Last year was full of early alarms, hard workouts, missed comfort zones, and moments of doubt, but also personal bests, comeback stories, first-time finishes, and goals that once felt out of reach. This blog is about the athletes who showed up for themselves again and again, even when life made it hard. From breakthrough races to quiet consistency, these stories celebrate what’s possible when commitment meets patience. Here’s to the runners who made last year count, and to the inspiration they give us heading into what’s next.
Mario Villanueva: Mario had an incredible 2025, placing 3rd in the Gold Wave of the Marathon Project in Chandler, AZ with a 
2:22:36 finish. He also ran under 2:20:21 at Houston earlier in the year, improving on his previous 2:27 PR. Robert Sawchuck: A Runcoach client for over a decade, aimed to improve his times at the 4th of July 5-mile and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. With a tailored training plan, he shaved 1:20 off his July race and ran Thanksgiving nearly 30 seconds per mile faster than his goal. Kelli Konop: Kelli ran a 5:04:16 marathon, shaving over 30 minutes off her previous personal best. Coelle Merdler: Coelle ran a fantastic impromptu race at the Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler, fresh off her 5:00 PR at the Marine Corps Marathon - an incredible performance! Christan Thomas: Christan crushed the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in 3:42:47, a 12-minute PR and 30 minutes faster than when she started with Runcoach. These are the runs we live for. Hannah Fryer: Despite setbacks early in the year, Hannah rebuilt strength, trusted training, and delivered an incredible performance - running a 3:28:34 marathon, a 20-minute personal record and breaking the sub-3:30 barrier. Judi Hayashi: Judi dominated the Masters Competition at the Say Grace 5K on Thanksgiving! Her focus and determination were unstoppable on race day - what a performance! Chloe & E. Julainne Mills: This mother-daughter duo ran together at the Texas 5K Series until Chloe pulled away to win the race. Mom finished strong as well, taking 3rd overall - a truly inspiring performance! Guuleed Nuur Hassen: Guuleed ran a blazing 17:35 5K at the Pyramids 5K in Egypt, finishing 4th overall and taking first in his age group! Bella Racette: Bella ran a blazing 19:32 to take 2nd place at the Hot Chocolate 5K in Phoenix - such a sweet performance! Kate Evanko: Kate turned in a speedy 5K at the NYRR Frosty Bite race, winning her age group and getting back under 20 minutes where she belongs! Robert Grabel: Hats off to Robert for an incredible Dallas Marathon! He ran 5:50 on a cold, windy Texas course, and powered through a nosebleed after the first mile. True grit and determination! Rebecca Hamid: Rebecca ran a 4:08:53 at CIM, smashing her marathon PB by 13 minutes! Incredible progress and a huge achievement. Yon Chang: Yon broke the tape at the Glen Cove 
Turkey Trot with a speedy 22:59 5K on a tough course! First place and a fantastic finish to a tremendous year of training. Ted Blankenship: Ted conquered the Coldwater Trail 50K, winning his age group. From high school XC coach to successful ultra marathoner, an impressive achievement! Antony Boyd: Antony ran 3:24:05 at the Dublin Marathon, shaving 30 minutes off his time in just two years! Kristi Chiles: Kristi ran a 5K and half marathon in one weekend while pushing her son. “When I'm out there I'm not running with any goals in mind. I'm running for him, and that's all that matters.” Incredible! Melinda Ichite: Melinda set a PR at the Disney Wine & Dine 10K, finishing in 1:10:13! Chelsea Ankeny: Chelsea ran a 10K PR and followed it immediately with the 5K at the Stingray Double Play, an impressive back-to-back performance. Amy Hood: Amy ran her first marathon in under 6:00 - conquering her goal and marking an incredible milestone! Tanya Ardoin: Tanya set PRs across the board at the Cajun Cup 10K - fastest mile, 5K, and 10K - finishing in 38:41, 4th female overall, and first Master Female. Rebecca Paquette: Rebecca ran a 10-minute PR at the Marine Corps Marathon, finishing in 3:50!! Edith Harter: Edith ran a 30+ minute PR at the Columbus Marathon, finishing in 5:53:52 - down from 6:30:58 at the WDW Marathon earlier in 2025! Beric Farmer: Beric ran a PR of 1:36:09 and earned an age group bronze medal at the Muskoka Half Marathon! Floyd Whitehurst: Back from a knee injury, Floyd ran 37:11 in the 10K at the Neptune Festival Run - great to see him rolling again! Nancy Kelley: Nancy completed her first half marathon and finished 2nd in her age group - what an impressive debut! Jeff Brune: Jeff set the standard for the 60+ age group, finishing the Omaha Half Marathon in 1:25:03 and earning AG Gold plus the RRCA Grand Masters (50+) Championship! He also set the National Sr. Games 10K Record! Fantastic year. Renga Sreenivasan: Renga ran his first 5K just 10 months after a heart attack - proving, as LL says, “don’t call it a comeback!”
