds with the Colts because it was all muscle, and I think that that was finally the shift where I was like, "Oh no, you can be strong and like look great- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: and have muscle," and it w- and it was fascinating 'cause I was like, "Oh, this is the healthiest I've ever you know, been and looked, and I'm, you know, moving muscle and stuff," so- Yeah ...

it w- that part was really refreshing for me- Yeah ... coming from dancing your whole life. not that I had struggled with it, but it's something that everybody talks about. Ally Brettnacher: Right, all the time, Bri Qualizza: All the time. Ally Brettnacher: You're conscious of it whether it's- Yes ... something you struggle with or not. Right. Yeah. So tr- I guess the track and field you said in Bri Qualizza: yeah, just track ... 'cause Ally Brettnacher: to help with your stamina- Bri Qualizza: Yes ... for Ally Brettnacher: dance. Bri Qualizza: And I did that in high school for a couple years as well. lettered in that too.

Again, I was not Ally Brettnacher: not good. Bri Qualizza: I, Ally Brettnacher: Believe me, I went to Westfield High School back when it was small. Bri Qualizza: Oh, okay. Ally Brettnacher: And so I played- Yeah ... yeah, I lettered in- Bri Qualizza: You could play everything Yeah. I mean, I lettered in show choir. Yeah. I was like, I had like four letters. Ally Brettnacher: You could play anything. I would just show up, and if you like can run around, then you're good to go. Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. Well, and then they would just let you free, and so I would run to Taco Bell- Ally Brettnacher: Oh ...

Bri Qualizza: and like eat and then run back. Ally Brettnacher: That's great. Perfect. Bri Qualizza: is insane. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: But, you know. Ally Brettnacher: Insane. Okay, so your husband went to Rose-Hulman, so how'd you meet your husband? Bri Qualizza: Howl at the Moon. Ally Brettnacher: Ooh. Bri Qualizza: Downtown. Um- Ally Brettnacher: Excellent. Tell people about that bar who may not know what it Bri Qualizza: is. So it is a dueling piano bar. It's on Georgia, I believe, in downtown Indianapolis. so we met... We were out for two separate birthday parties, and we met in line. His buddy Cameron, struck up a conversation with the girls and all of this stuff, and then we saw them again inside.

And one of my buddies, she was talking to Ryan first, and I was, I just, in fashion, I was like, "Hi, I'm Bre. We should, we should talk instead." Ally Brettnacher: my gosh. That's so great Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. Ally Brettnacher: And I was Bri Qualizza: like, "Bye, Jess." Ally Brettnacher: he's Bri Qualizza: me." "See you later." Ally Brettnacher: like, "Hi, Jess." Yeah. "Excuse me, uh, bye." That's great. Bri Qualizza: it was ridiculous, but... That was almost 10 or 11 years ago. Okay. So, and he had season tickets the season I was cheering, but we didn't really, like- Ally Brettnacher: Oh, interesting Bri Qualizza: he saw me.

He saw me dance. Yeah. He just wasn't my boyfriend at the the Ally Brettnacher: time. That's so funny. Yeah. So, okay. Were you a cheerleader at the time you met? Bri Qualizza: I was, yep. Okay. And then he, like... But it was, like, towards the end of it and- The end of the season. Got it. Ally Brettnacher: it. Okay. And why did you decide you just, it was too much with nursing school and then going to have a full-time job- Yeah ... and then doing it? Bri Qualizza: it was just, yeah, it was just a lot. 'Cause it was, you know, you, we... They travel, I think, less now.

You never went to the away games. But I mean, we went to Mexico for a calendar shoot. We always had to have the hair done. Oh, wow. We had to do... Oh yeah. That's a lot. It was crazy. Yeah, so somewhere out there, there Ally Brettnacher: never went to away games? That surprises me. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. They, just the home cheerleaders Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Okay. Bri Qualizza: except for the Super Bowl. And my year was Deflategate, and so we were like- AUDIO AND VIDO SYNCED: " This sucks." Bri Qualizza: this close. I was, I'm still mad about it. Wow. Like, I could've gone to the playoffs.

I could've been at a Super Bowl on the sidelines. the sideline. Ally Brettnacher: Whoa. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. So Tom Brady, I have his number. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. S- He's think anybody, well, local to Indiana- Exactly ... likes Tom Brady, but yeah. Man, that's crazy. Yeah. Oh my gosh, Mexico. So there's a calendar. You don't have it? Why don't you have it? Bri Qualizza: do have it. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Bri Qualizza: I mean, I have a giant locker room poster just in our basement of- That's Ally Brettnacher: so great. Well, yeah, you have to keep Bri Qualizza: Ryan's like, "What are we doing with this?" I'm like, "I, not throwing it away." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Hey, Ryan, turn it into a cardboard cutout for her 40th birthday- in a few years. Bri Qualizza: Just, Ally Brettnacher: just- Yeah. Or for her next marathon. Bri Qualizza: Just for next marathon. Ally Brettnacher: a good idea. You're welcome. Bri Qualizza: Noted. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: You're welcome. Ally Brettnacher: Somebody do that. okay, so then you've been a nurse- Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm. Yep. Ally Brettnacher: for your whole ca- at Riley the whole Bri Qualizza: At Riley the whole time. Um, yeah, it's been a long journey. So yeah, while I was cheering, I also worked, as a tech, so like a student nurse, twice a week.

I was in resource center, so you floated around Methodist, Uni, and Riley just going to all the different units who needed help. And that's when I'm like, "Okay, well, a lot, yeah. " This is where I wanna be." That's also the best. Yep. And so I started in the cancer center there. I was there for a few years before transitioning to what we call the sedation team. So we do a lot of procedures, and I worked with the, PICUs, so the ICU physicians sedating kiddos for procedures. Mm-hmm. while I got my master's, and then I taught for a little bit. and then now I... So I just got my doctorate this year, and- Congratulations.

Thank you so much. And now I do quality improvement for the PICU, so I'm back in the ICU. I do, process improvement, quality metrics, data management stuff, and- Ally Brettnacher: Cool ... Bri Qualizza: it's phenomenal. Ally Brettnacher: That's Incredible ... Bri Qualizza: it's the best, 'cause my anxiety cannot handle bedside anymore now that I have two kids of my Ally Brettnacher: Well, yeah, and we'll get to the kiddo stuff too. Oh. But I'm sure that what you went through also, gosh- Yeah ... I can only imagine. Ugh, the horror of knowing- Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm ... Ally Brettnacher: too much information- Bri Qualizza: You know, too much.

I am so crazy for these poor kids. Yeah. Like- Everybody send them good vibes and luck growing up with me. gosh. Ally Brettnacher: No, they're, they're in good hands, Bri Qualizza: They're... Yeah ... clearly. I mean- It's so funny 'cause we freak out about two different things. You know, Ryan freaks out about... I'm like, "Oh, that's not too much blood. We're fine." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: We're... But then I'm like, "D- if they look at a lawnmower while you are mowing, they will not be outside." And he's like, "Okay." Ally Brettnacher: Like I've seen too much. Yeah. I have seen... Yeah. That, that has to be, yeah, interesting as a parent, Bri Qualizza: Yeah.

It's very odd. So yeah. So now- Yeah ... I'm away from the bedside. I get to talk, to the nurses when they're doing the phenomenal work that they do. Um, I would not have been able to get my doctorate project done without the bedside staff. and then I was able to get published. Like, just crazy. Ally Brettnacher: So now we should call you Dr. Quiliza. Bri Qualizza: Yes. D- Is that right? Dr. Quiliza. That's... Yes. You did it. Ally Brettnacher: Dr. Kualiza. Bri Qualizza: I know. For my graduation, Ryan did have them call me Dr. Mommy for- Ally Brettnacher: Oh ... Bri Qualizza: like for a while.

That's fun. And I was like- Dr. Mommy ... "That is. That's me." Yes. Ally Brettnacher: Wow. Yeah, congrats. That's really- Thank you ... amazing. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And I can do no more school unless I switch Ally Brettnacher: careers. Yeah. You're like, "I am now done." Bri Qualizza: I'm done done. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Wow. that is a lot of It's Bri Qualizza: so much. Yeah. It's ridiculous. the next role that I would fade into in nursing, requires a doctorate, and I told Ryan, I'm like, "I might as well just get it done while the kids have no activities." Like- Ally Brettnacher: I mean, Bri Qualizza: Cause then if a opportunity presents itself- Ally Brettnacher: you're ready Bri Qualizza: I'm ready.

I'm not gonna be limited by a degree, a Ally Brettnacher: Good for you. Yeah. Amazing. Wow. And okay, your ha- first half-marathon was in 2013? Bri Qualizza: was, yes. Ally Brettnacher: okay, so where was that in your life? Bri Qualizza: It was, um, it was the Mini. It was junior year of nursing school, I believe. so there were, like, seven of us that went. and it was the funniest thing 'cause I had never run that far. Training was, like, fine, you know, not a big deal. but then I got my medal, I took a picture, and then I just drove back. I was dating a guy who had a baseball game that day, so then I was just like, "All right," I'm getting in my car and go- And I'm like, looking back, I'm like, no, you should think how cool that is.

That's a really amazing feat. Yeah. This started this trajectory on something that's so important to you, but- Yeah ... so the Mini was my first one, and then we just kind of faded into it and- Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Yeah ... Bri Qualizza: haven't really stopped except for having babies since. Ally Brettnacher: So how many times have you done the Mini? Bri Qualizza: Ooh, the M- So I think I've done, like, 10 or 11 halves. Probably half of those, maybe four or five of them are the Mini. Okay. I know I have the Milk Jug, I have the Race Car. Oh yeah, all Ally Brettnacher: the medals.

Bri Qualizza: You just go by the medals. Yep. The little 2013 one, Ally Brettnacher: Yep. Yeah. Have your, has your five-year-old done the rookie run or anything like that Bri Qualizza: So we couldn't make it this year. I really wanted to, but we were, we have a camper, and so we were camping that weekend. It's so fun 'cause we did a lot of tent camping. We ha- I mean, we had a Pack 'N Play, two dogs, and a c- um, cot and us- It's a lot ... in the tent two years ago, and Ryan finally was like, " Should we-" Maybe have a vehicle. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, that sounds smart.

I just- That's crazy. I'm not a tent camper. Bri Qualizza: Oh, no. So we, I w- was not really, but that humble brag on my husband. He did the Appalachian Trail, so he did Maine to Georgia on foot. Wow. And I c- he's so cool. And so he was like, " That's fine. This is great. We have a plan." And, and I'm like, "Okay, great comparatively to bears trying to eat us, but-" Right. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I mean, well at well at Bri Qualizza: least- "... an RV is lovely." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, an RV. That's what I did as a kid. We did RV Bri Qualizza: trips.

