MRWH: Hometown Highlights: Hannah Betman, Baltimore, MD

It’s not unusual for me to meet people and want to learn more about them. People fascinate me, and I’m genuinely interested in their stories. That’s especially true of people I admire. I want to understand our similarities and differences, and I want to learn from each other. That’s sort of how this interview happened. There’s a runner in my hometown who I met through a mutual friend, and then just kind of noticed her placing in all the races since meeting her. I became quickly curious. And now I finally I get to ask her all the questions, I have on this podcast episode. Hannah Betman is a competitive runner. She got fast quickly and qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Since then she’s been chasing even faster times. In this episode, Hannah candidly discusses the pressures of time goals and the pivotal role confidence plays in her training regimen. With the New York City Marathon on the horizon, she reveals her strategies for managing stress and doubt, inspiring listeners with her resilience. Tackling the tough moments head-on, Hannah explores her approach to handling setbacks in workouts and races, advocating for self-awareness and self-compassion. She underscores the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and persevering through rough patches. Moreover, Hannah emphasizes the transformative power of running as a tool for connection and balance in life. Through her involvement with Athletes Serving Athletes, she sheds light on the profound joy of supporting athletes with disabilities, illustrating the profound impact of giving back. Throughout her evolving running journey, Hannah draws inspiration from fellow runners who triumph over adversity, recognizing the significance of resilience and camaraderie in the running community. Join us as Hannah shares her story of perseverance, growth, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. 00:00 Introduction and Meeting Hannah Betman 08:13 Transition from Swimmer to Runner 14:44 Treadmill Studio and Coaching Work 32:14 Managing Stress and Maintaining Confidence 39:01 Dealing with Setbacks and Adjusting Goals 46:31 Adapting and Evolving in the Running Journey