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Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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Hurdle is where real stories meet next-level ambition. Host, veteran journalist and coach Emily Abbate, interviews the most inspiring women in sports and wellness, peeling back the curtain on their journeys through vulnerable, deep conversation. Learn the secrets to their success, including the grit, glory, and crucial mindset lessons that help her level-up. Each conversation, a powerful reminder that we get to overcome, and embrace each hurdle to live happier, healthier, more motivated lives. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
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On this week's episode of Hurdle, Emily sits down with professional runner Sara Hall. Sara is an athlete whose longevity, incredible range, and commitment to the sport are truly inspiring. She's also the only American athlete in history to win USATF National Titles in both the mile and the marathon. Recorded in New York City on the weekend of the TCS New York City Marathon, this conversation highlights the depth of her incredible career. In it, Sara opens about her journey, the perseverance required for success, and the mental fortitude it takes to navigate the inevitable challenges—whether that’s a tough injury cycle, the complexities of competition, or even online critics. IN THIS EPISODE The Power of Perseverance: We dive into the grit required for a long and successful professional running career. Love Over Fear: Sara opens up about the decision to adopt four children from Ethiopia and how that was rooted in choosing love over fear. The adoption included four girls, ages 5 to 15, all at once. The Emotional Tax of Sport: Sara discusses how to navigate the mental fortitude required to deal with challenges like injury cycles, competition complexities, and online criticism. Doping & Disappointment: Sara shares how she copes with the deep emotional tax of competing against athletes who were later disqualified for doping. Learning from Failure: She reveals how her biggest failure—coming in last at a US Championships—was actually a profound turning point in her life, helping her understand God's unconditional love. The Meaning of the Grind: Sara talks about what the "grind" means to her specifically at this chapter in her life, and her upcoming book, For the Love of the Grind. Rebounding: Sara shares her advice for moving on from big disappointments, including "slamming a bunch of coffee" and setting a new goal. QUOTABLE MOMENTS On Resilience and Perseverance "I want to be good period, not just good for my age." "What you speak over yourself is powerful." On Motherhood and Family "We just chose love over fear... it was just like closing your eyes and jumping off a cliff and just choosing faith." "The word 'Berchi' [Amharic for 'Be Strong']... I was like, I want them to be like keep their Ethiopian toughness." "When you're happier, you run better." On Identity and Self-Worth "You have to really have a love for the process, and an excitement to just continue to believe in what you're doing that holds you through all of it." SOCIAL@sarahall3@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbate@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG Channel SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Talking about the importance of prioritizing yourself in order to handle when things get crazy, whether that's in a busy work season or the holiday craze. Also, answering a listener question on the protein craze and how much you really need, and the dangers of the protein craze. SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcast@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome Kate Martin to Hurdle! This week on the show, the WNBA player for the Golden State Valkyries and Unrivaled competitor takes us on a deep dive into what it takes to thrive in the professional game, sharing how she's constantly evolving both on and off the court. Kate opens up about the major adjustments she’s made since leaving college—not just to the rigorous WNBA schedule, but to her own mindset. She discusses the chaotic travel and the importance of finding those small windows to optimize her body, sharing the hydration and mobility hacks that are her non-negotiable recovery tools. Martin gets honest about her struggles with negative self-talk and how the identity of being the "glue" teammate actually helps her play better. Plus, Kate talks about the mental and physical comeback from a devastating ACL tear, explaining why that difficult experience taught her how to be a cheerleader first—a skill that has shaped her entire career. IN THIS EPISODE The Post-College Grind: How she manages the WNBA travel schedule by prioritizing mobility work and drip-drop hydration (electrolyte packets) on every flight to combat dehydration and stay ready for immediate workouts. The Power of NIL: Her personal experience navigating the NIL landscape in college, and the hilarious story of how she was completely blindsided by her own draft pick while expecting to be fully focused on supporting Caitlin Clark. The Best Version of an Athlete: Why she is focused on becoming a more well-rounded player by working on attacking the rim and being consistent when shooting under fatigue. Adversity as Fuel: Why she views her major ACL injury in college as the "best thing that ever happened to me" because it taught her empathy and the importance of showing up as a great teammate. Personal Identity: Why being labeled an "underdog" doesn't bother her, and why she is okay with the balance of being a great athlete and a great person who prioritizes her family. Simple Wellness: Her simple, non-negotiable wellness routine, which includes chicken, rice, and cold tubs for physical and mental reset. QUOTABLE MOMENTS On self-talk:"I would definitely say that [negative self-talk] is still a work in progress for sure. I would sit here and tell every single one of my teammates, 'Don't be so hard on yourself, negative self-talk is terrible, it benefits nothing.'" On what she sees in the mirror:"I want people to see a good person who cares about her teammates and who is a lot more than just a basketball player." On coming back from injury:"If you have a bad day, that's okay, too. Because you're going to have bad days... and you're going to eventually start trending upwards if you continue to do the right things." On coming back after a loss:“You cannot linger in the past, you really just got to keep pushing and looking forward. You have to have that goldfish mentality." SOCIAL @kate.martin@hurdlepodcast@emilyabbate@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG Channel SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Talking through the latest changes to Hurdle, what will be different on the listener side, and why this new chapter is just so meaningful to me. On not giving up, perseverance, and the power of progress (even when it's not at the pace you'd hope). Also, answering