Emma Coburn - Q&A

Athletes are still keeping busy, but are finding time to answer a few questions for us to let our fans get to know them. This is our first installment with two-time Olympian, World Championship gold and silver medalist, and eight-time USATF Champion, Emma Coburn.

USATF: What is your favorite competition memory so far?
Coburn: My favorite competition memory so far is winning the World Championships in 2017. It was such a surprise, and a big PR, so that was a really special moment. Turning around and seeing that the USA went 1-2 was awesome too. 
 
USATF: How do you overcome adversity, especially now when things are so NOT normal?
Coburn: Focusing on just getting through day by day helps in times of uncertainty. I surround myself with things and (usually) people that make me happy and that keep me focused on my goals. Right now, I am watching good tv shows, hanging out with my husband, calling and texting my family and friends, cooking lots, and finding different projects around the house to do. I’m no longer training with my full training group, just one training partner and we keep our distance as best we can. Adapting and staying patient in tough times is the only way through.
 
USATF: What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your sport?
Coburn:I love to cook and to bake. I also organize a 5k in my hometown, Crested Butte, Colorado in September which I’m very passionate about (Emma Coburn’s Elk Run 5k).
 
USATF: What is your favorite recipe?
Coburn: I love sweets and make chocolate chip cookies with marshmallows and Fruity Pebbles. I also love this baked fried chicken sandwich that I make. 
 
USATF: Do you have pets?
Coburn:I have a dog, his name is Arthur.
 
USATF: How do you adjust your eating habits when you're on the road so much?
Coburn: When traveling, I do my best to eat as I would at home. It is making sure I’m getting fruits, veggies, good carbs, and lots of protein.
 
USATF: What’s your favorite exercise you can do at home, at a hotel or the airport?
Coburn: I sell mini resistance bands, Emma Mini Bands, and those are so great for home workouts. Any banded hip exercise (an intro one is just band around ankles, stand on one leg, make the other leg move in a semi-circle back and forth)
 
USATF: What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of your event?
Coburn: I don’t know what is most misunderstood but I often get asked if it is hard to run with wet spikes from the water jump. After all these years, I don’t notice it at all.
 
USATF: What do you remember about your first competition, and when was it?
Coburn: My first track meet was on a dirt track in Salida, Colorado. I remember I ran the 400, 800, and mile and just remember being very tired at the end. I raced my sister too which was fun, we ran side by side the whole time.
 
USATF: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Coburn: I wanted to be my mom. And wanted to be my sister. When people asked me what job I want to have, I said I want to be a mom. My mom is the best and I wanted (and still want) to be just like her.
 
USATF: What other sports have you participated in?
Coburn: Team sports: Basketball (6th-12th grade), Volleyball (6th-12th grade), Hockey (3rd grade-9th grade). I also skied and snowboarded for fun, not on a team.
 
USATF: Lastly, name one thing you’re grateful for.
Coburn: I’m grateful for my family and my husband.