You can follow your plan perfectly, hit every long run, nail your fueling, and even have your shoes broken in just right. But if your mind isn’t in the right spot on race day, all that training can unravel fast.
That’s because your performance is not just about fitness.
It’s about what shows up between your ears.
Based on more than 15 years of coaching endurance athletes, from first-time marathoners to Olympians, and my work as a registered psychotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the mental side of racing can make or break a performance. The runners who train their minds the same way they train their bodies are the ones who consistently show up when it counts.
So, let’s start this marathon mindset series by discussing why it’s important to get real with yourself before the race starting line gun even goes off. Because before you can run your best race, you’ve got to figure out what’s getting in your way.
5 Common Marathon Mindset Barriers
Most runners don’t lose races because they blow up physically. They lose them in their minds before the first step. The most common culprits? Doubt, nerves, perfectionism, fear of failure — or that voice in your head saying, “What if I blow this?”
None of this makes you weak. It makes you normal.
But if you don’t understand the thoughts you’re having, it’s hard to change them.
Here are the patterns I see over and over in athletes I work with, whether they’re at the Olympic Trials level or trying to finish their first race:
Performance Anxiety: You’ve trained well, but nerves hit hard. You overthink everything. You feel wired before you even warm up.
Self-Doubt: You’re wondering if you belong. Maybe one bad workout shook your confidence, or you’re caught comparing yourself to others.
Fear of Failure: You’ve told people your goal. You’ve put in the work. Now it feels as if you’ll let everyone down if you fall short.
Negative Self-Talk: You hit a rough patch and immediately spiral. “I knew I’d blow it,” or “I always fall apart.”
Perfectionism: You want every split dialed. One missed water station or slow mile, and you’re thrown off.
Ask Yourself These 4 Mindset Questions
It’s important to take the time to identify your mindset barrier. Sit in a quiet space and reflect on your past training and racing experiences. Consider the following questions:
What’s the thought that shows up when things get hard in training?
What’s the fear that creeps in the week before the race?
What do you replay from past races that still messes with your head?
If your biggest mental block had a name, what would it be?
You don’t need to solve your mental block yet, just name it. That’s your first job.
Notice Where Your Mindset Barrier Shows Up
Once you’ve named your barrier, the next step isn’t to fix it overnight. It’s to start noticing when and where it shows up.
For example, if your barrier is self-doubt, start tracking when it hits hardest. Is it during long runs, race week, taper time? If it’s perfectionism, watch how you respond when a session doesn’t go exactly as planned. This awareness is the first layer of change. Because once you can see the pattern, you can start to interrupt it.
Your key move is to shift from judgment to curiosity. Instead of thinking, “Why do I always choke?” try asking, “What am I actually afraid of here?” That small change in language opens the door to a totally different mindset. You stop reacting, and you start learning.
This is all part of my IGNITE Method for how I coach my athletes, and I go way deeper into how to build that shift in my upcoming book, Fast & Free. But for now, don’t worry about solving everything. Just get honest, stay curious, and keep showing up. That’s how you can start to shift your mindset.
Why Understanding Your Mindset Barrier Matters
You can’t outrun what you haven’t dealt with. If you’ve got a loud inner critic, a fear of failure, or nerves that spike the week before your race, that stuff’s going to show up on race day.
But when you know what you’re up against, you’ve got a shot at doing something about it. This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about knowing what’s likely to show up and having a plan to handle it when it does.
Mental performance coaching isn’t just for the professionals trying to squeeze out that last 2-3 seconds per mile. It’s for everyone, and the benefits extend far beyond your road, trail, or track endeavors.
Next up in the Marathon Mindset article series: Your Competitive Identity. We’ll build your competitive identity, which is the mindset you choose to race with. Why? Because if you don’t decide who’s showing up on race day, the nerves and pressure will decide for you.
Brant Stachel is a mental performance coach, registered psychotherapist, and former professional triathlete. He has coached more than 25 athletes to international teams, including six with Olympic Trials-qualifying times. He works with endurance athletes, from high schoolers to Olympians, helping them train the mental side of performance through his IGNITE Method. Brant is the author of Fast & Free. He coaches runners through TeamRunRun.com and is a mental performance coach through CEPmindset.com.
Tapering your training leading up to a race is what many runners look forward to. But when it arrives, it can feel unnerving. We’ve gotten into the rhythm of the long run routine, speed workouts, and strength training. Suddenly doing less may seem strange. And for some of us, it comes with increased race anxiety.
But tapering is necessary to perform our best on race day. And while reducing mileage is part of it, other critical factors include sleep, nutrition, and mindset. When we prioritize all aspects of a taper, we’re more likely to reach race day feeling strong, calm, and ready.
Below, seven Team RunRun running coaches share the aspects of a training taper that runners commonly overlook, and taper tips to incorporate before your next race.
Taper weeks are for both body and mind.
A commonly overlooked aspect of race tapering is the mindset shift that occurs when an athlete transitions from a structured training routine to a period of reduced activity. Preparing for a race requires a significant time commitment, and when training becomes part of an athlete’s daily routine, it’s not unusual for them to struggle mentally with the idea that tapering is not only necessary but beneficial for both body and mind. The taper period allows for healing of minor injuries, replenishment of glycogen stores, and recovery of the skeletal and muscular systems in preparation for race day.
As a coach, I create space for my athletes to openly share any fears or frustrations they may have during the taper. It’s important to help them focus on the positives tapering provides, both physically and mentally. When assigning workouts during this time, I aim to keep athletes moving, but at a lower intensity and reduced volume to avoid fatigue while still maintaining routine. I often remind them that tapering is also an opportunity to reconnect with parts of life that may have been put on hold during intense training, whether that’s spending more time with family, prioritizing rest, or simply enjoying the mental break before race day.
Nutrition is just as important during taper as it is in peak mileage.
You’re at the point in the training where you’re hungry from the peak weeks but running less. It’s important to get the proper nutrition for recovery and fueling in the final few weeks, and also set yourself up for a successful carb load. Having a plan going into not only the peak weeks but also taper is key to making sure your body is ready to perform on race day.
Work with your coach to develop a good plan. With the extra time you have available during taper, it’s a great chance to focus on nutrition and reduce some of the taper anxiety.
When it comes to tapering, one of the biggest issues I have seen in the athletes I have coached is proper rest. Increased anxiety before race day can cause restlessness and affect sleep quality.
Proper rest during tapering is highly important. Having a consistent, balanced sleep schedule two weeks before your race can help in glycogen storage, your hormonal balances, and really help reduce anxiety.
I can’t express how important sleep is. I have really suffered during a few races due to a lack of sleep. Sleep really can change your running performance before a race.
Noah Stockton, M.S. in Kinesiology/Sports Management 4-6 years coaching experience Team RunRun Coaching Profile | Stockton Running
Adjust race-intensity workouts based on your experience level.
A commonly overlooked part of tapering is how to handle race-intensity workouts. For my first-time marathoners, I often pull back both volume and intensity earlier, about four weeks out, so their bodies have more time to absorb the training. For my more experienced or podium-focused athletes, I keep race-specific efforts in the mix until four or five days before the race, while reducing only overall volume. This keeps their legs sharp and confidence high.
The practice is simple: Adjust the intensity of taper workouts to the athlete’s experience level so they feel prepared, not depleted, on the starting line.
Your body still needs fuel as it works to recover.
As your volume decreases, you may not feel as hungry, and it can become easy to naturally eat less. While it’s important to listen to hunger cues, it’s also so important to acknowledge the role protein, carbs, and fat all play in recovering after you’ve had a high chronic workload.
To help make the process easier and a bit less mentally taxing, I work with my athletes to pick three go-to easy snacks they can have during taper that don’t require much preparation or cooking. And I always have registered dietitian info handy to pass along for folks who want more help, since I’m not a professional myself in that field!
Incorporate a mental rehearsal to prepare for race day.
One of the most overlooked keys to a successful taper isn’t physical — it’s mental rehearsal. Runners focus on mileage and rest, but few taper their minds. I have athletes rehearse the exact routines and race scenarios they’ll face, visualizing the start line nerves, the grind of mile 18, and the final push.
Why? Because it’s not just fatigue that breaks athletes. It’s being unprepared for how it feels. When you’ve already practiced your response to those moments, nothing surprises you.
Before race day, I ask athletes to spend five minutes daily on ‘mental tapering.’ Run through your cues, your plan, your why. By race morning, your legs will be rested and your mind razor-sharp.
Brant Stachel, World Athletics Level 5, Athletics Canada High Performance Coach 10+ years coaching experience Team RunRun Coaching Profile | Fast and Free Coaching and Mental Performance @fastandfreecoaching
Training does not stop at the taper. Many believe tapering is simply a time to rest. And while rest is essential, that’s not the whole picture. A proper taper still includes a few key workouts in those final weeks to keep the body sharp and the mind engaged.
I am transparent with my athletes about what tapering really means. We go over what to expect and how we approach running in the final days and weeks leading up to a race. It’s not about shutting down, it’s about fine-tuning.
Team RunRun coach Kyle Fulmer goes Heel Counter to Popular Belief to tell how calf raises and holds might just heal your Haglund’s runner heel.
Joyful running can be easily taken for granted. The miles tick off, as the sun starts to lift above the horizon, and sweat starts to build on our backs. We run freely, and begin to think about the day ahead, or perhaps set plans for many days thereafter. Idyllic scenes like this are exactly that, idyllic. Often the act of running is more a labor of love, than a weightless foray in blissful escape. And the quickest way to suck all that bliss out of the daily running ritual is to battle stubbornly through injury.
Sometime in the summer of 2016 I developed a pain on the outside of my left foot while running. Being fairly new to the sport, I didn’t start running until late 2012 and ran my first ultra in late 2013, “injury” was a word that had little meaning to me. I was lucky to survive high school sports, college intramurals, and men’s league basketball with nary an Issue. I’ve since learned I have hyper mobility in my ankles, which sounds cool, but in actuality can cause major issues further up the kinetic chain.
I told one of my running mentors, who was 20+ years older than me, this might go away after a few months. He laughed and said, “try a few years”. Little did I know. In 2017 the first signs of calcium deposits and bone growth showed up on my left heel, with the accompanying pain. In 2021, the same bump developed on my right heel. Pain was ever-present, as were stories of our favorite ultra-runners going under the knife to scrape out the wicked Haglund’s Deformity calcium build-up which is what I later learned these pump-bumps were called.
What is Haglund’s Runner Heel?
Haglund’s well known to many high-profile, and not so high-profile, runners in our sport can affect upwards of 36% of the general population (3). The deformity was first discovered by Dr. Patrick Haglund in 1927. Wearing hard-heeled shoes, and repeated bouts of friction on the elongated heel bone created by the calcium deposits can contribute to the swollen tissue and pain when exercising. In many cases the situation gets so dire that the runner feels like surgical excision of the bone spur is the only viable course of action (5).
The cruelest aspect of Haglund’s is even once surgery has been deployed, the bumps will occasionally return (5). I have read that specific biomechanics also contribute to the affliction. There is some commentary that those with long levers, high arches, and elongated second toes might be more predisposed to Haglund’s – spoiler alert – I have all three! (1)
During Hardrock in 2022, I told my pacer I might have to quit running as the pain at times was too much and zapped all joy out of running. Despite brief interludes of relief, the swelling and accompanying pain would always come roaring back. Now, not being a quitter, there was no way I was going to stop running. Although to that point, I had tried everything under the sun to alleviate the pain: massage, acupuncture, eccentric calf raises, shoes with higher drop, cutting out the heels from my shoes, inserts and orthotics, and generally ignoring the pain. Not of these remedies had lasting effects (4).
