Overcoming Negative Thoughts & Building Resilience: A Conversation with Emily Hemmendinger

In this episode of Maybe Running Will Help, Nicky is joined by Emily Hemmendinger, Clinical Director of the OCD Program and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Emily shares her expertise in mental health, focusing on how athletes—especially runners—can overcome automatic negative thoughts (ANTS) and build resilience. Together, they discuss the powerful link between mindset and performance, how to embrace acceptance over perfection, and strategies to stay present in challenging moments. Whether you're battling self-doubt during training or dealing with perfectionism in daily life, this conversation will inspire you to keep moving forward. Sponsor Information:Today's episode is sponsored by Charm City Run. Join us for the Oktoberfest 5-Miler presented by Altra in Columbia, Maryland on Sunday, October 27th! Celebrate with great swag, an awesome post-race party at Lost Ark Distilling Co., and know that a portion of the race proceeds benefit Bridges to Housing Stability in Howard County. Use code "NICKYSENTME" for $5 off your race registration. See you at the starting line!