Runner’s World+ Member: Jessica McGuire
Jessica is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print!
Running has introduced me to many amazing people who are incredibly caring, strong, intelligent, ambitious, and resilient. My running friends motivate me to be both a better athlete and a better person. Even if this sport has broken my heart over and over, it has also inspired me to pursue dreams I never knew I had.
I could no longer access Runner’s World pace charts for free. Sorry that is probably not the right answer here! But I do particularly appreciate RW strength training videos, nutrition studies, and feature stories. There are so many things more interesting about a runner than his or her PRs.
I love coffee, and I can’t imagine what a jittery mess I would be if not for balancing it out with exercise! But more seriously, nothing heals a broken heart better. I am also a voracious reader of “real” world news—which can be unspeakable some days. Running gives my mind a way to escape the s**t storm that life can be at times and just enjoy breathing and being.
My favorite place to run is Iwo Jima Memorial, which is where the Marine Corps Marathon finishes. Oddly I have yet to run that marathon, but I’ve circled the memorial many many times. No matter how out of shape I might be, I love to go there and push myself. It feels amazing to crest the hill, gasp for air, and keep it rolling.
My favorite gear right now is Tracksmith’s Allston pocket bra. It’s super lightweight and comfortable, yet fits snug enough for hard workouts. The material is pretty durable too, unlike other sports bras that stretch out after just a few wears. I also have several pairs of Balega hidden dry moisture-wicking socks.
I grew up before dry-fit clothing material existed, so if I wanted to run in the winter it was on my dad’s treadmill in the basement. With my Top Gun soundtrack on cassette and “Highway to the Danger Zone” on repeat. It was always my childhood fantasy to be a fighter pilot, not an Olympian. And that has not changed. :)
I want to be the best athlete I can be, and if I can do that I think I will get the most out of myself as a runner. My goal is to optimize my body composition while enjoying the long journey to get there. I believe your “best self” happens when you are having fun.
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