Finding Heel Relief
It wasn’t until the winter of 2024 when my friend, physical therapy professional and ultra-runner Guy Love introduced me to the concept of isometric holds and heavy weight bearing exercises to “load” my heel and tendons, with the intention of re-introducing strength into my lower limbs and tendons. In short: my feet, ankles, achilles, and calves (primarily the soleus) had grown weak over time, and needed to be “turned on”. We would achieve this not by stretching the achilles, which is the commonly perceived antidote, but by loading it! We now had a strategy for targeting some Haglund’s runner heel relief.
Guy’s gym protocol was very intimidating at first. We started with 2-3 sets of calf raises with 135 lbs on the barbell rack. And, would follow this up with 30-45 second calf raise holds. We would perform these with straight legs, and then with bent legs to isolate the soleus. Within a few months we progressed up to 185 lbs on the barbell, and confidence was starting to return to my running stride in the mountains, and pain was generally starting to disappear on my daily runs.
In addition to the weight activity on the platform racks, we would also add in the usual suspects of runner strength routines: single leg deadlifts, single leg squats, split squats and posture reinforcing upper body work. The results from this gym work were quite astonishing and looking for confirmation bias (as one does), I found a video from the famous Squat University on YouTube focusing on the same issues with the Haglund’s and prescribing almost the same rehab routine (3)! They focused on single leg calf raises, holds and an excellent variation of combining the weighted calf raise with a wall sit, by placing a dumbbell across the knees with heels raised of course. Coach Eric Orton, of Born to Run fame, also prescribes a similar protocol involving single leg calf raises and holds (6). Where my foundation had grown weak from years of “collapsed” running, I was now introducing real strength and stability back into my running gait!
Fast forward a couple of years, I still have my Haglund’s runner heel bumps, and it still hurts like holy hell to smack my heels into a chair leg, BUT I am running pain free. Occasional pains still pop up, but those are just a reminder to get back in the gym, or find a doorjamb nearby to perform some heel raised isometric presses into. With a big slate of races on the calendar this year: Quad Rock, San Juan Solstice, and High Lonesome, I am so happy and relieved to finally be moving past the brunt of this chronic injury. I am also hoping this chronicle of scientific and anecdotal evidence will bring you some strength and relief if you have been dealing with the same nagging injury. Joy is returning to the run again, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
TRR coach Kyle Fulmer tastes and tests the up and coming sports drink mix in this Hyperlyte review.
High carb is all the rage these days, and with good reason! High profile athletes from the roads to the trails, and at seemingly all distances are benefiting from maxing the carbs per gut ratios to previously unheard levels. 80-90 to 120 grams of carbs per hour is totally the norm now, but is it worth it? For those pushing the limits of endurance, those lofty carb intake numbers might be, but for the more middle of the pack runner — do we really need all that gas?
In a VERY crowded hydration and nutrition space, enter HYPERLYTE. With a street, skate, surf aesthetic: Hyperlyte is focused on a few basic ingredients and building a brand based on storytelling. With elite athletes Matt Daniels and Hans Troyer on the roster, the young brand only a few years old already has veteran level street cred.
So, is Hyperlyte worth the purchase price, and enough of a difference maker to bring on your next trail adventure: read on to find out!
Now what you’ve come here for, the proper Hyperlyte Liquid Performancereview:
Taste – 9/10
I forgot to bring my water bottle on the run this morning, so I just had a sip. It’s good! Hyperlyte has a very mild sweetness to it. The sweetness is not overpowering and doesn’t make your mouth all sticky and yucky over the course of many hours. I used Hyperlyte at Hardrock and several other ultras last year, and never tired of the taste. If you’ve had the famous Japanese “sports” drink Pocari Sweat before, the flavor profile is similar.
Ingredients – 8.5/10
Not much. According to the website, we got Maltodextrin, Fructose, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, and Magnesium Malate. I am only giving 8.5 out of 10, because giving all 10s is lame, and I don’t know what Magnesium Malate is, but I do know our muscles and brains need magnesium, so it must be ok. Not sure about the MaltoD to Fructose ratios, but no sick tummy for me is a win. Simple is better and Hyperlyte keeps the formula simple and straightforward. Carbs and salt, nothing extra. I must say the full 2 scoops for 400 calories, 100g of carbs and 1000mg of sodium is a bit rich for me. In one 16oz soft flask, I’ll usually roll with 1 scoop, so 200 calories, 50g of carbs and 500mg of sodium. Since I’ll usually have some other “foods” to eat especially during a race setting, I feel like I get enough from my half serving. Another thing I REALLY like is the math is simple like the ingredients. I can’t think during a race, and with HL, I don’t have to (very much).
Viscosity – 10/10
I can give ’em a ten on this one. One scoop, 16oz of water, shake and done! Almost no residue is left behind, and cleaning your soft flasks after use is also quite easy. I will say though, like most hydration powders HL is tougher to mix in REALLY cold water, so beware of that. That’s the only time I’ve had any issues. But, not a deal breaker for me, at all.
Performance – 9/10
With these product ratios, I can easily supplement with tasty bites out of a ziplock or eat what looks good at the aid station tables. Without having had a sweat test done (I’ll keep my $250), I am betting that the ~500-1000mg of sodium are more than ample for my needs. In the old days I took one 250mg sodium pill an hour, and did just fine. With Hyperlyte, I’m feeling even better, and saltier.
TL:DR of this Hyperlyte Review: BUY HYPERLYTE!
HYPERLYTE is doing things different in a space that usually looks (and tastes) the same. Plus, it’s fun to support an indie upstart brand built on the love of the trails. In the high carb craze era, HYPERLYTE stands out as an easy product to understand, use, and fit into almost any race nutrition plan. I plan to keep training and racing with Hyperlyte in 2026 and beyond
Products tested for this review: HYPERLYTE H1 (V.2)
Test Duration: 1 year
Product Highlights
Keep it simple – Sodium, Carbs, and miles of dirt (from the HL website):
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Sweeping views near Arches National Park
Great aid station volunteers
Comfortable cutoff time for 50K
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Only two photographers, both in the first 8 miles of the race.
Finish line didn’t have much going on for later finishes like the 50k or 50 miler.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You don’t actually run in Arches National Park. The website very clearly states this when you’re registering, but just something to be aware of. It is adjacent to Arches.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Felt comfortable and confident all the way through. The 50k course helps to break up the distance mentally since it’s essentially two different loops.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
While this is a trail race, there’s a lot of slick rock so training on some pavement to get used to the harder surface is helpful. Train with some elevation and some hills. There are several climbs on this route.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Walking uphill always takes longer than you think. So do aid station refills, especially when it’s a cupless race.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Pay attention to course marker flags and paint stripes on rocks. Sometimes it’s easy to lose the course.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
If you like wide open views and red rock, this is a lovely course! Snow covered mountains in the background too 🙂
Difficulty – Is it a tough is the Arches Ultra 50k course?
I’d say it’s moderate. Lots of slick rock, several technical climbs. My watch clocked about 3000 feet of elevation gain vs the 2200 feet advertised.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It’s pretty organized. If you’re back of the pack, there’s not much fanfare at the finish line.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There’s always a few really fast runners at the front of the longer distances. Decent variety of pace though.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Registration is straightforward, although some races do sell out. You have options for a 9k, half marathon, 50k, and 50 miler. Make sure you get to the start line early to get decent parking.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There are a total of 5 aid stations on the 50k course. Two of them you go through twice with the course loops. Pretty standard race snacks. Make sure you have fillable cups/water bottles.
Weather and typical race conditions
The course can be windy in sections. Plan for low 30s at the start of the race. It was about 50 degrees by the afternoon so wear layers. Usually pretty sunny.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Poles could be helpful but not necessary. I just had a hydration vest.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Start/finish line is spectator friendly and the Bar M aid station is as well. It’s across the highway from the start/finish line.
How’s the Swag?
Registration includes a shirt, hat, and a finisher medal. This year it had dinosaurs!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Arches Ultra 50k and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5. This was my first ultra and one I would do again. I found it manageable and at no time did I absolutely hate myself for signing up for it. If you train, it’s completely attainable and I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking to get out to the Moab area. Most of it is flat-ish which makes it a beginner friendly 50k.
Shelby Fox is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Team RunRun Coach Kelsey McGill shares her experience going all in on the Tempe Burrito League 2026!! What the heck is it? What did she learn? and what did she win?!
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. 2026 Tempe Burrito League Winners Troy Croxdale and Kelsey McGill
What the heck is Tempe Burrito League?
Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running, teamed up with Connor Dyer and created Burrito League in January 2026 as a result of Chipotle not announcing the continuation of the Chipotle Challenge which occurred in January 2024 and 2025. Burrito League is a challenge where anyone can complete a specific segment by walking or running, typically from 0.2 to 0.4 miles in length, as many times as they can for the duration of the event. The Burrito League in Tempe, Arizona, was 26 days long. This particular segment is recorded as a one-way segment, which is 0.2 miles. Participants can start and stop at any time that they choose, day or night. There is no aid station as runners are encouraged to supply all their own food, hydration, etc. On January 31 at 11:59pm, the top female and male with the most completed segments would be declared the winners.
The biggest personal challenges
Some of the challenges I faced during Burrito League were both expected and unexpected. I often felt like I was simultaneously playing the game whack-a-mole (to address physical/injury needs) and chess (for strategizing against competitors). Early on, there was a big adjustment period of running entirely on bricks and concrete. As a sole trail runner for the past 15 years, this was something I’ve steered so far from. I crave the intricacies of trail running, specifically more technical trails, because of how engaging it can be and the solitude. Not only was the flat, hard surface something I strongly avoided, but I also wasn’t used to running 30-45 miles every single day (aside from 1 rest day mid-way through). I have a thru-hiking background and 8 years of running ultras, but to stack big days of running back-to-back for 26 days in a row was uncharted territory for me. There’s a lot to be said for using a run–walk interval strategy on flat courses—it reduces impact and helps preserve the legs. It still amazes me how much mileage can be covered, even just by walking alone.
On day one, I made a silly, albeit stubborn, mistake by wearing trail shoes for a 30-mile day, which led to a bout of ankle tendinitis that lingered for the next 12 days. I had to quickly pivot and buy a pair of road shoes the 2nd day with far more cushioning. Along with getting road-specific shoes, I had to manage the pain from the tendinitis and alter my form.
Another issue arose on day 6 at the end of a 45-mile day. When I squatted to pee, I felt a small twinge in my quad, which turned out to be a strained quadriceps. As a result, I was forced to walk for the next three days. Even so, I was still able to cover between 38 to 45 miles per day. Oftentimes, I would find myself catastrophizing injuries meaning the thought of “is this a stress fracture?” or “did I rupture a tendon?” or “is my quad going to heal properly?” were all circuitous thoughts that would come and go throughout the month. My goal was to stay curious about the pain and do something about it to keep moving (i.e. apply Tiger Balm pain patches, heat/ice compresses, muscle scraping, strength/mobility work, etc.). The benefit of having your vehicle as an aid station .2 miles away meant there was something you could do in real-time to address issues that arose. The action itself was powerful to refocus attention and get back on track.
Another area that proved especially challenging was keeping up with simple, everyday chores. Most days, I woke up around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. to work for a couple of hours—writing training plans and responding to emails—before getting on segment around 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. From there, I was on segment until about 8:00 p.m. while also taking coaching calls throughout the day when walking on the segment. I took short breaks throughout the day to raise my feet (to reduce swelling and aching) and get more calories in, but the demand of getting the most time on segment each day made basic tasks like grocery shopping, doing laundry, or any other life responsibilities incredibly difficult. Thankfully, Jamil rented a studio, which gave us access to a shower and a bathroom and they also rented porta potties. That support made a huge difference. I genuinely can’t imagine attempting something like this without consistent access to a bathroom. There was also a CVS right on the segment: the most perfect aid station you could ever imagine! And yes, they had ice cream which became a 5pm daily tradition for “ice cream laps”!
