Welcome to the Allie on the Run show.
I'm your host, Allie Feller, and every week I talk with people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond.
From professional athletes and celebrity runners to the everyday amateur and back of the pack runner.
We are here to celebrate everyone and anyone who enjoys a life on the run.
So, whether you are running towards something big or away from something that has been holding you back, I am here to hold your hand and help you pick up the pace.
My guest today is returning favorite Jess McLean.
Jess might just be the most loved marathoner in the country.
And right now, like so many of you, she is getting ready to run the 2026 Boston Marathon.
Last year in Boston, Jess was the top American woman in the race and she finished seventh overall in a personal best time of two hours 22 minutes and 43 seconds.
She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Connor, and she is coached by David Roach.
She also works full time.
Jess has been in the news quite a bit lately.
She was leading the race at the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta last month and now famously followed the lead vehicles, off course, ultimately losing out on the win and all that goes with it.
Jess handled the entire situation and its aftermath with an amount of grace that is almost unfathomable.
I would have sworn way more.
But classic Jess, turning an unfortunate life-changing experience into lessons learned, all with her chin up the whole time in this conversation.
We talk about that day in Atlanta.
We talk about the resolution and how Jess feels about it.
She, Emma Grace Hurley and Edna Kurgot were all named to Team USA with an honorary podium and will have the opportunity to race at the World Championships in Copenhagen later this year.
We also talk about the sound running 10K that Jess raced this past weekend, about how she's feeling in the final weeks before Boston, about being a celebrity pacer at the Marathon Project in December, and about her decision to freeze her eggs at the end of last year and what she endured in the process.
So clearly we had lots to catch up on.
Please welcome Jess McLean back to the Alley on the Run show.
Jess McClain, welcome back to the Allie on the Run show.
As always, so happy to see your beautiful smiling face.
How are you doing today?
Oh, Allie, so good now.
I can't think of a better way to start a Monday.
So I'm just so happy to be back and it's so good to see you.
You look amazing.
You look amazing.
My hair is wild.
I just right before we started, I was like, you know what?
Let me really get done up for this.
Let me put on mascara.
And I did.
And then I got I like. blinked while I was doing it as if I've never put mascara on before.
And then it goes everywhere.
Went everywhere.
And then I was using the Q-tip to like clean it up and stabbed myself straight in the eyeball.
So up until about two seconds before we joined this call, I had like tears streaming down my face.
So things are going really well.
Oh my gosh.
Well, I'm honored that you put yourself through the...
The pain of getting ready just for me.
Anything for you.
It's so good to see you.
It's so good to see you.
I know we have a lot to catch up on today, but first starting things on a very happy note.
What is something that's making you happy today?
Something that's making me happy.
I think my run, I, I usually don't run on Mondays.
I have Mondays off and then I just kind of like front load my week with work, emails and catching up and stuff.
But, um, I didn't run yesterday and my run today was just great.
I live on like a 2.5 mile segment of the canal here in Phoenix.
And I just did classic marathon or I just did loops of that for 10 miles.
And I listened to off the rails and I ran with the baby ducks floating in the canal.
And yeah, I giggled with Eric and Aisha this morning.
It was so funny, but it was just one of those runs where I was like It was literally just about time on feet, enjoying it before my work day.
And it just brought me, brought me some smiles.
So it was nice.
How about you?
I need to know what's bringing you some joy this morning.
Okay.
Well, I went for a nice walk with my dog.
I ran 10 yesterday.
And so I was like, you know what?
Today's just going to be a walking day.
Drove my dog to a trail in our town.
And I also listened to Off the Rails and was giggling at Eric trying to remember Taylor Frankie Paul's name.
So we're in good company.
Selfishly.
I am devastated that Eric and Aisha are doing their first live show in Boston at the same time as one of mine.
So...
Oh, man.
I'm so sad I can't be there.
Maybe I just put everyone at my show in a van and we just like are in the audience for that.
I mean, there's got to be a collab right over.
But yes, I love that you listen to it.
I love that.
It's always fun hearing that pro athletes listen to the running podcast.
Oh, God.
Yeah.
I think I used to like.
I limit my time online and listening to things and reading things when I was a first time pro.
And now I'm like a total junkie.
I'm like on YouTube all day.
I just I work from home and I just kind of like have YouTube rolling in the background.
So I see all of like the pros you know who are on YouTube, and then some of the more of like the creators, influencers that are on YouTube, and then podcasts.
I feel like we've got freaking podcasts every day of the week.
So it's great.
I just feel like I'm constantly fed with, with the running content, with you know everything online.
So no complaints here.
So in the lead up to Boston, which we are very much in as of today, we're three weeks out.
If your competitors, your fellow runners in the field, if they are on podcasts, will you listen to them?
I yeah.
Oh, my gosh.
Yeah, I think I'm I just like love hearing where people are at.
And I'm kind of at the point in my career where what other people are doing that's working for them does not scare me and it doesn't affect what I'm doing and I'm just happy that they found their recipe.
And I'm always like intrigued to hear, you know, like how others approach you know the taper and and their training blocks and everything.
But I yeah, I think I've become more of a fan of the sport since like finding my love for it again um.
So yeah, I'll listen to pretty much anything that is on the loop, the up next on deck, on YouTube or on Spotify.
I love it.
What about beyond running?
Are you listening to, reading, watching, or otherwise consuming anything that you're into right now?
Oh, gosh.
I got asked a question the other day, like what's the most recent book I've read?
And I failed to answer that question, which is awful.
So bad.
Honestly, I don't have much time for anything else.
I kind of do some other podcasts and then I'll watch some of the trashy TV that's out there.
But I'm kind of like in a grindy phase with work right now, too.
So mostly focusing on that, trying to if I've got any free time.
But yeah unfortunately, a lot of the things I love are like online and I'm either consuming company, I'm consuming things all the time.
And um I've, I've actually made it a point to like spend one run a week or, um you know, getting ready for work, or just moments of the day where I'm not like listening to music or podcast or have something going, because I I realized like one of my weaknesses right now is just like taking in things at all times.
And I'm like okay, probably sitting with my thoughts like for an hour of the day is not a bad thing to get good at.
See, I don't want to do that.
I know.
I just downloaded games on my phone.
Like I'm a 40 year old woman and I got an ad for all these games where it's just like It brings me back to like I used to be addicted to Snood, which was a game when I was in like school or high school or something.
And these games are they're like basically Snood and I'm addicted again.
I go to bed at night and I close my eyes.
I finally close my eyes and I see the little game pieces behind my eye.
Like it's so bad.
Haven't cracked a book in months. but you know i'm on like level 900 of this game so we all have our thing and that's okay uh you had a fun little weekend you were out at a sound running meet ripping a fast 10k how was it how you feeling feeling good yeah my in my family we have a joke now where we call it a runcation we just like because we're connor and i are working a lot he works weekends sometimes so whenever we get to travel for a race we'll either tack on like an extra day on the front end or back in and we'll call it a runcation but it was good i think it was pretty much what i expected it to be um I think I expected there to be like a little bit more like competition in that second group and maybe a pacer or two for the 31 flat range, but, um, didn't shake out that way, which is totally fine.
