Show notes
Just days after an unforgettable, history-making performance at the 2026 New York City Marathon, pro runner Jess McClain sits down with Emily on Hurdle to debrief every single mile. Crossing the finish line in 2nd place with a stunning 2:24:42, Jess didn’t just claim a podium spot—she ran down legends.
In this episode, Jess walks us straight into the belly of the beast: from battling through the first 16 miles when her legs weren’t feeling magic, to duking it out through Harlem and Central Park against reigning champions Hellen Obiri and Sheila Chepkirui. She opens up about the perspective shift that resurrected her joy in racing, what changed after stepping away from the sport for two years, and why running with “heart, guts, and zero regrets” finally brought her to the world-class podium.
Jess also gives us the tactical details: her dialed-in marathon fueling strategy (yes, seven gels down), her honest struggles with sleep, and the critical life lessons distance running teaches us about patience, showing up, and building a supportive corner.
IN THIS EPISODE
- The NYC Finish Line Magic: Jess breaks down the final 400 meters, tossing off her wrap-around sunglasses, hunting down Hellen Obiri, and seeing her husband Connor at the finish.
- Battling When It Doesn’t Feel Easy: How she navigated not feeling her best over the first 16 miles to the Queensboro Bridge, and the self-talk required to stay composed.
- The Perspective Shift That Changed Her Career: What walking away from racing for two years taught her about fear, curiosity, and letting go of outcome pressure.
- Managing Course Chaos: Responding vs. reacting to unpredictable weather, missed water tables, wind, and tight pack dynamics.
- Dialing In Fuel & Nutrition: The exact race-day fueling plan that carried her across 26.2 miles—crushing seven gels, navigating hydration stations, and keeping emergency fuel tucked away.
- The Coaching Dynamic with David Roche: Transitioning from self-coached to working with David and Megan Roche, and why a fun, low-stress, 80/20 training approach unlocked her best running.
- Advice for First-Time Marathoners: The biggest mistakes new runners make, giving yourself grace, and why soaking in the crowd magic matters more than anything.
QUOTABLE MOMENTS
"I walked away from each race with a split moment where I thought, 'Dang, if I just held on a little harder...' With New York, I was like, I just want to have none of those regrets. If I sent it and blew up, I would’ve been just as proud of the effort."
"We all read too much into those days when things don't go to plan and see them as a fail. In my mind, those are the days where you actually get better."
"At the end of the day, it’s running. It’s putting one foot in front of the other, getting out there, and testing yourself. It’s such a beautiful, simple thing, but sometimes we make it out to be this pressure-cooker."
"Good things take time. Being an athlete is such a cool skill set to have... but you don’t know everything in your toolbox until you're forced to open it up."
"You’re a marathoner no matter how long it takes you to get to the finish line. If you do it, be sure to soak it in. Don't be scared to fail—take a chance on yourself and do something hard."
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