It's so fun. Ally Brettnacher: But I, we never, we didn't camp outside as a result 'cause we had our camper. Yeah, Bri Qualizza: you had the camper. Ally Brettnacher: camper. Yeah. Which was fine by Bri Qualizza: And it's great memories. Ally Brettnacher: Such great memories. Such good memories, yeah. So, okay. So you did the mini handful of times. You've done other races. Now you're an ambassador for Geist. Bri Qualizza: an an ambassador. Ally Brettnacher: Very cool. Bri Qualizza: So cool. yeah, so that race is September 12th. code BRETON. but it's, I did the 5K for Geist last year, and then I just started, I'm getting more into this, and I was getting my certification for run coaching.

Mm-hmm. And I'm like, "Okay, let's just like fully dive Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, let's just Bri Qualizza: Let, let's just Ally Brettnacher: Well, when we get to talking about your race calendar, if you- Bri Qualizza: It's insane. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: coming off of an injury, I mean, that's just, I can't say it's the smartest decision of my Ally Brettnacher: I can't say Bri Qualizza: Well, we'll find out. We'll find out. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Come 2027, we'll know. Ally Brettnacher: It looks like a blast, so, Bri Qualizza: looks so much fun. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: I'm so excited. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh.

Yeah. So, Let's talk about becoming a mom, 'cause that's such a big piece of your story. Bri Qualizza: Yes. Yeah. So- I think it's a big part of my love- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: For Ally Brettnacher: what you do. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. So what year was that? Bri Qualizza: So I became a mom, so with our fir- we ended up losing our first, babe, so that was Charlie. That was in 2020. Ally Brettnacher: No, it Bri Qualizza: And it was in the height of the pandemic. Really? I went full nurse on this too, because it was COVID, and it was- Wow two months after everything, and they tried to tell me my husband couldn't come back for the surgery, ' cause I had to have a surgery.

I had to have, I had to have two, 'cause I was hemorrhaging. Ally Brettnacher: Gee. Bri Qualizza: It was insane, and they were like, "Well, you know, because of the restrictions..." And I was like, "I will call every single person I know within this facility. He is coming back." And they were like, "Well..." And I was like, "You can provide him with the PPE. Do you need a fake badge?" And they're like, "That, no, that's, uh..." Yeah. And I was like, "This is after hours. Everybody's gone. you can test him if you would like. Cause he wasn't allowed in the appointment with me when they told me we had lost Charlie.

Like- Oh ' cause he w- so he just, poor guy, was, like, in the hallway Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Let's, let's talk about what it was like... Well, I guess it was just before, so two months after- Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm ... Ally Brettnacher: the world shut down is when you... So you were pregnant when all this was happening. How was that experience? It was- As a first-time mom being pregnant it Bri Qualizza: so odd. It was so odd, because I'm, you know, anxious to begin with, so I'm like, "Well, I don't wanna be around anybody who could potentially hasten any loss that ended up occurring." and so I was really nervous.

And then, we did, we, you know, we went in. We had lost any heartbeat and all that, so we ended up having a couple surgeries. but then I got, we got pregnant with Noah, and that pregnancy was so much worse- Ally Brettnacher: Oh, great. Bri Qualizza: Because I had known what- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I've- ... could happen. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. So the, the Charlie pregnancy wasn't- AUDIO AND VIDO SYNCED: bad Bri Qualizza: until it was Right. Ally Brettnacher: Okay Bri Qualizza: And then with Noah, I mean, God bless my mom, you know, she'd be like, "Are you excited for..." "No." Ally Brettnacher: " No, I'm actually..." Yeah.

Bri Qualizza: When, when are you gonna paint the..." "I don't know." Ally Brettnacher: I mean, yeah. Bri Qualizza: It was, I mean, yeah. It was cr- it was crazy. And so I think that Noah's pregnancy was probably tougher on it, Because I didn't move for a while after we lost Charlie, 'cause I was just, you know, sad. Yeah. And we were like, "Okay, well, we need to get clearance. We need to do all of these things to be able to move again." And I remember we were about six or seven weeks after we had lost him, and we, we went to Colorado with my brother and sister-in-law live out there.

And we went, and Ryan's like, "I think we should do this, like, hike. It's called Mount Ida." And I'm like, "Okay, yeah, that sounds great." And it was so hard. And I got to the top of the mountain. I smiled, you know, did all the things, and then it was a really tough hike back. It was so windy. It was cold. Mm-hmm. I wore shorts, inexplicably, and I was just so mad at my body, at, my legs, at my heart, for no good reason. I had to take a break, but I was like, "This is ridic-" Ally Brettnacher: ridiculous." Yeah. Bri Qualizza: is a waste of my time being on this mountain." Like, insane- Yeah ...

thoughts. but then come, Noah delivered, beautiful, healthy boy. and I tried to be active throughout his pregnancy, and I remember telling myself, and it was the best thing, for anybody who is struggling with maintaining physical fitness- Mm-hmm ... while you're pregnant. I was like, "Give, g- 10 minutes a day. You can try to work out, you can try to move for 10 minutes. If it still is trash by the end of that 10 minutes, you tried." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: like, 80% of the time I was able to make it, you know, 20, 30, an hour. Yeah. whether that was yoga, whether that was a jog, a walk, you know, anything like that.

Yeah. and so once I got through that, I started, sinking again where I was just full mom mode. Mm-hmm. and so I told Ryan, I was like, "I think I need to start teaching group fitness," 'cause I had coached a dance team. I t- coached some high schoolers, before and throughout my pregnancy with Noah. I was like, "I think I need to coach something to stay active." Yeah. And so Noah was like 14 months, and I ended up, getting a coaching job at CycleBar and- Which Ally Brettnacher: Cycle... Which one? Bri Qualizza: Uh, it was Fisher's. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. All right. I've never been to that one.

Fisher's had three. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: of them closed. Ally Brettnacher: Did they all? Even Traders? Traders Bri Qualizza: Traders Point held on for the longest time, but then they, they also closed. Yeah. Yeah. So Ally Brettnacher: a tough business. man ...It's Bri Qualizza: tough. I mean, 'cause it's, cycling's very... I mean, I love it. I have a bike in my basement. yeah, I have a Peloton. I love it. You have a Peloton, Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, yeah Bri Qualizza: Yeah. but just maintaining classes, like I had a few that, I had one or two- Yeah ... maybe three people in, like- Right. Ally Brettnacher: Totally. You're Bri Qualizza: Hey ...

Ally Brettnacher: Let's go. Bri Qualizza: Let's go, I'm gonna yell at you at a mic. And you're Ally Brettnacher: not even, you're not even doing it for, like, a video of people, like you're a Peloton instructor, right? Yeah, it's just like- It's like you're just then there for the people that are there. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And it- And it, you know, and it was great, but yeah. It was just, it was funny 'cause I got right into that, and then I ended up co- coaching that until I was eight months pregnant with Eva, and that just kind of kept spiraling. And then Eva turned about a year old, and finally I told Ryan, I'm like, "All right, we're like, we're racing again.

We're doing all the things. We're proud of our body. we're going." And he's like, "Yeah. Let's go." Yeah. 'Cause he'd been able to continue doing whatever he wanted. Ally Brettnacher: Right. Bri Qualizza: Every Ally Brettnacher: man. Bri Qualizza: He just- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: could, and yeah. And so then I think it was what was the last race? 50th was '25, and so I got back in '24, and I did my f- first mini again since 2018. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Oh, wait. Oh, wait. What? 50th, 50th was this year. It was this year. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Is that the tw- it... Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: we're already Bri Qualizza: Oh yeah, it's already 2026.

Ally Brettnacher: know. I do know what year it Bri Qualizza: is. I, I do not it turns out. Ally Brettnacher: It's okay. It's all right. Hey, for anybody who else who didn't know, now they know Bri Qualizza: The 49th woman who running- Yeah ... of the Mini Okay. Okay. Was it? Ally Brettnacher: was that your first race back- Mm-hmm ... as mom of- Part of it. Yeah. And so the proper way to talk about, are you a mom of three? Do you say you're a mom of three? Bri Qualizza: So it's k- it's kind of tough, you know? Yeah. 'Cause we, um, we, I typically say, you know, I, I have two babies and an angel baby.

Ally Brettnacher: Okay, yeah ... Bri Qualizza: I have, like, my little bracelets, and so we have the little- Ally Brettnacher: the rainbow Bri Qualizza: you know, 'cause- Yeah ... it, you know, we never got to meet, we got, never got to meet Charlie, so we don't know. I always say him, but we didn't even make it, we didn't get genetic testing, and so it just, like- Yeah ... is a vibe- Yeah ... that I, that I feel. But, yeah. I don't, I don't know Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Right. Bri Qualizza: But it, it's a very interesting thing because, you know, you can't tell the kids yet.

Like, we have a stuffed bunny that we had used to tell our families like, "Hey, we're pregnant." And, and the kids play with it now, and Noah's like, "Did I get this when I was a baby?" And I'm like, " Yes." Ally Brettnacher: Kinda. I let y- You seen it when you were a baby. Yeah, I Bri Qualizza: I know ... like, it wasn't for you. So Ally Brettnacher: So wait, the kids don't know about Charlie? No. Oh, that's so interesting. Yeah. Well, I mean- So- ... it's a weird thing. They're young Bri Qualizza: they're a weird... They're young. They're young. They're like- It's Ally Brettnacher: tough ...

Bri Qualizza: little ones. Ally Brettnacher: ones. F- Well, kindergarten they start getting, a lot smarter, where you're like, "Wow, those are really good Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And so maybe this is the Ally Brettnacher: Maybe it'll, you Bri Qualizza: kindergarten, and then we'll just- Ally Brettnacher: Be like, yeah, you... Yeah. Bri Qualizza: That's- There's a little, little baby watches over you- Yeah ... and- Ally Brettnacher: No. Yeah. He's not coming. How, how many weeks? Bri Qualizza: Uh, we were about 13. 12 or 13. Okay. Um, in the middle there. And so we, we got past what I felt was safe. We got past eight weeks. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm.

Bri Qualizza: And so I... And, you know, and then it was... Yeah, we had the, the loss, and then, like I had said, we were camping in a tent. Yeah. And I... the nurse in me, I, I remember I went and I told Ryan, I was like, "Hey, so I'm hemorrhaging a lot of blood." And he was like- You, Ally Brettnacher: you in a tent? Bri Qualizza: Yeah, 'cause luckily there was a bath house. And so I went to the bath house, and he was like, "What?" And I was like, "Let's just see if it continues." And he was like throwing the tent in the truck.