So I think David and I kind of went in like let's just use this as a really good effort and make sure the last five laps slash two K or like really purposeful, and we try to like hammer at home.
Um.
So that was really fun to kind of go in with a plan and just know what I was going to do.
You know, no matter how it unfolded, but it was really fun to just be on the track and in the atmosphere again.
And um got to spend time with my BFF Vanessa, which is always great when we can sync up, and yeah it was.
It was just a really good weekend.
I think it's cool to be at a meet where there are high school races like sandwiched in between the pro races.
And I sat in the stands for a few for the 1500s and I was like kind of sitting amongst some high school parents and they are so like dialed.
They are so intense, so dialed.
But it's so cool to see the sport kind of growing and you know, see the kiddos come back up in the stands like after a PR, like maybe not the best race, and the parents.
I was happy to be around parents that seemed like they had a really good grasp on like, Just like being a fan of their kid and nourishing a career that's super young.
I had parents that were stoked their kid PR'd and then I had one kiddo that came up that was pretty bummed and their parent was just like it was their dad and they were just super great about we'll get him next time.
Just so proud of you.
And I was like, oh, this is, it was just cool to sit in the stands.
So yeah, long-winded answer, but great weekend, fun weekend.
When you're in the stands, how anonymous are you and how much do people know who you are?
Luckily, Colleen Quigley was running around, so she was...
She was she was a hot commodity, which is also really fun.
Just like seeing everybody that shows up for those races.
Connor jokes because he's like gosh you get, you know, like you have.
I think my like target demographic is, like you know, the women who are maybe like 40 to 55.
I'm like we're tight.
Um, so it's, it's really cute.
I had a moms for McLean moms.
I love that.
I had a few people come up to me, but for the most part it was just nice to to like um Kind of get in and get out.
I love road races because they're just so different, but there's a lot that goes on around them and the track is kind of like all business sometimes.
So it was fun to just do what we were doing outside of the meet.
And then, you know, watch some really good 15s and some good 3200s for the high schoolers.
And then the other heats for the 10Ks were great too.
I loved watching those before we kind of got going.
So yeah, all good stuff.
I love how much you're a fan of the sport.
It's so fun.
Yeah.
Was it nice to be on the track where you don't have to think about where you're going?
Too soon to ask that question.
Left turns only.
I'm good at those.
No, yeah.
It was nice to mix it up, get on the track.
I was like, as long as yeah, as long as Shelby knows where she's going, I'm good.
But yeah, it was it was good.
I think getting on the track is really good for me to just have a different stimulus.
And I think with the roads you can kind of fall into such a rhythm with marathon training and road racing.
And the track kind of disrupts that for me in a good way.
And I kind of have no ego on the track anymore.
I'm not training for the 10K specifically enough to be making teams in the 10.
And I'm pretty realistic with myself.
It's just good to get on the track and know I'm going to run well.
But it's not going to be like a... record breaking day.
Um, I think ideally I would have run under my PR, but I kind of knew once the race got going I'm like eh, I'm kind of feeling like this, 31 flat um, or even 31 30, and then ratcheting it down just felt like the right effort going into Boston.
And it's cool to to start to know my body and have confidence in my like longer plan, to know that I don't need to go out and like have home runs every single race with with like a greater plan in mind.
So that's been a month, a muscle that I've been strengthening for quite some time but, um yeah, it was nice to do just a bunch of left-hand turns for 25 laps.
So, um, Things I've never said, but I respect it and I appreciate it.
Yeah.
So with Boston being three weeks out, where are you at with training?
When is the longest long run?
Have you done it yet?
Or is that still to come?
I think I've hit my longest one.
I think I did a few 22s, but I've got my hardest long run on Saturday.
So it's like a it's a doozy.
And anytime it says like survive to finish with a cool down, it's that's why I like did the 10.
Cause I'm like I'm going to fricking force it like a semi down week in this training plan with a track race and just enjoy like um you know, cause with a race you typically get like an easy day on the back and front end of it.
But, yeah, this week will be tough.
I've got a bunch of mile repeats on Wednesday and then I've got yeah, some marathon work and 10K work and a lot of other stuff on on Saturday in the middle of a 20, 20 or 21 mile run.
So it'll be my last big one, which I kind of like which I don't know just makes me realize I'm in the right sport or like right discipline, when I'm like kind of sick in the head, when I'm like oh, I just want to enjoy this last long run so I like don't want it to be over, but I'm like it kind of it's gonna suck.
So um yeah we'll, we'll be excited when it's done.
But it's almost one of those like bittersweet moments too, because you're like wow, another block under the belt and now it's just taper time and we all know We can all get a little cray cray during that.
So we're going to practice some patience and just enjoy the taper, which is hard to do sometimes.
What will you do to set yourself up for success for this long run?
And will you be doing it alone or will anyone be with you?
Great question.
I yeah, fueling will be a big focus on this one.
I think it's supposed to be like 95 this weekend.
So it's already.
Yeah, it's hot in Phoenix now.
So I'll probably be starting around 530 a.m.
Which is fine.
So I'll have some buddies with me.
We have a great training group, which is awesome.
So I'll have a few likely some men out there with me Nick and Randy, and a bunch of friends that we all just meet up once a weekend for long runs.
And there's about like on any given day, there can be like eight to 15 of us, which is really cool.
So yeah, it'll be really fun. to run with other people.
Amazing.
We're there to be eight to 15 people that can hang at the paces that you're running is very impressive.
That's not like, there's a big range.
Like we'll have, um, like some folks are training for London.
Um, some have, like I think, are racing like the Carlsbad 5k coming up in a few weeks, a lot of running boston, which is really fun.
But we're kind of all in that like either 220 to um, like 255, 250 range, so there's like a big range which is great, and then on any any given day, most of us can sync up to like at least meet for a long run or a workout.
So we're not, you know, watching the sunrise alone.
We have some buddies to run into the sunrise with.
So that's nice.
There has been so much that has transpired in the course of this.
Latest training block leading up to Boston.
If you at this point, and it's not done, we still have three weeks ago.
We're not wishing it away.
But as of now, how would you sum up this training block?
How has this one looked different from others?
How have you mimicked what's gone well before?
How did this all come together?
It's a good question.
You're just full of those.
Okay.
When you say that's a good question, that is oxygen.
Like Tinkerbell needed applause to live.
I need professional runners telling me it's a good question.
Like I'm soaring right now.
It is though, because i think um, you know, a logical thing to do is like oh, last year's boston build went well, so let's just copy paste.
You know, and i think i kind of have done that.
In terms of the races i've done has been pretty similar.
Um, i think i had a little bit more, i think i did more 10k work last year actually, because i did have in the back of my mind um, you know, the season on the track, kind of following the marathon build.
I would say it's been more like marathon Boston specific this year, which has been really fun.
I've incorporated a few more doubles, which is, I mean, which is more than I've ever done.
I've basically done zero.
So I've done?
I think only like I've only doubled maybe six days of this whole block, so nothing crazy.
