Emma Bates Podcast on Embracing Emotions and Finding Balance

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Episode Summary: This episode's guest is Emma Bates, elite marathoner for the USA and one of the three U.S. women's marathoners competing at the upcoming World Athletic Championships. Emma said one of the coolest things we've heard anyone say on this podcast. She said we all need to learn how to “dance with discomfort.” In other words, if you want to reach your potential in anything you’re pursuing, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You have to make “discomfort” your go-to dance partner. By embracing this notion, Emma was able to place 2nd at the 2021 Chicago Marathon back in October. On that day, she became one of the 10 fastest female marathoners in US history! Make no mistake about it, it wasn’t an easy journey for her to achieve this milestone. What’s really cool is she admits she had to make adjustments to her circumstances to finally experience the successes she’s now having. We talk about those adjustments and the importance of enjoying the journey in this fun-filled conversation with Emma! We think you’re going to love it.

Episode Notes:

3:01 - Training in Colorado, taking breaks, and running shorter…

5:38 - Different approaches to road races and the track…

10:35 - “There's so much to be said though, for trying to connect with the audience, with the fans.”

11:29 - The role of emotions…

15:00 - Outside of running…

17:46 - “I just want to be giving back to the sport as much as I can.”

19:06 - Becoming self-aware, gaining perspective, and dancing with discomfort…

23:49 - Having a plan and using a mantra…

25:03 - Doing well in tough conditions, Chicago 2021…

28:57 - “Your body and your mind are working as one, and everything kind of falls away and you're on autopilot almost.”

30:18 - Methodical patience…