In an exclusive interview with New Balance American distance athlete Emily Sisson, SportPlus.sg uncovered the training mantra that helped her set the North American marathon record at the Chicago Marathon 2022, among other useful nuggets of advice for runners the world over
There was more on show than just the latest technology in running shoes and apparel over the New York City Marathon race weekend.
At a special behind-the-scenes product session with New Balance, SportPlus.sg had the opportunity to sit down with American distance athlete Emily Sisson to pick her brains on what it means to be pushing boundaries as a female athlete in a sports arena often dominated by males.
Emily Sisson is one of the most accomplished and exciting athletes in American distance running today with a career that spans track, road racing, and marathon distances, and she is also the current North American marathon record holder for women. Sisson has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in long-distance running and inspires many women today.
The two-time U.S. national champion in the 10,000 metres is first known for her stunning marathon debut in 2021, where she clocked a time that placed her among the top American marathoners. She then set her famed North American record in the marathon on October 9, 2022, when she ran 2:18:29 to finish second at the Chicago Marathon.
Having represented the United States on the world stage, including the World Championships and Olympic Trials, Sisson’s career has been marked by both triumph and resilience.
She is celebrated not only for her competitive spirit but for her ability to balance the demands of elite sport with a grounded, humble approach to her training and personal life.
In this interview with Emily, we explore her journey and how life's challenges have helped to keep her going and striving for more as she continues to challenge herself and shape the future of American distance running.
You set the North American Marathon record at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, can you describe what that moment felt for you?
Emily: I would say that is a culmination of years of working towards that moment, you just work so hard in this sport and sometimes things don't go your way, and you just have to have like this resiliency to just get back to it, for those days when things do come together. They don't happen that often in a career. So they are really special when everything falls into place and that's what that day felt like - just a culmination of years of work.
What does 'Run Your Way' mean to you?
Emily: I guess "Run Your Way" is exactly that - your journey. I found growing up in this sport it is important to be patient, and be someone that tries not to compare my path in this sport or my dreams to someone else's. It was definitely harder as like a younger teenager who is getting out, getting started in the sport.
Always wondering and second guessing if this is what's right for me or should I be doing something else. "Run Your Way" means do what's best for you. I mean I spent years trying to learn what I feel like is the proper fit for me and that takes time and practice. Everyone's on their own journey in this sport - and you can think of other people and still create a community while forging your own habits. I think that's what so great about the sport - there are so many great people out there.
How do you think your role as a female athlete can inspire other females in this male dominated environment?
Emily: When I think of female athletes before me, seeing what they were able to accomplish in this sport, it kind of set my sights on what they did and I was like okay well she's got this medal, they ran this time, maybe I can do that too. And if I hadn't seen that happen, I don't know if I would have thought to dream that big.
Do you have a personal training mantra that works well for you?
Emily: Do you mean marathon mantra? I think it's important to have a marathon mantra because you will definitely go through pain and it's always good to have something to fall back on. I have had many mantras many of which I've forgotten but I remember the one I had in 2022 for Chicago was "I can do hard things", and that really helped me towards achieving what I did.
What were some of your biggest challenges?
Emily: Sport mirrors life in many ways like we were discussing so things like resiliency, and I think learning how to bounce back from setbacks in general, learning how to be positive or handling things as well as you can in the face of adversity whether it's an injury that causes you to miss a race or whatever it may be - I think those lessons have really become applicable outside of sports as well.
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