The mental load required to sustain this effort was also fascinating. Each day fell into the same rhythm: waking up, checking Strava to see how many segments others had completed, doing the math to calculate the mileage gaps between us, and then getting on with the day. I felt myself constantly oscillating between the urge to push harder and the need to hold back—aware that pushing too hard could jeopardize the rest of my year and the larger goals I had set for myself prior to this quirky event. Numerous times I thought I’d found my limit as a means to preserve myself from further injury, but after giving some further thought to modify and adapt, I was able to press on.
About halfway through the event, I woke up feeling run down with a cold, sore throat, and stuffy nose. On top of that, I realized I had completely maxed out the mileage on the shoes I’d purchased just 10 days earlier. Instead of buying a new pair, I borrowed shoes, which I’d never run in before and, unfortunately, they led to shin splints. I’d never dealt with shin splints in my 20 years of running, but I knew this was something that could become serious if I didn’t properly modify my approach.
I realized early on that the friends I came to Burrito League with weren’t people I could share strategy with, as they needed to remain unbiased in order to support all participants. Because of that, I became very guarded in my planning and intentional about not disclosing my strategy to anyone. This secrecy made building friendships difficult because people would bluff about their plans to each other, but I also understood that almost everyone there wanted the same thing I did: a Cocodona 250 entry. Knowing that, I kept silent about any plans I was forming. When I decided to take a rest day halfway through the event, I didn’t tell anyone—not when I was resting, and not when I planned to return. The reason for this is you don’t want your competitors to gain a huge gap on you knowing you won’t be there at all. Keeping people in the dark as much as I could was key. After taking a rest day and some dry needling from a local PT (shoutout to Dr. Matthew Brown in Scottsdale), I felt dramatically better and incredibly grateful that the shin splints, quad strain, and tendinitis had all cleared up. I felt like a million bucks. My sinuses never fully cleared up during the rest of Burrito League and I finished the last 2 weeks with a sinus infection, but physically I felt strong and durable, and I didn’t deal with any additional injuries after that mid-way point.
By the third week, it was obvious that people were beginning to adapt to the massive mileage we had accumulated over the first two weeks. We were going against everything traditional training theory teaches—throwing out the rules just to see what we were made of and stay on the leaderboard. These were very gritty people on the segment. At the same time, the fatigue was really starting to sink in. There was a shared sense of dread heading into the final week, as many of us anticipated that big moves were coming but we were already pouring in so much from the beginning.
The Tempe Burrito League is also unique in how performative it feels. You pass your competitors hundreds of times a day, and there was far more media attention than I ever expected. Because of that, you have to work hard to maintain your composure when things feel tough—to avoid letting your competitors, as the saying goes, “smell blood in the water.” The upside of this performative aspect is how much information you gain. You’re constantly observing body language—how durable someone looks after a big day or an overnight push, how smoothly they’re moving throughout the day—and you can roughly calculate what they’re doing in relation to your own effort. It’s very different from being out on a trail race for hours with no real sense of how your competitors are feeling other than when you’re passing or being passed. That constant visibility can be very taxing, especially on hard days, like early on when I strained my quad. In those moments, I chose to stay positive, knowing there was still a lot of time left. I focused on walking, trusting that my body would recover and adapt—and thankfully, after three days, it did.
Another notable challenge was navigating the political events and tragedies unfolding in Minneapolis during Burrito League. As the final week approached, I felt deeply conflicted about continuing to participate while so much pain and injustice were happening. I wrestled with the feeling that I should be doing more to help, even though I wasn’t sure what that should look like. In the end, I chose to wear a shirt with a political message as a form of protest and committed to wearing it for the remaining days on the segment. I knew it wasn’t a grand gesture or a solution, but if I could spend hours each day running back and forth on that segment while visibly expressing my outrage and solidarity, then that was something I could do.
Expectations going into Tempe Burrito League
If someone had told me ahead of time that staying at the top of the leaderboard would require maintaining 30 to 45 miles a day, I would have passed on the opportunity without a doubt. I never expected to run at that magnitude every single day for 26 days, aside from one rest day. Before Burrito League began, I was very clear with the friends I came with that I planned to run trails at least two days a week to preserve my sanity as well as squeeze in a weekend backpacking trip on the Arizona Trail—but that plan quickly fell to the wayside. I wasn’t prepared for how fierce the competition would be. From the very beginning, it was obvious that everyone was hungry for the Cocodona ticket—and I was no exception. I felt confident at the beginning saying 10-20 miles a day would give me a comfortable spot in 1st especially with the event being shared just hours before it started, and I was very wrong about how low the mileage would be to earn that Cocodona ticket.
Burrito League was not only a showcase of gritty, determined competitors, but also a ground-breaking space for rethinking training theory. There were countless times during Burrito League that I forgot there was a Cocodona entry at stake. There was something more than that that I was curious about – “How bad do I want to go to the depths of the unknown to see what I’m really made of?” Not every day (or month) do I get the chance to visit that space within myself and what a gift it is that I get to do this.
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. Burrito Relay on last day of Burrito League
Lessons learned
As I mentioned earlier, the first two weeks served as a heavy adaptation period on the segment. I logged 212 miles the first week and 207 miles the second—both personal record weeks, and notably back-to-back. The third week climbed to 291 miles, followed by 230 miles in the fourth. In total, I ran 941 miles over the course of 26 days, a volume I had never come close to before. Again, I would not have signed up to do this if I knew I would have to put in that mileage.
What’s most surprising is that I finished the Tempe Burrito League without any lingering injuries or aches. This experience forced me to reconsider aspects of traditional training theory. High volumes of low-impact running—whether through run–walk intervals or sustained recovery and conversational pace efforts—may be able to scale far beyond what is typically prescribed, provided the athlete has the time and durability to support it. Speed work still matters, but it needs to be integrated carefully; strides and VO₂ max workouts, in particular, are not well suited for periods of extreme volume like this.
Another big takeaway from Burrito League, which I think is the most profound piece for me, is that we can still move while experiencing any emotion. Anger, sadness, outrage, fear, etc. we can still put one foot in front of the other, because why not? Sometimes emotions can be big, the storylines can feel overpowering, but what if we just take another step forward? To me, that is quite liberating to be with emotion while also still moving.
We can learn a lot about ourselves when we put ourselves in an environment that we typically avoid. We find our grit, we dig deeper than we thought we could, and that’s why I run.
How does this impact/change my thinking on big challenges looking ahead?
Once the stage was set at Tempe Burrito League for sustained, high mileage, I began to reframe the challenge as preparation for an FKT I’m planning in 2027. It became an invaluable testing ground for managing the day-to-day physical and mental demands of continuous movement—learning how to address my body’s and mental needs, problem-solving in real time, and taking care of myself independently. Not only did this opportunity allow me to test the uncharted waters I didn’t think were within reach yet, but it is making me think I’m much more capable of completing this big project than I previously thought.
Prizes won
I’m over the moon that I’ll be heading to Cocodona 250 in May this year – huge thanks to Jamil for making this possible! I’ve also received 4 pairs of shoes from Mount To Coast, some apparel from East Peak, and free Chipotle for a year!
PC: Andy Bottiglieri. Burrito League finish 12am on February 1, 2026.
Welcome! Here we share all kinds of Tokyo Marathon Info to help you have your best race on race day, and to help you prepare for the big challenge ahead. We also provide events to provide you with some firsthand knowledge as well some TRR camaraderie! Let’s go!
With the Tokyo Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Date: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 Time: 7pm EST Call Recording
RunRunners Derek Siebert and Sean Celli always rockin’ the TRR swag together!
TemperatureAverage high: 56°F (13°C) Average low: 42° F (6°C)
Tips from Coaches
“My biggest tip is to enter yourself with a very reasonable goal time. I ran almost the exact same splits for the first two 5Ks because the crowd just swept me along and I didn’t have a choice! It can really mess with your race if you start in a corral that’s too fast or too slow and get stuck with whatever pace the pack is running for the first 10K. Luckily for me it was slightly faster than I planned but I found I could maintain it and I liked getting pulled along for that far without thinking too hard about it.” Coach Janelle Branch
“READ the race packet/information sent electronically completely. You may think you can skip this information if you have run many marathons, but the Tokyo marathon has very strict guidelines that are strictly enforced. Please READ the pre race materials completely!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
“Recommended that you train with Pocari Sweat (you can purchase on Amazon) which is the on course electrolyte support as you will not be able to bring your own fluids.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”I recommend staying near the start line if you are at all anxious about getting to the start line on time. The train system is very reliable but VERY intimidating if you are not familiar with it. If it is going to cause extra stress on race morning, better to stay close by.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Hotels in Tokyo rarely bend the rules on late checkout. If you plan to fly home after the marathon like I did, you may find yourself looking for a shower-they do offer day passes to local gyms/locker rooms and apparently there are showers at the airport as well, but I cannot speak to these.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Please respect the no trash on the course policy-there are plenty of volunteers and bins along the route to throw gels and other garbage-do not litter.” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”The restrooms on the course are not as easy to access as other major marathon events – they are out of view for privacy, plan accordingly, follow signs!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
4. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Tokyo Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Coach Matt Levine pushing towards the finish line.
5. Tokyo Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Tokyo Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
Team RunRun Coach Jenn Kozak speaks to the motivations and strategies that guide us for creating running goals when finish time goals no longer apply.
2026 has begun! For the endurance athlete, this likely means strategically building out a race schedule for the year. A traditional approach might look like selecting races that speak to you, then categorizing them as goal/priority races, training/support races, or races you’re participating in just for fun (typically labeled as A, B, or C races). Your A races, or your goal races, are the events where you’ll hope to perform well and maybe even snag that elusive personal record (PR). If this is motivating for you, that’s great! But as we know, not everyone fits the same mold.
As a running coach, I see plenty of athletes who are not motivated by time-based goals, that is to say chasing a target time or setting a new PR for a given distance. Often, time-based goals can create a sense of anxiety that bleeds into not only racing, but day-to-day training. This can sap the joy out of the process, making training stressful, and is ultimately something we want to avoid. Perhaps the athletes that feel the loss of time-based running goals most acutely are the aging athletes. If you are an athlete in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond (and are not a complete beginner), it is likely that your fastest days are behind you. The question then arises: what should my goals be? What will motivate me to continue running?
Motivations are varied and individual. Many athletes are drawn towards achievement-based goals which can provide a sense of accomplishment. Other athletes trend towards exploration and adventure. The good news is that there are a seemingly endless number of goals that you can set for yourself that are not based on finish time.
Location/Geography Based Challenges
Run a Half Marathon in Every State (or Province – Canada, or Country – Europe):
Love to travel? If you have the time and resources, then this one is for you! With the half marathon being an extremely popular race distance, it isn’t hard to see why this is one of the more popular geography based challenges could become the basis for creating running goals. With the range of climates across the US, it is likely that you’d be able to find a race somewhere, every weekend of the year. Don’t love the half? Alter the challenge to the 10k, or the 5k! Can’t commit to that level of travel? Take part in all the local races near you. There are many ways to create your own challenge in this way.
Race in a Dream Location:
If you don’t want to commit to hitting every state in the US, pick a race in a dream location! There is no better way to sight see than running through the streets/trails of somewhere new. The bonus? In a race scenario you’ll have the support and safety of the race organization, versus running through an unknown location on your own.
Coach Scott Sayler in one of the most iconic marathon locations, Paris.
