Madeleine Rose

Bio

Madeleine Rouse is a Dallas-based marathoner who proves that the most unlikely athletic backgrounds can produce the most remarkable runners. Growing up in Connecticut, Madeleine was the rare runner who never played soccer - instead, she figure skated, rode horses, and swam competitively, all while admitting she was "painfully uncoordinated in every area of my life." After a brief stint with cross country at the University of Connecticut (which she quit after freshman year), Madeleine didn't return to running until years later. When she finally did, she made up for lost time in spectacular fashion, posting one of the most dramatic marathon progressions in recent DFW running history: 3:25 to 3:19 to 2:50 in just three marathons - a 35-minute improvement that she describes as her "magical season." Currently training with "The Sloths" (Completely Slothed) in Dallas, Madeleine has navigated the challenges of maintaining elite running performance while balancing motherhood and working in marketing. Her honest approach to the mental and physical challenges of postpartum running, the pressure of past performances, and the journey to rediscover racing motivation has made her a relatable voice in the competitive running community. Madeleine's story is a reminder that running journeys aren't linear, breakthrough seasons are magical but rare, and sometimes the most important thing is simply being kind to yourself while figuring out what comes next. Personal Best: 2:50 (marathon)