But it's cool to have implemented just a little increase in mileage and intensity and still feel as healthy as I did last year.
I think the big thing with David and I is I just am not ever going to sacrifice health.
Um, ever again in my career, as long as I'm doing it at this level.
And I just have wanted to be really smart, and how I'm either, you know, increasing intensity or increasing mileage.
And I.
It felt like the right time this go around to throw in a few more runs um make workouts a little bit harder.
I think for the most part I've done pretty similar workouts, but maybe I've done an extra mile or mile and a half of work.
My marathon, like effort or marathon goal pace has gotten a little faster than last year, so that's exciting.
Um, so those are just like little tweaks here and there, but for the most part it's been pretty consistent.
Um, I felt really consistent and really strong, which is really awesome.
And, you know, you can only hope that trajectory keeps going up.
So that's kind of the name of the game though, at least you know, through 2028.
2029 is like just stay healthy um, because with every block and year I string together, I just feel better and better.
So I just try.
Any day I feel like I'm getting a little greedy, or like a workout where I'm like oh, I could hammer right now and that sounds fun.
I actually just try to snap myself back into reality a little bit and I'm like I want to make decisions now that are smart for 2028 um, And that's just maintaining.
Sometimes that's just like maintaining, you know, instead of like home runs in practice all the time.
I don't want to be that athlete.
I want to do.
I want to hit the triples and the occasional home runs and races.
But training is pretty much just like stacking consistent days and hitting like a lot of doubles and the occasional triple.
But that, That's an analogy I love for my high school coach.
He was big on that.
Do you know what you've peaked at or what you will peak at if it's this week for mileage?
Weekly mileage?
I think I did hit 92 this block, but that's because I had like a weird week where I had two long runs that fell like within seven days.
Got it.
Due to erasing, you know, scheduled.
So, um, but that's the highest I've ever hit ever.
So, and I think the week after that we were like all right, let's just like really listen to the body.
If there's anything that creeps up like it's because we hit that mileage last week, but I felt really good.
So I'm sure if I wasn't working and there were all these other things not going on, I could probably run consistently like 90 to 100 miles a week, but i don't think i really need that right now.
Um, and it's exciting because if i keep going for another cycle like maybe that's something i could toy with, but i'm feeling pretty good where i'm at right now.
So how many hours do you know about?
How many hours a week you're putting in working?
Like how much are you sitting at a desk?
That's why I love what I do.
It's definitely not a desk job.
I spend about two days a week out in the community meeting with my team and meeting with donors and doing site visits for events and stuff like that.
I technically work full-time, so I'd want to say 40 hours a week.
I think combined with everything, I'm probably hitting about 40 hours a week for sure.
Did I say miles?
I think you said hours, but I wouldn't have even noticed me either.
I was like, did I say I'm working 40 miles a week?
Who freaking knows at this point?
Yeah, I would say I'm pretty much like full time hours, but it's like super hybrid.
My my team and my bosses are amazing.
And they're just like the biggest supporters ever.
So it's it's been really great.
We're going to talk about the half marathon championships.
We have so much to talk about from that day.
Awesome.
Good times.
How much, you know, we obviously in a marathon training block really anytime, but especially in a training block, we want to keep our stress levels down because we know that stress is stress and it can impact our running, our recovery and everything. everything just from a stress perspective did that affect your Boston training no god no I think no I was more it's funny I think I've just kind of like been so close to having moments like that that I like I'm fine it's it's It's kind of weird to say that, but I was more so upset because I just knew how good I felt.
And I was like, dang, I was kind of looking at a really good PR and a bunch of things.
So I think it was just obviously like being a national champion and getting a PR on the day and making a world team.
I'm like, finally, I'm like, this is going to be great.
I'm like I've been, you know, working so hard for this and then, oh man, I think just I was just more pissed off than like super sad um.
So it's good like I run really well when I'm mad, which I'm usually not mad all the time, so I think training went well that week.
Um, I more so wanted to feel like I advocated for myself and did what I could for myself retroactively to where I could walk away and be like you know what.
I feel like I am proud of how I handled it.
I'm proud of how I showed up for myself.
Worked with all parties involved to like hopefully I don't know implement some verbiage or something in the future to ensure this doesn't happen again.
And if it does, is there a better way to rectify it?
So, yeah, it didn't interrupt my training at all.
If anything, it kind of like fuel the fire a little bit.
And you kind of saw that with Emma Grace too.
I'm like, damn, she threw down, went and got an American record in the AK.
So I feel like you can, Edna just ran really well in a marathon or half marathon.
I think she ran like 68 something.
So I think you see that with a lot of us, like we're resilient.
We get back on the horse, and that week after was a total shit show just in terms of like life balance.
I'm like I missed so much.
I felt like I was like missing work for like calls, that I was having to try and just like learn the most I can about all of this um, so it was more so just like that, just like the additive, like what I had to do to deal with it.
Um, but in the end it worked out and I know there's opinions out there about you know the outcome.
But again it's like I.
I didn't choose to, I didn't want this to happen, and lining up in Copenhagen and going for the podium is all I can do.
And that's what I'm going to plan to do.
So yeah.
I love imagining.
I mean, I don't ever want you to be angry, but we only ever see like sweet, happy Jess.
And I do love the idea that behind the scenes this whole time you've just been like throwing F-bombs and like I'm so mad.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It was just one of those things where I just...
Yeah.
I mean, those are, that's what you train for as an athlete.
And um, and then you know, you get the.
As more time passes, you get the keyboard warriors coming at you.
And I'm like I was pretty silent until I had people in my inbox like calling me a dumb athlete, that whose one job is to like not go off course.
And um, which you know.
It's like they don't understand when you're 12 miles into a half that you're not really like going through the course map in your head and you don't have like 50 streets memorized.
Um, you know turns and whatnot.
But yeah, it was just one of those things that was a good lesson too.
And like we can all point fingers and jump to conclusions super fast, but you just.
There's always something else going on.
And I think um super sad that there was an incident with, you know, safety involved and all and all of that.
But yeah, it's like also another lesson in, like just maybe you know, type it in your notes app and then sit on it for before you rip it online.
But yeah.
Do you respond to those messages?
Do they like, I know that we can, oh, the keyboard warriors, but like, does that stuff get to you?
No, it doesn't get to me.
I think I had some fun responding to a few.
I, you know, I was like, next time I'll write.
I think there was one.
I was like I'll make sure to write all the turns on my arm in Sharpie and refer to my.
You know, but I know.
I wasn't really letting that get me worked up.
No.
I mean, I just kept thinking the absolute insane level of I don't know if confidence is the word to be running, to see a lead vehicle go one way and to say I know better.
I know the course goes this way.
That's wild.
Like, honestly, all the official people are going that way, but I'm going to go this way.
That would have been a baller move.
I try to think, like, had I done that?
I don't know what would have happened behind me.
If I were Emma Grace and Edna, I'd be like, I think Jess is so dumb.
I think she's kind of going crazy here.
She's lost.
She clearly has to go to the bathroom.
Yeah, GI problems are happening.
Um, yeah.