Stay Local:
Often, it is comforting to stick to the roads you know. One way to mix things up is to try to run every road in your hometown. If you prefer trails, then every safe trail system in your area. Or, get competitive in a different way and nab that Local Legend!
Race Series
There are so many race series out there that it would be impossible to list them all, but a great strategy for creating running goals could revolve around an epic challenge with various stages and steps to work through. The most renowned is likely the World Marathon Majors. Athletes who run all six of the original Majors (Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Tokyo, and Berlin) will receive the coveted Abbot Six Star finishers medal. If you already have one, they will likely be introducing two more races in addition to the Sydney Marathon, and having a nine-star finishers medal as the next milestone.
The Dopey Challenge is another extremely popular event, where athletes will run a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon, and a marathon over four consecutive days, all while enjoying the magic of Disney! This experiential race series is more often than not more about the vibes, and the challenge of completing each distance, rather than worrying about the clock. The Goofy Challenge is also popular, in which runners take part in both the half marathon, and the marathon. Team RunRun coach Dafne Valle has a Dopey Challenge Guide to help you navigate this goal.
Coach Dafne Valle know all about the RunDisney!
Both the World Majors and the Dopey Challenge race series are often unattainable for the average recreational athlete. The chance of getting into the majors via lottery is quite slim, and if you do get in, expect high costs for travel and lodging. The Dopey Challenge also sells out very quickly. This doesn’t mean that challenges of these types are off the table though! A grass roots example is the P.A.C.E. (Positive Attitude Changes Everything) Trail Running Series, Quadzilla held in British Columbia, Canada. If you run four of their races, you are entered into a draw for a solo entry to the Golden Ultra (BC) or the LOWA Trail Trophy (Austrian Alps).**
There are numerous race organizations that have race series. A little digging and you’ll likely be able to find one near you that will fit your budget and your travel capacity. Not only will you get to train for something with no time pressure, you’ll be supporting a local organization!
** Quadzilla to return in 2027.
Distance-Based Challenges
Completing a “new to you” distance
As coaches, we will often encourage athletes who are aiming for their first long event to have their main goal be successful completion of the race. When creating running goals, the same strategy can apply to any “new” distance that you decide to tackle. This could be a half marathon if you’ve only ever completed a 10k, or a marathon if you’ve completed half marathons in the past. It can also extend to trying your running legs on trails, where time matters less. Perhaps even your first ultra!
Fixed-time race
This style of endurance event typically takes place on a looped course. The goal is to go as far as you can within a given amount of time (often 6, 12, or 24 hours). These inclusive events are open to all fitness levels, and athletes often can set goals based on their personal fitness level. With a looped course format, over the course of the race you can build and experience a sense of community, as you’ll be seeing the other athletes multiple times over the course of the event. You can commiserate, encourage, and flex that mental fortitude muscle along with many new friends!
Backyard style ultra marathon
We’ve all heard of Big’s Backyard Ultra (if you haven’t you should check it out). Thanks to its popularity, there are now backyard style ultras all over the world. Typically, the backyard style event will be a 4.167 mile loop (called a yard) which must be completed in 1 hour. At the start of each new hour, runners MUST begin the loop again (if you finish in 45 minutes for example, you’ll have 15 minutes to rest, recover, fuel, etc before you’re to begin again). This style of race is another example of not worrying about the finish time. The most challenging part might be getting off the lawn chair to start the next loop!
Coach Emily Keddie on another loop at the Spike Camp 12 Hour race, put on by Coach Taylor Spike. Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Personal distance challenges
Turning 50 and looking for a fun way to celebrate the milestone? Why not run 50k?! Of course, these fun challenges can be tailored in any way you see fit based on your level of fitness. If 50 miles or 50k is too much, break it up into a multisport day including biking to help tick off some of that distance. There are an infinite number of ways you could build a challenge that is difficult yet doable, and of course, rewarding.
Branch Out to Other Events
Triathlon
There are so many events that can be supported by continuing to run, or alternatively, support running, so when thinking of creating running goals, think beyond just running. One of the more common forays into the multisort world might be runners moving over to endurance events such as the triathlon (swim, run, bike events). Athletes can learn or develop other aerobic sports while maintaining a focus on run fitness.
Spartan Events
Spartan is most known for its obstacle racing courses. Athletes will choose their event (Sprint, Stadion, Beast, etc.) which includes a running distance and set number of obstacles that must be crossed. For example, a Sprint Spartan includes 5k of running, combined with 20 obstacles such as an atlas carry, box jumps, a barbed wire crawl, and a fire jump, to name only a few. Spartan is also the flagship company for the Tough Mudder races (with its own version of often muddy, challenging obstacles that will really test your mental grit) and Deka races (often indoor strength and running competitions). Spartan also puts on other endurance based races, including more traditional trail races.
HYROX
The currently trending HYROX is an indoor race where athletes run 1 km, followed by a functional workout station, which is then repeated 8 times. With the surge in popularity of HYROX, it is likely that there will be a race available near you!
While Spartan and HYORX still demand a need for good aerobic fitness as they incorporate running into their challenges, strength becomes more of a focus (not a bad thing for aging athletes)!
Off the Cuff Adventures
Hut-to-hut trips
With the rise in popularity of running, and trail running in particular, there have been many different tourism based companies popping up, inviting guests on their curated running adventures all over the globe. Rogue Expeditions is a company providing multi-day running tours in unique locations such as Patagonia, Morocco, and Italy (to name a few). Runners can find packages that are tailored to their own personal fitness level, making it accessible for most recreational runners.
Runners with the know how can also build their own adventures. One popular example is completing the famous Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) race course of 100 miles on their own, breaking it down into a 4, or 5 day trip.
Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott often heads out for long weekends on the trails to test out new gear, get off the grid and get in good training. Photo: Damien Scott.
Hiking adventures
Did your friend just invite you on a last minute backpacking trip? Have you always wanted to visit Machu Picchu? Is the Camino de Santiago a bucket list adventure? Just because you aren’t running doesn’t mean that these feats are easy! Creating running goals based on big life adventures that benefit from run fitness is a great motivator to put in the miles!
Maintaining your base aerobic fitness will allow you to jump into any adventure at the drop of a hat!
Finally, just because you aren’t training to PR in your next race, doesn’t mean you should completely give up the sport altogether. Continuing to train consistently will help maintain cardiovascular fitness which can decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes while helping to improve longevity and the overall quality of life.
What is your goal for 2026 going to be?
Photo: Jonathan McLeod
Jenn Kozak is a running coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
If you are preparing for your next marathon (Or your first ever!!!!), it may be a little daunting to remember what items you need to have for race day. It (no joke) can literally be the difference between a successful race or a run to forget. To help you get ready for the race, Team RunRun coach Chris Poole has made his Marathon Pre-Race Checklist that he shares with all his runners. This is the checklist of essential items to have ready to go so that you can have a successful race, make it out with a smile on your face, and run a brand new PR! He even links a couple of his favorite key items he uses!
Marathon Pre-Race Checklist: Morning of the Race
✅ Running Shoes: These should be the shoes that you have been training in for the entire training block! Whether it is a trusty pair of trainers, or your favorite pair of carbon plated racers, make sure that you have those ready to go! Don’t wear a brand new pair of shoes for race day. Make sure at the very least, you have a few runs in them prior to race day. Wearing brand new shoes on race day can potentially lead you to injuries.
✅ Race Bib/Safety chips: I always prefer to get my race bib and safety pins out and affixed to my racing top the night before the big day. Unless you’re planning on securing the race bib to your skin (Like this guy!), make sure you pin your race bib to your race top the night before!
✅ Running Top: I highly recommend any dri fit/moisture wicking top that is breathable and will help with wicking sweat. I always run in a sleeveless singlet, but any sleeve length of a racing top will do! I do not recommend any cotton material, as they will get heavy and retain sweat.
✅ Running Bottom: Opt for tights, shorts, or running pants that you find comfortable. Moisture wicking/dri fit clothes will serve you best! Bike Shorts or half tights/full tights are best suited for minimizing chafing.
✅ Running socks: Nothing I love more than a fresh pair of running socks before a marathon! Proper socks will help prevent blisters and feet discomfort, which can be quite troublesome in the latter parts of the race. Personally, I always have a fresh pair of these Blister Resist socks from Balega ready to go with my racing gear.
✅ Hydration/Fuel/electrolytes/ gels: This is by far one of the most important things to have ready to go. Lay out your gels and any other fuel/electrolytes next to your race gear. Make sure you have had some practice with your gels and other fuel prior to race day. The last thing you will want is to have GI discomfort due to not taking the right fuel for you. Make sure you have your water bottles (if you carry a belt or hand held) ready with your hydration of choice. I take it a step even further to pre-sort them to specific groups.
Most races will have hydration/fuel stations every 2-3 miles, so make sure to study what they will have on the course. If they have items that you regularly use , feel free to not pack those items with you for the race and pick them up at the aid stations. Otherwise, make sure you have what you need beforehand!
✅ Running Belt/pack: If you run with one, I would put it right next to your fuel and hydration before going to bed! Make sure you do a couple test runs prior to the race with your gear to test for any bouncing or potential discomfort. Make sure that it has enough space for you to store what you may need and want to carry.
✅ Hairband: You will get sweaty, make sure your hair is out of your hair if you need the help!
✅ Nip guards: This applies mainly to the male runners, but 26.2 miles will cause a lot of friction between your top and chest. Things can get bloody! Band aids will be the easiest item to buy for nip protection, but there are lightweight guards made specifically for exercise that are pretty neat and handy! These ones that I use are barely noticeable when I run!
Don’t leave home without these!
✅ Vaseline: If you chafe in certain areas, make sure to lube up and get things ready to go to prevent the uncomfortable chafing!
✅ Smart watch/Phone (Make sure it is completely charged): I don’t run with a phone, but have a Garmin ForeRunner that I record all of my runs and races with and track my pace and distance on. I have forgotten to charge my watch before a few runs and have had the battery run out before I finish said runs. Luckily, I never have had it happen during a race, but I never put it to chance and make sure to put it on the charger the night before so that it is ready to go with a full charge!
Bonus points for a cute dog on your watch face 🙂
✅ Pre Race breakfast ready: Don’t wait until the morning to figure it out. Get everything prior to the race day! Don’t do anything different. Eat the foods you usually eat for breakfast before a run. Your body is used to routine, and will look to that before the race!
✅ Rain Poncho or trash bag: I would recommend that if it is going to rain prior to or during the race, buy a cheap poncho or trash bag to wear at the start. You can then remove it when you want to in the race.
✅ Running jacket: If it is chilly, it might be good to have a breathable running jacket to have while you run. I do tend to get warm very quickly when running , so I would recommend only if you prefer to have that added warmth throughout the race!
✅ Sunglasses: If it is sunny, wear a pair of sunglasses! This will help to prevent squinting and make sure you are able to focus on the path ahead and not the sunlight in your eyes.
✅ Hat/Visor/Headband: If it is super sunny with no tree cover outside, a simple hat or visor can help keep you cool by keeping your face covered, sweat out of your eyes, and the sun off of your face!
✅ Running gloves: If it is chilly or freezing, gloves are absolutely a must have! Your hands can get cold very quickly, and can make it hard to take your gels or grab hydration from aid stations. A simple $1 pair of gloves will suffice and help you in the long run!
Post Race
✅ Recovery slides: Most recovery slides feel like cushions and pillows, and help provide relief from your feet and pressure relief on your joints. You will thank yourself for packing a pair!
Coach Chris rocking the recovery slides post-race
✅ Change of clothes: Your clothes will stink! Changing clothes will not only help you smell better, feel refreshed, it also helps you decompress after the hard day!
