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

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 lege…

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

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 be…

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

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 po…

Why Intentional Rest Matters: Emma Grace Hurley on Her Record-Breaking Chicago Marathon Debut, Training With Purpose & Eyeing 2028

In this episode of Hurdle, Emily sits down with professional ASICS runner Emma Grace Hurley, fresh off her record-breaking performance as the top American woman at the Chicago Marathon. Hurley shattered the American women’s marathon debut record with a stunning 2:20:47 finish. Emma Grace shares t…

5-MINUTE FRIDAY: How to Show Up for What Actually Matters

There is never going to be enough time for everything—so how do we actually make time for what matters most? In this week’s 5-Minute Friday, Emily checks in ahead of a whirlwind weekend in Los Angeles for Nike’s After Dark half-marathon. She unpacks a recent conversation about capacity, boundaries…

Your Cycle Is a Superpower: Lydia O’Donnell on Running Through Grief, Understanding Female Physiology & Consistency Over Metrics

Nike Pacific Head Run Coach, competitive trail runner, and Femmi co-founder Lydia O’Donnell sits down to talk about unlearning toxic fitness norms and rebuilding a sustainable, empowering relationship with movement. Lydia opens up about navigating disordered eating, losing her menstrual cycle durin…

5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Choosing How We Show Up, Gratitude in Hard Weeks & Race Day Logistics

It is sweater weather in New York, and life has a way of reminding us that we never truly know what the people around us are carrying. In this week’s 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I open up about navigating heavy personal news, holding space for loved ones, and finding grounding in the small, daily gratitudes—f…

Confessions of a HYROX World Champion: Alyssa McElheny On How Strength Training Made Her a Faster, More Durable Runner

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, …

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

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 fi…

Progress Over Perfection: Olympic Medalist Jess Hull On Grit, Mindset, & What Makes a ‘Good’ Run

Olympic silver medalist, indoor world championship medalist, and 2,000-meter world record holder Jess Hull sits down IRL in Australia to talk through the mindset, patience, and grit behind her historic career. Jess opens up about leaving home at 18 to run for the University of Oregon, the evolution…