Jun 25, 2026
"We’re basically the same person, just 12 years apart."
Emma Coburn and Parker Valby are professional runners, Olympians, New Balance athletes — and now, they're training partners. In this conversation, Emma and Parker talk about how they became friends, and how Parker ended up being coached by Emma's husband (and coach) Joe Bosshard in Boulder, CO. (Joe makes another brief appearance in this episode!) Parker talks about her 14:39 5000m personal best at the USATF Distance Classic this summer, and Emma reflects on this season's return to racing after injury.
SPONSOR:
- Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- What’s making Emma and Parker happy today (4:00)
- Where in the world is Parker Valby? (6:00)
- Why Parker has always looked up to Emma, and all about their first memories of meeting each other (6:50)
- How Parker and Emma became friends and training partners (13:40)
- Parker reflects on the first year of her professional career, dealing with injury, coaching changes, and multiple moves (23:50)
- What Parker was looking for in a coach, and why Joe Bosshard was a fit (30:15)
- How Parker and Emma both worked their ways back from their respective injuries (33:35)
- Parker and Emma reflect on their returns to racing (41:00)
- What’s next on the racing calendar for Parker and Emma (52:55)
- How Emma and Parker are most alike, and how they’re different (55:30)
- On the pressure of being Emma Coburn (1:01:00)
- What does it mean to be The Next Emma Coburn? (1:05:45)
Follow Ali:
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!