In this episode, Nicky and Brad dive into a wide range of topics centered around personal growth and peak performance. They explore the key ideas from Brad's books, particularly focusing on the principles of groundedness and adapting to change.

The conversation highlights the crucial role of both physical and mental health in achieving excellence.

Brad opens up about his writing process and his goal of giving people the vocabulary to better understand their own experiences.

They also delve into the relevance of his work for female athletes, emphasizing the importance of a nuanced and thoughtful approach to performance.

Throughout their discussion, Nicky and Brad touch on valuable principles for personal growth, such as starting where you are, embracing discomfort, and finding joy in the journey.

They also cover concepts like self-distancing, the impact of surrounding yourself with positive influences, prioritizing consistency over intensity, and the power of motivation in driving action.

The episode concludes with reflections on diversifying your identity, practicing tragic optimism, and the importance of responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively—principles that are applicable to various areas of life, including running and personal development.

Hometown Highlights is a Maybe Running Will Help series dedicated to the amazing runners right in our own neighborhoods. From  business professionals to busy moms, we're talking to the runners who truly inspire because they're just like us. Allow me to introduce today's guest.

For more information on &Fitness visit https://www.andfitstudio.com

It’s not unusual for me to meet people and want to learn more about them. People fascinate me, and I’m genuinely interested in their stories. That’s especially true of people I admire. I want to understand our similarities and differences, and I want to learn from each other.

That’s sort of how this interview happened.

There’s a runner in my hometown who I met through a mutual friend, and then just kind of noticed her placing in all the races since meeting her. I became quickly curious. And now I finally I get to ask her all the questions, I have on this podcast episode.

Hannah Betman is a competitive runner. She got fast quickly and qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Since then she’s been chasing even faster times.

In this episode, Hannah candidly discusses the pressures of time goals and the pivotal role confidence plays in her training regimen. With the New York City Marathon on the horizon, she reveals her strategies for managing stress and doubt, inspiring listeners with her resilience.

Tackling the tough moments head-on, Hannah explores her approach to handling setbacks in workouts and races, advocating for self-awareness and self-compassion. She underscores the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and persevering through rough patches.

Moreover, Hannah emphasizes the transformative power of running as a tool for connection and balance in life. Through her involvement with Athletes Serving Athletes, she sheds light on the profound joy of supporting athletes with disabilities, illustrating the profound impact of giving back.

Throughout her evolving running journey, Hannah draws inspiration from fellow runners who triumph over adversity, recognizing the significance of resilience and camaraderie in the running community. Join us as Hannah shares her story of perseverance, growth, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

00:00 Introduction and Meeting Hannah Betman

08:13 Transition from Swimmer to Runner

14:44 Treadmill Studio and Coaching Work

32:14 Managing Stress and Maintaining Confidence

39:01 Dealing with Setbacks and Adjusting Goals

46:31 Adapting and Evolving in the Running Journey