"When I think something is hard or challenging, I think of how I’m going to grow from it." —Stephanie Bruce Happy TCS New York City Marathon Week! The professional field is stacked this year, and among the top competitors is Stephanie Bruce, who trains and races with NAZ Elite and is sponsored by Hoka One One. Steph made her New York City Marathon debut in 2017 and finished in 10th — an impressive-on-paper result, but on this episode, Steph explains why she was disappointed with her finish. She opens up about her health struggles over the years, talks about how she's feeling going into this year's race, and gets super honest about "body stuff." Steph trains in Flagstaff, AZ, where she lives with her husband, Ben Bruce, and their sons Hudson and Riley. Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $55 off your wireless headphone bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Steph rehashes her Peachtree Road Race win (2:30) Why Steph decided to return to the New York City Marathon this year, what her 2017 race was like, and how she gets through tough races (6:15) How Steph’s NYCM training is going, plus her best NYCM advice (12:30) Steph shares her 2018 New York City Marathon goals (17:40) Steph breaks down what was behind some of her recent Instagram posts (25:15) Steph’s take on failure (33:15) Why Steph left Oiselle to go all-in with Hoka One One (35:15) What it’s like training with Ben Rosario (37:50) Steph talks about “body stuff” and how becoming a mom has changed her as an athlete (40:00) What we mention on this episode: NAZ Elite Hoka One One Peachtree Road Race TCS New York City Marathon The Great North Run New York Road Runners London Marathon Oiselle Hoka One One Tracer 2  Follow Steph: Instagram @stephrothstein Twitter @steph_rothstein Facebook Blog Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Facebook Twitter @aliontherun1 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!