Hurdle
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© Emily Abbate
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Join veteran journalist and wellness coach Emily Abbate, on Hurdle — a wellness-focused podcast where she talks to inspirational people about everything from their highest highs and toughest moments to essential tips on how to live a healthier, happier, more motivated life. We all go through our fair share of hurdles. Emily's goal through these discussions is to empower you to better navigate yours and move with intention so that you can stride toward your own big potential and of course — have some fun along the way. Tell us: What's your #hurdlemoment?
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![[SOLO] 376. The Anti-Perfectionism Playbook: How To Turn Your Inner Critic Into a Coach & Embrace Consistency As A Winning Strategy](https://s3.castbox.fm/9f/12/f2/c98ad294342b3bc12b03795ca276a2e446_scaled_v1_400.jpg "[SOLO] 376. The Anti-Perfectionism Playbook: How To Turn Your Inner Critic Into a Coach & Embrace Consistency As A Winning Strategy")
Have you ever allowed perfectionism to be the thing that prevents you from forward progress? I definitely have. Sharing my perfectionism playbook today, including three actionable tips to help you let go of how you believe things "should" be in favor of graduating to what you really want.SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a free welcome kit (valued at $75) with 5 free travel packs and a year's supply of D3K2 with your purchase of AG1 next gen.JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Oh Dear. Here's where I'm at. Answering a listener question for the entirety of this episode that's actually 12 questions in one, all about where I'm at going into next weekend's Chicago Marathon.SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
Emily Tisch Sussman has done a lot of impressive things in her career. Now four seasons in, the former Vice President of Campaigns at the largest democratic think tank in Washington D.C. created She Pivots looking for inspiration to embrace her own. Interviewing big names like Hillary Clinton, Priyanka Chopra, and Sophia Bush (among others) emboldened her to step into her own power, especially as a new mother. In today's episode, Emily talks about embracing her greatness in each chapter, what it was like to become a mother, and learning about her strengths as an interviewer. Plus:How she felt as a dramatic post-baby weight-loss, what her wellness routine looks like today, and how she feels about her newest chapter as co-owner of New York's Gotham FC.SOCIAL@emtsuss@shepivotspodcast@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseInsideTracker | Go to InsideTracker.com/Hurdle to and use code "ITHURDLE" to get 20% off.JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Cocoon life chose me, and she is glorious. Talking about putting myself first and the lessons I've learned about self-care in my thirties, plus answering a listener question about evening routines. SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
For years, veteran journalist and run coach Ashley Mateo was sitting on an idea to start a meaningful print publication covering all things women’s running—including meaningful stories and features. This week, that publication comes to life. In today’s episode of Hurdle, Mateo is talking about stepping outside of her comfort zone to start the publication from scratch, and what it took to bring the idea to life. Plus: What she’s learned from her own experience on the run, how injury has been one of her biggest teachers, and how she defines success now that Runher is in the wild.IN THIS EPISODE(5:08) The true inspiration behind starting Runher(8:06) How creating a print magazine is different today than at the beginning of her career(11:47) The hat that was most enjoyable for Ashley to wear in the creation of this magazine(16:16) Ashley talks about the mental benefits that the sport of running has brought her(21:00) What running 17 marathons has taught Ashley about life(22:30) The tools that empower Ashley to keep the blinders on and focus on her own athlete journey, rather than falling into the comparison trap(30:20) What a difficult injury taught Ashley about the importance of listening to her body(35:25) How Ashley felt about pulling out of a race she had on the calendar this fall(39:15) What Ashley thinks the impact of Runher can be in the media landscape(45:00) How running clubs can be a helpful tool on your running journey(52:40) How does Ashley celebrate her big wins, and what she anticipates it to look and feel like this time aroundSOCIAL@ashleymateo@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcast@runhermagAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a free welcome kit (valued at $75) with 5 free travel packs and a year's supply of D3K2 with your purchase of AG1 next gen.JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Flexibility is the name of the game, a reminder this week as I'm doing the best I can to do my work to the best of my ability ~and~ take care of myself and my body. Also: Answering a listener question about going for a costumed 5K.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEFUTURE: Get 50% off your first month of personal trainingSOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