So, I mean, there's all these like coulda, woulda, shoulda, what if things, but it happened.
And I, I'm so proud of like how I handled it.
And I think Emma and Edna would say the same.
And the three women who did cross the line.
You know, top three are amazing humans and they were so humble and gracious in that moment.
And, um, Yeah, I just think the athletes handled it really well.
I'll just say that.
Yeah, I mean, that was...
To look at the comments that you were getting, it was all like, you're a class act, a class act.
The phrase class act kept coming up.
And you are.
There was a part of me that wanted to be like, she shouldn't have to be like she should.
She has every right to scream and throw stuff and flip out right now.
Did you feel like and I know that's who you are.
But how much awareness was there for you of having to act a certain way, having to be calm level-headed, whatever it was?
Like, were you thinking about the perception of you throughout all of this?
No, not really.
I think I've had, you know, situations and moments that I've been in where that have been tough, that you know there's a lot of opinions out there and multiple parties involved.
And I just all I can control is like how I'm reacting to things and letting it affect me.
And I think at the end of the day, eyes are on Boston.
Honestly, Copenhagen was something that, as soon as it was announced and a go this year, that's been on my radar and also a goal.
But I think perspective has helped me a lot.
I've been so close to making a team a few times in 2024.
And being fourth or, you know, like coming up short, life goes on and there's more opportunities.
So I I know that all I can do is like move forward, knowing that one day I'll I'll have that moment that um, I don't know feels like might make up for, you know, not having that in Atlanta and a few other things.
But like even Boston last year, like it was amazing.
And I think anytime I look back on the moments in my career that I'm most proud of, it's like it's those days and it's at Orlando and a few others.
And I probably like, had I come across the line and all those things you know happened the way I thought they were going to in that last mile, like that probably would have been a day that you know, when I retire, I look back on and I'm like Oh, that was such a good day.
But all I can do is just hope that I'll have another chance to, to make a day like that happen.
But yeah, Yeah, I'm glad.
Honestly, I'm glad it happened to me.
I feel like I can handle it, and it's not the end of the world.
I was super sad for Emma Grace in that moment because I'm like man.
She had this wrapped up last year and it got canceled.
And an athlete like Edna too.
So I just...
I was just hoping it would be made right for them as well.
And it was.
So all we can do is just, like you know, train really well and show up in September and then figure out all the other stuff, you know, as we go.
But yeah well, it was announced last week that there is a resolution here of Allowing seven athletes to represent Team USA at those world championships.
You are on Team USA now for the half marathon.
And it's been interesting seeing the comments on various outlets.
You know, a lot of people that are very happy.
And then for the people who aren't, which are like, again, keyboard warriors, like everyday people.
And I want to respond to them and be like, have you asked the athletes how they feel?
Like, I want to know from you, how do you feel about this resolution?
Does this feel to you that.
The parties involved have made it as right as they could have.
Was there more you wanted?
How are you feeling about this resolution?
I think I'm feeling, I'm feeling good about the resolution from just like a Team USA perspective and you know how.
The athletes who I mean it's tough because like the three who were let off course for I mean Carrie was also let off course
Like I shouldn't have happened.
But then it's like okay, but you also have somebody like Molly and Annie, like they, they all got top three and then couldn't celebrate that on the day.
And that's super sucky.
Um, and then you have the athlete who is you know who's on the world ranking list.
That's like okay, I don't need to, I don't need to run Atlanta super hilly course.
Um, and I can go race somewhere else.
And I've busted my ass to like, make sure my rankings are solidified.
Um, and I'm hopefully a shoe in like there's a lot of things going on and I it's not fair to any of those three groups of athletes.
If, if none of us could line up.
So from that perspective, I think I'm happy with it.
I understand the perspective of like, that I'm seeing like, you know, the discourse out there that's like, you know, this was a team USA mess up and should they have seven athletes on the line?
Like, Like.
I don't really have an opinion on that.
I'm just happy to be lining up and I'm not going to turn it down because I believe I've earned it.
But I understand, like I think another thing, just like being in the sport for a while is like I can understand different perspectives and put myself in, you know, other people's shoes and try to see things from multiple angles.
But I, I think I get, I think Atlanta track club handled it as well as they could.
I think in the moment they showed a lot of empathy and humility, like when it, right after it unfolded like you could tell it was absolutely not something they ever wanted to happen at their race and showed a lot of just like yeah empathy, which I just as, like an athlete and human, I respect, and just like love to see.
And then from like the USATF perspective.
Um, I had some feedback you know that I shared with the USATF team where it's like I, as an athlete, want to feel like, at least from like a communication perspective, that I'm a priority and that you care about me.
Like that was kind of the biggest thing and piece of feedback I had was like I was we were receiving communication as it was like posted on Instagram kind of.
And I just like it just would have been nice to be.
Yeah.
And you know and I've shared that with the folks at USATF, and USATF has great people in the fold and working hard to like rectify situations like this.
So, yeah, I think it was handled ultimately the outcome is as well as it could be for for Team USA.
I know there's other opinions out there though, and I welcome those, and I yeah, just welcome hearing other perspectives.
But yeah, I mean I'm I'm going, so I'm happy.
And I'm happy for you.
I obviously wish the day had played out quite different.
I think everyone wishes that.
I don't think, other than maybe the men's podium that unfortunately, no one's even talking about, but like I don't think anyone else had a good day.
Man, even the men like when we crossed the line they were like the top three men were some of the first people to come up to us and be like what the frick happened, you know.
And I've talked to a few of the men since then and they were even like yeah, we had extra directional like help getting across the bridge.
Essentially,
Like I think it was just a confusing thing course, and I think that's a really good.
It's just a good takeaway, like for, you know, future race directors and coordinators.
It's like if your race does have a bunch of turns and a city like Atlanta has a ton of construction going on, like I know it's, it's so expensive to put races on, but Like just having extra personnel.
And I think USATF too.
It's like, if our name is on these championship races, like we also have a responsibility to make sure that the athletes aren't spending any time while they're racing second guessing.
And that's from like the front of the pack of the elite races to you know the amazing people coming up behind us.
So yeah, I'm bummed for the men.
I, I think they're, I mean, they're, they're out there crushing now.
So it's like, it's all, it's all going to be fine.
Yeah.
We're all going to be fine.
But yeah, I'm really honored to be on team USA with the, all seven of us.
So.
This episode of the Alley on the Run show is brought to you by New Balance, my favorite brand, the best partner here for another year on the Alley on the Run show.
This year we'll be having all kinds of fun together, from podcast episodes and special events to race weekends, including a Boston Marathon Weekend live show coming up soon and exciting surprises.
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Beyond the people who were directly affected by this the athletes, the race organizers, the people at USATF, the people for whom this created a very real issue
We also have seen, man, the running community is on one lately, like outraged.
Uh, there's a lot happening there, and you unwittingly became sort of the poster child for the latest at the time.
We since have new scandals.
Don't worry.
I'm like, companies are up in flames.
We have our, we have new things that we're angry about.
Yeah.
At the time you were very much sort of the poster child for this collective outrage and it was intense and it was a lot.