Ally Brettnacher: "Absolutely not, you crazy lady." Bri Qualizza: And it's like, "No, we're going." I'm like, "We can wait." He's like, " No, that's crazy. We're gonna leave." Ally Brettnacher: Jeez, that's so crazy. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, it's so- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Do they know what caused it? Bri Qualizza: Mm-mm. Ally Brettnacher: No. Bri Qualizza: No, and we didn't- That's nuts. Yeah, and we didn't do any, like, testing or anything. You know, we were just like, "Well, we'll just sit in the grief and the unknown and, and come out the other side-" Yeah stronger. I gotta say, I mean, our communication got a lot better. I think our parenting is better for it, cause we, as hard as it is, they are three and five.

we try to be more patient and, like, thankful Ally Brettnacher: Right. We are so lucky to have these kids. Bri Qualizza: Yes. And we, yeah, we do a lot of that with the kids. Like, how lucky are we that we were able to... Like, we went to Hot Wheels this weekend and got a suite. Like- Oh, that's the best ... it felt so cool, you know? And I was like, "How lucky are you guys?" we're, we're able to, like, do these really cool things and be with our friends. Yeah. Incredible. And I know they're gonna grow up thinking I'm just some sort of, crazy woman, who's like, "Yes, of course, we're lucky.

Great." "Great, Mom." Ally Brettnacher: that's good. You're, yeah, that's the best Bri Qualizza: We should Ally Brettnacher: be Bri Qualizza: grateful. Ally Brettnacher: feel like living where we live- Mm-hmm ... it's hard for the kids to truly understand how lucky they Bri Qualizza: Yes. Yeah. When you really think about it. Yeah. And, you know, and we're, like my day-to-day, I'm like, "Guys, we're- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: how blessed are we?" Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Very. Ally Brettnacher: Very. So the 49th Mini was your first race back after Eva- Af- Bri Qualizza: after Eva, yes. Ally Brettnacher: And then, so between then- Mm-hmm ...

when you lost Charlie- Mm-hmm ... had Noah, you stayed active, but you didn't necessarily run any races during that Bri Qualizza: Nope. I did, a couple 5Ks, like a jog walk situation, and I was like, "This is great. This is..." And then you become a mom, and you're like, "No, I can do anything." And you- Ally Brettnacher: Well, especially after what you, yeah, went through and survived. Bri Qualizza: Yes. And you're like, I, my body is cool and capable and I don't have to be the fastest person out there, but I'm gonna go and I'm gonna run my butt off. I might pass out, I might not.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: and the 49th, the, the, uh, 25 Mini was so fun. It was just 'cause Ryan was able to... He runs much faster than me. Mm-hmm. Um, and he was able to be on the sidelines of that one. Like, he finished and then made it back. Oh Ally Brettnacher: yeah, that's Bri Qualizza: cool. And it was the first time he'd been able to cheer for me at a race. Ally Brettnacher: That's really special. Bri Qualizza: yeah, I was just like- Yeah ... I'm not even emotional and I'm like teary and like, "This is so nice." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: He's like, "Well, I didn't mean to make you..." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

and you're like, "But it's, it's good crying." It's It's just, Bri Qualizza: yeah. I was like, "It's just happy." Yeah. And then, yeah, and then this year I was able to PR, from a pre-baby half. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, that feels good. I've done that. Bri Qualizza: it's like- Ally Brettnacher: It took forever. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, yeah. Ally Brettnacher: But then you realize, oh, I can be faster than I was? Bri Qualizza: well, I can be faster than I was. Faster than my 20s? Ally Brettnacher: Right. Crazy. Bri Qualizza: Insane. Ally Brettnacher: But true. There's hope. There's hope. Bri Qualizza: There's hope. I know, and now I'm just like, okay, well, we're gonna do sub-two next mini.

It'll be fine. It'll Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. And you-- yeah Bri Qualizza: And I'm working with, Sarah Farney, and she was like, "Let's get through the injury recovery." I'm like, "Oh yeah, no, for sure. Complete Geist." Ally Brettnacher: Complete, right." Oh my Bri Qualizza: then Ally Brettnacher: And then we're gonna do this, this, this one, and then I just signed up for this one. Sarah's like, "Okay." Bri Qualizza: I sent her the countdown app and I was like, "You are with me for so long." And she's like, "I can't wait." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It's the be- well, I mean, I know that she loves- She's phenomenal ...

loves cheering on her athletes. Oh my gosh, yeah. What point did you become a coach? Bri Qualizza: recently. Okay. So, Chrissy, my buddy who had reached out to you, she was like, she's getting into running. She's doing her first half. It's gonna be monumental. And she's doing the 10K for Geist, and she's like, "I want you to make my plans. I want you to be my coach." And I said, "Absolutely. Let me get certified." I need to do this with science. I don't need to do this with vibes. I need to just like, you should probably run more. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Maybe less.

Like, let's not do that. and so yeah. And so I started coaching her and then her husband, got on board, and that was recently. That was a couple weeks ago, and it was so funny 'cause then I have three other people who were like, "Hey, like whenever you're ready to take on more people"... And I, and I told Ryan, I was like, "Oh, I need a name. I need a logo." Yay. "I need a website." He was like, "Let's go. Let's do it." Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: do it. Bri Qualizza: So yeah. So I have, Pace and Purpose is now my- Oh, have a logo with me running with the two kids and the little, like it's, it's very cute.

I like it a lot. Made an Instagram yesterday. Ally Brettnacher: Wow. Congratulations. Bri Qualizza: Thank you. Let's go. I just, we're doing it. Yeah. 'Cause yeah, I'm like, okay, I would love to cheer all these people on, and how much confidence Sarah has given me and- Ally Brettnacher: Right. I know. I'm so thankful for hav- having had a coach. Yeah. Rachel's great. But I never knew that that's like, was a thing. Bri Qualizza: No, and we talk about it all the time where, 'cause I had someone text me yesterday. She's like, "Well, you coach below average athletes?" And I was like, "Oh my God, um- Ally Brettnacher: what I do.

Bri Qualizza: that's my sweet Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: are you talking about? I was like, also like, running is not average. People don't do that. Ally Brettnacher: That's hard to remember sometimes in this Bri Qualizza: because you get inundated Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Bri Qualizza: all this stuff. Ally Brettnacher: Amazing things Bri Qualizza: All these amazing thing, and I'm surrounded by all these phenomenal people and, so I'm like, " Okay, I can be the slow hype girl. We're good. I can create a great plan for you, and you still be faster than me and achieve your goals." Right. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: And that's been very weird.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: to lock into because I wanna be fast and I wanna be, and I'm like, "I'm, you're 5'2", ma'am. Like, let's just- Ally Brettnacher: Hey, well, you know, I mean, you can get faster as you get older. And it... And I think what I've learned in just talking to so many people about it is too, is it's like you can if you want to. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: You don't Bri Qualizza: You don't have to. Ally Brettnacher: You don't have to. You don't ha- have to ever try to PR. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. You can just vibe. Ally Brettnacher: can just...

Yeah. Like- You don't have to wear a watch. Bri Qualizza: Y- Ally Brettnacher: You don't have to have a strap. I mean, it's just so crazy. Bri Qualizza: I- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: insane. You don't have to do any of that. You can, like I've been saying cause one of the, my athletes that I'm coaching Ally Brettnacher: that's what you say ... Bri Qualizza: who, um. what you said. Ooh, ah. Um, he was like, "Oh, you know, like I could go faster." I'm like, "You don't have to though. Like an easy run is a lollygag. Just vibe." Right. Like y- it's going to feel slow.

We're building the aerobic base. It should feel- like- Ally Brettnacher: Like- Bri Qualizza: You can go all day. Yeah. that's, that's it. That's the point. Yeah. And it's so hard when you wanna like do more. Ally Brettnacher: Right. Absolutely. Bri Qualizza: But you don't have to. Mm-mm. Like... Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Well, congratulations. That's Bri Qualizza: Thank you. It's so, I'm so excited. Ally Brettnacher: And when did you do your first marathon? And what made you- Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh ... Ally Brettnacher: go that there? Yeah. Bri Qualizza: marathon. That, so that is why I'm so mad at Carmel for getting rescheduled 'cause I wasn't injured for the first one.

oh my gosh, not really. It was the right choice. but it was so funny. So it was in 2016. I went to San Antonio for the Rock 'n' Roll. They do St. Jude, fundraising, so I was a charity runner. And- Do Ally Brettnacher: you follow, uh, Hillary Burgus? Do you know who that is? I do not. You should. She's from San Antonio, Bri Qualizza: Ooh, okay. Ally Brettnacher: That made me think of her. Bri Qualizza: No, I should. Ally Brettnacher: the only person I know that lives there, so. Bri Qualizza: No, and it was like, and I'm like, "Okay, I'm going for this bigger purpose." I wore all my patients 'cause I was, working on the cancer center at the time.

I wore all of their bracelets. That's really sweet. and it was awful. It was so bad. It was like, I, I think it was a six hour, which again, looking at the pace per mile, that's still 13 minutes. Like that's a fine Ally Brettnacher: jog. yeah. Yeah, yeah. Bri Qualizza: That's a fine pace. But I, you know, you have analysis paralysis and you compare yourself. But I stopped at, uh, almost every medical tent for my ankle. I would take ibuprofen then Tylenol at every one. I yelled at this poor spectator 'cause he was like, "It's right around the corner." And then it was a cul-de-sac.

It was a cul-de-sac Came back around, I passed him again and I was like, "You effing liar," this and that. And he was like, "I'm so sorry." But sorry." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: But it was before watches, so I had no idea how far I had gone. Oh. I didn't know if I still had four miles, you know? And- Ally Brettnacher: So what year was it, did you say? 2016. Okay, 2016. Bri Qualizza: And so I, you know, I went and I called Ryan crying from like a curb I think at one point, and he was like, "Just get your Were Ally Brettnacher: you married at that time, Bri Qualizza: We were, no, we were dating.

Okay. Okay. And he's like, "Get your butt off the curb and walk." He was like, "You can just move forward." And I was like, "Okay. This hurts." And he's like, "I know. Keep going. It's fine." Yeah, I'm used to Ally Brettnacher: do that, yeah. Bri Qualizza: but I had an injury in my ankle and I ended up having ankle surgery the week after that marathon. Ally Brettnacher: Oh. Bri Qualizza: So you know, whatever. Got it done. Whoops. Ally Brettnacher: Whoops. Bri Qualizza: And, um- Ally Brettnacher: What was wrong with it? Bri Qualizza: it? It was insane. It was like an extra bone had been like cutting into my tendon.

