340. Emilia Benton, Freelance Writer & Editor

“I kind of spiraled into this years-long cycle of trying to constantly seek improvement in my times and not give myself a break when I really needed it.” If you’ve read an article about running in the past few years (which, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably read something by Emilia Benton. Emilia is a freelance journalist (we talk a lot about her transition to going freelance after working in the magazine industry, and about why she’s so much happier on her own) and is a regular contributor at Runner’s World, Self, Women’s Health, Shape, Popsugar, Prevention, Verywell, Fast Company, and more. On this episode, Emilia talks about making her freelance dreams come true and about the stories she’s proudest of, and shares the one publication that’s still on her writing wish list. Plus, Emilia — who lives in Houston, TX, with her husband, Omar, and their dog, Astro — shares her running story. She explains how she’s gone from dreaming of one day running a two-hour half-marathon to recently running a sub-1:40 half, and talks about her Boston Qualifying dreams. She talks about developing a strong mental game, offers her thoughts on being a woman of color both in running and in publishing, and talks about being a twin! (Hi Carla!) SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones. What you’ll get on this episode: A day in the life of a freelance journalist (6:00) Why Emilia loves being freelance, and what the career is really like (9:40) Emilia shares her earliest experiences with racism growing up (28:20) Emilia’s best advice for making a scary career move (34:00) Emilia reflects on her childhood growing up in Houston, Arizona, and Portland (38:15) How Emilia found running (41:00) On “learning to chill out on the run” (47:25) What we mention on this episode: I Learned to Chill Out During Marathon Training. Here’s What Happened. by Emilia Benton for Runner’s World “11 BIPOC Runners Speak Out About Running & Race,” by Emilia Benton for Runner’s World Ben Chan on Episode 277 of the Ali on the Run Show “How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Social Justice & Race,” by Emilia Benton for Women’s Health The Brown Ambition podcast Mandi Woodruff on Episode 276 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Emilia: Instagram @emmiemarieb Twitter @emmiemarieb Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!