Watching the three women representing Team USA and Brooks put it all on the line over the weekend at the World Championships here in Tokyo on Sunday, September 14, was absolutely wild. Had the awesome opportunity to catch up with Erika Kemp, Jess McClain, and Susanna Sullivan on Monday after the race at the Brooks Hyperion House. We get into it all: The highs, lows, debrief the entire race, and the lessons they learned from a tough 26.2 that they'll bring into their running moving forward.IN THIS EPISODE(3:30) How the women are doing really after their performance over the weekend(6:14) How the temperatures really felt—with humidity above 90%(8:34) How Erika felt to see Jess and Susanna leading the race when she wasn't having the day she hoped for(10:54) How Erika handles a disappointing day and navigates shifting her mindset(13:23) How Susanna's training set her up for the best case scenario on Sunday(17:00) Jess details the benefits of the way the course was laid out in Tokyo(17:46) Jess talks about how she got to be at a place where she felt more comfortable racing and "became her own best friend."(21:58) What it meant to "work" the entire marathon and what tools and fuel were available on the course to try to cool off in the heat(37:05) What does the post-race debrief look like?(39:04) Susanna reflects on an awful race in Budapest at the last World Championships on how she bounced back to stellar performances(45:00) What it looked like post-race in the stadium(52:43) What the girls are all looking forward to nextSOCIAL@jesstonn@susannasullivan4@imtinyrik@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Forward Lynn Biyendolo (who grew to soccer fame under her family name Lynn Williams) knows a thing or two about going for what she wants. As the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) highest scoring player of all-time, she’s got the grit that it takes to put herself out there, fueled by hard work, a lot of practice, and a strong foundation. In today’s episode, we’re chatting about her big move to Seattle, what it’s like to get started on YouTube with her husband Marley, and reflecting on Olympic dreams come true. Plus: How to know when to take advice, how to channel confidence when you’re feeling a little “meh,” and how she feels about the major changes that have happened within the league since she started playing in 2015.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThis Is CookedSeattle ReignSOCIAL@lynnwilliams9@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseInsideTracker | Head to Insidetracker.com/Hurder and use code “ITHURDLE” for 20% off. JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
SPECIAL EPISODE! Guys! Keira’s book, Don't Call It A Comeback, is officially on the shelves! Had a moment to catch up with friend of the show and former American record holder in both the half- and full marathon on how she got here: What the book-writing process was like, how she felt working with Evelyn Spence, and the feelings that came up reflecting on her impressive career thus-far. Plus: All things motherhood and the guilt that came with prioritizing herself with young kids, what it was like when “no one from the running world” expected her to reach this type of of success, and what she's looking forward to this fall marathon season and beyond.BUY THE BOOK!Don't Call It a Comeback: What Happened When I Stopped Chasing PRs, and Started Chasing HappinessIN THIS EPISODE(9:49) How Keira felt about the writing process of Don’t Call It A Comeback(13:38) Keira talks about how it felt having to think back on difficult moments of her pro career(15:40) Keira talks about breaking her foot in two places in Chicago 2024, and how that was a signal that she needed to take a step back(17:40) How Keira feels living in Utah(22:25) When Keira has felt most guilty over the last 10 years, using the “happy, healthy, loved” dipstick to gauge if running could be a sustainable path for her as a mother(25:40) What Keira has been able to teach her kids through sport(27:31) Keira talks about Boston 2025 and the challenges of that race(33:50) How Keira figured out her red line, what it really felt like to push herself to the max(36:25) What does winning look like to Keira?(45:32) What does being the best mom possible look like to Keira?JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Living in Boulder and training with the On Athletic Club is better than pro runner Josette Andrews ever anticipated. These days, she lives and breathes life as an elite, and in today's conversation she talks about the hurdles she's conquered (including an awful dog bite, bone injury, and transferring schools) and powerful decisions she's made to make it to the top of her game. Plus: Her excitement over making her first U.S. Outdoors team for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and how she's preparing for the big competition.SOCIAL@josettenorris@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMiles to Go CoachingOFFERSAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a free welcome kit (valued at $75) with 5 free travel packs and a year's supply of D3K2 with your purchase of AG1 next gen. JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Well. I wore it. And you know what? The world kept spinning. Confessing something that may surprise you in this week's episode, and answering a listener question about negative online comments and feedback.SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