So it, like some people have an extra bone in their ankle. And because I kept running, it was like scraping the tendon. Ally Brettnacher: really horribly Bri Qualizza: all sort of damage. Ally Brettnacher: Jeez. Bri Qualizza: So they, yeah, they took that out. And I remember the physician was like, "Did you run that marathon?" And I go, "I told you I was going to." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: Obviously. I said I was gonna do it. You're in there anyway, just scrape it." Did Ally Brettnacher: Did you have the surgery scheduled when you did the marathon? I did. Stop I did. did. I thought it was like, not emergency, but like, "Hey, okay, finally you need to get this done so you can like-" Bri Qualizza: Nope.

December 12th. I think the race was like December 4th or something. Okay. December 4th or something. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Bri Qualizza: It was so dumb. But I was like, "I raised this money. These kids are going through more than I'm going with my an- Yeah. Like I'm not gonna be a charity runner and not do it. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: And so I did, and then I was like, "I will never do another one." Of Ally Brettnacher: course. Bri Qualizza: Ever. I was like, "This is, I am a half girly." Mm-hmm. "We're good." And no, and then I ran last year's mini, I'm like, "Nah." Ally Brettnacher: that's..." You gotta do that again.

Redemption. Yeah. And Bri Qualizza: I w- and so the whole thing was redemption marathon, all through like my socials and my training and all Ally Brettnacher: Oh, no. Bri Qualizza: And so did the 20-miler with the Carmel Run Club. I felt so good. I was like- Ally Brettnacher: Do they do... D- Is that 20-miler on a lot of the course? Is that the Bri Qualizza: is. It was a course preview ... preview thing, yeah And so this- I would've done that, That sounds perfect ... it was amazing. Yeah. It, like, it was well organized. Gabby, who I think has been on your podcast- Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm um, I ended up talking with her 'cause she and my husband end up working at the same company, so it was a course preview.

We met at the brewery, did the whole thing. I ended up, running with this girl named Lydia- Okay because she just, we ended up kind of going, and it was the most motivating thing because we probably spoke 10, 20 sentences to each other the entire time, but we were like next to each other. Had never met, just like- Ally Brettnacher: There's something about that, that you just like know. You're like, "We're just in this together." Bri Qualizza: was great. And then she was like kind of heading f- like a little faster than me t- for the last mile, and I was like, "Oh, you're good.

I'll see you at the end. It's fine." And she's like, "Okay, cool. Thanks." But then she was waiting for me- Aw ... at the end. And then we, I was like, "This is, this is it. Like, this is the-" Why, yeah Ally Brettnacher: community. This is cool. Yeah, for sure. Um, Bri Qualizza: is cool. Yeah. Um, but yeah, so felt great, did all that. Started the taper. had the postponement or whatever. I'm like, "Not a problem. Fine." did the mini and then I was telling Coach Sarah, I'm like, "Okay, in the 16-miler, I'm... I was dehydrated. I felt kind of bad, but it's fine." And then I did I think one more 18-miler.

I'm like, "Well, we got it done, but like I'm still hurting, you know?" And she was like, "Maybe go see a doctor just to make sure." Ally Brettnacher: was hurting? Bri Qualizza: My shin. Oh. And I'm like, "Oh, okay." I'm like, "That's weird. fine." And I went and saw a physician a- and he was like, "Okay, where's your pain?" And he was like, "All right, we need an MRI." And I'm like, "Okay." And he was like, "When's your next race?" I'm like, " It's in two and a half weeks." And he was like, "I don't think you're running it." And I'm like, I hear you." It's like Ally Brettnacher: Such a runner.

Bri Qualizza: understood. Yeah. And I said, "However," I go, "Am I correct if you think this is a fracture?" I was like, "It can be grade one to four." And he's like, "Yeah." And I go, "L- listen, if it's a grade one or two, my butt's on the course." And he was like, " Okay, but like then you have to put a boot on. Can you wear a boot until then?" I was like, "Yeah. Yes. I will be a star patient." Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh. Bri Qualizza: God. And so he, was like, "Yes, wear the boot. We'll get your MRI scheduled." So not only did I end up having a fracture, I had two.

Two fractures. One of them was a grade four. Ally Brettnacher: What? Bri Qualizza: All the way to the bone marrow, complete fracture. The other one was a grade one, four inches long. I just... And they called me, and he goes, "Hey, so I'm just here to tell you under no circumstances are you running your race." And I go, " Okay. Let me ask." And he was like, "Oh my gosh." And I was like, "I Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, but- Bri Qualizza: you could- ... what could happen?" It was like the nurse in me, like, "What, what could happen if I did it, if I wrapped it up real good?" And he was like, "Your bone is not connected.

It could come through your skin and cause permanent na- nerve damage." I'm like- Ally Brettnacher: I'm like- Okay ... that seems like Bri Qualizza: a bad consequence. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Well, and I'm sure your husband was like- Bri Qualizza: Yeah ... " Ally Brettnacher: What are you thinking?" Yeah. Bri Qualizza: He's like, "You don't need to do this." And I was like- Like ... "The 20-miler felt so good." I'm like, "We're doing this. It's redemption." Oh. And he's like, "I don't think we are." Ally Brettnacher: Gosh, that had to be hurting for a while too though, even Bri Qualizza: It, b- but like- Ally Brettnacher: how did it Bri Qualizza: happen?

Not enough to be that dramatic of a break. Like, you should have hurt more. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: I don't know. That sounds insane. Well, we did, I... They did do labs, and my vitamin D was, like, single digits. It's supposed to be, like, 40 to 60 or something. Ooh. And it was nine. Ooh. And, and it was also funny too, 'cause one of those physicians, she was like, "Well, you know," she goes, "Once you get out, you know, it's been winter, so when you get outside..." I go, "I run outside a lot." And she's like, "Oh, no." So it was probably lower. Ally Brettnacher: So it's like the Lord- Oh Oh, no.

Bri Qualizza: So I think just- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, Bri Qualizza: just- ... brittle bones- Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: Dang. That's nuts, Bre. Bri Qualizza: It's insane. Ally Brettnacher: I'm like- And then you you had the postponement, so your injury didn't even... Okay, so you had kind of a double Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm, yeah. So I was Ally Brettnacher: Oh man, and you did the- Bri Qualizza: And then we had the garbage weather. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. ' Bri Qualizza: Cause I wasn't injured back then. But Ally Brettnacher: yeah, Bri Qualizza: it Ally Brettnacher: was- garbage weather is right. Bri Qualizza: Oh, my gosh. And it was, it was a terrible Ally Brettnacher: would've been not a Bri Qualizza: The day of the actual race, I went and cheered on some of my friends, and I'm like, "This-" Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: would have been perfect.

This is nice." It was Ally Brettnacher: warm, but you know. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, true. At least they pushed it up. Yes. Like, the 7:00 start was so Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, absolutely. Bri Qualizza: But, Ally Brettnacher: um- Yeah, and they said they had a ton of ice that they ended up not using a lot of it 'cause it wa- it got hot, but- Oh my gosh ... they were like, they were like, "We are gonna be prepared." Yeah. "If it's 90 degrees-" We- "... we are gonna have all of the ice that there is." you Bri Qualizza: have to. Yeah. Like, you have to be prepared.

Ally Brettnacher: oh man. Okay, so now... Bri Qualizza: Now, oh my gosh, also with Carmel. One I forgot, so w- I got your Athletic Bouquets Carmel 26.2 because I was like, Marathon, I get my new mug. Ally Brettnacher: Oh, Bri Qualizza: Oh. That's why I have it sitting on my desk. And I told Ryan, I go, "I'm gonna stare at that until next year." And he was like, "That's not the healthiest thing thing to do." I was like, "I'm gonna look at it." Ally Brettnacher: it." Yeah. It was, it is motivate. I appreciate that. Bri Qualizza: Thank you. Ally Brettnacher: I, I, yeah, Bri Qualizza: look at it every time I'm remotely working.

I'm like Ally Brettnacher: There, it's come, you're, I'm coming for you. Coming. I'm coming Bri Qualizza: You're coming. I'm coming. Yeah. Catch me in Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That's right. Bri Qualizza: and then I got antsy and yeah, coming up next I'm gonna do Monumental and- Ally Brettnacher: November. Bri Qualizza: It'll be great. Ally Brettnacher: Okay, so let's continue the story about this- Oh ... crazy shin issue with like the- With the broken bones ... broken bones. Okay, so you had... Did you have to have surgery on that? Marker --- Ally Brettnacher: Quick break in the show to do something I normally don't do, and that is promote my own business.

If you didn't know this, I actually have my own small business. It's called Athlete Bouquets, where you celebrate the finish lines and milestones of the people you love by going to athletebouquets.com. Think of it like an edible arrangement, but for runners. It comes in a mug that can be race-specific and has things like blister Band-Aids, fuel, lip balm, peanut butter, all the things somebody might need and want for a race, and a great way to celebrate somebody who's done something amazing or is training to do something amazing. Visit athletebouquets.com and you can use code PODCAST for 10% off of your order. All right, back to my conversation with Bre.

Okay, so let's continue the story about this- Oh ... crazy shin issue with like the- With the broken bones ... broken bones. Okay, so you had... Did you have to have surgery on that? Bri Qualizza: No, thankfully. Okay. So I was in a boot for 10 weeks. Ally Brettnacher: Oh my. Bri Qualizza: And I'm just, and I'm so stubborn if you haven't- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: But my daughter had her third birthday. She wanted to go to the zoo, so I'm hobbling in the zoo in my boot. We went camping. I'm going in Brown County trails in the boot. I'm like- Ally Brettnacher: Not gonna let this keep me Bri Qualizza: This isn't gonna stop me from doing the fun things." Ally Brettnacher: Jeez.

Well, good for you. I mean, yeah, what else are you gonna do? Not do stuff? How am Bri Qualizza: gonna j- They're toddlers. Yeah. Right. We have to do those things. Yeah. Yeah. but yeah, 10 weeks and then I had my follow-up with the physician and he was so funny. He was like, "Okay, so what, you know, what do we need to do?" I'm like, "You, you tell me." I was like, "I'm good." And he's like, "Oh, okay. Like, let's talk s- specifics." He was like, "I can tell you don't wanna be active, you want to be running." And I was like, "C- Correct, Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Yeah. No, like I'm gonna run a marathon, sir, this Bri Qualizza: I, and that's what I told him. I was like, "We are 18 weeks out, so that's where I would like to be." And he was like, "Okay." He was like, "You can walk as much as you want." He was like, "And then you can start doing a mile at a time." And I was like- Ally Brettnacher: I was like- Which for, yeah, that's- Bri Qualizza: I was was like, "I hear you." And he was like, "That needs to be a one to two week build." And I said, "Yes." And this was July 8th.

