Episode 710: Jess McClain: A Full-Time Job, World Champs PR, and NYC Next

Jess McClain is back on the podcast ahead of the NYC Marathon! After finishing fifth at the 2026 Boston Marathon in 2:20:49, the fastest time ever run by an American woman on the course, Jess continues to establish herself as one of the top marathoners in the country.

Jess and I catch up on her recent 66:53 half marathon PR at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, her progression from running the Mesa Marathon for fun to becoming an Olympic Trials contender, and what she’s looking forward to in New York. We also talk about how she’s approaching the road to the 2028 Olympics after narrowly missing the team in 2024.

We get into her relationship with coach David Roche, why she chooses to navigate professional running without an agent, and how she balances elite training with her full-time role as a nonprofit executive director and her new involvement as a part owner of The Marathon Project. Plus, Jess reflects on her decision to return to Brooks, the friendships she’s built in the sport, and why keeping running fun and maintaining perspective have been so important to her success.

Support our Sponsors:

DONNA Marathon Weekend: Join me February 5–7, 2027 in Jacksonville, Florida, for the 20th anniversary celebration supporting breast cancer patients and research. Register at breastcancermarathon.com with code LINDSEY10 for 10% off.

Lagoon – Getting good sleep is one of the best things I can do for my recovery, and I truly love my Lagoon pillow. I sleep hot, so the Cooling Otter Pillow has been a game changer, and I love that I can customize the fill to get just the right amount of support. Take their quick sleep quiz and use code LINDSEY for 15% off your order.

BEAM Minerals: Beam Minerals provides mineral and electrolyte replenishment, with the Advanced Set pairing Electrolyze and Micro-Boost in one simple daily routine. Go to BeamMinerals.com/another for 15% off, automatically applied at checkout.

Indy Monumental Marathon: Join me, Ally Brettnacher, Athletic Annex, and Brooks for a post-race celebration at Brothers Bar & Grill on Mass Ave from 3–6 PM. Tickets here! Shakeout run details here. 

The post Episode 710: Jess McClain: A Full-Time Job, World Champs PR, and NYC Next appeared first on SandyBoy Productions.