Hurdle with Emily Abbate

Mary Cain believes that her legacy in sport will have nothing to do with medals. Rather, it will be about the conversation she had on a very public stage last November. For episode 122, I’m chatting with the runner about everything from her early-on success — being the youngest athlete to ever make a World Championships final at age 17 back in 2013 — to her op-ed in The New York Times at the end of 2019. The 4:24 PR miler (!) talks to me about sharing her truth, speaking out about the emotional and physical abuse she endured during her time working with Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project, what it was like during her darkest moments, and how she came out stronger and more confident on the other side. We also chat about her newest role as the New York community manager for Tracksmith, and what excites her these days about lacing up and getting out. SOCIAL @runmarycain @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate Note: Today’s episode covers some sensitive topics. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or disordered eating, here are some helpful links: Crisis Text Line The Trevor Project 24/7 Hotline: 1 (866) 488-7386 National Eating Disorders Hotline (800) 931-2237 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 110. Matt Taylor, Founder & CEO Tracksmith OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Four Sigmatic | Go to foursigmatic.com/HURDLE or enter code “HURDLE” at checkout to receive 15% off your order. SIGN UP Hurdle Sessions Weekly Hurdle newsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The moments before the run are big. Monumental, even. I argue, the most important part. They're slightly anxious, a little excited, and often hesitant. During those give-or-take 30 seconds where you’re debating initiating the actual effort, oftentimes you encounter some sort of minuscule annoyance, like the fact that your watch isn’t picking up a GPS signal or perhaps a wonky, unsettled feeling in your right knee. In these moments, you make the valuable, conscious decision to do something for you. To believe in your own potential. You accept whatever comes with the miles and minutes that follow. It’s a bold act, to open yourself up to the beauty that can come hand-in-hand with wanting to take this time for yourself. I'm talking about this for today's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY. PROMPT: What was the last time you had to psych yourself up to do something? How did it feel once that big to-do was done? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WATCH: FRIENDS with Nick Dio BUY: The Perfect Bike Shorts Lululemon Align 6-inch ($58), Athleta Elation Short ($59), Under Armour Meridian ($60), Nike One Bike Short ($40) LISTEN: “Catching Up With Chris Heuisler” on the “Ali on the Run Show” DONATE: Rest Up Tommy, We’ll See You Soon on GoFundMe GIVEAWAY: WHOOP + 6-Month Membership Last week’s Season 3 premiere giveaway winner Haylee graciously offered to split up her winnings and donate the WHOOP to another lucky Hurdler. FYI: I wear my WHOOP, a wrist-worn heart rate monitor, religiously, to track everything from my sleep quality and patterns to activity and recovery. So! We’re back for more! Want your very own WHOOP? Comment on this post with the answer to this week’s prompt above. I’ll announce the winner in next Friday’s Weekly Hurdle (7/31). Subscribe to the Weekly Hurdle, here. SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. REGISTER: Hurdle Sessions This month I launched Hurdle Sessions: New online seminar programming, aiming to provide Hurdlers with education surrounding topics I’m well-versed in as a veteran journalist, entrepreneur, and run coach. This week, we covered “Intro to Freelance Writing,” which is now available for purchase on the Hurdle website and raised $750 (!) for The Loveland Foundation. Coming up on August 4 is “How to Start (and Stay!) Running.” Each Hurdle Session includes downloadable materials and a charitable donation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weight is a pretty taboo topic, like money or sex. This week for #HURDLEMOMENT, I'm sharing a recent conversation I had about mine with a follower, and offering up some insight on how NOT to address such a touchy subject (especially with someone you may not know all that well). As someone who has struggled with hers over the years — and is forever a work in progress when it comes to body confidence and positive self talk — it's interesting to be a part of any conversation where it's implied that "smaller is better." Fact: You CAN find happiness at many different sizes. In today's episode, I'm asking a very important question: WHY do you really feel compelled to mention size to another person? For those that do want to address a recent weight loss or gain with a loved one, I'm offering up some smart tips on — what I perceive to be — the right way to go about it. