Rebecca Donaghue should put on a clinic about mental toughness. An unsung hero of sorts, she has quietly made her way up the ranks of U.S. distance runners. She ran and raced in pain and often limped from high school until 2005 - 10 years - until she finally found a trainer who helped her correct her biomechanics that were causing her problems. When she ran pain-free for 60 seconds on the treadmill for the first time, she almost broke down in tears. Since then, Donaghue has gotten better and better, qualifying for the US Olympic Trials in 2008, placing 2nd in the US 5K Road Championships in 2009, and crossing the finish line as the 1st American at the prestigious Freihofer's Run earlier this month.

Donaghue says she is, "sometimes overlooked a bit, which is a huge motivator." She may seem quiet and unassuming off the track but on the track, she is fierce and strongly believes in her own ability and toughness.

Get some coffee and a snack and listen to this almost 50 minute interview with Rebecca Donaghue. You'll learn a thing or two about mental toughness and be inspired in the process.

Good luck to Rebecca next week at the USA Track & Field Championships!