What was that like for you?
It was it was OK.
I'm so lucky to have Connor like as a you know just partner in crime, because he man, I feel like any time there's like a problem to be solved.
He's just so game to be, to be like Mr. Problem solver.
And he was on pretty much.
He was leaving work early to get on these calls with me and, like he just is, he's like Oh, this is like we should just capitalize on this.
This is, this could be like kind of funny in the long run.
And I'm like, okay, I love that you're taking like the five-year perspective on this.
Like, we'll probably look back and giggle about it.
Yes.
And I'm kind of doing that now.
Cause I'm like, of course, like, of course that happens.
You, But he was just somebody that brought a ton of levity to the situation, asked a lot of good questions.
He kind of is like, I don't have an agent.
So and he, he started his own business and he I was working through tons of contracts all the time and all these things.
So he just comes at it from a different business perspective than I do.
So he was asking really good questions throughout the process.
So I actually, I learned a lot.
I don't think it ever.
I think maybe I lost a few hours of sleep because I was just up late dealing with stuff.
Um, or trying to cram it in before my, before my work day, but it didn't really like derail life or running.
So, um, if anything, I just learned a lot from it, which was kind of cool.
And your perspective is insane.
Like you really are a remarkable human, Jess.
Yeah.
I've actually been a side note, but I've been just getting like general life therapy for the past two months.
And I, this happened obviously on a Sunday and I had a therapy appointment on Monday and I didn't, I didn't even talk about it in my therapy appointment.
Cause I'm like I just don't.
I know it's going to be fine and I don't want to waste like 200 in an hour talking about something I know is going to be fine.
And I'd rather like deal with my life buckets, you know?
So that's when I knew I was like, okay, this running thing.
Like usually I, in the past I've had to go to therapy to, to deal with the running side of my life.
And it's just nice to have running be the thing that's like, I don't know.
It just brings me so much joy.
And I'm like, okay, you can keep universe.
You can keep trying to throw stuff at me to like make it not that way, but it's just not.
It's not going to happen.
And it's so fun to race and run now where I just feel like nothing but myself could kind of derail that.
Like I'm the only one that could get in the way of that.
And I just had a lot of good people in my corner and I think it shows like I don't know.
It was really cool to just feel the support.
I did not expect it.
I think the one thing I didn't expect was like the whole discourse about, like you should know, the course.
And I, a hundred percent, like I go into every race, like I'm a nerd.
I studied the elevation map.
I pay attention in tech meetings.
I literally rattled off as I was racing.
Like there were basically like four to six points on the course that either had construction or were a hairpin turn in Piedmont park or all these other points.
And literally as I got through them, I'm like, check, there's another one.
We got through that one.
Good.
You know like I love nerding out over road racing and um, I respect that, that's my job, but respectfully, if you're, you know, Gunning for a PR and a half marathon on a super hilly course.
You're just you're trusting the five vehicles like you just are.
So that's why I laugh.
I'm like, it's just, you know, I'm glad again.
I'm glad it happened to me because it will be fine.
Can we go back to that point in the race?
And I am sure you might at this point be very sick of talking about it.
The video is so funny.
What I saw on Sidious, I was like.
Who would have not turned left there?
I'm like, the cones were literally pointing me in that direction.
There were a few red flags as I was getting further and further down that road.
I was like, huh, there's a lot of cars parked on this road.
And then there were just some...
Yeah.
On the road that you turned the, when you made that turn.
Yeah.
Like there were just things that weren't normal to like a road race that's blocked off and cleared.
I had a like a um police cop, like on a motorcycle police cop, police motorcycle.
God Monday, come up like alongside of me.
And I just you don't, you don't like, if you're in a lead pack, you don't really bat an eye at that.
Like in a world major.
You have.
You have the camera, you know like motorcycle, you have the photography motorcycle.
So I like didn't bat an eye at that, but then he turned on his siren super loud, like so loud that I I jumped like mid-step and I you know, when you feel like you've like missed two breaths, like your heart just is, like that happened.
And then I kind of was like oh, that's probably just him.
I was like, for some reason, I just like played that off too.
And then he eventually like almost cut me off and he's like you're going the wrong way And I think um yeah, at that point I was running on fumes.
I was so mad.
Um, Emma Grace, I think I caught up to Emma and Edna and I was just like what the F like this is, so I think I dropped like so many F bombs in that last mile.
And then the funniest moment was when I caught back up to like Alio and her pack and Allie in the last mile of any race.
And David's told me this.
He's like, she, you just do not want to be with her if you have to kick at all.
And I was like, okay, like, let's just get, I could see her.
I'm like, let's just get back with Allie.
I know she's going to kick really well.
And I kind of like go by her a little bit.
And then, with 200 to go, she just it was like the second dagger to the heart, it was just like nope, and she just creams me.
And then I watched she had a live reaction video with Spencer to the the last like mile of the race and I was literally on the verge of peeing my pants laughing.
It was so funny.
Cause Spencer was like any, any ounce that McLean had left, you just took it from her.
You put her in the grave.
It was just so, I was dying laughing.
And then I crossed the line and then I you know it was it was just like what the heck just happened.
Um, But I kind of look back now and I just giggle at it because I'm like, I have to.
It's on brand.
Yeah.
I love your brand.
But like, yeah, you better work.
That's what the universe says to me.
And also Britney Spears.
When the cop turns the siren on and says that to you you're going the wrong way yeah, any part of it.
Like were you immediately?
Like okay, I am.
Or like, did you question it?
That's such an unnerving thing.
Was it just an immediate like I mean we?
I've seen the video and I've seen you turn around?
Yeah, I think it.
No, at that point I was just like I didn't know how much of a lead.
I honestly didn't know how much I went off course.
I had no idea where I was in space and time.
So all I did was try to chunk it up.
I was like, okay, just try to real...
Edna and Emma back in so we can figure this out together.
Cause I'm like, I don't know where the frick to turn now.
Like the lead vehicles behind me, this cop is nowhere now.
And I'm just like, luckily you could see the runners going across the bridge.
So I was like, all right, there's my left turn.
But it was more of just like, problem solving from there.
I was like I know you have to get back on the point of you know where you exited the course.
You had to go back on the point of entry that you left.
Um, somehow I knew that rule.
So I would just get back on course and figure it the freak out and just get to the finish line.
Um, Yeah.
And I knew I had to fight for every spot.
So I was like, just try to pass as many people as you could.
Like I was like, I need to get top 10.
I'm at a point where I'm like, I want to.
I don't want to be in the red going on trips anymore.
So I'm like prize money is kind of top on top of mine.
I'm like, just get the top 10, do what you can.
Yeah.
And then I would say that after the race, like the next hour was just kind of like crazy, um protests and no cool down.
And I was freezing and hungry and just a lot of things.
Working against all those trying to be calm and figure things out.
I think yeah, we were um, you know you're, you're half, you're post half marathon, you're exhausted, and most of us got up at like 4 30 that time, so we were tired um, but yeah anywho, did you cry at any point at the finish?
No, I was so mad.
But then I think there was a moment on the call with with David, even when I saw Connor and I had my best friend from college there and her two cute kiddos.
