Road to the Trials

Jess Donahue’s story is one that a lot of runners will recognize, but very few get to finish the way she just did. After falling short of her Olympic Trials qualifier goal at The Marathon Project, she didn’t take months to regroup or overanalyze what went wrong. She made the decision almost immediately to try again, trusting that the fitness was already there, even if the result hadn’t shown it yet.
That decision led her to the McKirdy Micro Marathon, where she delivered a breakthrough performance, running 2:34:40 to secure her Olympic Trials qualifier and take a massive step forward in her career. The turnaround wasn’t just physical. It was mental. Jess talks openly about how the disappointment from her previous race removed a layer of fear, allowing her to show up with confidence instead of pressure.
In this conversation, Jess shares what it took to rebuild her relationship with running after years of injuries and an intense eating disorder, and how stepping away from the sport entirely helped her come back stronger, healthier, and more grounded. She talks about increasing her mileage safely, adding double threshold workouts, and finding a balance between performance and longevity that finally clicked.
There is also a deeper layer to this episode that goes beyond training. Jess reflects on identity, mental health, and what it means to pursue big goals without tying your worth to the outcome. It is an honest look at the highs and lows of chasing something ambitious, and what it takes to keep going when things do not go as planned.
Now, with her OTQ secured, Jess is setting her sights on the next level, chasing a sub-2:30 marathon and continuing to explore her potential across distances. Her story is a reminder that progress is rarely linear, and sometimes the breakthrough comes right after the setback.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.
Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

In this episode, Peter sits down with Rosa Moriello to break down everything that makes the Eugene Marathon such a special race. From the course itself to the atmosphere, Rosa shares her experience racing the half marathon, where she qualified for the Olympic Trials and soaked in one of the most unique finishes in running.
Rosa talks about why she chose Eugene, how the race environment compares to bigger marathons, and what stood out most about the course, especially the long, gradual hills that demand patience and smart pacing. She shares practical insights on how to approach those sections, why effort matters more than pace on this course, and how to stay engaged when the race gets quieter in the later miles.
The conversation also dives into what makes Eugene different. From the energy of the Pacific Northwest running culture to finishing inside Hayward Field, Rosa reflects on how the history of the sport adds to the experience and elevates race day. She also shares what it felt like to close hard on the track, narrowly hitting the OTQ standard, and why that moment stood out in her running journey.
Peter and Rosa discuss the mental side of racing, how to stay focused through changing race dynamics, and why this course offers a unique challenge that rewards both physical and mental strength. They also touch on the post-race atmosphere, the celebration inside the stadium, and why Eugene continues to build momentum as a destination race for runners chasing big goals.
This episode is both a course preview and a deeper look at what makes a race meaningful, whether you are chasing a time, competing for a win, or simply trying to get the most out of yourself on race day.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.
Wahoo continues to redefine indoor training with the KICKR RUN treadmill, designed to respond dynamically to how athletes actually run. With features like automatic pace control, terrain simulation, lateral tilt, and seamless connectivity to platforms like Zwift and Strava, it delivers a more realistic and engaging training experience. Trusted by world-class runners and triathletes alike, Wahoo builds tools that keep athletes training smarter, not just harder. Use code "Trials28" for a free bluetooth fan ($319 in value) at wahoofitness.com.

Michael Morris has been chasing the Olympic Trials qualifier for over six years. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looks like to stay committed through near-misses, setbacks, and years of steady progress, ultimately breaking through with a 2:15:07 at the McCurdy Micro Marathon to secure his spot at the 2028 Trials. 
Michael reflects on the evolution of his training, from balancing teaching and coaching with inconsistent mileage to building toward 100+ mile weeks and a more structured approach. He talks through the emotional weight of missing the standard multiple times, what finally clicked in this build, and how experience in the marathon helped him navigate race day with confidence.
The conversation goes deeper than splits and training. Michael shares the role his family, coaches, and community have played in his journey, including the lasting impact of his father and the people who believed in him along the way. It is a story about patience, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.
This episode is a reminder that progress in the marathon is rarely linear, and that sometimes the breakthrough comes after years of doing the work without guarantees.
Thank you to our sponsors:
ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.
Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Michael Morris has been chasing the Olympic Trials qualifier for over six years. In this conversation, he shares what it actually looks like to stay committed through near-misses, setbacks, and years of steady progress, ultimately breaking through with a 2:15:07 at the McCurdy Micro Marathon to secure his spot at the 2028 Trials. 
Michael reflects on the evolution of his training, from balancing teaching and coaching with inconsistent mileage to building toward 100+ mile weeks and a more structured approach. He talks through the emotional weight of missing the standard multiple times, what finally clicked in this build, and how experience in the marathon helped him navigate race day with confidence.
The conversation goes deeper than splits and training. Michael shares the role his family, coaches, and community have played in his journey, including the lasting impact of his father and the people who believed in him along the way. It is a story about patience, resilience, and choosing to keep showing up, even when the outcome is uncertain.
This episode is a reminder that progress in the marathon is rarely linear, and that sometimes the breakthrough comes after years of doing the work without guarantees.
Thank you to our sponsors:
ZBiotics is a genetically engineered probiotic designed to support your body before drinking. Their pre-alcohol probiotic is formulated to break down the byproduct of alcohol that can lead to rough mornings, helping you feel better the next day while still enjoying a social night out. Developed by a team of PhD microbiologists, it’s designed to be taken before your first drink as part of a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. If you’re looking to balance enjoying a night out without sacrificing how you feel the next day, you can learn more and get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com using the code trials26 at checkout.
Precision Fuel & Hydration offers a personalized approach to fueling and hydration, helping athletes dial in exactly what their body needs before, during, and after training. With a wide range of products including drink mixes, gels, chews, and electrolyte solutions, it makes it easy to build a fueling strategy that fits your routine, whether you're heading out for a long run or racing. What sets them apart is their individualized fueling plans, designed around your specific sweat rate and sodium needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can learn more and get 15% off your first order at precisionhydration.com using the code trials26 at checkout.

Andrew Storer, the filmmaker behind one of the most impactful running series in recent memory, joins Road to the Trials to share how he built a documentary-style look into elite marathoning from the ground up. 
After being laid off and pushed into freelancing, Andrew took a risk on telling the story of athletes like Clayton Young, recognizing a gap in how the sport was being documented. What followed was a fast-moving, self-produced series that gave fans unprecedented access to the training, mindset, and personalities behind Olympic-level marathoning. 
In this conversation, Andrew breaks down his approach to storytelling, why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and how documenting real moments—workouts, conversations, and race build-ups—creates deeper connection with audiences. He also shares the behind-the-scenes realities of filming elite runners mid-workout, balancing creative work with logistics, and how brands can better support athlete storytelling. 
This episode offers a look at the evolving intersection of sport, media, and storytelling—and why the future of running content may look very different from the past.
Thank you to our sponsor:
Precision Fuel and Hydration helps athletes take the guesswork out of fueling by breaking performance down into its essential components: carbohydrates, fluids, and sodium. Their science-backed approach allows runners to dial in each variable independently, making it easier to troubleshoot training issues and race-day execution. With extensive educational resources and practical tools, Precision supports athletes who want to fuel with intention rather than trial and error. Use code "Trials26" for 15% off at precisionhydration.com.