Leah O’Connor joins the CITIUS MAG Podcast after releasing a lengthy and open post called “Hey, Struggling Runner”, which she dedicated to “the frustrated runner, the anxious runner, the hurting runner, or any runner who feels irritated with themselves, like they might want to throw in the towel on their dreams”

Leah was a two-time NCAA champion while at Michigan State and owns a personal best of 9:18.85 for the 3,000 meter steeplechase as a professional for adidas. Shortly after that personal best was set at the 2016 Prefontaine Classic, Leah suffered a partial tear of her right plantar fascia and then ruptured it during the steeplechase final at the U.S. Olympic Trials. She had a brief stint training in California but still dealt with injuries that didn’t allow her to return to that top form. After nearly three years of struggles, Leah opened up about things in her blog post.

We delve deep into some of the key parts that she disclosed including her fear of never getting back, watching U.S. women’s steeplechasing going to the next level, what does it mean to grab a spoon and deal with things “one spoonful at a time.” Plus, she talks about how three-time U.S. Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein, her new coach, has been a major resource in keeping her career alive.

This isn’t your usual interview where we talk about training and races but it’s a great and honest conversation with Leah. I hope you all enjoy it.

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If you enjoy this podcast, check out the other shows on the CITIUS MAG Podcast Network including Runners of NYC, the 1609 Podcast, Price of a Mile, Running Things Considered and more.

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