The fastest American-born Black female marathoner. What a title, one earned when Erika Kemp ran a time of 2:22:56 at the 2025 Houston Marathon, and it’s one that she wears proudly. For this week’s conversation, I’m chatting with Erika before she heads out to Tokyo for the World Athletics Championships, representing Team USA in the marathon. We talk about it all: Her debut marathon, the magic that is Houston, what her recovery routine and support squad looks like, and what it feels like to be a Brooks athlete. Plus: How she stays positive, and what she thinks about to perform her best on the roads. IN THIS EPISODE(13:06) When did Erika learn to trust herself within training(13:15) What does “OYO” mean in running?(14:11) Erika talks about how running made her feel in high school versus now(22:54) How does Erika manage negative thoughts and what’s her advice to others navigating difficult self-talk(25:16) What does Erika’s support system look like(36:38) East does success look and feel like for Erika in Tokyo?(38:00) How does the Tokyo World Championships course work out to Erika’s advantage(38:40) What was the hardest part of Erika’s running career thus far(40:04) Erika talks about the difficulties she has working with an old coach shortly after Covid(41:30) What does Erika do for herself when everything feels out of her control(42:28) How to manage stress and what does ’superstitious’ look like for Erika(44:34) Erika talks about joining Joan Benoit Samuelson as an Olympic gold hopeful(45:40) Erika talks about not loving to do hands-on body work, and what recovery looks like for her otherwise (48:20) Erika shares her “I am statements”(51:32) What about Erika the person makes her proud, beyond being an athleteSOCIAL@imtinyrik@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseInsideTracker | Go to InsideTracker.com/Hurdle to and use code "ITHURDLE" to get 20% off.JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Went away this week. Felt anxious about deviating from my routine. I know this to be true: Two things can happen at once. I can be a person who likes to figure it out most of the time, and it's also OK to slow down. Plus: Answering a listener question about being a soloprenuer and if it ever gets lonely (spoiler: yes, it definitely does). SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
Shana Stephenson had her dream job at ESPN years ago. Now, she has her dream job—again. As the New York Liberty's Chief Brand Officer, Stephenson has the opportunity shape the way that fans see the Championship team in the stadium, on television, and beyond. In this week's episode, Stephenson talks about how she ended up in Brooklyn, and what goes into marketing the no. 1 team. She also talks about how she balances work and her personal life, how the WNBA has changed drastically over the past eight years since she came on board, and what she's most looking forward to next. IN THIS EPISODE(7:13) What's been the biggest challenge for Shana Stephenson as a leader at the Liberty organization(13:15) What it was like being in the WNBA "Wubble"(17:40) How did Shana Stephenson concept a brand identity for the New York Liberty(19:00) What it was like to build Ellie the Elephant's brand(21:40) How they were able to pivot from Mattie the mascot to Ellie(24:30) How Ellie has evolved over the years, including brand partnerships with Essie and Away(29:57) Shana Stephenson offers up the best piece of advice she's ever received in her career(34:00) The biggest sacrifices Shana Stephenson made when she was working for herself doing personal marketing for athletes(40:23) What made Shana Stephenson decide to go back in-house for a job when she thought she'd work for herself for the rest of her life(44:15) Shana Stephenson talks about how her upbringing made her a better businesswoman (48:46) Shana Stephenson talks about the corporate culture working for the Liberty(49:10) Shana Stephenson talks about the difference working for the Liberty versus the Nets(53:30) Shana Stephenson talks about balancing her work life versus her personal lifeOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a free welcome kit (valued at $75) with 5 free travel packs and a year's supply of D3K2 with your purchase of AG1 next gen. JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
Kristen Faulkner won two gold medals for cycling at the 2024 Olympics, less than eight years after starting riding competitively. That in itself is an impressive sentence, especially considering she started on the bike as a method to alleviate stress and find community after a move to New York City for a job in finance. In this week’s episode, she talks about the value of trusting your gut, how she knew her big Olympic dream was worth pursuing, and what it meant to her to finally accomplish a lifelong dream. IN THIS EPISODE(8:40) The two important conversations that Kristen had that helped her make the choice to leave finance to turn pro cycling(10:30) What it was about cycling that Kristen loved from the get-go(13:08) Kristen recalls the first time she watched the Olympics at 8 years old and how she knew she wanted to be one(13:35) Kristen talks about swimming as a child(14:45) How to know when a goal is worth pursuing (15:57) Kristen admits that she was almost embarrassed to talk about her Olympic dreams for a while(17:32) How growing up in Alaska shaped Kristen as an athlete and woman (18:40) Kristen talks about how she’d feel if she was older and didn’t pursue this dream(20:00) Kristen talks about how challenging it was to seek out community when she moved to New York City. “It was the first time in my life I had to build a community.”(38:18) How Kristen felt signing her first international lease (42:12) What it was like for Kristen to accomplish her biggest, lifelong dream.(1:01.20) Who is Kristen off the bike?SOCIAL@arcticfaulks@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseInsideTracker | Head to Insidetracker.com/Hurder and use code “ITHURDLE” for 20% off. JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
