“What grand treehouse can we make out of this wonderful pile of leaves and sticks that we’re given?” Alexi Pappas — who first appeared on Episode 163 of the Ali on the Run Show — is so much more than "just" a runner. She's a professional middle-distance runner turned marathoner: Alexi made her 26.2-mile debut at the 2018 Chicago Marathon, and ran her second marathon earlier this year in Houston, finishing in 2:34, which earned her a nine-minute PR and 10th place for the day, and was just one minute off the Greek national record. She's an award-winning writer and filmmaker: Alexi co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in Tracktown, and most recently co-wrote and starred in Olympic Dreams, the first non-documentary-style movie to be filmed at the Olympic Games. And now, she's a published author: Alexi's book, Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and other Big Ideas, is now available for pre-order. On this episode, Alexi talks about how her mom dying by suicide when Alexi was just four years old has shaped the most formative years of her life. She talks about forming a friendship with actor and comedian Maya Rudolph, and shares the crazy story of how she got stuck in Greece for five months during the pandemic. Plus, Alexi offers exciting updates about the two films and the television show she has in the works. Thank you to UCAN for sponsoring the What’s New With You series on the Ali on the Run Show! Go to ucan.co/ontherun and use code ONTHERUN for 20% off your order! What we mention on this episode: Pre-order Bravey! Shalane Flanagan on Episode 242 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Alexi: Instagram @alexipappas Twitter @alexipappas Facebook Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play