Peak fall running weather has arrived in New York City, and as race season kicks into high gear, Emily is diving into what it means to be grounded by community and how to show up for yourself when big goals feel daunting. Ahead of marathon weekend, she shares her two biggest pieces of advice for first-time marathoners: recognizing that the starting line already proves who you've become, and giving yourself grace rather than judging your beginnings too harshly. 

Later in the episode, Emily answers a listener question from Jen, who is tackling the Chicago Marathon while dealing with a fresh diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Emily discusses how to navigate the mental battle of letting go of initial time goals, shifting focus toward staying healthy, and using "I Am" affirmations to focus on what you can control when plans change.

SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
@iheartwomenssports

SUBSCRIBE: Hurdle's YouTube Channel
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ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. 

Peak fall running weather has arrived in New York City, and as race season kicks into high gear, Emily is diving into what it means to be grounded by community and how to show up for yourself when big goals feel daunting. Ahead of marathon weekend, she shares her two biggest pieces of advice for first-time marathoners: recognizing that the starting line already proves who you've become, and giving yourself grace rather than judging your beginnings too harshly. 
Later in the episode, Emily answers a listener question from Jen, who is tackling the Chicago Marathon while dealing with a fresh diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Emily discusses how to navigate the mental battle of letting go of initial time goals, shifting focus toward staying healthy, and using "I Am" affirmations to focus on what you can control when plans change.
SOCIAL <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilyabbate">@emilyabbate</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hurdlepodcast">@hurdlepodcast</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iheartwomenssports/?hl=en">@iheartwomenssports</a>
SUBSCRIBE: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hurdlepodcast">Hurdle's YouTube Channel</a> SIGN UP:&nbsp;<a href="https://emilyabbate.substack.com/subscribe?">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> ASK ME A QUESTION:&nbsp;Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@hurdle.us">hello@hurdle.us</a> to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show.&nbsp;

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.

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.

Hurdle with Emily Abbate

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 healthier, happier, more motivated lives. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

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 healthier, happier, more motivated lives. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

5-MINUTE FRIDAY: I've Run 16 Marathons. Here's What First-Timers Need to Hear.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/15f4a3d9-5d09-446b-9ec7-b4dd013b9388/transcript

Just days after an unforgettable, history-making performance at the 2026 New York City Marathon, pro runner Jess McClain sits down with Emily on Hurdle to debrief every single mile. Crossing the finish line in 2nd place with a stunning 2:24:42, Jess didn’t just claim a podium spot—she ran down legends.

In this episode, Jess walks us straight into the belly of the beast: from battling through the first 16 miles when her legs weren’t feeling magic, to duking it out through Harlem and Central Park against reigning champions Hellen Obiri and Sheila Chepkirui. She opens up about the perspective shift that resurrected her joy in racing, what changed after stepping away from the sport for two years, and why running with “heart, guts, and zero regrets” finally brought her to the world-class podium. 

Jess also gives us the tactical details: her dialed-in marathon fueling strategy (yes, seven gels down), her honest struggles with sleep, and the critical life lessons distance running teaches us about patience, showing up, and building a supportive corner.

IN THIS EPISODE
The NYC Finish Line Magic: Jess breaks down the final 400 meters, tossing off her wrap-around sunglasses, hunting down Hellen Obiri, and seeing her husband Connor at the finish.
Battling When It Doesn’t Feel Easy: How she navigated not feeling her best over the first 16 miles to the Queensboro Bridge, and the self-talk required to stay composed.
The Perspective Shift That Changed Her Career: What walking away from racing for two years taught her about fear, curiosity, and letting go of outcome pressure.
Managing Course Chaos: Responding vs. reacting to unpredictable weather, missed water tables, wind, and tight pack dynamics.
Dialing In Fuel & Nutrition: The exact race-day fueling plan that carried her across 26.2 miles—crushing seven gels, navigating hydration stations, and keeping emergency fuel tucked away.
The Coaching Dynamic with David Roche: Transitioning from self-coached to working with David and Megan Roche, and why a fun, low-stress, 80/20 training approach unlocked her best running.
Advice for First-Time Marathoners: The biggest mistakes new runners make, giving yourself grace, and why soaking in the crowd magic matters more than anything.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"I walked away from each race with a split moment where I thought, 'Dang, if I just held on a little harder...' With New York, I was like, I just want to have none of those regrets. If I sent it and blew up, I would’ve been just as proud of the effort."

