We've officially hit the -ber months, which means it's the biggest racing season of the year. From World Majors to local races, this is one of the busiest and most exciting times for runners chasing their goals. Lining up to test your potential is one of the best parts of the sport, but don't forget to celebrate every starting line. Finishing a healthy training block (even with a few hiccups along the way) is an achievement worth recognizing. Simply arriving at race day strong is something to be proud of. 

 

As of approach your goal race, carry that pride with you. Don't wait until the finish line to feel it. Too often, we act as if pride can only come after we hit our goals. But the truth is, once we hit one milestone, we almost immediately set our sights on the next. That means if you only allow yourself to feel proud once you “arrive,” you'll never fully pause to celebrate how far you've already come. 

 

So instead, give yourself permission now. Before each race, take a moment to acknowledge your journey, training, and the opportunity to keep chasing your potential. 

 

Let’s get after it!

 

Q:  “I have been stuck at the same 5K pace for a year. What kind of training stimulus am I probably missing?”

A: If you’ve been stuck at the same 5K pace for months (or even years), you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. The 5K is difficult event that's often underestimated. It's short enough to demand speed, but long enough to rely heavily on your aerobic engine. One common trap runners fall into is over-focusing on goal pace in training. Yes, speed work is important, but running at 5K pace over and over won’t automatically make you faster if the rest of your training isn’t supporting it.

 

The truth is, improving your 5K often requires going slower, more often. Easy running helps build your aerobic base, which raises the floor for all your paces. When your aerobic system is more efficient, you can hold harder efforts longer and with less fatigue. It’s also worth incorporating some moderate-intensity work, like lactate threshold runs, which improve your ability to sustain fast paces without burning out halfway through.

 

Bottom line: If your 5K progress has plateaued, it might be time to zoom out. Instead of chasing faster splits every workout, build a plan that includes easy mileage, smart intensity, and the patience to let fitness develop over time. A stronger aerobic base and better endurance will get you across the finish line faster.

 

Want to learn more about improving your 5K time? Don't miss the podcast episode with Jason Fitzgerald of Strength Running on The Running Explained Podcast:

 

29% of you would rather run a marathon UPHILL

While 71% said they'd rather run a marathon AROUND A TRACK

We've got a new World Major! Last weekend, the Sydney Marathon officially became the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major. It looked like an incredible day of racing, from the professionals up front to every runner in the field. Times were blazing, with both the men's and women's course records smashed, (though having World Major status may have helped draw in extra star power!).

 

The race brought out more than 35,000 participants. On the women's side, Sifan Hassan claimed victory in an incredible 2:18, adding another win to her already legendary record - she's now won 4 of the 6 marathons she's raced. On the men's side, the GOAT Eliud Kipchoge lined up, but it was Haliemaryam Kiros who outlated Addisu Gobena to win in 2:06.

 

From the front to the back of the pack, the atmosphere was full of excitement and joy. Sydney became the first new World Major since Tokyo joined in 2012, and the event didn't disappoint. Guinness World Record attempts - everything from running in a suit to creative costumes, added even more to the event. 

 

With the popularity of World Marathon Majors only growing, Sydney might not be the last addition. The series is already discussing expansion to an 8th and 9th marathon, with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and the Shanghai Marathon being considered for 2026 and 2027. Abbott may also introduce a 9-Star Medal, which would no doubt become a coveted milestone for runners worldwide.

 

At the end of the day, Sydney delivered an unforgettable debut as a World Major, an incredible event to watch from afar and celebrate alongside friends and pros changing their marathon goals!

Once seen as one of the most accessible sports, running is facing a quiet identity crisis, and you bank account may already feel it. What used to be as simple as a pair of sneakers, gym shorts, and a sidewalk has turned into a multi-billion-dollar industry filled with supplements galore, $200 matching sets, and recovery gadgets that cost more than rent. While innovation has made training smarter anf safer, it's also created a growing sense that you need these things to be a successful runner. 

 

The truth is that most runners don't need a closet full of $250 carbon plated shoes or a self of electrolyte powders to show up and succeed. As social media blurs the lines between aspiration and necessity, it's more important than ever to reassess your spending and refocus on what really matters. 

 

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