Hurdle with Emily Abbate

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 Chicago, and the assistant roads team coach for the On Athletic Club (OAC).

Fresh off her stellar 13-year professional running career, Laura discusses transitioning from elite athlete to coaching world-class talent, navigating injury cycles, and why she is passionate about helping female athletes understand their own physiology to unlock peak performance.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The Transition to Coaching: Laura explains her role with OAC, helping to construct and build out a specialized marathon team alongside coach Dathan Ritzenhein.

• A Lifelong Passion: Why a stint coaching high school cross country at Monarch High School made Laura realize she wanted to stay on the coaching side of the sport after hanging up her own competitive sneakers.

• The Power of Female Physiology: Laura opens up about why women need spaces to comfortably discuss their menstrual cycles, recovery, and training adjustments to treat their bodies like a superpower.

• Tracking and Biofeedback: How OAC is working with tools like the Oura Ring to help athletes track data, optimize their schedules, and actively reduce injury risks.

• Navigating Chronic Injury: A deep dive into Laura's battle with osteitis pubis (inflammation of the pubic symphysis) and how complete time away from running reshaped her listening relationship with her body.

• Small Wins and Journaling: Why tracking tiny daily progression points became a vital mental health tool when facing an extended recovery with no clear return date.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"So many of my hardships in my running, in life, have always taught me that in the moment it’s so hard to see, but it’s what sets you up for the things that come later."

"If you don't schedule breaks for yourself, your body will eventually force you to take one."

"I believe in myself the way that I want my athletes to believe in themselves. We’re a team... I have to believe in myself that I can help them get there."

SOCIAL
@lthweatt
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. 

Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

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