Episode 364: Val Constien – 2020 Olympic Steeplechaser on Fresh Goals and Balancing a Full Time Career in Customer Support and Pro Running

Val Constien is a steeplechaser who ran in the 2020 Olympics. She is a 3-time All American for the University of Colorado. Now she is competing as a professional athlete and also has a full-time job. In this episode, she shares what it was like to make her first Olympic team, what it looks like to run at such a high level as an unsponsored athlete, and what her day to day life looks like! Photo credit: Lara Larramendi Photo from Val Constien What we talked about: 3:15- Introduction to Val 6:20- Val’s current training and upcoming races 8:50- Her journey to becoming a steeplechaser 11:20- Qualifying for the Olympics 17:55- Being an unsponsored athlete 22:55- Working with Tracksmith 26:45- Competing at her first Olympics 31:05- The decision to keep training after college 36:35- Finding her happiness 38:00- Val’s boyfriend 40:40- Next big goals coming off of the Olympics 45:05- Val’s day to day schedule 49:05- 2022 World Championships 49:55- Being the underdog 51:15- Battling imposter syndrome 52:15- Battling with mental health struggles and an eating disorder 57:50- End of podcast questions Show notes: Val on Instagram The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan Connect with Lindsey: Lindsey on Instagram Lindsey on Twitter Lindsey on Facebook Join the I’ll Have Another Facebook Group Support the I’ll Have Another Podcast on Patreon Follow SandyBoy Productions: Sandyboy Productions on Twitter Sandyboy Productions on Instagram SandyBoy Productions Shows: Why is Everyone Yelling? The Up and Running Podcast The Illuminate Podcast The Herban Farmacy Podcast Sponsors: Zocdoc Koala Clip Use code “Another” for 15% off your order