22/10/2026
Always learning 🏃🏻
My first solo half is the first picture. The next one is less than a year later in 2025 which I set a PB time. In 2026 I made a program switch. I thought I needed to lift less, and run more. It only made sense. I’d run more and turn my 1:34:17 PB to a sub 1:30 minus half and perhaps 3:20 full marathon time…..
❌ Wrong
In 2026 With this new run more/zone 2 emphasis program I ran every race slower. There were some variables that came into play. The BMO was 28 degrees and I was sick for the first half, however, I felt weaker. I felt well conditioned, but not strong to push and kick it into another gear like I felt I could in 2025.
🔑 Key Takeaways
1️⃣ The cliche rings true once again. Everyone and every athlete/runner is different. I watched and listened to hours of podcasts and YouTube videos from coaches and runners trying to figure out what I could do to improve. I decided on the more approach and it didn’t work for me in 2025. Not saying this won’t work to someone else. But, every runner or athlete needs to find what works for them. That’s with fuel, rest, intensity, volume etc.
2️⃣ I’m at my best when I’m just being me. Which is why I don’t define myself as a runner. I’m at my best when I have a training program with everything in it with adding specificity at the right time. Strength training, speed, rest, mobility, power, endurance, long runs, hill training, and plyos. Training like a well rounded athlete essentially.
We all want to improve where we’re dedicating time to something. But, there it will be a process of trial and error. And that’s the art of the game 🎲🃏
You’re not slow. We are where we are right now with an opportunity to improve. to others
🎙️My Recommendation
Refrain and work on not comparing yourself to others. Easier said than done, but the only person you should be comparing and competing with is yourself. Comparing yourself to others is demotivating and a waste or mental energy and will likely inhibit your progress. Don’t make a hard take harder but allowing your mind to drift into someone else’s lane. Stay in yours and focus on being process driven 👊