✅ Wet wipes/Deodorant: If you don’t have access to a shower, wet wipes will do a great job of helping you feel refreshed and clean after you finish.
✅ Foam Roller: Even though you are done with quite possibly the hardest run ever, it is still important to take recovery measures if something feels off! If anything is bugging you like a strain or a sore muscle area, rolling out the affected area can help work those kinks out, and help aid in the recovery process.
✅ Money/card/drivers license: Time to party! If you haven’t picked up any race merch, now is the time! Make sure you have your license too, as often races will have beer/alcohol refreshments post race (If you are over 21). You just finished a marathon, now it is time to celebrate!
Photo: GCC Photography
Chris is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
Results: 12 Hours of Mt. Pisgah laps! (1100’/ 3 miles per lap)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The community: both the intersection of people from different backgrounds and experience in running, as well as the camaraderie as you pass back and forth and cheer each other on all day. It is a unique and uplifting experience watching people get PRs in distance and elevation all throughout the day, and learning the reasons people are there.
I got to not only participate myself but also alongside some of the runners I coach, and that was very special. Having helped them prepare for this event and also be there in real life to witness and support them was awesome.
A friend and former running client brought his son (11 years old) to the event to participate. His son continued even when his dad paused his laps, on his own. He was so proud to be out there crushing it on his own. That was inspiring to see and gave me so much hope to see a kiddo out there experiencing what we all hope to experience at races.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not a thing. Beautiful day.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Up and down the same hill over and over and over? It’s become more popular and normalized to do such a thing. It’s no longer weird. A cool thing though? After 10 laps (11,000′, 31 miles) you got a bolo tie with a buckle. That was new this year and very cool. It motivated a LOT of people!
Sporting the bolo tie!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My throat is so sore from cheering all day long- all the whoops and whewwws and YEAHs! Being overwhelmingly positive and supportive of my fellow racers made the day even better, and I received it right back. I went in this year less competitive than last year- not competitive in fact. My goals were to get a lot of vert, be aware of my hip (I injured it last year and have been rehabbing it), and enjoy doing laps with others. Success on all goals!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Set multiple goals for the day, that are not only related to performance but also experience! Also, make sure you eat and hydrate consistently. Pace yourself. Don’t sit down for too long!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I did not stay on top of hydration during the first couple of laps- it was cold, which it usually is to start, and I struggle to hydrate enough in the cold. I could have done better at this!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is mostly on a packed dirt/gravel road, with sections of looser gravel and dirt trail near the top. The downhill can be hard on your joints, so be aware of that. At the summit is a bin of ducks – you grab one to bring down to the bottom with you as proof of your lap! Also, the course starts/ends at the bottom of the hill where everyone parks- so you can have your car pretty close by to use as an aid station, so you don’t need to carry too much.
Gotta prove you did the lap!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Though on repeat all day, the views from the top are beautiful! On a clear day, snow-capped peaks are visible, and sunrise is a total moment- people hang out on top to watch it.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
1100′ in 1.5 miles is stout both up and down!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run the two years it has taken place. Everything was dialed.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There are always some heavy hitters who go for huge numbers- 45+ miles, over 16,000′ of vert for the podium positions. There is no winning or losing in this event though – it is what you make of it, and every lap is meaningful.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Registration is in advance and capped to a limited amount, and it sold out this year! Keep an eye on the Recovery Strong social media handle for information on future events; they are the main sponsor of the event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There is a limited aid station at the start/finish, but bringing your own fuel and hydration and operating out of your car makes it really easy for this event.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather is typically chilly to start (20’s and 30’s), warming up throughout the day into the 40’s.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Although I never busted mine out, poles are helpful. Don’t forget a headlamp like I did for the first 90 minutes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s a great course for family or friends to come out and join for a lap or two, or they can hike the numerous other trails in the park.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing. T-shirts and stickers for participants, a bolo tie and buckle for 10 laps, and winner plaques.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars.
Photo: Jake-Southard-Visuals-@jakesouthardvisuals
Emily Keddie is a coach at Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Team RunRun Coach Dandelion tested and now shares her Norda shoe comparison. Dandelion is a coach, an adventurer, a gear expert, and an all around outdoor enthusiast – Enjoy!
Best Use: What did you use this piece of gear of most? Roads, track, trails, long runs, post-run, workouts only, racing only?
Norda
001
002
005
Lugs
5mm
5mm
4mm
Stack
Heel 26mm Forefoot 21mm
Heel 19mm Forefoot 15mm
Heel 28.5mm Forefoot 21.5mm
Drop
5mm
4mm
7.0mm
Upper
Seamless Dyneema
Seamless Dyneema
Open weave Bio-Dyneema
Outsole
Vibram Litebase Megagrip Soleplate
Vibram Litebase Megagrip Soleplate
Vibram Megagrip Elite Soleplate
Weight (US 8W)
232g
219g
177g
Price
$285 USD
$295 USD
$325 USD
Intended Use
All-round ultra/trail running workhorse shoe
Ultra/trail Running shoe designed for especially technical, scrambly terrain
Ultra lite, race day, trail super shoe for ultra and sub-ultra distances
The Norda Shoe Comparison: 001, 002, 005
Norda 001: The 001 (recently replaced by the 001A) is the shoe I reach for when I will be traveling long distance on varied terrain. I have used this shoe in the desert many times and it performs well, but it really shines in alpine settings. The high cushion prevents fatigue over long distances in the mountains on both smooth and technical trails. If the adventure happens to take me off the beaten path and into the high country, I trust the soles to adhere to rocks of all kinds, edge on technical scrambles and secure me to low angle snow slopes if needed. Beyond being an all-round adventure shoe, the 001 is also an excellent race option. I wore two pairs of 001’s during Hardrock 100 in July 2025. Having a highly durable shoe that would hold up through the rugged terrain of the San Juans while remaining comfortable over the extended distance was my highest priority and the 001 checked every box.
Norda 002: The 001 performs well on scramble missions, but the 002 truly excels on rocky, technical terrain. With a lower stack height, the 002 provides better ground “feel” which allows the athlete to mauver with confidence through granite, limestone and sandstone even in slick conditions. I reach for the 002 when I am going on a short scramble adventure (less than 50K) or longer trips that are mostly off trail in rocky, alpine environments. It is important to note that the 002 is compatible with micro-spikes, but they will not work with traditional strap on crampons. A bit surprising for a shoe meant to tackle more remote environments.
Norda 005:
This shoe is incredibly light! When I first tried them on, I was blown away by the hardly-there feather weight. The lugs are not particularly aggressive, but the shoe somehow still performs well on techy, rock covered trails and butter-smooth single track alike. I have experienced no issues with construction or durability. However, the midsole foam has been noted to become compressed and a bit hard underfoot on outings exceeding 50 miles depending on the weight of the user. To stay on the safe side, I have not utilized the 005 for runs beyond the 50-mile distance because of this reported tendency. It is an outstanding trail “super shoe” option for races. I love using it during the back half of a 100 miler when I really appreciate something light on my tired feet.
Left to Right: 001, 002 and 005
Additional Sizing Comments:
The website suggests going a half size up from your typical running shoe and I agree with this recommendation. I typically wear size 8.5W and ordered size 9W. This was absolutely the right decision. The 9W fits like an 8.5W. Nordas are made accommodate a wide foot.
Comparison to Past Models:
The 002 and 005 Norda have not upgraded any of their models aside from the available colorways. Recently the 001 was promoted to the 001A which has an upgraded midsole.
Comparison to Other Brands:
Nordas fall into the high-end material & craftmanship running shoe category. In doing a Norda shoe comparison, the most comparable brand would be Speedland. Both shoes are highly durable and created with true artistry and attention to detail. Speedland’s main differences include a Michelin outsole, ripstop mesh upper, BOA fit system, cuttable lugs, water drain and a removeable outsole. I have put many miles on my Speedland GS shoes and love the ride especially on slickrock and desert terrain. However, I believe the Nordas are superior in highly technical and rocky mountain environments especially where edging is required. I also prefer simple laces while scrambling over rocks and alpine landscapes over the BOA system. Though the BOA is excellent in a race scenario I worry that off-trail I could bang the mechanism against a rock and damage it leaving me with a shoe that cannot be tightened. Finally, Dyneema seems to better shed mud than the ripstop mesh of the Speedlands.
Left to Right: 001, 002 and 005
Durability:
Overall, all the shoe models are extremely durable. I have put over 300 miles on each model and they are still in working order with plenty of life left. My two sets of my 001s showed minimal lug wear even after traveling over highly technical terrain featuring lots of scree, talus and boulders in Hardrock 100 and the Wind River Range. However, my 002 upper collar experienced wear and holes after about 150 miles (see picture) which I found disappointing as they are the scramble specific model. So far, my 002s have not been compromised by this blemish though.
Changes for the next model:
I’d like to see some more durability added to the shoe collar of the 002. This shoe is meant to be used in highly technical/rocky terrain and I expected a bit more abrasion resistance.
002 Upper Wear
The True Test If your friend were looking for a piece of gear in this category, would you recommend they buy it and/or would you give this as a gift to that friend because you like it so much? Would there be something else you recommend they get instead because this gear doesn’t fit their needs?
After doing this Norda shoe comparison, I think these are near perfect mountain running shoes and I highly recommend them for trail runners; especially folks who regularly take on gnarly alpine routes.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I absolutely love the small town vibes and the scenery of the race. The race is set out in farming country in Turner, OR, just south of Salem. Often times in January it is either raining, sunny, or at times even snowy. This year, it was 30 degrees and sunny at the start!
Each race is very flat. The course is a very simple out and back, and the lack of turns makes it very easy to maintain your pace without having to exert additional effort.
Competition! This race is usually very competitive for the faster runners, but still has runners competing of all abilities so that you are not alone during the event.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
My one pain point- lack of porto potties on the course. They have 2 porto potties set up approximately 2 miles in, and then at the turn around point at 6.5 miles. You hit the porto potty again at 11 miles. I had an incident where nature called, and I had to hobble a couple miles until I reached the 11 mile porto potty. That was the only part of the race that did not do it for me!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The “Weird” factor (But in a great way!)- They serve post race baked potatoes, chili, and tortilla chips! After spending a lot of time in the cold for the half marathon, it made for an enjoyable way to refuel.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My personal goal was to go under 1:16. My first 5K was in 17:53, and first 10K in 36:05 which had me on pace comfortably to be able to achieve my goal time. Even after I took my nature break after 11 miles , I was able to get back and run 5:51 miles for the last 2 miles as comfortably as I could. Although I didn’t hit my goal time due to those circumstances, I came out of the race knowing that I have the capabilities to dip under 1:16 in the half marathon this year. To be in this level of fitness in January , with goal races taking place later on this year I was very happy!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Make sure to consciously back off the first mile effort wise. It is pancake flat, and very easy to get sucked into the race day atmosphere and go out harder than you intended!
If you tend to need the bathroom frequently, and sometimes nature calls during the race no matter what, keep in mind that their are only 3 locations (2 mile, 6.5 mile, and 11 mile) for porto’s. Do what you need to do before hand to prepare!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I usually have a supplement I take before races to help with my nature movements. Will make sure I don’t forget that!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
No ground breaking knowledge to have for the race. Just look at the map and take mental note of where you are at in the race when you make your turns.