Um, we were just kind of more of like what the what the hell you know.
Um, but I was, I think I actually got emotional on the call with David.
Cause he, he was like, oh man, like He just knew that the moment was like likely wrapped up for me in the last, like I look so good.
He said, man, you look so good.
It was just more of like never knowing, like what the time would have been and how you know.
I think it was more of that.
But no, even when I got home it was kind of like all right, let's kind of like get crap done, figure this out mode.
I need to work and all this other stuff.
So it was good to get home and just like dedicate a few hours of the day to figuring stuff out.
And then just knowing it was mostly in other people's hands, which I know could be stressful.
But for me, I'm like, I'm glad it's not my problem to figure out because this is a mess.
So.
What sorts of conversations did you have with the women, with Molly, with Annie, with the women who podiumed?
But again, they knew something happened.
They weren't psyched.
That's not how they wanted to end up there.
So what were your interactions?
Did you talk to them at all on the day?
I think we all shared very brief exchanges after the race.
Cause like they were confused.
We were mad.
It was just like a super unfortunate, like you know thing to have to navigate all together, but we didn't.
It wasn't one of those things where we like, started a group chat and then we're just like fire.
You know, we were just fired up like every single day texting each other.
We kind of like, Emma Grace was on vacation.
I knew that.
I think we would share like brief messages back and forth or like, And then you kind of are, you know, on Instagram and you see everybody's like really sweet posts and you're like, oh my God, the sport is just at least on the women's side and as a whole, amazing.
But it wasn't.
No, we weren't like.
Yeah, texting off the chain or anything or like making a burn book. writing.
There's no, then what was it all for?
No, no, it was just very cool to see how everybody, um, we're athletes at the end of the day.
It's like, all right, we just get back to the grind and do what we can.
And um, I know Molly and Carrie and Annie like they're going to have their days where they break the tape and and all that.
Like, I just know it.
Um, and it's cool to just we're athletes and we're also competitive, but um, on the women's side, I just like.
The finish lines are just so cool.
Like, I don't know.
It's just a very supportive group of women.
Um, and to be amongst it still is like very awesome.
So Yeah.
No complaints about going through it with some of the best people in the sports.
Sad it happened, but we'll all be better for it.
This, I mean, this. blew up in the running community like this and beyond.
I mean, this made national news.
Like this was a headline and people were really talking about it.
Did it surprise you the way that this gained such traction?
It did.
Okay.
Why did it surprise you?
I mean, it's a bummer.
Like you always want the sport to be like bigger and reach more people, but not really in that way, you know you want it to be for like something good, so that was kind of a bummer.
Um yeah, my aunt texted me.
She's like you're, you're on kelly ripa.
Oh my gosh, kelly talked about you.
It was really funny because you can tell it just kind of like landed on her desk and then she's like, oh yeah, we'll talk about it.
And then she's like yeah this, this american distance runner was Taken off course 400 meters.
She's like, what is 400 meters?
Like, I don't even know.
And then, you know, they're like, you know, at the end of the day, that's a lot.
It's a long time.
But no, I did not expect it to gain the wheels.
It did.
At some point I just had to like get off my phone, to be honest, because it was kind of like a distraction just from other stuff.
But here's to putting the energy out that the running.
I mean you've got like a world record attempt announced in the mile with Brooks and Josh and like things like that, where it's like all right, let's focus on the cool stuff.
You know what I mean?
But granted, you have to.
There are other things going on that are unfortunate, that you know.
In order to move the sport forward, you do have to let things unfold and give it the respect and time.
You know, like it's a double-edged sword, but I'm glad it's yeah, glad it's in the, it's out of the news cycle now.
Yeah.
Does it feel like now some time has passed?
There's been more scandals in running.
That's always helpful.
Does it feel like this chapter is closed for now?
Yeah.
Oh yeah, for sure.
I mean, I'll, it's kind of like, yeah, I'll, I'll talk about it and it's fine.
But at some point you just kind of move on and you learn from it and take what you can from it.
Um, it definitely like fires.
It's good to think about for me and like the last rep of a workout or in a race.
Um, Yeah, so I'll kind of use it as fuel, I'm sure.
Yeah, plenty to think about in this monster workout coming up this weekend.
I know.
Should be good there.
Well, in the spirit of moving on from things, let's move on.
Let's talk about some other cool things you've been up to.
You were the celebrity pacer at the Marathon Project this winter, pacing... the women's OTQ group.
I want to hear more about that.
How was that experience for you?
It was amazing.
It was really cool to just be a part of Marathon Project.
I think I got the gist of it enough.
But then to be in the tech meeting and be at the hotel that all the athletes were put up at and then to experience race day, where it was like awesome space for warmup and um, just a very like frictionless, seamless experience from like a race execution standpoint.
Um, you know, fueling personal bottles for everybody.
Like that's super cool.
Um, so I was, I was really happy to see that.
And then I was pretty nervous though.
I think I love pacing because you get um the stimulus obviously like just the effort from it, but then you get you, get you.
I went through the full like pre race day nerves and the prep and all of that.
Um, and I was kind of struggling with just motivation to get back on the horse and into the just mindset of, like the grindy training mentality.
So it it did a lot of good for me to just put myself in a situation where I was thinking about other people and not really how I was feeling.
Um, but it was very cool.
I think, I think I would a hundred percent do it again.
Um, pacing that is and to be a part of, just like an OTQ attempt, was awesome because I think the more women we can get on the starting line and St.
Louis or Phoenix, wherever it'll be, the better.
So, yeah.
At that point, which was this was December at that point.
So you hadn't really gotten into the Boston build yet.
How did going out on 237 pace feel for you?
It felt yeah, because I was just coming.
I was like two months after I did the whole egg retrieval thing and it went very south.
I was given, I don't think the right medication and the wrong dosage of medication.
So I had a tougher recovery from it.
So I was kind of like in the dumps from that a little bit.
It took some time to just my body wasn't feeling normal.
And my heart rate was elevated for like a month of training.
Um, so I was just like, like, what can I do to get myself out of this funk a little bit?
And two 37 I mean on paper for me.
I'm like okay, I should be able to like run consistently at 559 pace and feel okay.
But it's tough.
It was toasty.
I feel for any Midwest, East Coast athletes who came in because it was kind of a hot morning.
But it was grindy, but it was really fun.
I think it was.
It's one of those things where I'm like man.
There's probably women in this group who could run like five 54s and feel really good.
And then there's women who probably want like more six Oh four, six Oh five.
And then like cut down a little bit more.
But I was given clear instructions to run just five 59 six, flat as best as I could.
I did what I could to encourage other women that were around me and grab some extra waters and run with them in case other people needed them.
It was nice to get out of my own head and just focus on other people's days.
I really enjoyed it.
It was hard on the body.
I think it was a really good effort.
Took a little bit to recover from it, but I feel like it kind of like reset my system a little bit and was like OK yeah, you can do this.
Stop.
Yeah.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
The holidays are, you know, they're meant for kind of like indulging and enjoying life, and it'll come back.
