Former Nike Oregon Project runner tells her story in a new memoir

Think Out Loud

Former Nike Oregon Project runner tells her story in a new memoir

Clean

Published on May 20, 2026, 1:19:06 PM
Total time: 00:42:24

Episode Description

At 17 years old, Mary Cain became one of few females to ever run 800 meters faster than two minutes. Later that year she became the youngest American runner ever to compete in the World Championships. And all the while she says she was facing bullying from coaches and teammates and emotional abuse from Nike Oregon Project coach Alberto Salazar. Cain has written a new memoir, “This is Not About Running,” and joins us to talk about her experiences.

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