Episode 681: Rachel Smith on Chasing Longer Distances, Motherhood, and Finding Joy in the Process
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In this heartfelt episode of 'I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein,' host Lindsay Hine welcomes back elite runner Rachel Smith, a 2020 Olympian and 2024 BAA 5K runner-up, now navigating a transformative chapter as a mother of two young daughters. Rachel shares her evolving relationship with running—shifting from track-focused elite racing to embracing road racing and setting her sights on her first marathon. She discusses the emotional and logistical realities of balancing motherhood, a professional career, and training, emphasizing that joy and intentionality are now central to her journey. With candid reflections on her decision to have children, the support of her Flagstaff running community, and the importance of family and connection, Rachel redefines success beyond medals and records. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and finding meaning in the process, not just the outcome.
Motherhood doesn't end a competitive career—Rachel Smith proves you can thrive as both a mom and elite runner.
Intentionality is key: consciously choosing joy, presence, and gratitude in the midst of chaos is a powerful practice.
Racing is evolving—Rachel is embracing new challenges like road racing and marathon training, showing that growth isn't linear.
Community matters: the Flagstaff running scene and village of friends and family make the journey sustainable.
Success isn't defined by Olympic teams—Rachel finds fulfillment in relationships, personal growth, and the journey itself.
Welcome & Sponsor Intro: Nug's Nutrition
Lindsay introduces the episode with a sponsor plug for Nug's Nutrition, highlighting their performance gummies and encouraging listeners to use code ANOTHER for 15% off.
Rachel Smith Returns: From Olympian to Mom
“I feel so proud of the fitness I was able to accumulate in that first year. And then actually surprisingly got pregnant with our second, like a month or two after the Olympic trials.”
Racing in a New Season: Road Racing & Marathon Dreams
“I'm really drawn to like, all right, like trying these new events and new distances... I would love to know what it is like to run an 100 mile race, like 100 miles one time.”
Motherhood & Identity: Priorities & Peace
“I'm like, oh man, like it would be really easy just to focus on how hard some things are, which is true. Like things are really hard. But then like, it's so hard. But like I keep telling myself, make sure you're enjoying all the good things.”
Community, Family & the Village That Raises Kids
Rachel shares how her community—including her husband, sister, and friends—supports her parenting and running life, emphasizing the importance of a strong village.
“At the end of the day, like more so than ever, making any team, like it's about the relationships you made and the things that you've gotten to share with people along the way.”
“I think I'm trying to be like very intentional about things at this stage in my life. And actually, I think that that would probably be my lesson or message is to just try to be intentional right now.”
“I'm really drawn to like, all right, like trying these new events and new distances... I would love to know what it is like to run an 100 mile race, like 100 miles one time.”
Host
Guest
Rachel Smith
person
Lindsay Hine
person
Mike Smith
person
Flagstaff
place
Nike
brand
Sarah Hall
person
BAA 5K
other
Nova
person
Nug's Nutrition
brand
Hug
brand
Episode 676: Jenny Simpson on Her Next Chapter, Community, and Life After Elite Racing
I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast • 1h 18m • 4/10/2026
Episode 677: Maria Chevalier- Double Boston & Wisdom from 100+ Marathons
I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast • 1h 10m • 4/15/2026
Episode 678: Jonathan Western on Running Through Hardship and Taking on Double Boston
I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast • 47m • 4/16/2026
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