a listener question about how to know when you need to buy new sneakers! SOCIAL@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcast@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s episode's incredibly special. Not only is it the Season 20 premiere of Hurdle, but we're bringing you my conversation with the American Record Holder and Olympic Champion in the 100-meter hurdles, Masai Russell. Fresh off her win at Athlos in New York City, Russell joins us to peel back the curtain on the mindset that allowed her to make the U.S. Olympic team, emerge victorious on the world stage, and break records in the process. This conversation was filmed live at Nike’s New York headquarters in front of an incredible audience, many of whom were gearing up for the New York City Marathon. It’s a motivational pre-game for any big moment, whether we’re talking about sport—or beyond. In the episode, Masai is incredibly candid about the struggles she faced in her first professional year, the adversity she had to overcome, and the mental shift she made to change her entire career trajectory. She also shares why, in her mind, she never fails, and how that perspective helps her turn every setback into a blessing. I've also got a big announcement: Today, Hurdle joins iHeart Women's Sports Network! A massive milestone years in the making, thanks so much for being a part of this community and following along for the ride. IN THIS EPISODE The competitive fire Masai developed by growing up with older brothers. Why Masai made the surprising choice to follow her coach and transfer to the University of Kentucky. The essential self-belief required to succeed at an elite level. Her mindset in the starting blocks for the 100m hurdles. Why showing up for yourself, even on bad days, is crucial to building success. The adversity and mental challenges she faced during her first professional year. The daily journaling and self-talk practices that shape her mindset. Why her tough finish (4th place) at the World Championships was ultimately the best thing for her. Her advice for dealing with the pressure and expectations of social media fame. Her big goals: from buying a house at 24 to breaking the World Record and winning in Los Angeles in 2028. QUOTABLE MOMENTS On the power of belief:"I just told myself when I got out there on the line, whatever's going to happen is going to happen, and I think once I kind of let the my ego go and let what I thought I should be or what the expectations of what people put on to me, once I let all that go out the door, I just felt free." On why she never fails:"I'll never fail because it's always a lesson to turn me into what the world will see. And that's always my mindset." On her mindset in the starting blocks:"There's nothing more that's going to change or the outcome isn't going to change. Literally just show up and be, and whatever that outcome is going to be, that's just what it is, and you have to be okay with it." On her mental tools:"It's literally just about like what I feel in that moment at that time, at that day. It could be like, 'Go out there, kill it, lock in, zone out, be you!' ... or it could be just like whatever is literally on my heart and mind." SOCIAL@masai_russell@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcast@iheartwomenssports JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG ChannelSIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle NewsletterASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You don't need to have it all figured out. You do, have to be willing to start, however. Talking about the perks of flexibility in today's episode, and answering a listener question about how to handle a major disappointment.As a note: This is the last episode in season 19! Stay tuned, the show will be back November 11 in a ~big~ way.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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Kate Veronneau started cycling, she was at a low point. Having to stop playing basketball because of one-too-many injuries, she never anticipated that this rolling coping mechanism would change the trajectory of her life. Now working as Zwift's Director of Women's Strategy, she's embracing the pivot to the fullest. In this week's episode, she talks about the power of alignment and following her passions, what it was like to build community during a global pandemic, and how she feels about the company stepping in as the title sponsor of Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Plus: What she's learned along the way, how she anticipates the sport to grow in the future, and how it feels to be a vocal leader (especially on the days she's not feeling so shiny). SOCIAL@kateveronneau@emilyabbate@hurdlepodcastAG1 | Head to DrinkAG1.com/Hurdle to get a flavor sampler and year's supply of D3/K2 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you aren't willing to vocalize what it is that you want, then you don't ~get~ to get it. Talking about that mindset, and what happened for me once I spoke my goals into existence. Plus: Answering a listener question about training through menopause. If you're interested in more of that content, check out my friend Liz Plosser's Substack, Best Case Scenario. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I didn’t hit my A, B, or C goals for Sunday’s Chicago Marathon—and I may just be better for it. I was on pace for A (3:25!) until around mile 18, and then the heat hit me like a ton of bricks. I kept pushing forward thinking of so much of the advice and takeaways that elites have offered me over the years (pain is a privilege, your mind is stronger than you realize, break it up into little doubles, and so on).Talking through the race in this week's episode. Detailing the tears, the smiles, and the good times along the course, plus: How I feel now that I've had some time to process. I know this now: I didn’t need to hit my goals on Sunday to consider this a win. (Also, it’s just not that serious.) I can say without hesitation that the pivot is a privilege. There’s so much damn power in it, too. I went for my moonshot goal, and that’s the whole point, right? To be brave and gutsy and tenacious because we get to. 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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well, we're finally here. After 16 weeks of training, I'm ready to run marathon No. I've-lost-count. I'm feeling excited. Nervous. Ready. Proud. Talking about the manifestation work I'm doing going into Sunday to take on my next big goal, and answering a listener question about gift giving for runners.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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.








![[SOLO] 376. The Anti-Perfectionism Playbook: How To Turn Your Inner Critic Into a Coach & Embrace Consistency As A Winning Strategy [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/3a/76/24/025c663f51caaa0086a4be58203693a18a_scaled_v1_400.jpg)



so many commercials....
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!)