That can help mentally break the race down into segments, and not feel like a certain stretch goes on for ages!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is a GORGEOUS course! Usually sunlight is out for the race, very cold temps make the farm fields glisten with frost in the morning which was such a welcome sight while taking part of the course.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not a tough course at all, very flat and runner friendly! Wide country roads and excellent traffic control
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The race is very well run! The race director this year also runs the Salem 70.3 Ironman competition each summer, so is very well organized.This is one of the oldest Half Marathons in the state of Oregon, and have kept their modest race setup over the years. Makes for a very great participant experience.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Strong field (Albeit a couple strong runners for faster people to run with). I ran with an ON pro trail runner in the half. There are usually local run clubs that bring their elite race teams to this event. There are also plenty of people at multiple paces which help the race feel not lonely and have people to run with.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Very easy for me to get to the race. 50 minute drive down. The race had it’s largest turnout this year (550 total participants), so if you are coming from out of town, hotels are very easy to find and usually inexpensive for this time of year
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very basic aid stations. Water, gatorade, and bananas
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually between 25-32 degrees at the start, and warms up slightly to the end.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I would just recommend gloves, and any cold weather gear you usually would run in! I run super hot, so just wear gloves for the race. Others were bundled in tights, long sleeves, arm sleeves, and beanies. To each their own!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
VERY SPECTATOR FRIENDLY for those who are willing to drive to certain points to cheer. Otherwise, the course is just out and back.
How’s the Swag?
A basic dry-fit long sleeve tee. However, the artwork on it is very cool, retro looking and plays into the low cost vibe of the race
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I give this a 9/10! Docking 1 point only for the lack of porto potties. Highly recommend to anyone in the area who is interested!
Chris Poole is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
FOOD- free cheese or chicken quesadilla and these amazing, giant brownies after you finish! there’s also a lot of snacks & fresh fruit you can garb. You do not leave feeling hungry after the race!
Recovery Zone – There’s an area where you can use compression boots, get a 5min massage or chat with a physical therapist while you stretch & foam roll. they also have coconut water to sip while you recover. This is all free to race participants
Swag – this race does not that any cuts when it comes to swag. marathon and half marathon registration includes a free Rabbit shirt. the really & 5k can purchase one. Each distance has a custom medal only for the race. An artist designs the race bibs to coordinate with the medals. there are age groups awards, custom made top finisher awards, swag bags and lots of race goodies!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
A section of the marathon and half marathon course goes along a highway. It’s noisy and not very pretty.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You run over two different bridges; there’s several turns to get on/off them. There are not steep but can feel like a climb and the turns can slow down your time. There is also a very short out & back on an island around a lighthouse. The lighthouse is cool but the out & back seem pointless.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The vibe! from the start of the race, through the aid-stations and once you finish. A lot of energy and support.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Plan ahead with time for parking. there are several parking lots in the park but several are a farther way(or consider this a warmup & cooldown)
Bib pickup can get backed up so lots of people picking up at the same time. use this time to do some more stretching 🙂
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Weather can be all over the place! cold, rain or warmup sunshine. stock the weather!! pack lots of options especially if you traveling from a distance
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
90% of the race is on a paved trail, there are a couple sections that are along the road (the should is wide or you have a bike path). There are several turns for the marathoners(bridges), this is where people can(and have) taken wrong turns. If you running the marathon be sure to really study the course. the relay follows the same route as the marathon with 3 transition spots. This can be more crowded for the participants running through.
The half marathon is an out & back course. There is only one turn to get up on a bike path along the highway.
The 5k course is an easy out & back
The marathon is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Tes, 95% of the marathon & relay course you can view the river! you run through 3 different towns(kennewick, Richland & Pasco). The course also takes you turn several pretty parks(although the can be a tad crowed).
The half marathon course is part way along the river and part way along a highway. 50/50 on the beauty of that course
The 5k is along a riverfront park
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
There are several turns in the marathon & relay course, that you need to pay attention for. The course is very well marked with signs, lots of cones, mileage markers and markings on the pavement. If you follow the signs and course markings you shouldn’t have any problem!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
YES! This race got started with a group of runners from the Tri-Cities meeting for coffee. They area not a running club just a group of people who love to run. There goal is to put on a high quality event for everyone to enjoy. The event has a race committee with over a dozen members with a variety of experiences, including Boston marathon runners, 100 miler finishers, mountain climbers, trail & road runners. Together they bring years of experience & knowledge with running and racing that is then fed into putting on an event that offers everyone a great experience. The success of this event is 100% due to there being so many talented and passionate people working year around.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There a few semi pro runners that some to run the marathon or half marathon. No elite runners yet! There is a strong competitive flied for local runners
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give usthe low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Because of permits with the city, this race has sold out! so don’t wait until the last month to register. They offer discounts with a couple hotels close by the race start/finish.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid Stations will be spaced 1.5 – 2.5 miles apart. They have all have water, sports drink and energy gels. The liquids are offered in pre-filled cups and then pitchers will also be available to refill bottles or bladders. Stations will have a fun theme to inspired you along the way!
Restrooms or port-a-potties are spaced no more than 4 miles apart. If they are not at an aid station, a sign will be on the side of the course pointing to their location. At every port-a-potties there are female hygiene kits.
Weather and typical race conditions
Mid-April in Kennewick, WA, generally brings pleasant, warming weather with average highs in the low 60s to low 70sF. Lows in the high 30s – 40s (it can be chilly at the start). The day usually brings warm sunshine and minimal rain, though it can still be breezy. It has been now to rain or be windy! check the weather 🙂
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing too special; a good pair of road running shoes. A light jacket to start but you will want to ditch it a couple miles in.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yep, lots of places for friends, family and the cheer squad to come out!! great places are that the aid-station locals. the course is easy to access by car on the road.
How’s the Swag?
You won’t find better swag for the price you pay! Rabbit T-shirts, cozy hoodies(for sell), custom medals & awards, cool race bibs to coordinate with the medals and swag bags and with goodies!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Finish line vibe – live marimba band playing as you finish! great family atmosphere and makes you want to hang out and chat with running friends
FREE Recovery zone – where you can get a quick massage, stretch or foam roll with a PT or use compression boots. Leave the race feeling fully recovered!
Themed aid-stations – the volunteers bring the hype! Each aid-station is themed with blowup costumes and music playing
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The course is in full sun. late May in eastern Washington can be hot!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The race starts & finishes in a beautiful grassy park. The half marathon turns around at an industrial part of town by a railroad track. Not the prettiest area to run in but turning around gives you gorgeous views of the Columbia river and the view of two different bridges.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This race has a half marathon, 10k, 5k, and free 1 mile. A lot of families do this race varying from each distance. If family members are back in time they can join in on the 1 mile fun run! you see a lot of grandparents, moms, dads & kids running together!!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If you think the half marathon will take you more than 3hrs, you can do an early start(and beat some heat) at 7am. This gives you a full 4hours for the half marathon distance. you are able to walk the 10k or 5k and still finish at/or before 11am.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
It can be hot! Wear a hats, carry extra water & sun screen. no shade on the course. Give extra time to park and get to the start. There is lots of parking but the closest parking lots fill up first. The bigger ones are .25 mile away but this gives for a good warm-up & cool-down walk 🙂
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is very simple out & back on a paved bike/walking path. You do cross over 2 parking lots where people access the river but it’s not busy and course marshals are present. The course is marked every mile and signage along the way. It’s very nice you do not have to worry about turns on roads or dodging cars. Several places along the course, have easy access where your family, friends or cheer time can come out and watch you run. The course is certified by USATF.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The race starts & finishes at a big grassy park beside the river. You will go through a natural habit area where that is more sage brush and trees. There’s section of river houses along one side of the path and about a mile up on a dyke. The riverfront path has access to several parks along it. You can view the river the entire time! Going out the river is on your right hand-side and coming back its on the left. The water does provide a bit a breeze and mist at places to cool you down.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Nope! out & back and flat; you could run it half asleep
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The RD has put on running events since ’19. She has several running friends & family that help put this event on. It’s well organized and planned out. The race is know for a great family/friendly atmosphere. People hang around after the race to visit and cheer on other runners
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There’s a competitive group of local runners. Not so much of pro-athletes coming to the race.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Registration is easy through https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Pasco/BigRiverPasco There are several hotels close by for out of town folks. The race is also close to the Tri-Cities airport. The race has sold out before so don’t wait until bib pick to walkup and register!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Half marathon- stations are 1.5-2 miles apart. total of 7 all with fun themes to keep you motivated
10k – stations are mile at 1.55, 3.05 and 4.5.
5k – station at 1.55 the halfway/turn around point.
All stations have electrolyte drink (in colored cups), walk (in white cups), gels & fruit snacks, salt tablets and a 1st-aid-kit (they’ve got you covered)
Weather and typical race conditions
At the end of May in eastern Washington expect warm, sunny, and dry conditions with daily highs climbing from the mid-70s to near 80°F. lows rise from the low 40s to the low 50s°F. It’s generally pleasant, with low chances of rain and increasing sunshine, making it a great time for outdoor activities as spring transitions into summer!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
If you take the early start for the half marathon; the first 1-2 aid-stations will not be opened yet. Bring a hand held water bottle or hydration vest.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
YES! there are several parks along the riverfront path where people can park and easily get access to the race course. all the aid-stations are a great place to view runners
How’s the Swag?
The half marathoners get a free shirt with their registration. the others distances can purchase a shirt for extra. Half marathon, 10k, 5k gets a custom finisher medal. The race bibs are custom designed by an artist to coordinate with the medals. Age group awards and custom made finisher awards for the top 3 male & female finishers of the HM, 10k & 5k
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10 come out to the Big River Race in Pasco, Washington!
With the Mesa Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Average high: 79°F (26°C) Average low: 53° F (12°C)
Course map and Elevation – thank you to Derek Siebert for the Strava info!
Tips from Coaches and Runners:
Registration – Bibs can be personalized if you register by a certain date. I chose Team RunRun but you can choose your name or similar.
Expo – No race day packet pickup and is held in a retail complex. Very well organized, outdoor/indoor setup with easy parking. Good course information, maps, bus schedules etc.
Race Day:
Must park near finish line and take school bus to start. I don’t remember if there were assigned bus times, but I always like to be early. Ride up was close to an hour if I remember correctly. I don’t recall being able to wait on busses so be prepared to dress warm. I believe the roads are blocked off to anyone but busses so I don’t think getting dropped off is an option.
When you get up there, it’s dark and cold. Race started at 6:30 and I think I was there by 5:30. Time went by predictably slow. Decent amount of toilets and propane heaters, but as more busses got there, it got pretty crowded. Decent ability to warm up.
Entertainment. Through their app they had a landmarks and pace feature that you could listen to. The landmarks were pretty interesting, but timing/location were off a bit. Timing was all over the place and I eventually turned it off.
GPS – One of the most accurate I’ve ever done, finishing in 26.22. Splits with Garmin were very close to physical markers.
Miles 1-4. It’s still dark. DARK. No spectator access so it’s eerily quiet with the pitter patter of carbon shoes in cadence. Road starts as both lanes and then goes to 1 lane. Cones randomly appear out of nowhere and runners try to communicate so you don’t trip. It’s crowded. Recommend throw away headlamp, especially if you are near front of pack, assuming same race start time. Similar feeling to first miles of Boston where it’s hard to run your own race.
Miles 5-6. Gradual uphill but actually feels like a good change of pace before more downhill miles.
Miles 7-20. Gradual downhill and getting into the city. Once you get onto McDowell Rd, then, Val Vista Dr, and long stretch on Brown Rd, the miles are pretty boring. Residential and retail with lots of 5 lane roads/stop lights. Plenty of running room here.
Miles 20-finish. These miles have a few more turns and are flat, but seem uphill. Spectators increase a bit, but you need to rely on your own motivation overall.
While it’s only mid 50s at finish, the desert air zaps energy and hydration. It was my first run of any length and I was pretty dehydrated despite not pushing for a PR
Post race. Quick finisher chute, snacks/drinks as expected. I stuck around for other runners in the 4:30 range and it seemed well organized and supplied. Cool finisher print out that congratulated me on BQ.