But yeah, breaks can be kind of weird on the mind and body, but much needed in the long term.
Let's talk about the egg freezing process, which you've shared a bit about, which I appreciate hearing.
And I think lots of women appreciate that hearing uh, because it's relatable to a lot of people.
So what can you tell us about that decision, about the timing of it, about you know that's such an interesting part of being a professional runner is your life moves in addition to the cycles of being a woman.
Your life is in four-year cycles, two-year cycles.
Everything is is very planned yeah, so can you speak to that a little bit about why this was something you wanted to do and why now?
Great question, Allie.
No, I think I was actually planning to do a retrieval after Boston last year.
I had done a few like um consultations and chatted with friends about it and then I just like chickened out.
I was like oh, I don't want to put my body through that and it just I hate needles and um, I just I don't know.
And I felt good coming off of Boston and I'm like oh, we want to run on the track and do USA's, so let's just like postpone um.
But then I just had enough.
I had more conversations with friends and felt a little bit more comfortable about it.
And I think it's something I I've personally struggled with for a few years is like if and when, like I just don't know when or if honestly, I will want a family.
And I think that's something that is also okay to kind of continue to figure out.
I think there's a lot of, um, women and couples and people in that boat.
Um, you know, I see my friends having kids and I see how hard it is, but I see how rewarding it is too.
So it's like not off the table for me.
I think just at this point in my life and our life, we just enjoy, we we're, we love the grind.
Connor and I, we love to work and we love what we're doing.
And I've never loved running more, which is really cool.
And it's.
At first I looked at it like oh man, like why am I finally finding my groove at?
Like 32, 34.
But I'm so thankful that I, I found it again.
And I think I have to look at it that way.
Um, but yeah, so I chose to do it right after I got back from Tokyo, I think I landed.
And then the next day had um, like an ultrasound or just like a blood draw to figure out like, where we're at.
Um, and then it looked like good timing.
So the day after that I started um medications and honestly, the whole process was really rough for me.
I've had friends who had um, you know, like a pretty okay time with um, you know, taking their meds the first like six to 10 days before retrieval.
Or I've had friends who um, didn't have a great time.
But then after the retrieval, they were like, Oh my God, I felt so much better.
I just felt bad the whole time.
The whole time.
And I bet it's because I ran a marathon.
I was jet lagged from Tokyo.
That too.
It was freaking hot in Phoenix.
Like it was still like a hundred plus degree.
Like there were just, it was a lot, there was a lot going on.
Um, so there were things working against me for sure.
But, um, I'm glad I did it.
I did end up being what they call is like it's just overstimulated.
It's OHSS, which is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
And it happened to me because I was I was a hyper.
I what I don't know.
I don't even know how to say this.
It's been a minute.
I responded well to the medications that typically like increase the follicles that are at the ready for reporting for duty.
So I had a high follicle count.
So I was a high responder.
And then they they gave me I can't remember the name of the medication, but I think I was given a medication I didn't necessarily need.
And I was given likely too much of it.
So I was overstimulated, ended up gaining an additional 26 pounds of excess fluid in my abdomen.
Whoa post retrieval.
It came on really fast, like within, I think.
Within like eight hours I gained like 10 to 12 pounds.
And they kind of give you a range where it's like call us if you're in that eight, six to eight pound range.
And I'm like, um, something's wrong.
I think, you know, yeah, and I
So it was just awful, to be honest.
And I was in a lot of pain and was contemplating going to the ER most days.
But the ER.
They aren't like fertility doctors, so they don't quite know how to approach that situation.
Of course, it was a weekend, so the clinic was closed.
So I just kind of like. toughed it out until, um, the next week.
And then what's crazy is you, I, I didn't drink water for like 10 days.
So I was only drinking electrolytes.
And at some point they, my doctor was like, your body will flush it out.
Your kidneys will help you with that.
And I think I like pretty much peed for like 12 hours straight.
And I.
There was one day where I just like lost, I think like 12 to 14 pounds of fluid, like within 24 hour period.
And I felt so much better.
But the whole process was like a three week process, when it should be like a week and a half to two.
Um, So yeah, not great, but I think I, I did not ask any questions.
I kind of just like took what they gave me.
And I think my advice, like I wanted to share because I want other runners like, even younger runners who like know they want kids and maybe they're 26 to 28
Granted, I know it's expensive, but like just to know and like research um get your baseline just of where your body's at and just know what your options are.
I wish I knew this was an option at 28.
Like I, you know, um, but yeah.
And also like, your body will bounce back.
If this is super important to you, like you can find two weeks to, to back off on training.
I had so many people like, were you still working out?
Like, were you able to train?
And I'm like, no, like I just, first of all, I'm investing in this.
And I um, I think there's a lot that could go wrong if you're working too hard while your ovaries are like doubling, tripling in size.
So I was just trying to share from like, a perspective of like it's okay to carve time out of your life to get this done if it's a priority to you.
Ask questions, get a baseline like just idea of where your body's at.
Before you do any of this, like have a few consultations with different clinics.
So that would be my advice.
But I know so many other women in the sport have done it since or at least started talking about it.
So I think it's.
It's really cool to see that there's that you can have kids and come back, but that you know you can plan for different ways to to make the family stuff happen.
So that's, that's where I'm at with it.
I'm very at peace with like not thinking about it for two more years.
So we'll see if I cross the finish line at the trials in 2028.
And I'm like, okay, I'm, I don't know.
I mean, it's, I'm having, you don't have to know yet.
Yeah.
You don't have to know the beauty of what you did is you don't have to.
Yeah.
So while I give you so much credit for doing that, for making that decision, for making that investment, for going through what sounds like was a really challenging period, I wouldn't wish that part of it on anyone.
So kudos to you for For doing it.
So we now turn our eyes to Boston last year.
Heck of a day in Boston last year.
You were the top American.
You finished seventh.
You ran a personal best.
What does it take to run a personal best in Boston?
I it's funny because I don't think I even looked at my watch.
I think maybe I looked at the time two times and there was there was a moment in the first, like four to six miles, where a move was made up front where I'm like oh, I felt like the pace kind of.
You know, there was definitely an increase in pace.
I think we ran like a five or something mile and I was like, OK, we're going to back off here.
And then I think the next time I saw a clock that like registered in my brain was halfway.
And I, I kind of knew I was like on PR pace, but I wasn't really focused on time.
And I think that's been for me an interesting outcome of races where I focus on competing and like running within myself has been like I've.
I've typically walked away from that like having a good, like just being happy with the finishing time.
Like at the trials, I just focused on competing and I'm like, oh my God, I'd shave like four minutes off my time.
Like I would have never known.
So I think it's hard because obviously there's people that go into Boston and have a goal pace and time in mind in competing, you know, in different waves.
Like just looks different to different people.
Um, but I think my advice is like you have the downhill working with you in the first half and there's no nothing wrong with like conserving a little bit for the back half of the race.
Um, Will I take that advice this year?
I don't know because it's so stacked and it can go out any which way.
And I think I'm a stronger athlete than I was a year ago.
But I guess that would be my advice to somebody looking to PR at Boston.
