"Of course making the Olympic team would be amazing, but it’s not going to define who I am. It’s not an end-all-be-all for me."

When Jess McClain lined up at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials earlier this year, she did so as an under-the-radar, unsponsored, self-coached athlete — and she finished fourth, becoming the official Team USA Alternate in the marathon. Just a few weeks ago, Jess competed in the 10,000m at the U.S. Track & Field Trials, this time as a Brooks Running-sponsored (still self-coached) one to watch — and, again, she finished fourth! In this conversation, Jess talks about being a two-time fourth-place finisher at the Trials, and about how she reflects on each race. She breaks down the 10,000m race, talks about how life has changed since the Marathon Trials in February, and shares what's next.

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