Podcasts Sports Running Ali on the Run Show 279. Justin Grunewald

279. Justin Grunewald

Published: Sept. 9, 2020, 11 p.m.

"I think the biggest thing with grief is knowing that some days you\u2019re gonna be drowning and unable to breathe, and I think I\u2019ve had 12- to 24-hour cry-fests where you literally feel like you\u2019re going to suffocate or die of dehydration. But it does end eventually. And then you take that deep breath and drink a glass of water and look outside and the world is still there. And you can keep going. Just having the hope to keep going is the most important."

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Justin Grunewald is a doctor, ultra runner, and avid chaser of FKTs. He's happiest running up mountains in pursuit of running the fastest known time on any given trail. (So far in 2020, Justin has run more than 15 FKTs \u2014 two of which he did since we recorded this episode!) In addition to his many accomplishments, both professionally and on the run, Justin is perhaps best known as husband to the late Gabe Grunewald, who passed away last year after a long and arduous battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer. On this episode, Justin shares what he's learned about grief, and how he finds hope even when life feels particularly hard. He talks about feeling joy amidst pain, crying happy tears alongside sad ones, and about finding love after loss. Justin opens up about meeting Amanda Basham, and reveals some big news on their behalf.

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Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! Go to\xa0ontherun.aftershokz.com\xa0for 15% off wireless headphones!

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What you\u2019ll get on this episode:

  • What\u2019s making Justin happy right now? And where is he living? Plus what it\u2019s been like working in a hospital during the past seven months (3:35)
  • How Justin met Gabe (16:25)
  • How Justin held onto hope as Gabe\u2019s health worsened (18:50)
  • What the final days of Gabe\u2019s life were like for Justin, and why he chose to share so much on social media during that time (26:40)
  • What Justin has learned about grief, and how he\u2019s learned \u201cnot to sweat the small stuff\u201d (33:30)
  • On \u201cgoing public\u201d about his relationship with Amanda Basham (40:55)
  • Taylor Swift talk! (58:25)
  • Justin pops in with some \u201cwild and crazy news\u201d (1:00.48)

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Stuff we mention on this episode:

Gabe Grunewald on Episode 62 of the Ali on the Run Show

Brave Like Gabe Foundation

Ladia Albertson-Junkans on Episode 178 of the Ali on the Run Show

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