Is, you know, just being smart that first, like 13 to 15 miles before you hit the
The Newton Hills.
Before shit gets really real.
Yes, exactly.
Took the words out of my mouth.
What does Boston Marathon Weekend look like for you?
Of course, the big day is Marathon Monday, but you get into town Thursday.
What do the next few days look like?
Great question.
I think I'm pretty jam-packed with some fun action I've got.
There's a lot of fun stuff being planned at the Brooks Hyperion House.
I think that will be announced soon and we'll be able to share more.
But I think I'm a part of the press conference fund this year.
So that's a first for me, like actually.
Like you're on the stage.
I think so.
I'm really stoked about that.
So that'll be really cool.
So I kind of hit the ground running Friday with that.
I think there will be a Garmin meet and greet of some sort on Friday and or Saturday and And then I'm doing a fun panel Friday.
I think I did something with you and Emma.
Yeah, me, you, and Emma last year.
It was a Friday last year.
Yeah.
Man.
Our one-year Annie coming up.
That was great.
I know.
And then Saturday is like ShakeOut, FanFest.
I think we do a finish line appearance.
And then Sunday is kind of all business, tech meeting, hangout.
Last meal, the last supper meal.
Um, so yeah, I'm really excited.
I think I used to get fairly overwhelmed by everything going on around the race, but my life is so busy that um, it's really David.
One of my favorite things about him last year at Boston.
He's like aren't you like?
You work all day and you're running around town all day and you're like always on your feet anyways.
Like, how is this any different than like a normal week for you?
And I'm like, you're so right.
Like, he's just really good at framing in the context of my life.
And I know he probably does this with other athletes too.
Like it's no different than what I'm used to on either ends of a workout or, you know, long run day.
So um yeah, just really excited to see everybody and shake out and vibe and hang and it'll be great.
I'm super stoked.
All right.
What advice do you have for people who are gearing up to run this year's Boston marathon?
So much advice.
I think there's a lot to celebrate just getting to the line.
I know that sounds cliche, but I think you have to take a moment to just like any block you can get through.
Healthy and excited is worth celebrating.
And I think i don't know, just having i i like to pick out different moments on the course where um you kind of like i don't know, you kind of come down for a moment and you just like are within yourself and usually around like wellesley, and um heartbreak.
Like i kind of i like to go autopilot for the first half of a race, if possible.
I mean, that's like best case scenario is you just get in a groove and you're just clicking it off and um not thinking too much.
But my advice would be to have, you know, a skeleton of a plan.
Um, but to not be like, you don't need to be fully married to it.
Like I think so much can happen on race day out of your control.
Um, you know weather, or like where you end up in the wave, or just craziness, that like find ways to just like stay calm, but have so much confidence in your training.
And what got you there?
And then like that left turn onto Boylston, just like soak that in.
Hell yeah, left turn.
Hell yeah, we know that.
I won't be doing this.
Gonna nail it.
I know how to turn left, that's for sure.
When in doubt.
But yeah, I think there's just so much good that comes from marathon day.
And even if you're having a tough day, like, Live in the mile that you're in.
There's been so many marathons that I've been in where one mile I'm like.
Where did they say the med tent was just in case?
And then I come out of it on the other side.
You just... It's such a roller coaster.
And I think the beauty of the marathon is like you never...
You know, the story is going to be so awesome, but you don't know how it's going to unfold.
But you have to just like stick with it to see it out.
Yeah.
And then just soak in the weekend, like make it make it fun.
Nerves are good.
Learn how to channel those.
But nerves mean you care and that you're excited.
We I know we all get nervous, too.
So we're all in it together.
We're all in this together.
You quoted High School Musical.
And she knows the choreography.
Oh, my God.
Oh, I do, too.
You do?
Yes.
I would say we could make a video in Boston, but I'm 40 and I don't know how to do that.
The nineties are back, baby.
High school musical.
We got Hannah Montana.
We've got Laguna beach.
I know the world is healing.
Like this is, This is what we need.
So it's been such a nostalgic like month for all of that.
Oh man, it's just been great.
I know.
What do we have to do to get an OC reunion?
Like that's what I want.
Give me Adam Brody.
Oh my gosh.
Rachel Bilson back together.
I mean, Adam's like, he's still in it.
Uh, more than ever in Fuego.
Yeah.
He's my number one celebrity crush.
Who's yours?
Oh gosh.
I'm bad at this too.
Um, okay.
You know, the guy in, oh man, I'm so bad.
Actually I've, I have my computer.
Um, oh God, you know, sweet home Alabama.
Yeah.
He was the main actor in that.
Well, patrick dempsey is no, not him.
The other one oh, i want to say his name is kind of under the radar, like lucas.
I want to say his name is lucas.
No, i was right, he's cute, kind of right.
I kind of like the scruffier, like not as well-known celebrities oh, and i'm a big oh man.
Um, now she's warmed up, but I'm so bad at like the, the fire rounds where people are like name your top, did it at your top.
Did it.
There's a, I do that a lot.
I'm so sorry.
There's a few country artists that you know Oh, I'm not going to be able to name are bad to have on the list, but I know countries like not everybody's favorite, but Do you do what makes you happy?
I just won't be able to contribute to that part unless it's like Billy Ray Cyrus.
I know what he looks like.
Oh, I thought you were saying he's on your list.
Oh, no.
No.
You do you.
No, I mean, don't get me wrong.
Do I like the idea of marrying into that family and then Miley would be my sister?
You bet.
So, you know, I think don't say no.
Don't rule anything out.
But no, I don't think Billy Ray Cyrus is in my top 50.
But you're doing great.
I mean, I will never judge.
Amazing.
Thank you so much, Jess.
I cannot wait to see you in Boston.
I so appreciate you coming back on the show.
I just love hearing from you.
Your perspective is amazing, admirable.
And yeah, if you ever want to just like drop some F-bombs and flip tables, just know that like we're all here for it.
I don't want, I don't want you to have to mark your podcast explicit.
Oh, it would be my greatest honor.
So let her rip.
Hey, we'll save that maybe for, yeah, more of a burn it down, but I'm just kidding.
I mean, I'm, I fantasize about that too.
So we'll be in touch.
Great.
Great.
I'm so excited to see you in Boston.
Um, I know you've got Amanda on stage with you, so that'll be great.
Yeah.
Following in your footsteps from last year.
We'll have a good time.
It'll be fun.
Heck yeah.
But I'm your biggest fan and you just like.
Thank you for sharing all that you do and Can't wait to see you in Boston.
IRL.
Give you a big hug.
But yeah, three weeks out.
All right.
Well, good luck with the last big long run.
Safe travels to Boston.
And we will see you soon.
Wishing you all the best always.
Right back at you, Allie.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for being here for this episode of the alley on the run show with my guest, Jess McLean.
What a fun week on the show last year.
I think, as Jess mentioned, last year I hosted a panel during Boston marathon weekend at the expo and my two guests were Jess and Emma.
So it's really fun that now, as we're leading up to Boston this year, I had them both on the show in the same week.
Two of my favorites.
You're my favorite.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for listening.
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