Podcast: Episode 189 with Kate Grace

Mario Fraioli | January 10, 2022

“I think humor is an under-appreciated tool in terms of dealing with doubts because definitely I have doubts, but I just laugh at them. For example, last year when I was going to join this group, or if I’m about to go into a race and I don’t feel totally set or whatever, the ability to laugh at yourself is so key. And I think there’s probably a humility in that as well and again if you’re going to go into it, maybe an acceptance of what is—you probably could get a little bit more heady in terms of explaining why, but if you take the why out of it, just laughing at the doubts, is maybe my number one tactic. And again, what that is also is not taking yourself so seriously that you’re going to freak out and get in your own way, you know?”

Kate Grace is a lot of things, not least of which is 2016 Olympian in the 800m and one of the top middle-distance runners in the U.S. for much of the past ten years. At the age of 33 she’s running faster than ever and isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. But there’s so much more to Kate than just her speed: I’ve always respected her for her individuality and outlook on the sport, I appreciate her attitude and longevity as an athlete, and I’m inspired by her confidence but also the fact that she doesn’t try to take herself too seriously.

In this episode, we talk about all of those things and then some, including how she keeps her emotions in check, why she thinks American women have been running so fast in the middle distances the past few years, and a lot more.

Kate Grace: Instagram | Twitter

the morning shakeout: Instagram | Twitter

Mario Fraioli: Website | Strava

This episode is brought to you by:

— Tracksmith. Tracksmith crafts performance running apparel, inspiring publications, and distinct experiences that allow runners to indulge in the sport’s rich culture. Go to tracksmith.com/mario to check out some of my favorite apparel picks and use the code MARIO at checkout to get free shipping on your order while also helping support #LASAVESTRACK.

— Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon, 10K & 5K: Join me at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on February 6, 2022. This is one of my favorite races and there’s something here for everyone. Register today at getfitkpsf.com/race and use the SHAKEOUT when you check out before January 31 to save 10 bucks on your registration fee.

Music and editing for this episode of the morning shakeout podcast by John Summerford.