Brooke Starn: From Med School Miles to a 2:35 Olympic Trials Qualifier

Brooke Starn is proving that high-level marathoning and a career in medicine can coexist, even if it takes creativity, flexibility, and a lot of early mornings.

A former standout at Harvard and UC Davis, Brooke’s path to the Olympic Trials qualifier has been anything but linear. After debuting with a surprise win at the San Francisco Marathon, she balanced medical school, residency, and marathon training while steadily chipping away at the OTQ standard. 

In this episode, Brooke shares how her love for running started early, how injuries and COVID shaped her collegiate career, and how she transitioned from track and cross country into the marathon. She walks through key races like Berlin, Boston, and Chicago, and what she learned from both breakthroughs and setbacks along the way.

The conversation dives deep into what it actually looks like to train at a high level while working 60–70 hour weeks as a pediatric resident. Brooke explains how she builds mileage around an unpredictable schedule, why she prioritizes effort over strict pacing, and the unconventional strategies that help her get in long runs, including post-24-hour shifts powered by caffeine and momentum.

She also reflects on the strength of the New York City running community, racing with Central Park Track Club, and the collaborative energy among athletes chasing the same goal across teams.

With her OTQ secured, Brooke is approaching the next two years with a mix of ambition and freedom. From potentially returning to the track to racing the New York City Marathon, she’s embracing the rare opportunity to explore different distances while continuing to build toward the Olympic Trials.

This episode is a reminder that there is no single path to success in the marathon, and that consistency, adaptability, and a genuine love for the sport can carry you further than any perfectly executed training plan.

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