It's wasn't your typical Saturday afternoon on Leap Day in Atlanta when the USA's fastest marathoners came charging down Peachtree Street. Two of those racers were Heartbreakers Jordan O'dea and Jonny Phillips, the fastest marathoners to ever put on a Heartbreaker singlet.
On a tough course on a hard day, Jonny was able to finish 40th overall in a personal best time of 2:17:51 making him the first Bostonian across the finish line. Jordan ran her way into the top half of the race placing 185th in a time of 2:48:24.
"I was so grateful and energized by my friends and family lining the course from start to finish. Around mile 19, there was a line of my closest friends and Heartbreakers chanting my name, giving me the energy I needed for the brutally hilly finish. I felt great the last 7 miles. I moved up in the pack. I puked at mile 24, but kept a cool head and kept grinding. There were dark patches, but they passed. I kicked it in, and puked (again) at the finish line. I was thrilled. I PR'd on a crazy slow course, and had an unforgettable race." - Jonny, giving us all the feels.
"It was an incredible experience running with so much talent today at the Olympic Trials. 🏃🏼♀️ So happy that I got to be a part of it and I’m so lucky to have had such amazing friends, teammates, and family supporting me the whole step of the way #hillanta" - Jordan's thoughts on her experience, with an accurate hashtag!
Heartbreaker cheer squad was in full force. Flying in from Boston, Chicago and Portland, driving in from Memphis and elsewhere to do what a team does: show up for each other. Wonder what connects these trialists and fans to such a powerful degree? Learn more about The Heartbreakers.
Another hero from the Trials was Heartbreak Chicago staffer and Second City Elite runner Dan Kremske. Not only can Dan sling shoes, but he can run 2:16 for 28th place at the Trials beating some former Olympians in the process. Whoa.
We can't go on about the trials without talking about Molly Seidel. Saucony athlete and Boston local who qualified for the Olympics in her DEBUT MARATHON. Molly earned her spot on the team with miles and smiles right here in Boston, and maybe even made you a coffee in between it all too.