"She said, ‘This is how it was supposed to be. This is how it was supposed to feel.’ And at that moment, I realized the magnitude of what we gave to each other." Fan favorite Jess Sims is back — and this time, she returns to the Ali on the Run Show as a marathoner! On April 18, the beloved Peloton instructor surprised the world by showing up at the start (and finish!) line of the Boston Marathon. And she had a good reason for keeping her marathon debut on the down-low. In this very special conversation, Jess talks about receiving a fateful message from Boston Marathon bombing survivor Michele Blackburn last December — a message that ultimately guided Jess every step of the way toward that finish line on Boylston Street. Jess talks about her training, about how she felt on the start line, and about why she still feels marathon imposter syndrome, even after earning that blue and yellow medal. (You'll want tissues on hand 17 minutes into this one. You've been warned.) SPONSOR: UCAN — Go to ucan.co/ali and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. What you’ll get on this episode: How Jess is celebrating — her dog’s birthday, that is (4:40) All about that fateful message from Michele Blackburn (6:25) What happened after Jess committed to running the Boston Marathon, and what her training was like (23:30) Why Jess kept her Boston Marathon plans a secret (34:50) Why Jess gets nervous talking about her marathon experience (42:15) How Jess was feeling when she arrived in Boston (46:00) The ride to the start line (50:00) What it was like running the 2022 Boston Marathon (56:00) On seeing Michele at the finish line (1:01:45) The physical and emotional recovery (1:05:30) Running with Usain Bolt! (1:16:35) For more, check out: Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show Kirsten Ferguson on Episode 505 of the Ali on the Run Show Becs Gentry on Episode 379 of the Ali on the Run Show Matt Wilpers on Episode 398 of the Ali on the Run Show Follow Jess: Instagram @jsimsfit Website Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!