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE? I’m so glad you asked! Start by telling your friends and leaving a rating and review in the iTunes store (or, wherever you're listening to this). SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. REGISTER FOR A HURDLE SESSION Last week, I kicked off the launch of Hurdle Sessions: New online seminar programming, aiming to provide Hurdlers with education surrounding topics I’m well-versed in as a veteran journalist, entrepreneur, and run coach. Last Tuesday, we covered “Intro to Podcasting,” which is available for purchase on the Hurdle website. Each Hurdle Session includes downloadable materials and a charitable donation. Subscribe to the Weekly Hurdle newsletter, here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I absolutely adore Jess Sims. If you’re looking for some motivating, fresh perspective on everything from how to tackle a workout when you definitely don’t feel like it to navigating loneliness — she is your woman. For episode 121, I’m chatting with the Peloton instructor about her upbringing in Massachusetts, her first career as an educator, and the big transition that came with pivoting into fitness full-time. We also talk about navigating the pandemic and have an important, tough conversation about race and how it played into both of our upbringings. Fun fact: Jess almost skipped out on the opportunity to become a Peloton instructor because of one huge hurdle. Now two years into her time as an instructor for the mega-brand, she can’t imagine life without the members of the Peloton community. SOCIAL @jsimsfit @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Green Chef  | Head to GreenChef.com/hurdle80 to get $80 off your first month plus free shipping on your first box! Use code “hurdle80” to at checkout. HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE? I’m so glad you asked! Start by telling your friends and leaving a rating and review in the iTunes store (or, wherever you're listening to this). SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. REGISTER FOR A HURDLE SESSION Last week, I kicked off the launch of Hurdle Sessions: New online seminar programming, aiming to provide Hurdlers with education surrounding topics I’m well-versed in as a veteran journalist, entrepreneur, and run coach. On Tuesday, we covered “Intro to Podcasting,” which is available for purchase on the Hurdle website. Coming up on Tuesday is “Intro to Freelance Writing.” Each Hurdle Session includes downloadable materials and a charitable donation. Subscribe to the Weekly Hurdle, here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve been seeing the same therapist since October. On Wednesday of this week, we had our last session together. I just had an inkling that I was ready to move on to the next chapter. Toward the beginning of our chat, she said “I’d like for us to round out our final session by you telling me what you’ve learned about yourself in our time together.” A few things stood out, but mainly this: It becomes pretty clear what things, people, and relationships you’re giving most of your energy to when someone offers you 45 minutes to talk about you week after week. For a while, I was giving some of the wrong things too much of mine.  Your energy is your magic. In today's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I talk about this and more, as well as encourage you to do a personal audit. PROMPT: What is one thing in your life that’s draining your energy? What’s one thing that excites you that you can replace it with? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 120. Chris Bennett: Nike Running Global Head Coach #HURDLEMOMENT, How to Protect Your Energy VISIT: LooksLikeYouNeedIceland.com LISTEN: How I Build This with Guy Raz, Tatcha: Vicky Tsai JOIN: Club Hurdlers on Strava BUY: Baronfig Hardcover Notebook ($18) HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE? I’m so glad you asked! Start by telling your friends and leaving a rating and review in the iTunes store (or, wherever you're listening to this). SUPPORT THE SPONSORS: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. REGISTER: Hurdle Sessions Last week, I kicked off the launch of Hurdle Sessions: New online seminar programming, aiming to provide Hurdlers with education surrounding topics I’m well-versed in as a veteran journalist, entrepreneur, and run coach. On Tuesday, we covered “Intro to Podcasting,” which will be available for purchase shortly on the Hurdle website and raised $350 (!) for The Loveland Foundation. Coming up on Tuesday is “Intro to Freelance Writing.” Each Hurdle Session includes downloadable materials and a charitable donation. Subscribe to the Weekly Hurdle, here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Nelly once said: It's. Getting. Hot. Out. There. Summer running, complete with gross, thick humidity, can be uber difficult. Some days, it feels like you're a total slug. Tough conditions can make even the most experienced marathoners wonder whether they've ever laced up before. The good news? There are some tips and tricks that you can use on those hot, hard runs to make things more pleasant. Covering those in today's episode! MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE Episode 120: Chris Bennett, Nike Running Global Head Coach Episode One: Emily Abbate, Creator of Hurdle Megababe: Thigh Rescue Bodyglide Gatorade Endurance Chews CLIF Chews SUBSCRIBE Weekly Hurdle newsletter SIGN UP FOR HURDLE SESSIONS Support the sponsors: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. Disclosure: