Professional runner Heather MacLean is as Boston as it gets - she loves runs on the Charles River, Dunkin, the Celtics, and even worked her first job at Market Basket. But now Heather is living her dream racing the 1500 for New Balance (based in MA!) She wasn't the standout in high school, or even college, but she puts in the work and trains with the best. In 2021 she punched her ticket to Tokyo, surprising many (but not her team!) The taste of the international stage at that scale lit a fire and she wants more! Since then Heather has battled injury but is back healthy and ready to compete in the upcoming season! Today we dive in to:

• VO2 Max Testing at The Track at New Balance
• How she found running & what made her fall in love with the sport
• The transition from college to professional running with an opportunity from New Balance and Mark Coogan
• Training for 2020 Olympic Trials & punching her ticket to Tokyo with teammate Elle Purrier St. Pierre
• Injury journey - the highs, lows, and lessons
• Mindset that has helped her keep eyes forward in career
• New Strava obsession

Follow along with Heather on social: @heather_maclean31

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube