Shows / Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Hurdle is where real stories meet next-level ambition. Host, veteran journalist and coach Emily Abbate, interviews the most inspiring women in sports and wellness, peeling back the curtain on their journeys through vulnerable, deep conversation. Learn the secrets to their success, including the grit, glory, and crucial mindset lessons that help her level-up. Each conversation, a powerful reminder that we get to overcome, and embrace each hurdle to live happier, healthier, more motivated lives…
Episodes
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
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…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: The Magic of the Mundane
Emily's back in the studio after 35 days away! In this episode, Emily reflects on the immense joy of returning home to simple daily routines and the practical…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
‘I Refuse To Lose’: Olympic Champion Sanya Richards-Ross On the 90% Mental Rule for Winning in Sport & Life
Five-time Olympic medalist, NBC track & field analyst, entrepreneur, and author Sanya Richards-Ross sits down to talk about elite performance, mental…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: The Power Of 'Why Not Now?'
Emily reflects on wrapping up her travels in Australia, leaning into spontaneous "yes" moments, and answering a listener question about her reading routines…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Writing the Playbook: Kayla Green on Building Athlos, Scaling Women’s Track on the World Stage & Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Permission
What does it truly take to disrupt traditional sports and build an organization that puts female athletes first? In this episode, host Emily Abbate sits down…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: If You Run, You're a Runner
Back in Australia! In this 5-Minute Friday, I’m checking in from Bondi Beach to clear up my recent travel whirlwind, AKA why I bounced between Sydney and…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
My 2026 Sydney Marathon Recap: From Sickness To Finish Line
Sixteen marathons in, and Emily Abbate is still learning what it truly means to hurdle life's surprises. Coming to you live from Melbourne, Emily breaks down…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Why Choosing Kindness Always Wins
Fresh off a long-haul flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, Emily reflects on how a chaotic travel day—complete with overweight carry-ons, sprinting through…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Hurdling into Your Power: Dawn Harper-Nelson on Olympic Gold, Motherhood & Building an Emmy-Winning Second Act
This week, two-time Olympic medalist, four-time Diamond League champion, and Emmy Award–winning analyst Dawn Harper-Nelson joins the show. From standing…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Intentional Rest Isn't Selfish
Live from the dreamy landscape that is Fiji, Emily reflects on the art of intentional recovery fresh off 26.2 miles in Sydney. It is easy to step up as an…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
The Discipline of a World Champion: Twanisha 'TeeTee' Terry On Navigating Forced Rest, Star Athletics & Finding Clarity In The Comeback
Olympic and World Champion sprinter Twanisha "TeeTee" Terry joins the show to talk about navigating the mental and physical hurdles of forced rest. Sidelined…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: G'day, Sydney
Live from Sydney, Australia, Emily checks in ahead of running her 16th marathon. She reflects on navigating the 24-hour travel journey, dealing with an…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
The Mindset of an American Record Holder: Sinclaire Johnson On Building Self-Belief, Mastering The Mile & Trusting Your Gut
American record holder in the mile and Hoka professional athlete Sinclaire Johnson joins the show to discuss navigating the intense highs, setbacks, and…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Motivation Follows Action (Not the Other Way Around)
We’re back! In this 5-Minute Friday, Emily gets real about navigating the messy, anxious, and exciting headspace that comes right before leaving for a…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
At What Cost: Jess Sims on Setting Boundaries, Injury Lessons & Embracing Imperfection
Peloton favorite, ESPN host, and sideline reporter Jess Sims sits down for an intimate, vulnerable conversation about what it truly means to slow down, listen…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Returning to Seawheeze & Dreaming Bigger
In this episode of 5-Minute Friday, Emily reflects on a major full-circle moment after returning to Vancouver for the lululemon SeaWheeze race weekend. Eight…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Finding Answers: Colleen Quigley on Injury Lessons, Stepping Into HYROX & Owning Her Worth