Some of the items above are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. I am a (new!) participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is about running. This is not about running. Chris Bennett, better known to athletes worldwide as Nike Running’s Coach Bennett, has a special way with words that encourages athletes of every level to be their best. In episode 120, the first of Hurdle’s season three (!), Bennett talks about the things you may expect from a coach, like best-practice tips for newbies and veterans alike, as well as strategies for nailing hot, summer workouts. But we ALSO get into a subject he rarely talks about: Himself. We chat about his backstory, running from a young age in New Jersey through college, and the #hurdlemoments he had along the way (including a sour relationship with the 4:00 mile). He confesses that without his wife, he may not be a run coach today, and talks to me about his hopes for the running boom we’re in right now. As someone who’s constantly showing up to be everyone else’s cheerleader, I found it super, super interesting to get to know the man behind the Nikes. Fun fact: Bennett was one of my original “dream guests.” Thanks for encouraging me to be a better me, Coach. SOCIAL @coachbennett @nikerunning @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Nike Run Club App SIGN UP Hurdle Sessions: Intro to Podcasting Hurdle Sessions: Intro to Freelance Writing Weekly Hurdle newsletter OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary. Four Sigmatic | Go to foursigmatic.com/HURDLE or enter code “HURDLE” at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Daily Harvest | Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code “HURDLE25” at checkout to get $25 dollars off your first box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easier said than done, that’s for sure. In this week’s 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I’m sharing a valuable lesson I learned a few years back about the difference between facts and feelings. It's been a game-changer for me when it comes to processing emotions and making positive progress. I'm also sharing a big breakthrough from the past week, involving my bike, a few hills, a bridge, and a supercharged fist pump.  SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast ANNOUNCEMENT Season three (!) of Hurdle kicks off on July 13, and trust me — the guests coming up are not to be missed! The show will be on a one week season break the week of July 6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY HURDLE NEWSLETTER! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Lyons Den Power Yoga READ: “A Movement, Not a Moment” from GQ LISTEN: Monovision by Ray Lamontagne BUY: Roka Phantom ($250), District Vision Indigo Mirror ($249), Oakley Frogskins ($164) LISTEN: Brené Brown with Judd Apatow on Vulnerability and Laughter SIGN UP: Daily Writing Dose from Erin Bailey HOW CAN I SUPPORT HURDLE? I’m so glad you asked! Subscribe and review Hurdle:  iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Anchor Considering signing up to be a paid subscriber of the Weekly Hurdle. Support the sponsors: For a complete list of Hurdle’s sponsors, their respective vanity URLs, and discount codes — click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of April, I got beautiful new bicycle — a Specialized Roubaix. Since then, I've learned a helluva lot. From the must-carry essentials for every ride to the ins and outs of urban cycling, I can vouch that there's a huge learning curve when it comes to being a total newb. Good news: I've got you covered. For #HURDLEMOMENT this week, I'm giving you the download on what I've learned over the past 90 days. From the ins and outs of "clipping in" to the honest truth about padded bike shorts (spoiler: You need them). Plus, offering up some of my favorite gear picks. A huge thanks to my friends at Specialized for making this possible. About 900 miles in, I'm so grateful for my new hobby and the lessons it's teaching me. SOCIAL @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Specialized Roubaix Cannondale Synapse Lululemon City to Summit Short Lululemon City to Summit Cycling Jersey Machines for Freedom The Florazzo Print Blackburn water bottle cage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when Whole Foods meets Costco? Cue Thrive Market, an online, membership-driven shop that brings organic, top-quality finds at wholesale, affordable prices. For episode 119, I’m chatting with founder Nick Green, bringing it back to his beginnings outside of Minneapolis. We talk about how healthy living has always been a priority, growing up in a home where his mom sent him to sleepovers with his own no-sugar-added eats. He tells me about starting his first company while at Harvard, selling that company and moving to Los Angeles, and the business meeting where Thrive was born. We also discuss his decision to donate his 2020 salary to COVID-19 relief, and his best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. SOCIAL @thrivemarket @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Beam | Head to beamtlc.com to get 15 percent off your purchase using the code “HURDLE” at checkout. Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.