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#40 Deena Kastor – Let Your Mind Run

Apr 05, 2021

Deena Kastor is one of the world’s most extraordinary female athletes. Her career is earmarked by her groundbreaking 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal in the marathon in Athens, Greece, which shattered a 20-year medal drought for U.S. women in the event. Yet, her accomplishments don’t stop there. Deena is currently the American Record Holder in the marathon (2:19:36) and half marathon (1:07:34) and has held American records in distances from 5K to the marathon.

Deena’s win at the 2005 Chicago Marathon was highlighted in the inspiring documentary, Spirit of the Marathon. Deena followed that momentum to win the 2006 London marathon which ranked her #1 in the world that year. In 2014 Deena set 5 world masters records in one race during the Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon. Deena has a reputation for bringing her very best self to the starting line while simultaneously inspiring excellence in everyone around her. She did just that with her new book, Let Your Mind Run, A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory. You can’t help but shift your thoughts to the positive when reading her book.

This is a conversation with Deena about her new book and her journey to greatness. Enjoy.

Listen on iTunesListen onStitcher

 

TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS:
1:46 WRITING ‘LET YOUR MIND RUN’
8:16 PERSEVERANCE WHEN TEMPTED TO QUIT
13:24 HAVING PATIENCE WITH OUR DEVELOPMENT
14:43 STARTING A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE
20:29 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
21:42 RESPONDING TO FEAR WITH COURAGE
23:27 HOW MARATHON RUNNING TEACHES US TO DEAL WITH FEAR
25:29 THE ROLE VISUALIZATION CAN PLAY FOR RUNNERS
28:47 THOUGHTS WHILE RACING IN THE 2004 OLYMPICS
34:07 LEARNING FROM OUR INJURIES
40:42 NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF PARENTHOOD

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The principles that make us better athletes also makes us better human beings.
The importance of being critical without being judgmental.
Shift from the negative to the positive whenever possible.
There’s a difference between being fit and being healthy.
Meet your fears with courage.

 
 
 

DEENA’S BOOK:
Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory

 
 
 

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:DEENA KASTOR
I have been running since I was 11 years old and have learned over the years that there is no greater influence on success than the power of optimism. When we are positive, we master our physical potential. The power of our own thinking can open doors and elevate our performances. With optimism, I have been able to pursue every goal, win medals, earning American and world records, but more importantly, I’ve been able to be resilient in the face of injury and falling short. Optimists are dreamers, believers and solution seekers. I believe that these lessons are universal and not running exclusively.

 
 
 

Connect With Deena Kastor Online:
Official Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

 
 

Precision Hydration

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To learn more about the latest and greatest on hydration, listen to Podcast 34 with Sports Scientist Andy Blow on the role of hydration in performance, and Podcast 35 with Sports Dietician Brooke Schohl on sweat testing and how to tailor your hydration to your personal needs.

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