This week on Hurdle, Emily sits down with Olympian, lululemon ambassador, and Meridia founder Colleen Quigley for a candid, post-USATF Championships catch-up…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: 5 Pre-Flight Habits for Stress-Free Travel
This week, Emily's diving into into her personal pre-travel routine and non-negotiables that make traveling—and returning home—a seamless…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
It's Not Black & White: Amanda Vestri on Trusting Her Training, Embracing Discipline & the Power of Rest
This week, I'm sitting down with professional runner Amanda Vestri, and she opens up about the mental grit required to perform at the highest level, the tricky…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: If You're Not Joy Spotting, You Should Be
Checking in four weeks out from the Sydney Marathon and reflecting on a foundational mental practice: joy spotting. After an off-feeling weekend interaction…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Small Island, Big Dreams: Julien Alfred On Channeling Grief Into Greatness, Stepping Away to Reset & Embracing Her Race-Day Alter Ego
This week on Hurdle, Emily sits down with Olympic and Indoor World Champion Julien Alfred. The track and field star opens up about navigating the mental ups…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: An Unhinged 19 Miles On a Treadmill
When NYC air quality made outdoor running impossible, I faced a choice: split up my 19-mile long run, or take on the "unhinged" challenge of tackling it all on…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Finding Peace On The Trail: Becs Gentry On Pushing Physical Limits, Adventure Beyond 40 & Owning Your Realness
This week, Emily sits down live at Rivian HQ in New York City with long-time friend of the show, Peloton instructor, and HOKA Global Brand Ambassador Becs…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: In Favor Of Consistency Over Perfection
Emily is pulling back the curtain on a massive, exciting new project she’s producing for Nike’s Global Running Head Coach, Coach Bennett, in…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Mastering Your Mindset: Laura Thweatt On Transitioning From Competitor to Coach & Being Your Own Biggest Hype Human (Hellen Obiri's, Too)
This week, Emily sits down in Paris with Laura Thweatt, three-time US Cross Country National Champion, top-10 finisher at major marathons like New York and…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: When Everything Starts Clicking
In this edition of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, Emily dives deep into a word that gets tossed around a lot in the wellness world: alignment. Stripping away the superficial…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
No Bad Days: Masai Russell Talks Confidence Over Cockiness & Shifting From Hurdling Underdog To The One To Beat
Welcome Olympic Champion Masai Russell back to Hurdle! Fresh off her historic performances in the 100-meter hurdles, recently clocking a 12.14 for the second…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Me Vs. Me
In this installment of Five-Minute Friday, Emily checks in from the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. After a whirlwind week of travel—flying from…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
160+ Miles Of Grit: Des Linden Talks Her Desert Ultramarathon, the Business Of Being An Athlete & The Power Of the Pivot
In this episode of Hurdle, host Emily Abbate sits down with two-time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden for a conversation about redefining…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Why Runners Have a Secret Weapon In HYROX
In this episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, Emily checks in from a very warm Paris after a whirlwind trip to Stockholm and Copenhagen. She dives deep into her…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Let Me Reintroduce Myself: Emily Talks Her Running Journey & The Next Chapter For Hurdle
Welcome to Season 21 of Hurdle! To kick off this brand-new chapter, host Emily's going solo to share the deeply personal evolution of her relationship with…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: The Powerful Perk of Repetition
News: Hurdle is heading into a brief summer season break for the next two weeks! This week: Talking about the powerful feelings of purpose and intention that…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Egg Freezing 101: Unpacking My Experience & Talking Fertility Q&A With Dr. Michelle Kappy
In this episode, Emily sits down with her own fertility specialist, Dr. Michelle Kappy, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Spring…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Stepping Into a New Chapter
Can you even believe that it is about to be June? As I approach my 38th birthday, I'm feeling a certain way and doing a lot of reflecting. Sharing a powerful…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