"We all read too much into those days when things don't go to plan and see them as a fail. In my mind, those are the days where you actually get better."

"At the end of the day, it’s running. It’s putting one foot in front of the other, getting out there, and testing yourself. It’s such a beautiful, simple thing, but sometimes we make it out to be this pressure-cooker."

"Good things take time. Being an athlete is such a cool skill set to have... but you don’t know everything in your toolbox until you're forced to open it up."

"You’re a marathoner no matter how long it takes you to get to the finish line. If you do it, be sure to soak it in. Don't be scared to fail—take a chance on yourself and do something hard."

SOCIAL
@jesstonn
@hurdlepodcast
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SUBSCRIBE:The Hurdle YouTube Channel

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.

Just days after an unforgettable, history-making performance at the 2026 New York City Marathon, pro runner Jess McClain sits down with Emily on&nbsp;Hurdle to debrief every single mile. Crossing the finish line in 2nd place with a stunning 2:24:42, Jess didn&rsquo;t just claim a podium spot&mdash;she ran down legends.
In this episode, Jess walks us straight into the belly of the beast: from battling through the first 16 miles when her legs weren&rsquo;t feeling magic, to duking it out through Harlem and Central Park against reigning champions Hellen Obiri and Sheila Chepkirui. She opens up about the perspective shift that resurrected her joy in racing, what changed after stepping away from the sport for two years, and why running with &ldquo;heart, guts, and zero regrets&rdquo; finally brought her to the world-class podium.&nbsp;
Jess also gives us the tactical details: her dialed-in marathon fueling strategy (yes, seven gels down), her honest struggles with sleep, and the critical life lessons distance running teaches us about patience, showing up, and building a supportive corner.
IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>The NYC Finish Line Magic: Jess breaks down the final 400 meters, tossing off her wrap-around sunglasses, hunting down Hellen Obiri, and seeing her husband Connor at the finish.</li>
<li>Battling When It Doesn&rsquo;t Feel Easy: How she navigated not feeling her best over the first 16 miles to the Queensboro Bridge, and the self-talk required to stay composed.</li>
<li>The Perspective Shift That Changed Her Career: What walking away from racing for two years taught her about fear, curiosity, and letting go of outcome pressure.</li>
<li>Managing Course Chaos: Responding vs. reacting to unpredictable weather, missed water tables, wind, and tight pack dynamics.</li>
<li>Dialing In Fuel &amp; Nutrition: The exact race-day fueling plan that carried her across 26.2 miles&mdash;crushing seven gels, navigating hydration stations, and keeping emergency fuel tucked away.</li>
<li>The Coaching Dynamic with David Roche: Transitioning from self-coached to working with David and Megan Roche, and why a fun, low-stress, 80/20 training approach unlocked her best running.</li>
<li>Advice for First-Time Marathoners: The biggest mistakes new runners make, giving yourself grace, and why soaking in the crowd magic matters more than anything.</li>
</ul>
QUOTABLE MOMENTS
"I walked away from each race with a split moment where I thought, 'Dang, if I just held on a little harder...' With New York, I was like, I just want to have none of those regrets. If I sent it and blew up, I would&rsquo;ve been just as proud of the effort."
"We all read too much into those days when things don't go to plan and see them as a fail. In my mind, those are the days where you actually get better."
"At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s running. It&rsquo;s putting one foot in front of the other, getting out there, and testing yourself. It&rsquo;s such a beautiful, simple thing, but sometimes we make it out to be this pressure-cooker."
"Good things take time. Being an athlete is such a cool skill set to have... but you don&rsquo;t know everything in your toolbox until you're forced to open it up."
"You&rsquo;re a marathoner no matter how long it takes you to get to the finish line. If you do it, be sure to soak it in. Don't be scared to fail&mdash;take a chance on yourself and do something hard."
SOCIAL <a href="instagram.com/jesstonn">@jesstonn</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hurdlepodcast/?hl=en">@hurdlepodcast</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/emilyabbate">@emilyabbate</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/iheartwomenssports">@iheartwomenssports</a>
SIGN UP:&nbsp;⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://emilyabbate.substack.com/subscribe?">Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
SUBSCRIBE:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hurdlepodcast"> The Hurdle YouTube Channel</a>
ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show.&nbsp;
Listen to&nbsp;Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the <a href="https://news.iheart.com/apps/">iHeartRadio app</a>, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jess McClain On Her 2nd-Place NYC Marathon Finish, Landing On the Podium & Finding the Fun

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/19b06f17-50b3-432a-8d3a-b4f900442a09/transcript

Recorded live at the Nike House of Innovation on Fifth Avenue during New York City Marathon week, Olympic medalist and world champion sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden joins Emily to talk about what it really takes to perform under pressure. 

