The Runna Podcast Molly Seidel on Pulling Out of New York & the Mindset That Changed Her Career
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Nov 7, 2025 Molly Seidel, an Olympic bronze medalist and elite marathoner, shares her inspiring journey from high-school prodigy to marathon history maker. She discusses her tough decision to withdraw from the NYC Marathon due to a knee injury, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between good and bad pain. Molly opens up about her transition to trail ultras, balancing ambition with self-care, and how a growth mindset transformed her career. Her reflections on handling pressure and rediscovering joy in running offer valuable insights for athletes of all levels.
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First Runs With Dad Sparked A Career
- Molly Seidel learned to run by joining her dad on short jogs and keeping up on nearby trails as a child.
- That early confidence sparked a lasting love for running and curiosity to compete more seriously.
Coach Spotlights Talent At A Camp
- Molly kept training solo in a tiny school program until a varsity camp coach saw her potential and urged her parents to support better opportunities.
- She won her state meet as a freshman and that outside validation set her trajectory toward elite running.
Missing Nationals Fueled A Comeback
- Molly missed Foot Locker nationals by one place after an injury and used that failure to train harder.
- She returned the next year and won the national cross-country championship.