Aid stations. Nothing memorable good or bad. Normal distribution and water/electrolytes. I think they were staffed well. I carried nutrition so I’m unsure what was offered, if anything. I did not carry my own hydration, but many did.
Overall a very well organized race. First half has some amazing views, but second half looks like the same landscape for a long time. Biggest regret was getting there so early and being cold and not having a headlamp. Not tripping in crowded first few miles was an accomplishment. I think it’s a great tune up marathon for Boston from a course profile stand point to get used to pounding quads early, but lacks any uphill except a couple early uphill miles.
From RunRunner Derek Siebert
“Arrive earlier than you think as there will be cars lined up to the buses. The race was delayed last year (2025) because of traffic on the highway.” – Coach Brant Stachel
“You’ll be starting in the dark so it may be helpful to practice running in the dark. The streets have decent lights but it is a different feel for your pace.” – Coach Brant Stachel
Runners staying warm with heaters before the race.
Starting line and it’s definitely dark!
Finally seeing the sunrise during the race.
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Mesa Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
From David Ha: https://teamrunrun.com/mesa-marathon-race-report-david-h/
RunRunner Derek Siebert (in white) with other marathon finishers.
4. Shakeout Run
Shakeout Run
Date: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Time: 8am (race expo starts at 9am).
Location:Tempe Beach Park (10 minutes from the expo, has parking and there’s a paved path along both sides of the lake with a pedestrian bridge at one end)
Distance: 5k easy run – all paces welcome. Option to run farther (it’s an out and back route).
Optional post-run social: Bones and Bru (.3 miles from the run start so people can drive or walk. Serves smoothies and coffees and makes dog treats)
5. Mesa Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Mesa Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
Have you heard of the Across the Years (ATY) Ultra? If not, you’re about to learn about the coolest running place to spend New Year’s!
Across The Years is a fixed-time 6-day running event that takes place around a 1.4108 mile loop of the Peoria Sports Complex in metro Phoenix, Arizona. It’s put on by Aravaipa Running. The race is over the last week of December, spilling over into January of the following year… hence the moniker Across The Years.
There are a variety of events including fixed-time and fixed-distance including 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hour races, 100k, 100 mile, 200 mile races, daily marathon for each of the 6 days, and a Last Person Standing event which ran for over 48 hours (204.5 miles) in 2025-26.
There is a lot going on for 6 days.
But why is it worth attending?
Easy travel access. Sky Harbor International airport is a major center and regional hub, with numerous direct daily flights. Rental cars are easy to come by, Ubers are everywhere (there are even driverless Waymo cars!), and Phoenix is a rental RV hub. The race venue is walking distance from hotels, restaurants and even Trader Joe’s!
It’s easy to crew. The 1.4108 mile loop passes by both tent city and an RV parking area. You can set up your table, tent, trailer or camper van right on the course for your race, whether it’s 6 hours, 200 miles or anything in-between. There are showers available 24/7 near the aid station and you can park your vehicle right on course! Sleeping options include tent, cot and even sleeping bag rentals from Aravaipa Running, bringing your own tent, sleeping in your vehicle or RV in the parking lot, or hotels and AirBnBs. Phoenix being a major city means multiple options at a variety of price points.
24 hour aid station with hot food options. One of the highlights of the ATY event is the food. Each day, aid station staff and volunteers serve a cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals have included oatmeal bars, breakfast burritos, pancakes, soups, chili, burgers, pizza, sandwiches and more. The standard aid station fare is always available, plus there are gluten- free, vegan, vegetarian options. You can contact Aravaipa directly with questions about the different options at aid stations for this and all of their races.
It’s a short loop. You are less than a mile and a half from aid at all times. You’re frequently passing your tent or the crew area for clothing or shoe swaps, naps, your own nutrition. It can get monotonous but you’re never far for support, making it a great way to ease into running overnight, trying new nutrition strategies, and more.
The different events and looped course give a different vibe than other ultras. The nature of the looped course means that you will see a lot of people. Runners have the option to start many events at 9am on any of the days the race is being held; the 6-day, Last Person Standing, 100k have fixed dates and times. So, on the first day, if you choose to run a 12 hour race, you’re on the course with the 6 day competitors plus anyone in any of the other distances or times who choose to start. There is a lot of time to chat in the longer races. Many crews and competitors become friends out on course, or sharing stories in the camping areas. Many people return each year, chasing personal records, lifetime achievements such as 1,000 mile jackets, and to reconnect with old (maybe last year) friends. It’s a supportive environment, particularly with the longer events. Top competitors regularly surpass 300 miles in 6 days, but others are out to raise money for charitable endeavors, honor someone or achieve their first buckle. What’s fun is that for fixed distance races, buckles are awarded but there is no fixed cutoff: an athlete completing 100 miles in the 6-day event would get a 100 mile buckle. Completing 200 miles in the 6-day would get you a 200 mile buckle. For fixed time, running 100 miles in 48 hours would also get you a 100 mile buckle, and running it in 24 hours, a 100 mile sub-24 hour buckle.
The community. There are so many events, and so many people, it’s easy to make friends and share laps with people. At the longer distances and times, many people spend a lot of time walking, making it easier to chat. Many of the competitors have been coming back for years, and enjoy the time to connect. Being at this race, whether running, walking, volunteering or crewing offers so many chances to meet people.
Last Person Standing. These events are booming in popularity, with human limits being pushed seemingly more each race. This year’s final two participants both crossed 200 miles, smashing the former course record by nearly 50 miles and 12 hours. The crazy part? This format is completing one 1.4108 mile loop every 20 minutes until only one person can continue. That’s just over 100 miles in a 24 hour period, meaning they continued for more than 48 hours without stopping for more than 7 minutes! It’s inspirational to see how far people can go, and more inspirational to hear the support of other runners as those two pushed themselves.
New Year’s Eve celebration. There is a sparkly apple juice toast and community celebratory lap for midnight as the clock hits midnight and the new calendar year begins. You can walk the New Year’s lap with your phone open to UltraSignup and register for some races while you’re on the course.
Guest and memorial bibs. There are a number of guest bibs so that runners can have someone join them for one or a few laps during their race. There are also memorial bibs for anyone in the community that passed away in the previous year. Community members will come out to do some laps in memorial, with an informal goal of getting those bibs to 100 miles so that the family or next of kin get one more buckle from community support.
Volunteer credit. Aravaipa Running has a volunteer credit program, so if you go out to volunteer you get a break on your next registration for an Aravaipa race. With the event being spread out over 6 days of race, plus setup beforehand and breakdown after, there are heaps of slots to fill. If you’re curious to see what an ultra is like it’s a great way to see what the fuss is about. It’s also a great way to make new friends, and maybe, just maybe, find crew or pacers for your future goals while you support those pacers and crew in theirs. As mentioned, lifelong friendships have been forged at this race!
So, if you’re curious to try hour hand at a race with most variables controlled, want to test your mental endurance in Last Person Standing, want to meet some Team RunRun coaches and athletes, or if you’d like to share laps with legends in the sport, come out to Peoria in December 2026 for Across the Years!
Coach Greg Veregin is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
If you stand still and listen at any finish line, or scroll through your strava feed you’ll hear and see all sorts of reasons people feel they did not meet their goal.
Bad weather. Illness. Work stress. Family obligations. Injury. Bad coaching. Poor race day execution. Life.
And sure, sometimes those things do play a role. But more often than we like to admit, the real culprit isn’t out there, it’s inside. It’s not the circumstances. It’s the lack of honesty.
Ok Ok, let’s be clear, I am not calling people liars. A liar is someone who intentionally misrepresents the truth. In this case, I am referring to a deeper personal level of truth that may be hidden behind a personal blindspot. It happens!
Before training even begins, I ask athletes a few key questions.
1. How much time can you really commit each week? A true response goes a long way when building a plan. If a coach thinks they have seven days to work with, but you end up averaging three or four, things go sour quickly. Not only are you undertrained, but we could also be opening the door to injury from trying to “make up” for missed work. It’s not about judgment—it’s about reality.
2. Does your available time align with your goal? If you’re training for a marathon but only have 2 – 3 days a week, let’s talk about whether that’s realistic or if there’s a better-suited goal that fits your life right now. This isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about setting you up for success, not frustration or burnout. Remember: this is supposed to be fun.
3. Can you be consistent? Are you able to hit 90–95% of the workouts over a cycle? You’ll miss one or two here and there, that’s life. But consistency is where the magic happens. If the answer is no, let’s find a path you can stick with. One that supports your life, not competes with it.
4. Do you really want to achieve this goal—or do you just like the idea of it? Two years ago, I was sure I wanted to get back into full-distance (Iron) triathlon. The truth? I liked the thought of it more than the reality. I liked the image, the idea, the finish line in my head but I didn’t want to commit to the training required. I realised this after I restarted my training. That kind of honesty saved me a lot of frustration. So, for now at least, that chapter’s closed and my time, energy, and focus are better spent on other priorities, like my family. That doesn’t make it a failure. It makes it real.
Most of the excuses we give have a root system.
They might look like external causes of injury, missed workouts, overtraining or burnout but when you dig a little deeper, and you’ll often find that they trace back to one thing: The failure to be honest.
Honest about needing a break. Honest about trying to do too much. Honest about not really wanting this goal as much as you said you did. Honest about the fact that life is pulling in other directions, and you need to shift expectations.
And that’s okay. Honesty doesn’t mean quitting. It means clarity. It means we adjust before things break. It means we train smarter, not harder. It means we stop wasting time chasing someone else’s version of success.
What does honesty look like in practice?
It’s acknowledging that we might have a blind spot when it comes to ourselves and our training.
It looks like saying, “I just don’t have the bandwidth right now.”
Or, “I need to train for health, not performance.”
Or even, “I thought I wanted this, but maybe I don’t.”
It also looks like saying, “Yes I want this. And I’m ready to do the work.”
Either answer is valid. Both require courage.
As a coach, I try to create space for that kind of honesty from day one. Because the goal isn’t just to hit a pace or finish a race. The real win is learning to know yourself better through the process.
And it starts with a single question: Am I being honest with myself?
Corey Turnbull is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
Balancing running with parenthood—especially with babies or toddlers—can feel overwhelming. Between nap schedules, work demands, and sleepless nights, it’s easy to assume that consistent training or hitting new running goals just isn’t possible anymore. But if running is important to you or an important stress reliever, I wanted to share some ways I’ve tried to keep that possibility alive.
If you’re searching for tips on how to run with a baby, stay consistent as a busy parent, fit marathon training into parent life, this guide offers a realistic, encouraging, and experience-based approach. As a run coach and father of two toddlers, I’ve learned what actually works—and how running can still thrive during one of the busiest seasons of life.
1. Start by Shifting Your Expectations
The first and most important adjustment when running with young kids is mental: your running won’t look the same as it did before parenthood. You won’t have as much time. Your priorities will shift. And that’s perfectly okay.
You can still improve and have fun with running, but you might race less or go through long periods without hitting PRs. That doesn’t mean you can’t get faster—many parents do. I’ve been able to improve in certain areas as well—but the path is not as linear or straightforward as it used to be. I draw a lot of inspiration from professional runners crushing it post-partum, but this post is geared more toward my personal experience as a working parent with a non-running related profession.
When our second child was born in 2024, I only raced once the entire year. Training was lighter both before and after her birth. I ended up running the Chicago Marathon when she was about four months old and finished about 22 minutes off my PR. But it was still incredibly meaningful, and running continued to bring me joy and stress relief, even at lower volume.