Nearly 100 athletes were featured across our social channels in 2025! Check out the reels to celebrate our members’ achievements, and maybe even spot yourself!
Every January starts the same way - fresh calendars, big goals, new gear, and a wave of motivation that makes anything feel possible. This is the year. This is the reset. This is when everything finally clicks. 
And then February shows up.
Life gets busy. Work gets heavy. Weather gets ugly. Motivation fades. Not because you failed, but because motivation was never meant to carry you all year.
That’s what routines are for. Motivation gets you started. Routine keeps you going.
Why Motivation Is Not Enough
Motivation is emotional. It depends on how you feel, how you slept, what your day looked like, and whether it’s cold, dark, or raining outside. Some days you wake up ready to conquer the world. Other days, tying your shoes feels like a negotiation.
Routines remove the daily debate.
When something is part of your normal schedule, like brushing your teeth or making coffee, you don’t wait to feel inspired. You just do it. Training works the same way. When it becomes “what you do,” not “what you try to do,” consistency follows.
Start Smaller Than You Think You Should
One of the biggest mistakes people make in January is going too big, too fast. Big goals are exciting, but big changes all at once are hard to sustain.
Instead of asking, “What would be impressive?” ask, “What is realistic even on my hardest weeks?”
Consistency beats intensity. A small habit done every week will always outperform a big plan done once.
Build Around Your Real Life
The best routine is one that fits your actual life, not your ideal one.
Look at your week honestly:
Then build your routine around those answers. If you only truly have 30 minutes on weekdays, that’s not a limitation - that’s your structure. Train within it.
A routine that works in your life will always beat a perfect plan that doesn’t.
Attach Habits to What You Already Do
One of the easiest ways to build consistency is to attach your new habit to something that already happens.
You’re not creating a whole new schedule, you’re adding one small piece to the one you already live.
Expect Imperfect Weeks
Real consistency doesn’t look perfect.
You’ll miss workouts. You’ll have low-energy days. You’ll have weeks where life completely takes over. None of that means you failed.
Routines aren’t fragile. They bend, they pause, and then they restart.
Make It Easier To StartMost of the battle is just beginning.
Lay your clothes out the night before. Keep your shoes by the door. Save your workout on your watch. Reduce the number of decisions you have to make when it’s time to go.
When starting is easy, consistency gets easier too.
Track What Actually Matters
You don’t need perfection. You need patterns.
Notice:
Progress is built from repetition, not heroic days.
Let Routine Do the Heavy Lifting
Motivation is exciting. Routine is powerful. Motivation fades. Routine stays. Motivation feels good. Routine gets results.
Your job this year isn’t to stay inspired every day. It’s to build habits that carry you when inspiration is gone.
Start small. Stay realistic. Be patient.
Turn your resolutions into routines, and let those routines change your year.