If it doesn't feel good, then it's up to you to make a change. And if you don't make a change? Then you only have yourself to blame. Also: Answering a listener question about what to do when you've accomplished all of your goals. SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
From the age of three, Sunny Choi dreamt of going to the Olympics. She thought that it would be for gymnastics, but she made the difficult decision to forgo that in favor of more stability. At business school at Penn, she first tried break dancing, and ultimately fell in love. In 2022, after making a name for herself on the world stage, Choi made the big decision to walk away from her six-figure salary as the director of global creative operations at Estée Lauder to pursue her lifetime dream of becoming an Olympian. The rest? Well, now it's part of the history books.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE(8:38) How Sunny uses deep breathing to relax and survey what's going on in her body.(12:50) What it was like succeeding at gymnastics from a young age(17:50) Sunny learns what breaking is in high school from her younger brother, then tries it for the first time at Penn(20:18) Sunny talks about the self confidence that she garnered from dancing(33:20) Sunny talk about sharing her love for breaking with her family, and what it was like to expose them to the sport.(36:48) What it was like to tell her employer about her break dancing, and how she was able to work full-time while traveling internationally to compete(40:32) Sunny shares why breaking is diverse and accessible to so many people, and why it was worthy of an Olympic spot(45:48) Why it's important for Sunny to write about her Olympic experience to process how the moment made her feel(49:15) Sunny talks about the Olympics comedown and how she managed to pull herself out of a funk(52:30) Sunny talks about what her life looks like these days, and why she doesn't think she'd be able to go back into corporate America(57:12) What Sunny sees in the mirrorSOCIAL@_sunnychoi@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack with your purchaseAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a free welcome kit (valued at $75) with 5 free travel packs and a year's supply of D3K2 with your purchase of AG1 next gen. JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
What are you doing to help your future self?SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
When did we get here? Plus: Answering a listener question about weak hips. SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSUBSCRIBE TO: The Weekly Hurdle newsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question.
Sitting down with Ash Pryor is like sitting down with burst of good energy. Brought the Peloton rowing instructor into the studio this week to talk about how she maintains a positive mindset, feels like her most strong and confident self, and the importance of staying true to your gut. She opens up about what it's like for her to teach and live as a bigger-bodied instructor, and what she hopes her presence teaches those that take her classes. IN THIS EPISODE(5:40) Ash talks about joining the rowing team at The Ohio State University(6:30) Emily and Ash define "NARP" (Non-Athletic Regular People)(8:28) What it is about rowing that brings Ash peace(11:00) What it was like for Ash to be one of three Black women on her collegiate team(14:30) How Ash navigated her mental health as a walk-on turned B1G champion(21:40) Ash shares the lessons she's learned about the importance of having grace with herself, and where she learned how to be compassionate with herself(25:55) Ash talks about her experience with Hashimoto's Disease and what her symptoms look like(31:20) Ash talks about the resiliency she's learned being an athlete(44:00) How Ash deals with negative feedback(55:00) What Ash learned running her first half-marathon earlier this year(55:22) How Ash shows up to give all she's got on the days when she's not feeling so shiny and bright.SOCIAL@ashpryor_thatsme@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastOFFERSLMNT | Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a free sample pack of their most popular flavors with your purchaseAG1 | Go drinkAG1.com/hurdle to get 5 free travel packs of NextGen AG1, a year's supply of AG D3/K2, and a welcome kit with your purchaseJOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to ask me a question!
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So many amazing nuggets in this episode! If you are looking for some inspiration to do better, to show up better, look no further. Coach Bennett gives great practical advice on improving your running while being flexible with yourself and your environment. He also shares some of his story while dropping a number of inspiring, teaching moments.
I was training for the Hogeye Marathon in Northwest Arkansas scheduled for yesterday (March 28). I took the virtual option, stepped out my front door, ran a 7-mile loop 3 1\2 times. it was hard as hell, including a downpour, but I'm glad I did it -- and I'll get my medal! #R4J
Hey there! I just finished listening to episode #1 and I'm really glad I found your show. As a guy who has had to overcome some huge hurdles (fitness being no small part of that story) I can relate. Perhaps this will serve as some motivation for my current post-injury slump and help get me over THIS hurdle! Thanks for what you're doing. :) Keep it up! - Jonathon C. (youth and adult rock climbing coach, recovering runner, recovering climber, recovering cyclist/mountain biker, recovering human!)