Two-time Olympian and renowned runner, Kim Conley, joins Laura on the podcast this week to share her incredible story of defying all odds to reach the pinnacle of her sport. From facing disappointments in college to becoming an Olympian with her first endorsement deal within just three years, Kim's tale is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. In addition to her prowess on the track, she also operates a successful coaching company which caters to runners of all abilities across the nation. Today, this very special guest details the many powerful lessons she has learned during her unforgettable journey of passion, triumph, and dedication.
Throughout this fascinating conversation, Kim recounts her road to the Olympics, her transition to marathon running, the challenges she faced during her athletic career, and how she balanced her personal life with her professional ambitions. She highlights the significance of teamwork in running, where even middle-of-the-pack athletes play crucial roles in team scores, and notes that her love for running and the joy she finds in the sport have been the driving forces behind her success and continued dedication to the marathon. The life-changing grant that allowed her to devote herself wholly to training for the Olympic Trials, and the sheer determination and courage she demonstrated in securing her place in the Olympics by a razor-thin margin are also discussed. Kim goes on to introduce her coaching business, "Next Best Run," and her plans for the future, including her quest for the 2024 Paris Olympics. As you will hear, Kim Conley’s story, as shared here today, is a truly remarkable one of grit, passion, and seizing the moment that will undoubtedly leave you inspired to pursue your own dreams, no matter what obstacles you may encounter in your path.
Episode Highlights:
- Overcoming disappointments.
- The value of teamwork
- Setting ambitious goals
- Finding joy in running
- Pursuing excellence
- Striving for support and independence
- Kim’s make-or-break moment
- Tactical Olympic trials
Quotes:
- "Sometimes we just need to give ourselves the opportunity to do great things. All of our paths to get there may look different, but every effort we make matters."
- "I was really focused on really helping the coaches with the recruiting process and trying to build up the team so that we could be the type of team that would qualify for Nationals."
- "I felt like, ‘Wow, in three years, if I keep making progress, could I get to the Olympic Trials? Would that make me feel accomplished and make up for this huge, heartbreaking disappointment with college?’"
- "I just need to stop fixating on the outcome and just try to run as hard as I possibly can to see where that lands me."
- "A lot of it is about where running is fitting into a person's life and how they're feeling. And so I like to have a lot of communication and interaction with the people that I work with."
- "With the support of coaches, with the support of my family, I kind of set that goal of ‘I want to be at the Olympic Trials in three years.’ And so that's how I decided to keep pursuing it after college."
- "I want to be a runner for my entire life.”
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