In this episode of Road to the Trials, Lindsey Hein and Peter Bromka sit down with Maddie Block, one of the many women who qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon at CIM in December. Maddie ran 2:36:27 in what was her fifth marathon, all while balancing life as a third-year medical student.

Maddie’s path to the Olympic Trials standard is anything but linear. She shares how she began her college career as a walk-on at Northern Iowa, later walking on again at Iowa, and how she has truly earned every opportunity she has had in the sport. Her story is one of persistence, patience, and believing in herself even when the path forward was not obvious.

The conversation dives into what it looks like to train at a high level while navigating the demands of medical school, from managing time and fatigue to staying mentally engaged with both running and academics. Maddie opens up about how she structures her life, why consistency has been her greatest strength, and how she has continued to improve year after year.

This is a powerful episode about grit, long-term commitment, and chasing big goals alongside a full and demanding life. Maddie’s journey is a reminder that progress is not always flashy, but it is built through showing up again and again.

This episode is supported by Rocket Money. Rocket Money is the personal finance app that helps you take control of your money without lifting a finger. Track spending, see all accounts in one place, cancel unwanted subscriptions with a tap, and automate savings toward your goals. If you’ve ever wondered “Wait, what am I still paying for?” — Rocket Money will tell you. Get started and let your money work smarter for you at rocketmoney.com/gorun.