And I go, " Now my birthday's tomorrow." Ally Brettnacher: So I'm gonna Bri Qualizza: Can I run on my..." And he was like, "Oh my gosh." Ally Brettnacher: Oh my God." That's so great. And you did, you ran a mile Bri Qualizza: on your birthday. I did. I ran a mile on my birthday and it was phenomenal. I was like, "This felt great. Thanks. I just wanted to prance about." Good for Ally Brettnacher: you for only doing one mile. Bri Qualizza: Thank you. I'm proud of you. Thank you. 'Cause I, yeah, 'cause you feel good. Ally Brettnacher: Right. You're like, "Oh, I'm back, baby." I'm not even tired.

I'm back, baby. Bri Qualizza: I'm back, baby. Yeah. Yes, Ally Brettnacher: that much time off. Ugh, yeah. Bri Qualizza: And so yeah, Sarah and I came up with a plan. I'm doing three today. it's so Ally Brettnacher: In this oven. Yeah, it's nasty. I ran on my treadmill 'cause I'm... I was like, "Eh." Maybe tread it out, 'cause I... Yeah. Bri Qualizza: I'm like- be treading it up 'cause I, yeah. I'm like- We can Ally Brettnacher: We can talk about after we're done recording. 'Cause I'll go down a true crime tangent here if I don't- Oof Bri Qualizza: Ooh, I know. Yeah, we need to, well, yeah But Ally Brettnacher: yeah, Worst Neighbor Ever is a good one if you aren't familiar with it.

And so- I watched it. You do. Okay. So there you go. So go watch it on the treadmill- Yeah and it'll be great. The second one's about Indianapolis, so PSA. Anyway, I could talk about- PSA ... we could go Bri Qualizza: We- it'll be its own podcast. Ally Brettnacher: be, yeah, Bri Qualizza: It'll be like runner interest who also like true Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. But then you don't want, like, running true crime- Bri Qualizza: Oh, no. I did one long run listening to a murder podcast. Oh, Ally Brettnacher: yeah. Bri Qualizza: And, I was like doing it. Yeah. I'm like, no, this is- Ally Brettnacher: like that's probably not a good- Bri Qualizza: Audiobooks are a good- Audiobooks are fine.

Maybe let's not- Yeah ... do Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That Bri Qualizza: didn't work Ally Brettnacher: well. Yeah. okay, three today, and then you'll just keep working your way. Do you have follow-up appointments in the interim where they'll make sure you're not, like, somehow- Bri Qualizza: As long as I don't have pain- Okay ... he said we're good. So yeah, my long run is this weekend at four and a half. Ally Brettnacher: Whoop. Bri Qualizza: Woo-hoo. So excited. We are starting, a Riley run club actually Thursday. Ally Brettnacher: Oh, that's really exciting. Bri Qualizza: And so I'm trying to, like, get routes and stuff together for that, 'cause one of my coworkers texted me and she's like, "Hey." Ally Brettnacher: texted me.

she's like, "Hey." Oh, that's so fun. Thank Bri Qualizza: Thank you. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. She goes, "What do you think about, like, a run club, whether it's midday, before?" And I was like, "This is my dream. Yes." Ally Brettnacher: Oh, I'm already, like, thinking about the wagon logo, and I'm like you could make one of those little kids, like, look like a runner. Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. I gotta sh- I have to show you. I made a logo for that too. Yeah. 'Cause I was like, I got coaching logo. Yeah. I got this. Ally Brettnacher: this. Got this. That's so exciting.

Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And it's- Ally Brettnacher: Cool Bri Qualizza: so cute. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Aww. Bri Qualizza: And so I'm like... And I, we obviously brought it up in one of our meetings, and I forwarded it to a bunch of people, and they're like, "You know it's July, right? Why are we starting a run club in July?" I'm like, "They have showers in the hospital." Ally Brettnacher: And also everyone's like, if people are running their mar- you know, a lot of fall marathon or half marathon training's happening Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Sarah baked it into my training calendar. Yeah. I'm like, "No, this is great. We'll be good." Ally Brettnacher: Excellent.

Bri Qualizza: So hopefully Hillary and I, she's the one that is starting it with me, hopefully we have the same pace, ' cause I don't know. We've never run together. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: We've never run together. We'll figure it out. Bri Qualizza: need to lollygag. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. So for that, what's your vision for that? Is it people who work at Riley? Is it Riley families? Is it just like- It's all ... anybody who wants to support us can come? Bri Qualizza: You know, our vision right now is, coworkers, cause we're on the, like, quality and safety practice team. Yep. but we have a lot of nurses who live downtown, and I'm like- Yeah ...

if you don't... 'Cause for me, I would love to run during the workday, but I'm a big baby. I don't wanna run alone downtown. I wanna, have a buddy. And and so we were like, that kinda gives you the space. and so I would love for it to grow. And then I thought, you know, how amazing would it be to have a tent or have a table or- Ooh ... you know, 'cause I think about, like, the full mo' that you did, and I'm like, if I have our little run club be a tent, like, that'd be a blast, you know? And then immediately one of my buddies was like, "So you want us to come bring you snacks?" I'm like- Ally Brettnacher: Yes Bri Qualizza: Yes, and wouldn't it be so amazing Ally Brettnacher: for you?

Yeah. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: "Yes, it would be Ally Brettnacher: Well, yeah, I mean, you think about what St. Jude has built too. I mean- Bri Qualizza: Yes ... yeah. I'm like, it could be, it could just open so many doors where- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah. So you're gonna slowly build and pray for no pain, which I feel like if I was you, I'd be like, "Well, does it hurt? I don't know if it hurts that bad." Bri Qualizza: I can't even trust the pain 'cause I'm like, I th- I told Sarah that I was dehydrated. Like, I had a fracture in two of them, and I'm like, "I don't, I can't trust pain." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

Bri Qualizza: So I was looking back at the notes that we had written to each other, and I'm like, "Okay, like, if you just feel off, that might just be your-" Ally Brettnacher: Indicator that like, just make sure. Like if you're starting to maybe f- almost favor- Yeah ... your left and Bri Qualizza: just be cool." Yeah. "Let's-" Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Injuries are just really hard. I'm very much... I'm, I'm stubborn too in the fact that like when I tell Rachel about something that's bothering me, it's like after it's been bothering me for a while. Bri Qualizza: It's been, it's been a whole problem for " Ally Brettnacher: I actually scheduled an appointment to like go to PT." So you know it's bad- Yeah ...

if I'm doing that. yeah. Bri Qualizza: yeah, 'cause yeah, we met last week and she was like, "Your long run's gonna be like 16 or 18. It's gonna be fine." She was like, "I know you well enough that you're gonna do it." And I'm like, "Yeah." Ally Brettnacher: You're right. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Let's, yeah, let's do it." Yeah. And then, 'cause I did tell her, I'm like, "Okay, well maybe I'll be a little bit more generous about my goals on just like enjoy the marathon." Ally Brettnacher: it done again. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, yeah. The time stuff, no matter what, seems like you're gonna ha- You're, you're gonna want, to get a time.

I mean- Bri Qualizza: You can't not. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I mean, uh, some people maybe are born with the magic of not caring about that, but, I'm not one of those people. which brings us, too, to the Full Mo, because that was a good practice for me because it was like I really went into it being like, "I'm not gonna look at my watch. I'm not-" Bri Qualizza: I loved that ... Ally Brettnacher: going to care." Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: And it was hard not to. Yeah. 'Cause Rachel and I ended up sticking together the whole time, and then our two, the two other women we were with were like, "Hey, actually we kinda wanna hit this time." And I was like, "Oh.

Well, good jo- Go do that." Bri Qualizza: Yes. And I- Ally Brettnacher: but I am- Go do that. Yeah. It was tempting to be like, "Oh, should I see?" Yeah. But you're probably- But yeah, I didn't feel that great, so it was fine. Yeah. I was like, "Okay." Bri Qualizza: like, "This is fine. Let's just finish it." No way I Ally Brettnacher: you Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. Well, you think like, I feel like you are probably like me where I'm like I am hypercompetitive with me. Ally Brettnacher: 100%. Bri Qualizza: Do not care what you do. Yeah. Do not care what Jane does. Like, I don't care.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: But what I set out to do, I'm So locked in Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: And so yeah, I did sign, I just deferred Carmel did this year. Okay. And I was like, "Okay, like let's try to like fire it up for Carmel and then- Mm-hmm ... enjoy Monumental," 'cause- Mm-hmm also my husband's trying to BQ this year as his goal. Ally Brettnacher: Oh, boy. Okay. So- And I was gonna ask you how much he runs because- He ran qualifying. Oh, he does. Yeah. So he supported you at the Mini last year- Mm-hmm ... because he had already run it.

That's right. Okay. And so has he done a, a marathon? Bri Qualizza: Yes. Okay. So he's done Chicago was his first. Like how lucky. Yeah. So Ally Brettnacher: that was my first marathon. It was the best. And so good Bri Qualizza: And he's done Monumental two or three times. It's all been pretty local. Okay. and so yeah, he signed up for Monumental too. and then probably Carmel as well- Got it ... 'cause he was like, "I need to do all of that." But he's happy that I'm running 'cause we... He stopped to see the kids three times last year, like lovely and so nice. Yeah.

And he wasn't close last year- Yeah ... so it was fine. He was like, " I'm glad that you're not gonna have the kids 'cause they would cry if I-" Ally Brettnacher: Oh, I've made that. I, that happened, that happened to me with like the 4th of July race. I thought I was going so fast. Bri Qualizza: I heard, yes. Ally Brettnacher: I thought that I, I just was like, "Well, I gotta give somebody high fives," but I didn't pay attention to like who. Mm-hmm. Big mistake. Bri Qualizza: oh, th- they were Ally Brettnacher: Oh, they were locked in. Shoulda just, shoulda just not high-fived at all.

