540. Yuki Chorney, The Running Unicorn

Published: July 14, 2022, 9 a.m.

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"All of a sudden, I was over here, alone, living in a small apartment the size of a dorm room, not having a lot of friends, I didn\\u2019t have anything to do. I didn\\u2019t have any future that I was looking forward to. I didn\\u2019t know what to do with myself except to put on my running shoes and go out and start running."

Yuki Chorney is a 39-time marathoner with a 3:15 personal best. She has run 21 ultramarathons, including 100 milers. And she does it all \\u2014\\xa0whether it\'s a 5K or an all-day event \\u2014 decked out in glitter, sparkles, and rhinestones. Yuki Chorney is a self-proclaimed "running unicorn," and if you\'ve ever seen her on the run, you know it\'s hard not to smile when she passes you (which she probably will, with a joyful, genuine smile). At 50 years old, Yuki is finding joy in running more than ever before. In this conversation, she talks about growing up in Japan, moving to the United States, and finding running \\u2014 and herself \\u2014 in the process. Today, Yuki lives in Mont Vernon, NH, with her husband, two teenage daughters, two dogs, three cats, two goats, five chickens, and guinea pig. She works as a human resources professional for a financial services company, and she really wants you to try running in a tutu. ("Just once," she says, "and see what you think!")

SPONSORS:

  • UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order.
  • Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.

What you\\u2019ll get on this episode:

  • What\\u2019s making Yuki happy right now, and what she\\u2019s currently training for (3:30)
  • What Yuki\\u2019s childhood was like (6:30)
  • What life looked like after college (10:15)
  • How Yuki found running (12:00)
  • Yuki\\u2019s fondest Boston Marathon memories (18:35)
  • Yuki\\u2019s introduction to the running community (21:15)
  • All about Yuki\\u2019s iconic running costumes! (26:10)
  • The most fun Yuki has ever had running a race (41:45)
  • Why Yuki started running ultramarathons (45:00)
  • What Yuki\\u2019s daughters think of her running in costume, and how Yuki\\u2019s relationship with running has evolved throughout parenthood (49:30)
  • Yuki\\u2019s approach to training and racing (57:00)

For more, check out:

Millennium Running

Gate City Striders

Girls on the Run

Yuki\\u2019s 2019 Boston Marathon interview on WBZ

Follow Yuki:

Follow Ali:

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show!\\xa0If you\\u2019re enjoying the show, please\\xa0subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

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