This week I was reminded of the power of perseverance and determination, and I'm here with a reminder that life is so much more than the highlight reel you see on social media. Also: Answering a listener question about tips and tricks for beginner cyclists.

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Last week I sat down with Nike Running coach Jes Woods live at Nike's New York headquarters to answer your big running questions in honor of Global Running Day. And this week? We're bringing the live episode to the feed! In today's conversation, Jes and I tackle the tough topics — including:

How do I decide what raced to run?

If I only want to run three times per week, what should I be doing?

How do I know if I need a run coach? And if I know I want one, how do I choose one?

What are the best sneakers?

Do I need different sneakers for different types of running?

I don't need to start training for X race until X date. What should I do until then?

+ more!

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Welcome Sally McRae AKA Yellow Runner back to Hurdle! We're celebrating, because this week Sally adds "author" to her impressive multi-hyphenate with her new book, Choose Strong. She talks to me about what that title means to her, reflecting on a journey that's been filled with #hurdlemoments — from growing up in an emotionally and physically abusive household and losing her mom to cancer to working multiple jobs. She also talks to me about her experience at the Cocodona 250, an ultra-marathon in which she navigated injury from mile-7 onward, and what resilience means to her. Plus: How she's planning to bounce back before her next ultra in Tahoe in just over a month, and what other fun things we can expect from her content moving forward.

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One of my favorite gifts last week? A reminder from the cashier at the 7-Eleven.

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Welcome Melissa Paris to the show! Melissa AKA Missy is a certified trainer based in New York who specializes working with moms in all stages of pregnancy. Today, we're answering all of your pregnancy fitness questions. Topics ranging from the value of core work before and after birth, what's a new mom to do when they feel frustrated with their post-baby body, and thoughts on the myth of "bouncing back."

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Nell Rojas has some big goals. Goals that she's committed to, and over the last few years she's learned exactly what that commitment entails. The Boulder native is at a place in her life where she's accepted the opportunity costs (like prioritizing sleep and turning down social events) to excel in her sport — and it's working. The former triathlete is a sub 2:30 marathoner (that's faster than a 5:40 pace over 26.2 miles), coached by her father who was one of the first athletes to run for Nike, won the very first BolderBoulder, and held the world record for the 15K. For episode 254, she talks about how that impacts their relationship, how owning her own coaching business makes her proud (and the lessons entrepreneurship has taught her), and what she's looking forward to next.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

GARMIN | Shop the new Forerunner lineup now at Garmin.com and be sure to check out the sale on select Forerunner watches.

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Year 35, here we are! Today, I'm giving some insight as to where my head's at going into a new lap around the sun. Plus, answering a listener question about how to show up and work out during difficult times.

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Welcome psychotherapist Liz Beecroft, LCSW to the show. We're chatting about planning — specifically, how to make a 5-year plan without letting overwhelm get the best of you. Liz weights in on the benefits of being honest with yourself and examining your priorities, what you may have to do to get "un-stuck," and the importance of the pivot.

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Eighty-four days. That's how long Steph Catudal's husband Tommy Rivs was in a medically-induced coma during his battle with lung cancer. Today, she's on the show reflecting on that and more — coinciding with the publication day for her new memoir, Everything All At Once.

In today’s episode, Steph talks about what it was like when Rivs became ill and was put into coma at the height of the pandemic, and what happened as a result of that. She also brings us to her childhood, talking about the struggles of losing her father to cancer as well as navigating her relationship with faith. Her words are truly remarkable. I started following Steph like many as Rivs story made headlines back in 2020, and I’ve always been so drawn to both her writing and her strength. I ask Steph about how she’s managed the influx of attention, what it was like to mother her three girls when she felt at her lowest point, as well as how she takes care of her, and her feelings on hope when life feels grim. For those unfamiliar with Rivs' story — he is now 2+ years into remission; something truly miraculous after the most hard-fought battle.

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Today, I'm talking about an "I Can Do Hard Things" list and what that entails. Gifting yourself grace. Plus: Answering a listener question about how to get into exercise after feeling sick.

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