792. Parker Valby, Professional New Balance Athlete & Olympian (With Special Guest Vernon Norwood)

Ali on the Run Show

Ali Feller

Run, Health & Fitness, Women, Inspiration, Runner, Entrepreneur, Sports, Fitness, Health, Running

4.9 • 3.7K Ratings

🗓️ 18 March 2025

⏱️ 84 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

"There are so many ways to get to the start line. There is not one way to do it. You just have to find what works best for you."

Parker Valby was a collegiate phenom. At the University of Florida, Parker set multiple collegiate records in the 5000m and the 10,000m. She earned six NCAA and SEC titles, including five NCAA titles in one year alone. She wrapped up her career as a Gator by competing at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials, earning a spot on Team USA, and competing at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 11th in the 10,000m final and was the youngest runner in the top 15.

Now, 22-year-old Parker has officially gone pro. She signed with New Balance and joined Team New Balance Boston, where she trains alongside teammates — and fellow Olympians — including Elle Purrier St. Pierre, Heather MacLean, and Emily Mackay.

This conversation was recorded at The TRACK at New Balance during the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet. Enjoy as NB Olympian Vernon Norwood drops in mid-chat and takes over hosting duties!

FOLLOW PARKER @parkervalby

FOLLOW VERNON @vernon400m

IN THIS EPISODE:

Does Boston feel like home? (2:40)
Can Parker still do a split? (4:00)
On adjusting to life as a professional athlete (6:30)
Parker’s experience joining Team New Balance Boston (7:30)
What Parker was like growing up, and how her dad became her agent (10:35)
Parker’s “going pro” support network (16:45)
Is it hard to be the best? (18:20)
What it was like winning the Bowerman Award — and just how much it weighs (23:55)
What it was like making her pro debut at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (26:00)
All about Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan (31:10)
Parker’s preferred methods of cross training (39:45)
What it’s like getting recognized on the run in Boston (48:00)
Vernon Norwood takes over hosting duties (59:00)

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode of The Allie on the Run Show is brought to you by New Balance. Go to newbalance.com
0:06.0	slash running to get everything you need to run your way. Welcome to the Allie on the Run show.
0:17.2	I am your host, Allie Feller, and this is where I talk with people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond.
0:23.7	From professional athletes and celebrity runners to the everyday amateur and back-of-the-pack runner,
0:29.5	we are here to celebrate everyone and anyone who enjoys a life on the run.
0:34.3	Whether you are running towards something big or away from something that has been holding you back, I am here to help you pick up the pace. I am here to help you pick up the run. Whether you are running towards something big or away from something that has been
0:38.0	holding you back, I am here to help you pick up the pace. My guest today is Parker Valby.
0:44.6	You probably know who Parker is, but hey, let's give her the introduction she deserves.
0:49.6	Parker started running her sophomore year of high school. She went on to attend the University
0:53.7	of Florida,
0:54.3	where she earned multiple collegiate records in the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters. She earned
0:59.9	six NCAA and SEC titles, including five NCAA titles in one single year. She wrapped up her
1:07.9	collegiate career by competing at the U.S. Olympic track and field team trials where she earned a spot on Team USA for the Paris Olympics.
1:16.5	Parker finished 11th in that 10,000 meter final in Paris. She was the youngest runner in the top 15, and she was the 2024 winner of the prestigious Bowerman Award.
1:27.8	Now Parker has officially gone pro.
1:30.5	She signed with New Balance, yay, and joined team New Balance Boston,
1:34.5	where she trains alongside teammates and fellow Olympians, including Ellie Purrie or St. Pierre,
1:39.9	Heather McLean, and Emily Mackay.
1:42.2	She's coached by Mark Kugan.
1:45.9	Parker and I got the chance to sit down together in person to record at the New Balance track home of Team New Balance Boston. We recorded
1:52.9	while the New Balance Nationals indoor meet was happening, so mid-conversation, we had guest
1:56.8	appearances by Quincy Wilson, and then joining us on the mic, New Balance pro athlete,
	...

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