"This is our second Zoma purchase. We love that it is firm but yielding, such that we can lie in one position for much longer than other mattresses, leading to deeper sleep."Susan Drewes•Apr 2025
Molly Seidel is an American professional marathon runner and 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist — the first American woman to medal in the Olympic marathon in over 15 years. A 4x NCAA champion at the University of Notre Dame, she set a U.S. course record at the 2021 New York City Marathon and holds a marathon personal best of 2:23:07. As a pro marathoner, sleep is one of the most critical parts of her training — helping her recover better and perform at her best. Seidel trusts the Zoma Mattress, paired with the Zoma Adjustable Bed, for its cooling comfort and recovery positioning.
"Sleep is honestly one of the most critical parts of my training. It helps me recover better, helps me perform better."Molly Seidel•Olympic Marathon Runner, USA Track & Field
How Molly Trains Her Recovery
Inside the sleep strategies that help Molly optimize recovery between marathon training blocks.
Essential for glycogen replenishment and muscle repair after high-mileage training weeks.
The Zoma Mattress's cooling gel memory foam helps regulate body temperature — critical for runners whose metabolism stays elevated after training.
Paired with the Zoma Adjustable Bed, head and foot elevation helps Molly settle into deeper, more restorative sleep cycles.
In Her Own Words
Real footage. Real recovery. Watch how Molly Seidel integrates sleep into her performance routine.
Hey guys, Molly here. So, as a pro marathoner, sleep is honestly one of the most critical parts of my training. It helps me recover better, helps me perform better, which is why I cannot wait to show you guys something that has me very, very, very excited. It is this awesome sports performance mattress from Zoma with an adjustable base. So, check this out. It's got CoolMax technology to keep your temperature regulated at night. It's ultra comfortable, made in the USA cuz go USA. And the feet and the head raise up to help increase your comfort, get you in a better sleeping position, and help you recover better. Oh, look at how cool that is. It's literally the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on. Plus, it's got USB ports so you can charge your phone while you sleep. It's vibrating. It's a massage bed. It's a space bed. This is a space bed. Just huge thanks to Zoma for sending this awesome mattress my way. I cannot wait to take my sleep and my performance to the next level with the comfiest bed.
Why Endurance Athletes Prioritize Sleep
The research connecting elite athletic performance to high-quality sleep — and why Zoma's design targets the recovery metrics that matter for marathon runners.
Glycogen Replenishment
Deep sleep is when the body restores muscle glycogen depleted during long-distance running.
Read the Research →Hormonal Balance
70% of human growth hormone is released during deep sleep — essential for tendon repair in runners.
Read the Research →Mental Resilience
Marathon running demands extreme mental focus. Sleep deprivation impairs decision-making and pain tolerance.
Explore Science Hub →Injury Prevention
Sleep-deprived runners have significantly higher injury rates due to impaired coordination and slower tissue repair.
Read the Research →What the Science Says
Board-certified sleep physicians and sports medicine experts explain the physiology behind Molly's recovery approach.
"The medium firmness and cooling gel features of the Zoma mattress help provide a more comfortable and higher quality of sleep."Source
Molly's Pick: The Zoma Lineup

Zoma Mattress
- Gel memory foam cooling
- Reactiv responsive foam
- Targeted zoned support
- CertiPUR-US certified
Molly pairs her mattress with the Zoma Adjustable Bed — head and foot elevation for recovery positioning, plus USB charging built in.
Verified Buyer Reviews
"The Zoma bed is blowing our expectations out of the water. I didn't know this type of sleep existed."Lane Long•Feb 2025
About Molly Seidel & Zoma
Molly Seidel, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon bronze medalist, sleeps on the Zoma Mattress paired with the Zoma Adjustable Bed. She calls sleep one of the most critical parts of her training — it helps her recover better and perform better — and describes the setup as the most comfortable bed she's ever slept on. The Zoma Mattress uses gel memory foam built for cooling and pressure relief, and the adjustable base raises head and feet to support recovery positioning. Every Zoma mattress ships free, arrives compressed in a box, and includes a 100-night sleep trial with a 10-year warranty.
Marathon blocks break the body down on purpose — sleep is where muscle recovery actually happens.
Frequently asked questions.
What mattress does Molly Seidel use?
Molly Seidel, professional marathon runner and 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, sleeps on the Zoma Mattress paired with the Zoma Adjustable Bed. She chose the setup for its cooling comfort and adjustable positioning that supports recovery between training blocks.
Why does Molly Seidel prioritize sleep?
As a professional marathoner, Molly Seidel calls sleep one of the most critical parts of her training. In her words, it helps her recover better and perform better.
Is the Zoma Mattress good for runners?
The Zoma Mattress uses gel memory foam engineered for cooling and pressure relief. Dr. Jordan Burns, DC, notes that its medium firmness and cooling gel features provide a more comfortable sleeping surface that supports higher quality sleep, which is central to a runner’s recovery.
How does sleep affect marathon performance?
For marathon runners like Molly Seidel, sleep quality directly impacts muscle recovery, glycogen restoration, and next-day training capacity. Consistent deep sleep is when the training adaptations that build endurance actually occur.
Where can I learn more about Molly Seidel?
Molly Seidel is an American professional marathon runner and 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist. Follow her on Instagram at @bygolly.molly, or see her profiles on Wikipedia and World Athletics.
More Zoma Athletes
Every athlete below has provided firsthand testimony. Real people, real recovery.

Santiago Grassi
Olympic Swimmer · Argentina National Swim Team
"Sleep has always been a priority throughout my athletic career. That is why I choose Zoma."Santiago Grassi, Olympic Swimmer

Brandon Bailey
Former MLB Pitcher · Major League Baseball
"Since switching to a Zoma mattress, I find that I reach REM & deep sleep stages on a far more consistent basis."Brandon Bailey, Former MLB Pitcher

Brian Kachinsky
Professional BMX Rider · Professional BMX Circuit
"I now wake up feeling rested and recovered."Brian Kachinsky, Professional BMX Rider

Nate Rodgers
Personal Trainer · Dynamic Peak Training
"Recovery starts with sleep. Zoma gives me the edge I need to perform at my best."Nate Rodgers, Personal Trainer
Sources
Sleep Like Molly Seidel
Chat with a sleep expert or take our 60-second Sleep Quiz to find your perfect Zoma.The same mattress trusted by professional athletes. Built for the recovery your body demands.

