From chasing an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier for over a decade to standing atop the podium as the 2026 HYROX Elite 15 World Champion in just seven months, Alyssa McElheny’s athletic trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. But behind the rapid ascent lies years of disciplined foundation, relentless perspective, and an infectious commitment to finding pure joy in the process.

In this episode, Alyssa sits down to unpack what happens when your entire life pivots overnight: navigating imposter syndrome on the elite stage, learning to embrace strength training as a lifelong runner, and the mindset reframes that turn unexpected race-day hurdles into podium performances. She also breaks down the two-minute penalty she got in Scotland for spitting on course, how a sprained ankle three days before Worlds became her secret weapon, and why keeping kindness and community at the center of sport matters far more than any podium finish.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The Overnight Shift: What it feels like to go from full-time wedding photographer to sponsored pro athlete with camera crews following your daily routine.

• Redefining Runner Identity: How dropping mileage from 100-mile weeks to 60 miles while adding heavy lifting eliminated chronic overuse injuries, unlocked PRs across every distance, and shattered body-type stereotypes.

• The 12-Year Marathon Pursuit: Relentlessly chasing the Olympic Trials Qualifier (OTQ), hitting 2:34:28 after the standard dropped, and learning to leave no stone unturned in training and fueling.

• Beginner’s Mindset & Community: Overcoming intimidation when stepping into a CrossFit or HYROX gym for the first time, prioritizing movement quality over heavy loads, and the power of team-driven training.

• Navigating Unexpected Curveballs: In the wake of "Poopgate" (IYKYK) Turning the Glasgow “Spitgate” penalty into a qualifying rebound in Toulouse, and how severely spraining an ankle days before Stockholm flipped her mindset to race free and take the World title.

• Taming Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for staying grounded in your own lane, muting social media noise, and building self-worth around character and connection rather than accolades.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

“If you haven’t taken a dive into strength training, I would really encourage anyone out there to give it a chance. I think you’ll be really surprised by where it takes you.” 

“When I look back on this period of my life when I’m 50, 60, 70 years old, no one will give a shit about the win. People will give a shit about how I made them feel on the course and how I was welcomed and treated others.”

“There’s potential for a silver lining, or for that negative thing to turn into something really beautiful. That was truly what happened on that day.”

“There’s so much more out there than how your body looks. It’s about what your body is capable of, and then being able to fuel it and treat it in a way that allows it to perform at that highest level.”

SOCIAL
@alyssamcelheny
@hurdlepodcast
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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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.