Lane 9 Podcast Episode 32: Marine Corps Marathon Winner Tessa Barrett

“When I was in college I saw a lot of people struggling, not just myself, because it’s just a very difficult time.” 

Tessa (Tess) Barrett won the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championship as a senior in High School. She was featured on a billboard in her hometown! The highlights were high, and it could seem like everything was going well at the time. But she was also struggling with a neurological issue that forced her into being homeschooled for a few years, training with a team but mostly coaching herself, and about to lose a parent, right around graduation. She went to Penn State to compete in cross country and track and field, and like so many athletes do (for all kinds of reasons), she struggled. 

While her time at Penn State wasn’t without many successes, she entered into her fifth year of NCAA eligibility at Providence College, and realized the fire wasn’t there anymore. She needed a break. 

Tessa moved to Washington DC, got a full time job, and wondered what life might be like without constantly training. She spent some time working a lot and running just a little, if at all. The pandemic provided an extended break, and then she began easing back in, along with the world. She picked up her training with Georgetown Running Club, a group she still runs and trains with today, and slowly began racing again. The results were a win! Literally, quite a few of them.

In 2024 she not only won the esteemed Marine Corps Marathon in DC, but also won the spring Rock ‘n’ Roll DC half, among other events in the DC area. She’s on a roll, and most importantly, enjoying the process! For her, running has to feel fun first, and the rest will follow suit…if it all works out. If not, she’s okay with that, too.

Tune into this episode on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or directly via this link.

Follow Tess on Instagram @tessabarrett_

If you’re an athlete struggling to find the fun, balance sport with life, and/or fuel adequate to maintain your goals with running and wellbeing, reach out to us. Our Lane 9 directory of clinicians are ready to help!