Bri Qualizza: like- Yeah. do both of you. Ally Brettnacher: They would've been all mad, but you know, whoops. You j- and you're just- Yeah ... locked in. Bri Qualizza: You j- and you're just locked in. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. ' Bri Qualizza: Cause you know, Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. But who cares? I know that was me like comp- I wanted, well, I was kinda competing 'cause, you know, I wanted the- You wanted your age group ... my age group award. But yeah- Yeah ... it's silly, but it's fun. Bri Qualizza: I know, but it's- Yeah ... like it just gives you like that much of an edge, and I think that that's- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

It's fun Bri Qualizza: Exciting. Ally Brettnacher: know, as long as it's fun and it's not something that, you know, I beat myself up about too much. ' Cause the BQ thing is in the back of my mind, Bri Qualizza: Mine too, and I'm like, "I'm so slow. I have so far to go." Ally Brettnacher: You just never know Bri Qualizza: But yeah, but then I think if these go well, if I get faster, if I don't get injured again, like- Yeah. Well, Ally Brettnacher: shit, you end up, you'll end up running for Riley at Boston Marathon someday Bri Qualizza: Well, I did tell Ryan, I was like, "If you BQ, I'm a charity runner." Ally Brettnacher: Okay, yeah Bri Qualizza: I was like, "We have to do it together." Ally Brettnacher: That would be cool.

Bri Qualizza: And he was like, " That's a great idea." And I was like, "I would love to like BQ with you." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, that'd be really awesome, but- I Bri Qualizza: think that- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: a way, is a way. I was like, "I will gladly raise money- Yeah ... and, Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm ... Bri Qualizza: know, g- donate to a cause I'm passionate about and- Yeah ... and go and h- experience it with you, Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I mean, I've been working with Rachel for, gosh, it's been five years now probably, and it, I've told her maybe at the beginning that was something I was interested in doing, but that I, I could be patient about it.

You know? I could Bri Qualizza: Yes. Ally Brettnacher: cause do it the right way, 'cause I also didn't wanna... I don't know. I still worry about burnout. Bri Qualizza: know. You know. I know. I'm a little, little worried about it this year, but I got so Ally Brettnacher: Well, you were injured for a while, so it's- Bri Qualizza: Yeah, I'm like, I had 10 Ally Brettnacher: Yeah yeah ...on Bri Qualizza: the sidelines- Ally Brettnacher: right. so Geist is next- Geist is next ... in September. Bri Qualizza: Yep. Ally Brettnacher: And then Monumental Full. Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm. Ally Brettnacher: And then just Paris. Disney. That's Bri Qualizza: We, we got Ally Brettnacher: ever done one of those?

Bri Qualizza: Uh, back in 2014- Ally Brettnacher: Okay ... Bri Qualizza: I think it was. Ally Brettnacher: I've never done one Bri Qualizza: It, you know, it's, it's interesting because you're on the highway for some of it. Like, you're not- Mm ... in the parks that much. and I was, again, so in my head, I, I think I got a picture with one set of characters for why. But you know where I'm not-- what are we doing? And then I did, tell Sarah, I was like, "You know, I bet I could get an age group award at Disney." And she was like, "Maybe." And I'm like, "That's crazy.

I could go real fast." And she ... And I was I like, "No, I'm gonna be with..." 'Cause it's me and two buddies that are doing it. yeah and so my friends Chrissy and, Shelby were gonna go and do it together, and I'm like, "No, let's take the pictures. Do the thing." Yeah. "Look Ally Brettnacher: it'll be- That's cool. Well, it does seem like that's the purpose of that's Bri Qualizza: the purpose of those, is more like- It is yeah, you doing it. It's the fun of it and, and the husband's gonna come, so we're gonna just Ally Brettnacher: But husbands and, and no kids?

Bri Qualizza: no kids. Ally Brettnacher: Okay, Bri Qualizza: yeah. We do Epcot. Yeah. We Ally Brettnacher: That'll be nice. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: I told Ryan, I was like, "I can do all the single riders. I don't need you to sit next to me. This is gonna be great." Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: you're like, "I'm good to just be a Bri Qualizza: line and just go for it. So that'll be fun, and then after Disney Princess will be Carmel Full. 'Cause I did tell-- I told Sarah, I was like, "If, if I have the best race of my life for Monumental, and then Carmel doesn't make sense for full mo training, then we can like- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: push it.

I can drop it back to a half, or I can do something. and that, but then the other part of me is like, "But the mug is on my desk"- Yeah ... "and that says 26.2." Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: Right. Right. Bri Qualizza: And I can't drink out of a mug that it's the wrong distance. The Ally Brettnacher: distance. That's, that's the wrong distance. I know. I think I have one that I messed up that says 26.2 that I drink out of sometimes, and I think about that 'cause I'm like, "Well, I've never run the marathon. I've only done the half there." Yes. And so it's like, meh, that's-" Bri Qualizza: And you're like, "You know, I've done-" Ally Brettnacher: It's fine.

" Bri Qualizza: I've done them. They're fine." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It's fine. Bri Qualizza: No one Ally Brettnacher: No one cares. I know. No one. I have a mug that says that as well. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: That's amazing. It's Ally Brettnacher: perfect. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. So, let's talk more about your coaching. Bri Qualizza: Okay. Ally Brettnacher: Cause obviously you're-- new, but- Yeah ... already have the start of a community. What do you think about... I mean, and you have such a great model in Sarah Farney. Like, what do you think about as you look to build that community? Bri Qualizza: So I think my hope and dream for it, because, you know, we, the sta- stage is set for these phenomenal coaches who have BQ'd.

They have done, I mean, I mean, Sarah with her 100-mile ultra. You know, they have accomplished all these things, and so I'm like, I think my niche is gonna be more of like, where can I get you to where you wanna be? Like, my early starting runners, my people who want to improve their time, or, you know, I was working a little bit on the website today, and I'm like, you know, I am the poster child for committing to too much and still somehow making it happen. And living a thousand lives and like- Mm-hmm ... okay, if you need, if you have kids at home and you need to wake up at 5:00 and do a treadmill run, like how can we make that happen?

Mm-hmm. Or you're traveling, where are your capabilities within that space that you're gonna feel- Mm-hmm ... confident in your training, but not overwhelmed and burnt out, and still feel like I am enough to support you through that, is kinda my idea is where I like fit in. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: and hopefully just as like your own personal cheerleader and like, what, what do you need from me? Like- And Ally Brettnacher: you were literally a cheerleader. Bri Qualizza: I was literally a cheerleader, so whatever you want. You Ally Brettnacher: I did not even think about that until right this moment. I'm serious. I'm like, who else would you want on your sideline Bri Qualizza: There's Someone whose only Ally Brettnacher: NFL cheerleader?

do you get to keep your outfit? Bri Qualizza: So we, not mine Sorry for the tangents No, you're fi- Y- listening AUDIO AND VIDO SYNCED: I got tangent. No, you're fine Bri Qualizza: to today's podcast, you'll Yeah sponsored by tangents. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, I know. Bri Qualizza: But, no, we ended up, we do every five years there's an alumni reunion. Ally Brettnacher: Oh. Bri Qualizza: And so as unis retire, so I have a retired uniform. So it was not mine, but it's one of the retired ones that I need still. That was when Eva was, like, three months old, so it's, like, three years old I to put in a shadow box- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah That's cool.

Make beautiful. Bri Qualizza: Yeah I need to replace a few of the little Swarovski's and- Mm-hmm. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm. But, so no and. Ally Brettnacher: But, okay, so here's what I envision f-for you. Mm-hmm. You have to make cust- like a custom cheerleading uniform that you use when you cheer for your athletes. Bri Qualizza: that's what, that's what it is. That's what it is. At this point it'll look like one of those bikini T-shirts. Just, uh, Ally Brettnacher: Ev- the, whatever, Bri Qualizza: and purpose, here we go. Ally Brettnacher: No, you've gotta get like the pom- I mean, yeah, that would be- Bri Qualizza: That would be good.

Oh my gosh. I mean, and yeah, at the alumni weekends they always, you get new poms, and so the kids play with my poms all the time, Ugh. Ally Brettnacher: I love how they're called poms. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Not pom-poms. Bri Qualizza: No, of course not. If Ally Brettnacher: you call them Bri Qualizza: If, if you're cool, grab your poms. Don't Ally Brettnacher: Don't you dare grab your pom-poms, you weirdo. Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. You know what's funny too? Speaking of, like, poms versus pom-poms, when I coached the high school team, they would get so over me, all the time because some people call them costumes.

Like, so their uniform, or for, for their- Oh ... competition wear and things like that. Mm-hmm. I'd be like, "Okay, guys, like, do you have your uniforms packed? Do you..." And they're like, "Oh man, Bre, it's a costume." And I'm like, " You are representing this team. This Ally Brettnacher: is Bri Qualizza: is your uniform." Yeah. And I'm like, that is so like- Yeah. That i- that's very cult. That's very, like, no, you are a representation of this brand, and this brand is Fusion. Thanks. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm, and you are wearing your uniform. Bri Qualizza: a uniform. Oh my gosh, and one of them actually texted me the other day, and she was like, "Hey, I wanna let you know I did a 5K.

I'm so sorry for all the complaining that I did every time you made us run." And I'm like- Ally Brettnacher: That's sweet ... "You're welcome." Like, " Bri Qualizza: Hey, now you're Ally Brettnacher: funny ... "Oh my God." You're like, "Yeah, now you're gonna like it. Watch out. Bri Qualizza: I, I literally, I was like, "Whenever you do the mini, let me know and we can run it together." Yeah. She's like, "Bre," and I'm "Bre." And Ally Brettnacher: I'm like- Yeah, you're going to. " I love it." Yeah. You're like, " Just promise you Bri Qualizza: I, you say that now. You won't like it.

It's gonna be nice. Yeah. Oh, so I'm excited to start to see them ' cause they're all... I mean, they graduated college already. They're like grown-ups. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, crazy to about. Bri Qualizza: With careers. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Like no, you were 14. You're just a baby. Ally Brettnacher: Oh my goodness. Yeah. Okay, and what platform are you using for coaching? Bri Qualizza: Vdot. Yeah. It's just nice. It's Ally Brettnacher: That's what Rachel uses. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. That's what Rachel uses. And it make-- I love that I can see the accuracy, I can see the splits, which I'm sure other platforms use as well.

Mm-hmm. But it's also like that's what my coach uses. Right, so Ally Brettnacher: used to operating Bri Qualizza: used to, and so then it's like, oh, I, ideally a smoother user experience for everybody on both ends- Right where I'm like, I can just- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: put in here. And I really like, one thing, and I don't know if Rachel does this as well, like Sarah releases a week at a time, and I lo- I'm absolutely stealing that because it's like I've already had to make adjustments where I'm like- Mm ... okay, like we loved this pace. Like we can try to step it up a notch.