From College Standout To Pro Athlete: Samirah Moody On Transitioning To the Big Leagues, the Importance Of Staying Even-Keeled & Finding Strength In Faith
Samirah Moody is a professional runner for On, recednt USC graduate, and a founding member of the newly minted OAC (On Athletics Club) Sprint team. Coming off…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: The Importance Of Finding Your Own Rhythm
Checking in from sunny Los Angeles! Talking about OAC's new Sprint team, and reflecting on a recent run at the Silver Lake Reservoir following my Brooklyn Half…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Built on Consistency: Katie Ledecky on Reframing Hard Days, Swimming Into the Record Books & Inspiring the Next Generation
In this week's rewind episode, Emily sits down with four-time Olympian Katie Ledecky, the most decorated American female Olympian in history. Ledecky brings us…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Being A Beginner Is A Prerequisite For Greatness
As she prepares for the Brooklyn Half, Emily's looking back at her first 13.1-mile race in 2008 and the massive health transformation that led her there…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
The Future of Women’s Sports: Amanda Lucci On Breaking Into the Press Room, the Power Of Narrative & Finding Growth In "No"
Amanda Lucci is the Director of Special Projects at Women's Health, where she has spent the last decade evolving the brand’s digital presence and…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Stop Overcommitting Your Energy
It's absolutely beautiful in Brooklyn right now. After a whirlwind of travel to Boston, London, and Portland, being back home feels like a massive exhale. But…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Bigger Than Volleyball: Carli Lloyd On Surmounting Setbacks, Training Your Mind & the Power of Self-Talk
In this episode of Hurdle, host Emily sits down with elite volleyball champion, Carli Lloyd. Carli shares her journey of grit and professional longevity, from…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Give Yourself Some Credit
Yesterday I got to sit down with the "Quad God", Ilia Malinin. Reflecting on that event—and a specific question about whether or not I have a…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Finding The Fun: Jess McClain On Her American Record At The 2026 Boston Marathon, Incremental Gains & The Future Of Women’s Distance Running
In this episode of Hurdle, host Emily sits down with professional runner Jess McClain fresh off her monumental performance as the top American finisher at the…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Who’s Really In Control?
Talking about how to focus on feel versus external data and validation. Plus: Answering a question about the best shoes to wear for a HYROX. MENTIONED IN THIS…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Beyond the Highlights: Sarah Spain On Hosting the First Daily Women's Sports Podcast, Rejecting 'Sanitized' Coverage & The Power Of Gratitude
This week's guest is a true powerhouse in the sports media landscape: Sarah Spain. An Emmy, Gracie, and Peabody Award-winning journalist, Sarah spent over a…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: A Draft, A Summit & Jury Duty
What a week! Recapping, talking jury duty, a fun run of a 5K, and answering a listener question about my latest workhorse sneaker, the Pegasus 42. SOCIAL…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Style Meets Sport: Jasmine Caccamo On Styling Your Favorite Athletes, How To Dress For Your Body Type & The 'Figure It Out' Mentality
This week on Hurdle, I’m sitting down with Jasmine Caccomo, an entrepreneur and elite personal stylist who has spent over 15 years redefining the…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: Flexibility in Every Season
Diving into the highs and lows of the Scottsdale trip for the Final Four. Plus: How what started as an ambitious plan for a high-mileage run along the canal…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Pioneering the Path: Laila Edwards On the Power of Representation, Winning Gold with Team USA Hockey & How to Stay Even-Keeled
This week Emily's sitting down with Laila Edwards, a true pioneer in the world of women’s hockey. Edwards recently made history as the first Black woman…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
5-MINUTE FRIDAY: What’s the Best That Could Happen?
This episode, I'm talking about my spontaneous decision to go to Phoenix for the NCAA Final Four! As a proud UConn alum, I couldn’t pass up the chance to…
- Hurdle with Emily Abbate
Courtside Confidence: Andraya Carter On Building a Career At ESPN, The Importance Of Being Present & Authentic Storytelling In Sports
Andraya Carter knows a thing or two about resilience and reinvention. After three ACL injuries cut her basketball playing career short, the University of…