How Molly Seidel's Unstoppable Drive Helped Her Achieve an Unexpected Second Place Finish in the Olympic Marathon Trials

In the world of distance running, Molly Seidel is a force to be reckoned with. Despite being a newcomer to the marathon scene, she surprised everyone – including herself – by finishing second at the Olympic marathon trials. But what was it that drove her to push beyond her limits and achieve this incredible feat?

Seidel's training regimen is no secret. She typically does her longer runs in the morning, followed by a long run on the weekends of anywhere from 20 to 24 miles. This translates to an average daily mileage of around 16 or 17 miles. It's clear that Seidel is built for endurance, but what sets her apart is her ability to push herself just a little bit harder than those around her.

This mentality has been with her since fifth grade, when she ran a six-minute mile and began to realize her potential as a distance runner. She went on to win multiple individual national championships at Notre Dame, honing her skills and building up her endurance.

But even Seidel herself was surprised by her performance at the Olympic marathon trials. As she hit the 19-mile mark, she found herself tucked into the leading pack of runners, a position that few could have predicted given her lack of experience in the marathon distance.

'I felt good – or as good as you can at mile 19 of your first marathon – and everyone else slowed down on the hill,' Seidel remembers. 'And I just kept going at the same pace.'

As she and fellow runner Alphine Tuliamuk separated from the pack, it became clear that Seidel was a force to be reckoned with. Her determination and drive had carried her to an unexpected second place finish, an incredible achievement for someone running their first ever marathon.

So what's behind Seidel's unstoppable drive? It's clear that she has a natural talent for distance running, but it's also evident that she has put in the hard work necessary to develop her skills. Her ability to push herself just a little bit harder than those around her is a key factor in her success, and one that will serve her well as she continues to compete at the highest level.

For fans of distance running, Molly Seidel's incredible achievement is a reminder that even the most unexpected athletes can achieve greatness with hard work, determination, and a willingness to push themselves beyond their limits. And for Seidel herself, it's a testament to the power of her own unstoppable drive.

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