Professional Runner & Former Olympic Alternate Jess McClain Shares Wisdom & Lessons From Her Career, How To Handle Imposter Syndrome, Why Success Stems From Joy, & Other Lessons On Sustainability

THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST · Mar 3, 2025 · 50m

Middle-distance star, marathoner, and Brooks runner Jess McClain joins the show for the first time today, with her sights set on an Olympic qualifying time on the track.

In February of 2024, Jess came in fourth place at the Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando with a time of 2:25.46; this was just her third marathon ever.

Jess coached herself leading up to the 2024 Olympic Trials, while working full-time in marketing and training without a sponsor.

Jess had previously worked with her high school coach, Jeff Messer, after graduating from Stanford, but took a hiatus from competitive running in…