Mm-hmm. Or like, okay, we didn't love that easy pace long run. I'm not gonna add any pacing in until we start to that recovery week- Mm-hmm ... where you have fewer miles to try to maintain that try to maintain that pace. Yeah. And because when I made my plan initially before I had Sarah, it was analysis paralysis. I made this whole spreadsheet and all the things, and I'm like, "I'm gonna mess myself up." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Which I did, but not because of that. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: So Ally Brettnacher: Well, speaking of spreadsheets, Sarah made an excellent spreadsheet for The Full Mo, so you'll have- That is amazing ...

I'm sure she'll make a revised one next year. Yeah, it like had all the... I'm like, "I can appreciate- Bri Qualizza: She's so organized. It's so, it's- Ally Brettnacher: so- That's- It's- That's amazing. Bri Qualizza: She and I communicate very well because of that. Yeah. I'm like, yep. yes and. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Yeah, somebody has to... Yeah, that helps, helps a ton. Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh. Well, I'm excited 'cause I had told her, I was like, "Prairie On Fire 27," because Geist and Prairie are on the same day this year. Ally Brettnacher: Oh, they are? Bri Qualizza: Mm-hmm. Ally Brettnacher: Oh. Bri Qualizza: Yeah.

Because I was like, "Oh yeah, that'd be fun to do." Yeah. And then like, "Oh, Geist. Okay, so you won't be at Geist, fine." And then she was like, "But if you guys wanna come to the tent afterwards," I'm like, " I think I do wanna do that." Yep. I'm gonna spectate Ally Brettnacher: I gotta spectate again. It was so fun. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. I'm, so it's on my count- calendar. It's on my countdown. Yeah. So we can do it in 27 because I'm like, I'll do the Full Mo. I absolutely roped one of my athletes into doing the Full Mo. I'm like, we're kind of the same pace, like just- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah Bri Qualizza: lock Ally Brettnacher: in." Well, that's, I mean, that's the best.

I did it with Rachel, like I said. I mean, Bri Qualizza: it was on the 4th. I Ally Brettnacher: did- Bri Qualizza: did... He had had some of my husband's like, so he brews beer, but he, it was the 4th, and so we had had a f- few brewskis. Okay. And I was like, "It's, it just opened. Go ahead and register. So much fun. Like why would you say that you couldn't?" And he's like, "You're right." Ally Brettnacher: Oh my gosh, that's so perfect. Bri Qualizza: this is, I'm absolutely peer pressuring, Ally Brettnacher: how my very, my best friend did her first marathon. She was the second episode of this podcast, like a million years ago- She's so funny ...

feels like. And she registered for her first marathon sh- when she was drunk. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Y- that's what it is. It's Ally Brettnacher: fun. Yeah. And she was like, "And then I just had to do it." I'm like, "You could've just, like, eaten the money." She's like, "No, I signed up for it. I, ran it." No, Bri Qualizza: the, it's on my emails. Like, I, I did Ally Brettnacher: so it was so funny. Bri Qualizza: my gosh. Well, that's how the full mo happened. I was, like, looking at it. I saw your, memories coming up, and then I saw Sarah had registered, and I'm like Ally Brettnacher: Yeah.

It's fun. It, you'll like it. And for people who aren't local, it's, it's ba- it's a 50K that goes through our whole city basically. Yeah. From the suburbs or, like, farm, farm land- Yeah ... all the way to downtown. Bri Qualizza: North of me, Ally Brettnacher: yeah. Yeah, yeah. Bri Qualizza: And so, yeah, I'm excited. Ally Brettnacher: It's fun. It's fun. It's, you know, I would definitely do it again. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Well, and I'm like, it could be terrible, but, like- Ally Brettnacher: Some of it... Here's the deal. Some of it was terrible. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: And s- and some of it wasn't.

That's good. So that's good. Bri Qualizza: And then the, but the fountains at the end. Ally Brettnacher: It's perfect. Bri Qualizza: I'm like, I will hand that phone off so fast, Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, just lay in the splash pad. I mean, every marathon should have a splash pad at the end. Yes. I mean, every, I should say every spring 'cause like, yeah. Or maybe even Chicago. Chicago gets warm, but usually Monumental is cold. You wouldn't wanna Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Oh my gosh. I hope we have weather like last year. Did you do Monumental year? Ally Brettnacher: I did the half last year. Bri Qualizza: It was beautiful.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: We spectated Ryan. I made, like, the cutouts and everything. Oh, that's right. And I mean, I brought mimosas and donuts. We had a g- we had a great time. Probably had a better time last year than Ally Brettnacher: I always like to say spectating's a sport. You ha- I mean, you can be good at it. Bri Qualizza: Yes. And it was- You can improve so much fun. And Ally Brettnacher: you al- I mean, I find that doing that brings me almost as much joy. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. I mean, I think... And it was funny too, 'cause Ryan, I didn't tell him anybody was coming, and so then all of the sudden he looked and there were...

You know, I think we ended up having, like, 15 people. That's so fun Just, like, with his- Aw ... cutout face- Yeah screaming And I'm like, that's really exciting. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I mean, you know how it feels to have people on the sidelines. It is. It's like that means a lot Bri Qualizza: Just to see, like, okay you took time out of your day- Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm ... Bri Qualizza: to come support this dream that I have, whether... Where I'm not winning anything. Ally Brettnacher: Right. Bri Qualizza: I'm just completing something- Right ... that m- is meaningful to me. Mm-hmm. And, like, a reward of all these months, of all the hard work that you put in, and- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah ...

Bri Qualizza: that matters to good friends. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. So. Yeah. See, now I'm at a point though where I've done so many half marathons that my family and my Bri Qualizza: They're like, "A half is fine" ... Ally Brettnacher: don't even care about that. It's not that they don't care, but they're just like, "Oh, you ran another half marathon." Like- You have ... "Didn't you just run one yesterday?" Like it's just- Yeah ... kind of what happens. And I've, I've done nine marathons, and so that's, I mean, that's, Bri Qualizza: gosh Ally Brettnacher: it's a lot. Awesome. But relatively speaking, you know, in this world you're like, "Well, it doesn't feel like that many." Bri Qualizza: It doesn't feel like, but it is.

like, but It Ally Brettnacher: is. But It still yeah. Bri Qualizza: It's so many. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. so I'll definitely do another marathon. Yes. I mean, I have to have to do at least 10. I- Obviously Bri Qualizza: I'm not here to tell you. Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: right. Bri Qualizza: But- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, but gonna ... you're beautiful though. Bri Qualizza: number. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, Well, and I, and you know, the BQ thing, I think if I, if I really wanna go for it, I can. And I just, but I've kind of still been noodling with like, do I really want it, or is it something that I just feel like I should want?

Bri Qualizza: Do you just see it? Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: want... And that's, and that's where I was like, "Okay, let's do the full mo," because that's- maybe where I need to start going. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: but then again I'm like, "Okay, well if I get through Carmel and my feet feel great and I'm just getting faster, like maybe there's, maybe there's hope." Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: And if there isn't, there isn't. And that, and that was one thing that Ryan and I talked about too, 'cause I forced him into a coaching scenario with Sarah 'cause I was like, "I can't be the only one that believes in your dreams.

But like, I am not experienced enough to be pushing you to this goal." Yeah. And so I was like, "You need to set up a meeting." I said, "I don't, you know, I don't care. Here are like four different coaches that you can use. Talk to people." Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: but if you want it, like I'm here for you to want that, but I can't put the miles on your legs. I can't get up early. Right. Yeah. I can't do all of those things. Yeah. So, it's been really fun to watch that shift. Mm-hmm. 'Cause he's like, he was very much like, "I'm just running and I wanna get faster," and he was getting faster, but not exponentially.

Ally Brettnacher: Sure. Bri Qualizza: You know? And, and so I'm like, " Might as well try something different." Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm Bri Qualizza: that hasn't worked. Ally Brettnacher: So how will you manage the young kids and the marathon training? Bri Qualizza: So we currently are doing, both of us run on Mondays. He does Tuesdays. I'll do Thursdays with the work group, and then his long run is Saturday, and mine are usually Friday or Sunday. Okay. Yeah. And then especially with this slower build, it's easier because I have to do some biking, and we have an indoor bike at home. Ally Brettnacher: Okay. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: And so I'm like, I can do my cardio Ally Brettnacher: While the kids are playing and yeah, yeah, Bri Qualizza: they're fine.

And they're pretty good at, like, staying out of our gym space. Mm-hmm. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: Um, and so just little by little. I'm trying to be more intentional about stretching, too. Ally Brettnacher: Ugh. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Because- you would think with all the dance and everything, like, oh yeah, of course, stretching is important. Like, I can throw my leg above my head like that. Yeah. Yeah, that matters. But now I'm like, no, like, when your shin is hurting and your calf is just rubber- Ally Brettnacher: Geez, Bri Qualizza: yeah ... like, you need maybe a little bit more help. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Bri Qualizza: So- have the scraper, have the percussion gun. I do all the- Ally Brettnacher: What time do you run on Friday? Bri Qualizza: So I usually do early, like 6:00 or 7:00. Okay. Depending on the mileage. Yeah. Are, Ally Brettnacher: Are, and are you, do you work remote some of the time you said? Bri Qualizza: One day a week, yeah. And so that's been really helpful, because I get up before the kids, I get some work in, start my workday, finish those hours. Sometimes I'll run, get the kids home from daycare, get them ready for bed, all the things. And then sometimes those days just end up with a couple hours of work on the couch if something needs Ally Brettnacher: Right.

Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Um, because if I have an 18-mile run and, like, I can't do it on Sunday or something, I'm like- Right ... that turns into four 10s, and then- Yeah. Yeah. But, I'm very lucky and blessed that a lot of my job has that flexibility and like- Yeah, Ally Brettnacher: That's great Bri Qualizza: And also I'm much calmer when I'm able to run. I'm like level set. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I Bri Qualizza: know. Anxiety is at a low. Ally Brettnacher: my husband gets fed up with my running frankly, and he, it's... I'm like, "Do you want me to not run?" Bri Qualizza: He's- " Ally Brettnacher: You're not gonna like me." Bri Qualizza: There's gonna be a whole new Ally.

Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: No, I didn't really realize how much the running had really, like, taken off helping me, like, sleep and all- Right all the things. There was one point Ryan woke up, it was like a c- a few weeks ago. It was before I was able to run again, so probably June. And he goes, "When are you cleared to run?" And I was like, "It's 6:30. Why are you mad? It's so early." And he was like, "You did not s- sit still all night. You just tossed and turned." Oh, no. And I'm like, " Yeah, hopefully soon." Right. And he was like, "You slept so much better during that training block." Right.

