“That is the fun part for me – being able to be pushed to my limits, be out there doing it with other strong women, working off each other, and having a great coach and support staff. That’s so fun to me: the really, truly hard work. There’s just so much I love about this sport and this team, but that’s definitely how I would describe this first semester so far. It’s just been so much fun. I’m really looking forward to building with this team and just continuing to work hard and make some memories.” My guest for today’s episode is Jane Hedengren, and if the last few months are any indication, we’re watching the very beginning of something special. She is one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025. Just two weeks after finishing runner-up at the NCAA Cross Country Championships as a true freshman at BYU, Jane stepped onto the track in Boston and ran 14:44.79 for 5,000 meters, shattering the collegiate record — indoor and outdoor — and immediately vaulting herself to No. 2 on the U.S. all-time list indoors. Jane came out of high school as one of the most decorated prep distance runners ever, becoming the first high school girl to break 15 minutes for 5,000 meters and setting nine national high school records along the way. She arrived at BYU this fall, dominated her collegiate cross country debut, won conference and regional titles, and then went toe-to-toe with Doris Lemngole at the NCAA Championships, finishing second on the biggest stage. In our conversation, Jane talks openly about gratitude, patience, and keeping expectations from overshadowing the joy of competition. She reflects on how her training has become more intentional under Coach Diljeet Taylor, why fueling more has been a game-changer, and how learning to race with a level head has helped her grow faster — and happier — at the same time. We also look ahead to the Millrose Games, where she’ll line up in the 3,000 meters against Lemngole — a race that puts Katelyn Tuohy’s 8:35.20 collegiate record firmly on watch — and what it means to develop inside a program that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term results. ____________ Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram Guest: Jane Hedengren | @janehedengren on Instagram Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr on Instagram ____________ SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS NOMIO: Made with 80% broccoli sprout juice, 15% lemon juice, and 5% sugar, Nomio activates your body’s natural defense systems to reduce lactate, speed recovery, and enhance muscle adaptation. Take one 60 ml shot three hours before training or racing and feel lighter, stronger, and more resilient. Available at The Feed — use code CITIUS15 for 15% off | https://thefeed.com/collections/nomio WAHOO: The KICKR RUN responds to you: run faster, it speeds up. Ease back, it slows down. It's called the run-free mode – no buttons, just running that actually feels like running. The Wahoo KICKR RUN turns those long indoor miles into something you actually look forward to. Add in a quiet motor, a buttery smooth belt, and speeds up to 15 MPH, it's the closest thing you can get to an outdoor run without dealing with the ice, wind, or darkness. Learn more at Wahoofitness.com and unlock a special offer when you use code CITIUS. OLIPOP: Olipop is a better-for-you soda that puts 6-9g of fiber in every single can. This winter, Olipop's holiday cans are back featuring their Yeti Trio. Olipop is a smart, simple way to add more fiber to your day. No recipes, no resolutions, no salads required. Whether you’re team Vintage Cola, Crisp Apple, or Ginger Ale, bundle up, pour yourself a can, and sip on some fiber. Visit DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.