From growing up in a small town in South Carolina to becoming one of the fastest women in track and field history, Melissa’s journey hasn't been a straight line. She opens up about navigating a difficult, winless 2023 season, battling back from a shin stress fracture, and making the tough decision to leave her collegiate coach to train alongside world-class sprinters with Star Athletics in Florida. She also shares the personal routine behind her mindset—including the shared journal she keeps with her husband—and discusses giving back through her newly launched nonprofit, The Village Initiative. 

IN THIS EPISODE


Setting Up for Success Under Pressure: How Melissa stays anchored in the moment, blocks out self-doubt, and approaches high-stakes races with confidence. 


The Transition from Small-Town Roots to Elite Track: Growing up in Georgetown, South Carolina, running a 12.0 in high school, and finding consistency and routine in college. 


Navigating Setbacks and Injuries: Coping with a winless 2023 season, recovering from a two-and-a-half-month stress fracture layoff, and shifting focus to "one day, one practice, one meet at a time." 


The Power of the Right Training Group: Why she chose to train with Dennis Mitchell and Star Athletics alongside training partners like Sha'Carri Richardson, Kayla White, and Twanisha Terry. 


"Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way": The story behind the personal notebook Melissa and her husband write in to set family guidelines, record memories for future children, and stay grounded. 


The Village Initiative: Launching her 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support underserved and Title I schools with resources across athletics, academics, and the arts. 


Rapid Fire & Marathon Perspectives: Melissa’s thoughts on 26.2 runners, Central Park, NYC pizza, and her top book recommendations (including Colleen Hoover, Liz Tomforde, and Kennedy Ryan). 

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"You don't get anywhere in life by being comfortable. Most of the time you grow, you achieve the things that you do, by being uncomfortable. Nobody grows from comfort."

"I've been learning how to have the confidence in myself to know what I bring to the table, what I've been putting in on a daily basis, and knowing that once I do get to the start line, that I have no room for doubt."

"You have to look at where you are, look at your small gains every day, and take that as a win."

"Go to the line wanting to be the best version of yourself that you can be. And if you go to the line being the best version of yourself, I guarantee you, you will shock yourself."

SOCIAL
@__melissaj19
@hurdlepodcast
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SUBSCRIBE:The Hurdle YouTube Channel

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.

