Episode 97: Juggling Medical School and Racing: The Unbalanced Life of an Elite Athlete

In Episode 97 of Trail Society, hosts Corrine Malcolm, Keely Henninger, and Hillary Allen dive into a wide range of topics, including the latest news in the world of sports and personal updates from their busy lives. They cover the historic election of Kirsty Coventry as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, along with the growing momentum of women’s basketball, highlighted by record-breaking viewership during March Madness. The episode also touches on the latest developments in sports science, including intriguing research about the impact of marathons on brain health and myelin levels, and a rundown of exciting recent races like Chianti by UTMB, where thrilling battles for golden tickets played out. The hosts also recap their experiences at Big Alta, sharing race results, insights on pacing, and lessons learned from competing in challenging events.

The episode also features a deep dive into Keely Henninger's journey as a medical student and competitive athlete. Keely reflects on the challenges of balancing her rigorous medical school schedule with her running goals, admitting that the elusive "perfect balance" is difficult to achieve. Training has become more flexible as she adapts to the stress of school and life, with racing now secondary to her academic commitments. She shares her experience at Big Alta, where she had to adjust her expectations and race strategy, understanding that her priorities have shifted, but her love for running remains strong. Keely’s reflections offer a candid look at the complexities of pursuing big goals in both medicine and athletics, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and realistic expectations when juggling demanding careers and athletic pursuits.

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This episode is brought to you by Freetrail @runfreetrail