Episode 583: Molly Grabill – 2:26:46 at the Valencia Marathon

I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein Podcast

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Molly Grabill, who just had a massive breakthrough with a personal best of 2:26:46 at the Valencia Marathon. It was a big day for her, and in this episode, she opens up about not just the time she ran, but the sense of satisfaction she felt crossing the finish line strong. Marathons are tough, and many of us can relate to the challenge of that final 10K. For Molly, it was the culmination of getting the right nutrition, strength training, and preparation all aligned for the perfect race.

If you’re not already familiar with Molly’s story, she’s been on the podcast before—Episode 356 back in 2022—after her second-place finish at the CIM Marathon with a time of 2:29:17. Over the years, Molly has built a reputation as one of the top marathoners in the U.S. She ran for the University of Oregon, where she became a five-time All-American, and has competed in the 2020 U.S. Marathon Trials in Atlanta (placing 25th) and again in the 2024 Trials in Orlando (where she placed 13th).

Molly currently lives in Boulder and trains under coach Rick Rojas, who is the father of fellow elite runner Nell Rojas. She’s also a full-time professional, balancing a busy career with her intense training. In this episode, we also talk about her love of reading and the ways she keeps her mind sharp off the track. It was great to catch up with Molly, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did recording it!

What we talked about:

3:30- Recapping Valencia Marathon

5:45- Goals going into the race

7:40- How the race played out for Molly

13:30- Looking at Molly’s marathon career as a whole

14:00- How she avoids the comparsion trap in running

16:45- Her training build leading into Valencia

20:30- Her boyfriend, Morgan’s recent success in the triathlon

23:15- Her coaching situation

27:50- Reflecting on her Olympic Marathon trials result

39:55- What’s next for Molly

44:30- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Media recommendations:

A Court of Thorns and Roses Box Set

Fourth Wing

Twilight

Harry Potter Series

Throne of Glass

It Ends with Us

Below Deck

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