Today we are kicking off the limited series ‘Going For It’, which celebrates this monumental time for women in sport as people are rightfully paying more attention to her and what lights her on fire. Leading into Paris, I am bringing conversations to the forefront from women who will be involved in the Games from all perspectives, from athletes to journalists to even your favorite peloton instructor.

Kicking off the series Is Regan Smith, who made headlines in June when she set a new record in the 100m backstroke on her way to punching her ticket to Paris.

IN THIS EPISODE

Regan’s reaction to breaking a (second) world record (3:40)

Managing pressure after early success (8:10)

What gives Regan an edge on her competition (9:30)

How Regan makes sure her nutrition ensures that she can perform her best (13:32)

The moment Regan was able to bring her high school swim coach to the Olympic Games in Tokyo (15:58)

How Regan gets her mind ready for big races with amplified pressure (17:20)

Regan’s Olympic idol (21:18)

How she gives back to herself outside of the pool (23:55)

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So, I've been battling a little something offline. The good news: I've got great experts on my team helping me navigate some unexpected issues with my body. Talking about how I'm using this less-than-stellar side-step to my advantage, and then, answering a question about how I set my priorities.

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Dr. Lobkova at Step Up Footcare

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This week I'm sitting down with Nia Akins, a Brooks professional runner who recently won the 800m race at the Olympic trials, punching her ticket to the Paris. We talk about her epic run at the trials and her feelings for the Games, but we start our conversation with Nia’s together love, which is music and songwriting. We chat about the intersection of her two passions and how they play into one another as well as her new song ‘Petals To The Fire’. We have a beautiful conversation about Nia’s faith and the realization she had when she felt she was putting too much pressure on herself as an athlete and artist. Her advice to anyone looking to make a big life change and her commitment to surrendering to perfectionism is mega inspiring, sure to assist you through your next hurdle.

IN THIS EPISODE

Nia’s passion for songwriting and singing (4:30)

Her feelings around making Team USA and the upcoming Olympic Games (6:58)

Nia’s journey in college studying nursing, exploring music, and excelling in sport (13:40)

How sacrifices and challenges prepped her for a professional running career (15:55)

Nia on surrendering perfectionism and her emphasis on faith (18:30)

Managing intrusive thoughts and Nia’s response when they get in her head (26:52)

A lesson on trust and how faith plays a role for Nia (32:30)

What’s exciting Nia right now and her perspective on owning your decisions (40:03)

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@nia_akins

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When life feels really crazy, I ask myself if I'm acting in a way that would make myself proud on a less hectic day. Reflecting for this week's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY about what showing up looks like for me these days, and answering a listener question about how to navigate a slow season.

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You've been asking for more solo episodes, so here we are! Welcome to the first episode in a four-episode set on goal setting — one will launch every month moving forward! For this month's installment, I'm chatting about how to set a goal: What makes a SMART goal, how to figure out what's the right goal for you, and why it's important to understand your values and passions for ultimate success. Plus: A look inside my goal-setting process and how it's helped me in the past few years.

SOCIAL

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An interesting conversation earlier this week has me reevaluating my approach to exciting moments. Plus: Answering a listener question about the first-ever episode of Hurdle.

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BMX Racer Nikita Ducarroz is no stranger to differentiating anxiety and fear. Heading for her second Olympic Games in Paris in just a few short weeks, she's on the show this week talking about how she's managed to navigate crippling anxiety from a young age and turn her fear into her power. Plus: What it was like for her to sign with Red Bull before her first Games, how she feels about cultivating community with M1ndtricks, and what she's excited for now beyond sport.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

How Nikita’d relationship with her anxiety is treating her these days (4:30)

How she copes with the stress that goes with the Olympics (5:00)

Nikita breaks down her anxiety symptoms including heart rate increase, loss of breath (5:48)

How saying positive words and affirmations helps keep her focused in the moment (12:22)

How Nikita first found BMX on YouTube and what it felt like (13:56)

How it felt for Nikita to share openly about her struggles with other members of the extreme sports community (18:04)

Exactly how Red Bull became her sponsor before the Olympics (24:12)

How does someone train to ride BMX? What Nikita’s workouts look like including bike time, mobility, injury prevention, and strength training (27:30)

How Nikita defines what her “best” performance really looks like (31:56)

The strategy Nikita uses to fight fear and trick her mind to do hard things (36:50)

What is exciting right now outside of the Olympics (43:40)

The importance of young women and girls picking up sport (45:12)

SOCIAL

@nikita.duccaroz

⁠⁠⁠⁠@emilyabbate⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠@hurdlepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Finding patience and grace as things feel a little bit hectic at the moment. Plus: Answering a listener question about how to home in on a capsule, staple wardrobe.

SOCIAL

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