60. Emma Coburn

Published: Feb. 15, 2018, 4:57 a.m.

\u201cThe narrative that I couldn\u2019t do things never entered my life.\u201d

Emma Coburn is a professional middle-distance runner for New Balance. She\u2019s 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\u2019s what you\u2019ll get in this episode:

  • Emma explains what exactly the steeplechase is, how she became a professional steeplechaser, and why it\u2019s such an awesome event (1:30)
  • Why Emma had no interest in running in college (6:25)
  • Emma\u2019s decision to go pro (9:45)
  • How Emma found her mental strength (11:20)
  • Emma\u2019s most recent record-breaking performance \u2014 at 7,000 feet! (14:30)
  • What it\u2019s like breaking your own world record (18:00)
  • How Emma met her now-husband \u2014 and coach! \u2014 Joe Bosshard (22:20)
  • Why Emma wanted to gain 10 pounds for her wedding (23:25)
  • What Emma\u2019s relationship with her body is like (28:10)
  • Emma\u2019s advice for improving your confidence and body image (31:30)
  • What it was like posing nude for the ESPN Bodies Issue (33:45)
  • What\u2019s going through Emma\u2019s head when she\u2019s on the starting line (40:05)
  • What it was like medaling at the Rio Olympics in 2016 \u2014 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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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