'Cause I usually don't 'cause I have too many things going on, and I'm like- Yeah ... "Okay, well I need to get up and I need to start work and Ally Brettnacher: I need to Bri Qualizza: do my, need to do need to do all Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: That truly I don't. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: But- Ally Brettnacher: Right. I'm- In my head ... I understand, in your head. I know. Yeah. Bl- believe me. There's just a long list of things always in my head. Always. Bri Qualizza: And that, yeah, and that link, links back to the, CycleBar coaching is 'cause I was like, I wasn't working out at home 'cause I was like, "The laundry needs done.

The house needs cleaned." Yeah. "I should be playing with this kid." Like, he doesn't need me for 30 minutes. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: He's truly fine. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: He, we, I have a great partner in my husband. Like he can- Yeah ... he can be with his dad for 30 minutes- Right ... while you work out, but- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, absolutely. Bri Qualizza: Leaving the house was helpful. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Yes. My, my husband likes to leave the house to do his work. Yeah. So he does F45. That's gym. Bri Qualizza: Oh, nice. Yeah, I have a few friends that Ally Brettnacher: He loves it.

Bri Qualizza: Love Ally Brettnacher: it. Loves it, yeah. So, but for me, I'm like, I don't care. I can work out at home. Yeah. I love group fitness, I really do, but I don't need that as my motivator to do it. Bri Qualizza: I, I like the camaraderie of it. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: And that's why I love the way that running's going because it's like... And, and like with the coach, like I have that personal accountability in Sarah. Like even though she, she's not, on the app every day like, "Hey, it is 6:00 PM, why have you not run yet?" Right. Like- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah ...

Bri Qualizza: she, but I, I know that the support is there, and then I can go talk to other people who are also training for that race. Yeah. Right. And I can do all these other things, and that just makes it like group fitness. Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: It's Ally Brettnacher: Right. It's pretty good. Yeah. Well, you're part, I mean, I'm part of a team. You're part of a team. Bri Qualizza: Yes. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Which is not something I really ever anticipated getting out of having a coach either. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. And you wouldn't think you would. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. And Bri Qualizza: Because like, I don't know, and I think so many of us are just coming from sports or activities whether that's track or dance or basketball, Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm.

Bri Qualizza: You know, you do that all throughout your youth, and you build the ethic, you build the heart, the perseverance, the accountability, the timeliness, and then you lose it when you get into adulthood, especially if you don't play collegiate sports or you don't do these things. And that, and this is like sneaking it back in where you're like no one cares truly, but they love it when you're there. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: And that's nice. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Absolutely. Amen. Bri Qualizza: Preach Ally Brettnacher: it. That was perfect. Bri Qualizza: Thank you. Thank you. Clip that. Just... Ally Brettnacher: Just... That, that's the clip.

Okay. Um, okay. I'm gonna ask you the end of the co- podcast- podcast- Bri Qualizza: Oh my gosh, yeah. Okay ... questions. Oh Ally Brettnacher: I know. okay, my first question is, what is your favorite running song and/or mantra? Bri Qualizza: I have both because- I know ... yeah. So the easy go-to, song is "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin. The little aah is so nice. Ally Brettnacher: I don't-- Hold on. Go, which one? Bri Qualizza: The, it starts like, "Ah." Yeah. And then it's like, "Come from the-" Oh. Yes, yes. Okay. It's like, Come from the land of the..." Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: I don't know.

I'm not very good with certain songs and, like, knowing who it's by. Bri Qualizza: Right. So Thor: Ragnarok then opened with it, and I was in the theater, like such a nerd, just like, "Yes!" I love that song. "Babe!" And he's like, "I know." Yeah. I'm like, "That's my song." And he's like, We're in a, we're in a movie theater." Ally Brettnacher: That's great. That's good. Bri Qualizza: That's so funny. So that's the song. It alway- Like, it is such a song. It, Ally Brettnacher: that is a good Bri Qualizza: It is. Like, it makes you so excited- Yeah ... all the time. and then Mantra, so it's always been kind of in the back of my mind, but it's really solidified.

we ended up buying our house last year, last August, from a family friend. So- Ally Brettnacher: Oh, wow. Bri Qualizza: she had built this house with her late husband in 2001. He passed seven or eight years ago, from cancer, and his whole thing was you get to. Like- Mm ... you get to do all of these things that aren't exciting. You get to do all these things that your body, like, is tired by. And, it stuck with me, and then when we bought Annie's house, they did a thing where they decorated light switches, you know, for him. And I have a light switch now going into our basement and it says, "You get to"- Mm ...

on it. And then, God bless Ryan, he, for the seventh, nope, sixth anniversary of marriage, it's iron. Ally Brettnacher: Mm. Bri Qualizza: And he got wrought iron script for our gallery wall, and it says, "You get to," 'cause he was like, "I really want our kids to see that every day." Yeah. And it's just back to the Ally Brettnacher: so cool. I wanna see a picture Bri Qualizza: It's... I have, I have a picture. I'll send it to you. Yeah. Or show it to you- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. For- Both Bri Qualizza: now. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: But, it's just like how lucky are we thing again.

Right. You know, it's like you get to be tired. Mm-hmm. You, your legs get to carry you all of these miles in this God-forsaken heat and Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. But Bri Qualizza: like- Ally Brettnacher: But you get to run Bri Qualizza: get to run. Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: not injured. You don't have a sore heart. Yeah. Bri Qualizza: heart. Yeah. You g- Like, yeah. Yeah. And it's just, it's nice. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I love Bri Qualizza: And It's important. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. That's one of my most favorite. Bri Qualizza: Yeah. It's so good Ally Brettnacher: It's got a good r- especially when you're like, "Oh, I have," and you're like, "Oh, no.

Nope." Bri Qualizza: Yeah, you don't have to You Ally Brettnacher: to. Bri Qualizza: You, you can just skip your workout. Right. You absolutely can. Should you? Do you need to? Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Or like, do you get Ally Brettnacher: Or like, do you get- Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Amen. Yeah. Okay, and then we've talked about your next finish line at Geist. Oh, yeah. So September 12th. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, yeah. Ally Brettnacher: Excellent. What... Do you know the year, how many years they've been running Geist? Bri Qualizza: I, I think 15-ish. Ally Brettnacher: Okay Bri Qualizza: Or it started in '15. I Ally Brettnacher: Okay.

Well, I mean, shoot, monumental. I mean, it's hard to keep track- It's- of all the years of stuff and how long things have been happening. I don't... I mean, shoot, we don't even know what year it is half the time. Bri Qualizza: I know there was gold on my mini marathon this Ally Brettnacher: you're like, "It was yellow." It was yellow. Bri Qualizza: There was Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, and so that was that year. Yeah. okay, so that'll be, that'll be exciting to see. Bri Qualizza: Yeah, Yeah. And it's, and it's like the rolling hills, it's a beautiful course. I mean, like, it's gonna be really challenging.

Ally Brettnacher: Mm-hmm. Bri Qualizza: But also, I think it being challenging helps me not go for a PR- Ally Brettnacher: Yeah, when Bri Qualizza: I Ally Brettnacher: Geist. I know, you know what? I know a few people who've PR'd there, which blows my mind. It's amazing. But yeah, I'm like, "What?" And then I tell myself, "Oh, I like the hills." You just gotta tell yourself you like it. Bri Qualizza: Well, 'cause you go down. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Who cares about the going Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. and you're just like, it's a change in your muscle. Like, you get to use different muscles and- Bri Qualizza: Yes, yes ...

...you just I know one of, one of my favorite, coaches from Orange Theory, Coach Tony, he says flat roads, flat butts. And I'm like, " You know what?" Ally Brettnacher: I like that. Yes. That should be on a sh- That's, I'm sure there's that says that somewhere. Yeah, right ... that says that somewhere. Flat roads, flat butts. That's pretty good. Yeah. Perfect. I'm gonna think of that when on the next hill I'm up. Bri Qualizza: I keep trying. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. I'm like- Maybe you should put that on the back of your shorts. Bri Qualizza: Just like the juicy? Just- Ally Brettnacher: just says- flat roads, flat butts.

Yeah. And so then- yeah. Anyway, yeah. we Bri Qualizza: More Ally Brettnacher: on and on. Marketing. Yeah, more marketing, more opportunities. Well, yeah, BRE10 if people... Is that 10% off? Bri Qualizza: It is 10% off. Yeah. Yep. So if you have not yet registered- Ally Brettnacher: Go do it. Go do it. Yeah, I love Geist. I did it the first few years they had it, and then my husband and I got married the weekend they used to have it, which was in mid-May. Yep. and then I've done it o- I think only one time since they've moved it to September. Yeah. but I will definitely be back at that race at some Bri Qualizza: It's just ni- And the post-race party is really nice.

They've got, you know, Ma- I, I think it was MashCraft last year that came, and just breweries. They've got coffee. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It's so pretty out there too. I love, I mean, all the houses and- Bri Qualizza: Yeah, you go through some neighborhoods. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. Bri Qualizza: Just so people, again, spectating being a sport. Ally Brettnacher: Right. Bri Qualizza: People are out there- Yeah ... cheering for Ally Brettnacher: on the streets. Oh my gosh. Bri Qualizza: my gosh, it's so fun. So. Ally Brettnacher: Yeah. It's great. Well, thank you for doing this. Bri Qualizza: I'm so excited you did. Thank you. I know, me too.

Ally Brettnacher: Your energy is just infectious. I don't know if people tell you that a lot, but it is. you are gonna make such a great coach and cheerleader. Such Bri Qualizza: Yeah. Ally Brettnacher: a great coach. Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. And yeah, well thanks everybody for listening. Thanks. Bri Qualizza: Thanks. Thanks for having me. Ally Brettnacher: Happy running. Bri Qualizza: Happy running. Ally Brettnacher: Hey, before you go, if you enjoyed Finish Lines and Milestones, you might also enjoy a new show that has come to the Sandy Wear Productions Podcast Network, Maybe Running Will Help. It's hosted by Nikki Tamburrino, and it's running and personal development, mindset, identity, comeback stories, the stuff behind the miles.

Search Maybe Running Will Help wherever you listen and give it a follow There's plenty of other shows in the network as well. As always, check out the show notes, subscribe to my weekly emails. If you missed it, there is a new episode of Catching Up with Coach for the month of August that I recorded with my coach, Rachel Sinders, this week, and I will see you again next Friday. Thanks for listening. Bye.

Ally Brettnacher