370. Uncharted Territory: Preparing For The Race Of A Lifetime & How To Find Your Flow With Marathoner Erika Kemp

The fastest American-born Black female marathoner. What a title, one earned when Erika Kemp ran a time of 2:22:56 at the 2025 Houston Marathon, and it’s one that she wears proudly. For this week’s conversation, I’m chatting with Erika before she heads out to Tokyo for the World Athletics Championships, representing Team USA in the marathon. We talk about it all: Her debut marathon, the magic that is Houston, what her recovery routine and support squad looks like, and what it feels like to be a Brooks athlete. Plus: How she stays positive, and what she thinks about to perform her best on the roads.

IN THIS EPISODE

(13:06) When did Erika learn to trust herself within training

(13:15) What does “OYO” mean in running?

(14:11) Erika talks about how running made her feel in high school versus now

(22:54) How does Erika manage negative thoughts and what’s her advice to others navigating difficult self-talk

(25:16) What does Erika’s support system look like

(36:38) East does success look and feel like for Erika in Tokyo?

(38:00) How does the Tokyo World Championships course work out to Erika’s advantage

(38:40) What was the hardest part of Erika’s running career thus far

(40:04) Erika talks about the difficulties she has working with an old coach shortly after Covid

(41:30) What does Erika do for herself when everything feels out of her control

(42:28) How to manage stress and what does ’superstitious’ look like for Erika

(44:34) Erika talks about joining Joan Benoit Samuelson as an Olympic gold hopeful

(45:40) Erika talks about not loving to do hands-on body work, and what recovery looks like for her otherwise

(48:20) Erika shares her “I am statements”

(51:32) What about Erika the person makes her proud, beyond being an athlete

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