Aisha Praught Leer’s story in running has always been about more than medals. Representing Jamaica at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, she established herself as one of the sport’s most dynamic middle-distance runners. But in recent years, her focus has expanded far beyond the oval.

Living and training in Boulder, Aisha has found a rhythm that blends high performance with grounded living. Her days are split between training, exploring the outdoors, and nurturing her creative projects. It’s a balance that reflects her evolution from chasing results to cultivating joy in the process.

She describes this new phase as one where fulfillment is defined by growth and connection, not just finish lines.

Throughout her career, Aisha has seen how success in elite sport can narrow into a single measure: times, placements, or podiums. She’s learned to broaden that definition, recognizing that fulfillment often lies in showing up authentically, not perfectly.

Her approach now centers on curiosity: asking what’s possible, how training can evolve, and how to stay healthy both physically and mentally. She encourages other athletes to build sustainable practices that support a long career rather than burn bright and fade fast.

For Aisha, this redefinition of success has opened space for more creativity and play within training. It has also allowed her to stay connected to the reasons she began running in the first place: the joy of movement and the challenge of self-discovery.

Aisha’s identity has always shaped her experience in the sport. Born in Illinois and competing for Jamaica, she has often navigated what it means to belong in multiple spaces at once. Instead of feeling divided, she’s used that duality as a strength.

Her time representing Jamaica helped her embrace a broader understanding of what visibility and representation mean in athletics. She values being part of a movement that shows young athletes from small nations or underrepresented backgrounds that world-class success is possible without conforming to traditional molds.

This pride extends to her ongoing role as a mentor and advocate for women in sport. She believes that telling real, nuanced stories of female athletes — stories that include both strength and vulnerability — helps shift the culture toward authenticity and balance.

Like many elite athletes, Aisha has faced injuries and seasons that forced her to pause. Those moments, while difficult, have reshaped her relationship with running.

She’s learned that setbacks can be catalysts for growth. They reveal how much an athlete values the process beyond the performance and highlight the need for patience and perspective.

Aisha now approaches recovery as part of her long-term strategy rather than a detour from it. Rest, reflection, and mental reset have become key ingredients in her longevity. She emphasizes that recovery is not just physical; it’s also about staying connected to who you are outside of sport.

Boulder has provided a foundation for this next stage of Aisha’s life. The running community there offers both support and inspiration, and the mountains provide endless opportunities to explore new ways of training.

She loves the energy of a place where everyone seems to be chasing something, whether it’s a trail run, a big climb, or a creative pursuit. But she also appreciates the slower moments: coffee with friends, hiking with her husband, or simply breathing in the stillness of the Flatirons.

This mix of performance and peace has given her a stronger sense of balance. It’s a reminder that being an athlete can be a full life, not just a full-time job.

Over time, Aisha has built a mindset rooted in belief. She’s learned that confidence doesn’t mean certainty. It means trusting your preparation and being willing to take risks.

She approaches racing as a reflection of her values: to compete with courage, to express her best self, and to let go of the outcome once the gun goes off. That mental freedom has been key to some of her best performances.

Her advice to other athletes mirrors her own evolution: stay curious, protect your joy, and measure success by how much you grow, not just how fast you run.

As Aisha looks ahead, she’s thinking about life beyond competition. Coaching, storytelling, and community-building are all part of her vision for the future. She’s passionate about helping younger athletes find balance early in their careers, something she wishes she’d learned sooner.

Her creative side has also flourished in this chapter. Through writing and media work, she’s exploring new ways to share the emotional landscape of sport. By expanding what it means to be an athlete, she hopes to inspire others to see running as a vehicle for connection and growth, not just a test of endurance.

Listen to this episode on your long runs this weekend 👇

Jon is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

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