I Can Finally Admit It— I’ve Plateaued
After two years of chasing a breakthrough, I’ve hit a wall. Not just physically—but mentally, emotionally. I’ve plateaued.
That’s not an easy thing to admit after pouring so much effort into the marathon and half marathon. One season without improvement is understandable. Two, maybe a fluke. But three? That means something’s not working.
I’ve been chasing an elusive PR for a little too long, and honestly—it’s grating on me. I know I’m capable of more.
But it’s not fair to dismiss the path that’s taken me from a 3:53 debut marathon nearly 15 years ago to a 2:44. That kind of leap doesn’t happen by accident. Clearly, a lot of things have worked.
Distance running is all about iteration. Growth season by season.
You keep what clicks—the pieces you love. And you shake up what doesn’t.
It’s more than just workouts. Yes, those matter. But progress comes from a lot of layers beneath the surface.
The Chicago Marathon in October has been circled on my calendar for over a year. Every snow-covered mile this winter, every freezing run, I reminded myself: “This is for Chicago.”
And now, it’s close. Which means— it’s time to make some tactical changes.
Honestly, even thinking about it gives me that stomach-drop feeling. But that’s a sign I’m ready to evolve.
This cycle, I’m focusing on more than just faster workouts. I’m shifting the habits, routines, and daily rhythms that build long-term breakthroughs.
Here’s what I’m changing to finally break through this plateau:
Break the Loop: You know the feeling— when your usual running route starts to feel like a treadmill to nowhere. Same streets, same turns, same playlist.
Not this time.
I’m intentionally switching things up. Planning out my routes so no two runs feel identical. I want novelty, unpredictability, and a little more joy in the act of moving through this city, the world.
Running Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely: One of the hardest parts of marathon training is how isolating it can feel. Long runs replace brunches. Exhaustion replaces social energy. Spontaneity gets replaced by discipline and structure.
When I’m in the thick of training, I can find it tough to throw on jeans and go out to dinner. But that’s also when I need connection the most.
This cycle, I’m running with others more. Not just 1–2 times a week—shooting for 4. Shared miles make the work lighter. They remind me that running is about more than a box to check.
Fuel Like You Mean It: There’s a lot of buzz in the running world right now about fueling better—and I feel it in my own training.
Last cycle, I started taking gels on any easy run over 60 minutes. The difference was immediate. No more dragging for hours afterward. Just… steady energy. Carbs might be the closest thing we have to a miracle drug.
My challenge? When mileage gets high, my appetite disappears. Especially on double run days. I have to fight to eat enough, even when I know how critical it is.
So I’m leaning in—eating more than feels intuitive. Because I know I run best with an abundance of fuel, not a deficit.
Feel, Don’t Just Log: I’ve tracked every single run on Strava for the last decade. That piece is dialed in.
But I’ve never tracked how I feel—my energy, my motivation, the emotional pulse of training. I’ve been blind to trends in mood and momentum.
So this season, I’m making space to reflect. Not just logging splits, but noticing patterns. Am I excited? Burned out? Flat? Energized?
Because running isn’t just physical. And adaptation doesn’t just come from mileage—it comes from listening.
My goal is simple:
Build a training system that supports me regardless of motivation. These changes aren’t about chasing one race. They’re about creating a more complete version of success—one I can sustain.
Easier said than done, but I’m excited for some new stimuli.
Are you mixing things up this season? What are you changing to make yourself feel stronger?
In NYC? Join us for the next GAY BAR FUN RUN!
Want to talk about running? About coaching? Email me at brian@greatdayforrunners.com.
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Why am I getting so excited hearing about all the new changes you're implementing gearing up for this next season? Haha. In a very much similar boat as yours, with Chicago being the A goal, and definitely switching up my fueling this round! Maybe you'll inspire me to start running with others too, haha!