Shifting your expectations isn’t lowering your standards. It’s adapting to reality so you can still get meaningful satisfaction out of the sport.
2. Seize Small Windows—Don’t Hesitate
One of the biggest skills you develop as a running parent is the ability to go the moment you get a window. If you have a 20-minute nap or your partner steps in for a bit, that is your chance. You can’t procrastinate, stretch leisurely, or ease into it. Lace up and get out the door.
This is where expectations matter: you will run fewer total minutes during certain phases of parenthood. Some days you’ll squeeze in just 10–15 minutes. But something is genuinely better than nothing—and it adds up.
Three days of 15–20 minute runs is an hour or more of training you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Over a week or a month, that consistency can be huge. I’ve had 7 minute runs completely reset my mood and clear my mind.
Short runs maintain momentum. They reinforce your identity as a runner. And they keep the habit alive during the busiest seasons of life.
3. Embrace Quality Over Quantity
When your overall volume drops, one of the best ways to stay sharp is to focus more on quality. Shorter runs can become mini-workouts. If all you have is 20 or 30 minutes, try running some of those miles fast.
After our first child was born, most of my training happened on the treadmill during naps or late at night. I was preparing for a marathon and managed maybe 30–40 miles a week. Not a lot of long runs. Not a lot of big mileage. But I did a ton of really fast two or three mile treadmill runs.
They were fun, time-efficient, and surprisingly effective.
Going into the race with a 5 month-old, I had no expectation of a major PR—but ended up with one of the best performances of my life. That high-quality speed work translated into a pace that felt surprisingly smooth on race day.
Sometimes less mileage + more quality = a faster, fresher (as fresh as sleepless can be) version of yourself.
4. My Most Unexpected PR (and Why It Happened)
Heading into that marathon, my PR was 2:46. Given new-parent life, I was just hoping to run near that time. But during the race, I ended up running with the leader through the early miles. We were both running ahead of our PR paces, but we felt good.
Around mile nine, he pushed ahead, but I held steady. I caught him at mile 26, won the race, and finished with a five-minute personal best—all on lower mileage, fragmented sleep, nighttime treadmill runs, and complete life chaos.
That day taught me a huge lesson: even when you’re stretched thin, you can still have breakthrough performances. They won’t happen every time. In fact, I haven’t touched that PR since. But it showed me that progress is still completely possible during parenthood—just not always predictable.
5. The Running Stroller Is Your Secret Weapon
If there’s one highly tactical recommendation I can make, it’s this: invest in a good running stroller.
Our kids are 14 months apart, and we bought a double stroller before our second was even born. To this day, stroller miles are a massive part of my training. Some weeks, they make up nearly 100% of my running.
Stroller running lets you get mileage in without needing childcare, take the kids along for naptime, keep consistency even when solo windows are rare, and maintain fitness.
With the right infant attachments and once your baby has adequate neck support, stroller running can start earlier than many people think (maybe as early as 2-3 months if you ensure their head and neck are not wobbling around). It’s a game changer, and without it, I simply wouldn’t be able to train consistently.
6. Teamwork With Your Partner Matters (When Possible)
Every family situation is different, but if you have a partner, working together can be one of the most impactful ways to keep running in your life.
For context: I lead a finance team full-time, and my wife is now a first-year medical resident, often working 70–80 hours per week. Before that, she completed medical school while we had our children. Life has not been slow.
Yet both of us have still been able to train and enjoy meaningful race experiences.
Earlier this year, while I trained for the Boston Marathon, my wife trained for the Providence Marathon. She ended up running a massive 35-minute PR at 11 months postpartum.
How did we make it work?
We traded long-run mornings. Saturday morning: I took both kids while she ran. Sunday morning: she took the kids while I ran. For about two and a half months, we maintained that rhythm and both had great spring marathons. Residency has changed the dynamic again, but that period taught us how powerful coordinated routine can be. If your partner doesn’t run, utilize the same teamwork for whatever hobby brings them joy!
Conclusion: Running With Young Kids Is Different, But It’s Absolutely Possible
Your running might not look like it did before kids—but that doesn’t mean it has to disappear, or that your best days are behind you. Some of my proudest running moments have come after becoming a parent, not before. Some highlights include the JFK 50 mile race and a Guinness World Record in 2025 at the Boston Marathon dressed as a leprechaun.
You’re juggling more now. You’re prioritizing your family. And if running still fits into that life—even imperfectly—that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Our kids will know that exercise is a priority not a luxury, you get one life and I want them to know that they should never put their health on the backburner because life gets busy.
Sean McIntyre is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
This year, I set out to do something hard, attempting to run my first 100 miler. I had run and finished all the other major ultra distances (50K, 50 mile and 100K), and it was time to make the jump. After all, this is what I DREAMED about when I finished my first road half-marathon in 2019 and set my sights on ultras.
I didn’t make my first one any easier – targeting the Leadville 100, a grueling 100 miles with nearly 15,000ft of climbing and descent, all above 9,000ft of elevation.
Still, I knew I had what it took to achieve sweet victory, a finish in the Race Across the Sky.
But the day didn’t go my way
Despite a strong start, hitting my target times through the 12 mile aid station and 23 mile aid station, there were signs of trouble. The elevation really hit my heart rate more than I expected, even though I took plenty of precaution and gave lots of time to acclimate (about 2 weeks). Coming into the 23 mile aid, I started to feel a bit of hip tightness. I still kept pushing, hoping my body was settling into the day.
Unfortunately, as I got a few miles past, that pain that was in my hip, worked it’s way into my knee. Quickly, I went from running, to run/walk mix, grinding all the way to pure power hiking. Descents were excruciating. And I was only 30 miles in with the toughest part of the race – a 25-mile, 8,000ft ascent/descent – still ahead.
I resolved to get as far as I could. Races sometimes go this way, and things clear themselves up over time. But each downhill step reminded me of the pain I was in. All-in-all, I went up the climb that is Hope Pass, and went down the other side (gingerly, painfully), and made it to the 50-mile mark, missing the cutoff by 15 minutes.
I had DNF’d the race (Did not Finish).
From Did not Finish to Did not Fail
Look up ultra races on various registration websites, and you’ll see – finishing is NOT a guarantee in this sport. Regardless of if you’re an elite runner, a mid-packer, or a cutoff chaser. It’s a matter of time before the Grim Reaper of Racing catches you.
I had to feel those feelings for myself, though. Despite plenty of adversity in my races, I was able to overcome and finish. When I didn’t, it made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I had to work through a process to bring myself back to realization that this is all part of the game.
Here’s some of the steps I took to move from “failure” to “progress.”
Practice gratitude – this was something I was doing the entire race, even when things started to sour. I took that to my crew when I reconnected after the race, and to friends and family who asked about the race after.
Be open, but don’t dwell – people asked how it went. I told them. I didn’t hide in shame. I shared my experience, strength and hope. I didn’t focus on the negatives, though I was open to what happened and what went wrong.
Reflect on the issues – I looked at what went wrong. Training gaps, race-day mistakes, taper week flaws, nutrition issues. I looked at it all. I realized there were things I could have been doing differently, not in self-flagellation, but in objective ownership.
Get back at itbut don’t rush – The first focus was fixing my knee. Then it was giving my mind something to work back towards. I signed up for another race (50K), that gave me 10 weeks to recover and rebuild.
Give yourself grace – ultrarunning is hard, and we are fortunate that we even get to do this at all. And with that, this is all a learning process.
There is no failure, because there is no finish
Ultra-running is much like life. There are highs, there are lows, and despite it all, everything keeps moving forward. Finishing a race doesn’t mean that you’ve reached the pinnacle and are done, nor does a DNF mean you have hit rock-bottom and are down for the count.
Treat each race as its own life-lesson. A tool to learn about yourself – what makes you tick, how you handle adversity, how you treat yourself and others, how you view the world. When you do that, you win EVERY race you’re a part of, because you continue on with the progress of becoming who you are meant to be.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
A big marathon experience without the big hassle: 8,000 runners at the start, but pretty much stress-free navigation as Seattle is easy to get around, especially on a quiet Sunday in November.
Aid stations and volunteers: There are 13 aid stations along the course with lots of helpful volunteers.
26.2 miles meandering around Seattle: The course changed (again), allowing us to see Cap Hill, Interlaken Park, the Arboretum, the Montlake Bridge, University of Washington, Gas Works Park, the Burke Gilman Trail, Magnolia, and even the Olympic Sculpture Park! It felt like a long run, on a sightseeing trail, with a bunch of friends.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
This year had to change at the last minute, and not for the better. We had to run down some odd streets and trails to get the full 26.2 miles. This included some dirt trails behind the University of Washington (UW), a strange out-and-back that was super narrow for the amount of people on the course, another out-and-back across a parking lot… Odd.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Putting together a 26.2 mile course can’t be all amazing. However, parts of this year’s course – running behind a railroad yard, along a back bay where boats are serviced, some interesting loops on the UW campus – were super weird for me.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I decided to do back-to-back marathons this year: the Seattle Ghost Marathon on Saturday, and then this on the Sunday. So I was happy (and a little relieved) to get to the start line healthy and ready to go! I took my time out there, soaking in all the interesting parts of Seattle that the course meandered through.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Seattle on a Sunday morning is pretty quiet. One benefit is that you can find quite a bit of parking very close to the start line.
The Seattle Marathon race start.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
The few steep hills caught me off guard. Having trained on flat ground, this left me unsure how to pace them, spiking my heart rate and making recovery tough after each one. I’d certainly recommend putting some short, steep hills into your training.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It is a pretty standard “city marathon”: enjoy the tour of Seattle and be ready for a few hills.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The Seattle Marathon course map.
The course connects some of the best parts of Seattle: the Arboretum, UW, Gas Works Park. Those are beautiful. But some of the miles to connect those together, as you’ll find in all big cities, can be a bit more plain or even boring, like behind the rail road depot.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The Seattle Marathon has almost 1,000 feet of climbing over the course of the 26.2 miles, and some of those hills are surprisingly steep. So be ready for that. Otherwise it is a pretty easy course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Except for the changing of the course a few days before the race, everything is very well done. From pre-race emails, to the announcer at the start line getting everyone situated, tons of well stocked aid stations, mile markers every mile, and a great post-race area: all well done!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
For being a pretty small marathon, the Seattle Marathon can be pretty competitive. This year, the male winner finished in 2:17:09. That’s fast!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
There aren’t any special requirements to get in. But if you like saving money, sign up as early as possible to get the best price. Right after this year’s race, entry to the 2026 Seattle Marathon cost about $100, but closer to the race it’s over $215!
The Seattle Marathon long sleeved shirt, medal, and race bib.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Mostly just water and Gatorade at the (numerous) aid stations: a safe bet for runners. A couple of times there would be some HUMA gels being handed out, but those felt more like an after-thought.
Weather and typical race conditions
Seattle in late November can be miserable, or like this year, gorgeous, 60°F and sunny. Always bring layers you don’t mind losing to stay warm in the start corral.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Some light-weight gloves were helpful for me. And some cushioned shoes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are not a lot of spots for family to watch from: a few spots near the Arboretum or the UW campus. But with all the closed roads, it makes for getting to numerous spots along the course difficult.
How’s the Swag?
Pretty good. A decent long sleeved shirt and a hefty finisher medal!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5. If you live near Seattle, it is worth it. Or maybe if you want a November marathon and a fun tour of Seattle on foot. But is the Seattle Marathon amazing? No.
Michael Linscott is a coach with Team RunRun based in North Bend, Oregon. Michael works with a wide range of athletes: from new runners following a “couch to 5K” plan, to experienced ultramarathoners preparing for a gnarly 100 miler, and everyone in between.
