"The narrative that I couldn't do things never entered my life."
Emma Coburn is a professional middle-distance runner for New Balance. She's a world champion in the steeplechase, and competed at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games. On this episode, the Crested Butte, CO, native (and newlywed!) talks about being coached by her husband, Joe Bosshard, explains the unintentional way she got into the steeplechase, and talks about what it was like breaking her own American record in the 3000-meter steeplechase in London in 2017. Plus, she opens up about body image, posing nude for the ESPN Bodies Issue, and what inspires her.
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Here's what you'll get in this episode:
- Emma explains what exactly the steeplechase is, how she became a professional steeplechaser, and why it's such an awesome event (1:30)
- Why Emma had no interest in running in college (6:25)
- Emma's decision to go pro (9:45)
- How Emma found her mental strength (11:20)
- Emma's most recent record-breaking performance — at 7,000 feet! (14:30)
- What it's like breaking your own world record (18:00)
- How Emma met her now-husband — and coach! — Joe Bosshard (22:20)
- Why Emma wanted to gain 10 pounds for her wedding (23:25)
- What Emma's relationship with her body is like (28:10)
- Emma's advice for improving your confidence and body image (31:30)
- What it was like posing nude for the ESPN Bodies Issue (33:45)
- What's going through Emma's head when she's on the starting line (40:05)
- What it was like medaling at the Rio Olympics in 2016 — and becoming the first American woman to medal in the steeplechase at the Olympics (41:00)
- How Emma stood her ground against Rule 40 (44:15)
- What inspires Emma every day (46:10)
- Emma's advice for how to make running fun (48:35)
What we mention on this episode:
New Balance
Western State Colorado University
Trent Sanderson
Joe Bosshard
University of Colorado
Aisha Praught Leer
Gracie Coburn's viral video
IAAF
Kaela Edwards
Orangetheory Fitness
Jenny Simpson
Secret Stash Pizza
Do You Believe in Miracles documentary
The Plaza Hotel
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