Recorded live at the Nike House of Innovation on Fifth Avenue during New York City Marathon week, Olympic medalist and world champion sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden joins Emily to talk about what it really takes to perform under pressure. 
From growing up in a small town in South Carolina to becoming one of the fastest women in track and field history, Melissa&rsquo;s journey hasn't been a straight line. She opens up about navigating a difficult, winless 2023 season, battling back from a shin stress fracture, and making the tough decision to leave her collegiate coach to train alongside world-class sprinters with Star Athletics in Florida. She also shares the personal routine behind her mindset&mdash;including the shared journal she keeps with her husband&mdash;and discusses giving back through her newly launched nonprofit, The Village Initiative. 
IN THIS EPISODE
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
Setting Up for Success Under Pressure: How Melissa stays anchored in the moment, blocks out self-doubt, and approaches high-stakes races with confidence. 
</li>
<li>
The Transition from Small-Town Roots to Elite Track: Growing up in Georgetown, South Carolina, running a 12.0 in high school, and finding consistency and routine in college. 
</li>
<li>
Navigating Setbacks and Injuries: Coping with a winless 2023 season, recovering from a two-and-a-half-month stress fracture layoff, and shifting focus to "one day, one practice, one meet at a time." 
</li>
<li>
The Power of the Right Training Group: Why she chose to train with Dennis Mitchell and Star Athletics alongside training partners like Sha'Carri Richardson, Kayla White, and Twanisha Terry. 
</li>
<li>
"Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way": The story behind the personal notebook Melissa and her husband write in to set family guidelines, record memories for future children, and stay grounded. 
</li>
<li>
The Village Initiative: Launching her 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support underserved and Title I schools with resources across athletics, academics, and the arts. 
</li>
<li>
Rapid Fire &amp; Marathon Perspectives: Melissa&rsquo;s thoughts on 26.2 runners, Central Park, NYC pizza, and her top book recommendations (including Colleen Hoover, Liz Tomforde, and Kennedy Ryan). 
</li>
</ul>
QUOTABLE MOMENTS
"You don't get anywhere in life by being comfortable. Most of the time you grow, you achieve the things that you do, by being uncomfortable. Nobody grows from comfort."
"I've been learning how to have the confidence in myself to know what I bring to the table, what I've been putting in on a daily basis, and knowing that once I do get to the start line, that I have no room for doubt."
"You have to look at where you are, look at your small gains every day, and take that as a win."
"Go to the line wanting to be the best version of yourself that you can be. And if you go to the line being the best version of yourself, I guarantee you, you will shock yourself."
SOCIAL <a href="https://www.instagram.com/__melissaj19/?hl=en">@__melissaj19</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hurdlepodcast/?hl=en">@hurdlepodcast</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/emilyabbate">@emilyabbate</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/iheartwomenssports">@iheartwomenssports</a>
SIGN UP:&nbsp;⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://emilyabbate.substack.com/subscribe?">Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
SUBSCRIBE:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hurdlepodcast"> The Hurdle YouTube Channel</a>
ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show.&nbsp;
Listen to&nbsp;Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the <a href="https://news.iheart.com/apps/">iHeartRadio app</a>, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Why Discomfort Breeds Success: 5X World Champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden on Handling Pressure, Bouncing Back from Injury & Leveling Up with Star Athletics   

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ee77ae18-863a-470f-93a7-b4f700124f3b/transcript

It’s Friday before the New York City Marathon—the running community’s "Super Bowl"! In today’s 5-Minute Friday, Emily opens up about navigating marathon week with calm instead of burnout, the power of setting boundaries and owning your "no," and why showing up for hard things proves that endless possibilities are on the table. 

Then, Emily dives into a vulnerable listener question from Kim, who is running NYC as her first marathon in 14 years and struggling with body image, reduced strength training, and an unexpected 7-pound weight gain during peak training. Emily breaks down the real physiology of glycogen storage and water retention, reframes what peak fitness actually looks like, and shares why it’s time to put the scale away and trust the work you’ve put in.

SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
@iheartwomenssports

SUBSCRIBE: Hurdle's YouTube 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. 
RSVP TO NYC MARATHON LIVE SHOW: Friday Night With Tracksmith

It&rsquo;s Friday before the New York City Marathon&mdash;the running community&rsquo;s "Super Bowl"! In today&rsquo;s 5-Minute Friday, Emily opens up about navigating marathon week with calm instead of burnout, the power of setting boundaries and owning your "no," and why showing up for hard things proves that endless possibilities are on the table. 
Then, Emily dives into a vulnerable listener question from Kim, who is running NYC as her first marathon in 14 years and struggling with body image, reduced strength training, and an unexpected 7-pound weight gain during peak training. Emily breaks down the real physiology of glycogen storage and water retention, reframes what peak fitness actually looks like, and shares why it&rsquo;s time to put the scale away and trust the work you&rsquo;ve put in.
SOCIAL <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilyabbate">@emilyabbate</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hurdlepodcast">@hurdlepodcast</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iheartwomenssports/?hl=en">@iheartwomenssports</a>
SUBSCRIBE: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hurdlepodcast">Hurdle's YouTube Channel</a> SIGN UP:&nbsp;<a href="https://emilyabbate.substack.com/subscribe?">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> ASK ME A QUESTION:&nbsp;Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@hurdle.us">hello@hurdle.us</a> to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show.&nbsp; RSVP TO NYC MARATHON LIVE SHOW: <a href="https://www.tracksmith.com/events/nyc-2026-women-run-nyc-live-podcast-taping-with-emily-abbate">Friday Night With Tracksmith</a>

5-MINUTE FRIDAY: From Barely a Half-Mile to 16 Marathons

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f5ee94d2-e8c6-42b1-bbc0-b4f300274332/transcript

5-MINUTE FRIDAY: I've Run 16 Marathons. Here's What First-Timers Need to Hear.

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