Lean On Your Coach
While routines carry us when motivation fades, having a coach can make building those routines easier and more effective. Runcoach coaches structure your training, help you set realistic goals, and provide the encouragement that keeps you moving forward, even on days when it’s hard to lace up your shoes. Having Coaches Alice, Cally, Rosie, Alex, and Tom watching your progress, offering feedback, and cheering you on adds an extra layer of commitment.
Join the team!
What is the secret to your success?
Consistency and trust. I commit each day to every workout regardless of what it is and to trust that the hard work is going to pay off and trust that my coach and other trainers around me are providing me with the tools to hit my goals. 
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
I had an appendectomy in late January and coming out of that surgery was more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I am constantly working out/moving my body. Whether it’s pickleball, soccer, golf, power lifting, CrossFit, or running I am always doing something. I felt like that was such a major set back to the start of my year and was going to continue to impact me as I had to drop everything in order to let myself heal, but communicating this with my coach, she was able to set me up with a plan that eased me back into the motions. I gained the confidence to run comfortably and competitively again.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
Feeling good while running my race. I had a lot of ups and downs during my training and didn't know how race day would pan out. My A goal going into race day was not to worry about time and to let my body do the talking and in race day I had never felt better. It wasn’t until mile 21 where I entered a pain cave and I decided to do that by choice because I felt like I had gas in the tank so I sped up on the most elevated part of the course. At mile 24 I was able to recover when it flattened out and continue at a faster pace. This was what I was most proud of, I listened to my body and everything worked out.
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Trust your coach. I don’t know anything about running. I started long distance running 2-3 years ago, and there is still so much to learn. But, if you trust your coach and communicate your desires, goals, and problems, you will be able to get there with their knowledge and your hard work.
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and for many runners, a serious test of motivation. Shorter days, colder weather, travel plans, and a full calendar of festive obligations can make it tempting to hang up your running shoes until the new year. But staying active through the holidays not only helps balance out indulgences, it can also boost your mood, reduce stress, and keep you feeling strong heading into January.
Here’s a few of Coach Rosie’s tips for how to keep your running motivation high during the busiest time of year:
You might not hit peak mileage or set a PR in December, and that’s okay. Shift your mindset from performance to consistency. Even 20-minute runs count and can keep your routine alive. The key is to keep showing up, not to be perfect.
With so many events and distractions, running can easily fall to the bottom of your list. Treat your runs like meetings, block them on your calendar, set reminders, and commit. Morning runs can be especially effective before the day fills up. Try meeting a friend. It’s way easier to bail on yourself.
Holidays can be emotionally overwhelming. Running is a powerful way to clear your head, release tension, and reconnect with yourself. Use it as your time to decompress and reset, not just burn calories.
Who doesn’t love Turkey Trots? You may even be able to talk your family members into joining you. Santa Dashes, and New Year’s Day 5Ks are also everywhere this time of year. Signing up for one adds structure to your training and gives you something festive to look forward to. Bonus: You’ll likely earn a fun medal or themed swag.
Running with a friend or group can make a world of difference. This links back to accountability and scheduling. If you're visiting family, invite someone to jog with you. Or check out local running clubs or holiday group runs—many host seasonal events with lights, costumes, or treats.
The right gear can turn a dreaded winter run into a cozy adventure. Invest in thermal layers, reflective vests, gloves, and a good headlamp. Being warm and visible removes one of the biggest mental barriers to cold-weather running.
Flexibility isn’t only on the days we stretch. If you miss a run, don’t spiral. Flexibility is a strength during the holidays. Shift your run to a different time or opt for an indoor treadmill session. The important part is staying connected to your routine, not following it rigidly.
8. Reflect, Don’t Compare
The holidays are a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come rather than comparing your training to others or your past self. Look at your progress, celebrate your wins, and set your sights on how running will support you in the new year.
Running during the holidays isn’t about discipline, it’s about self-care. Your runs can be your calm in the chaos, your energy boost between parties, and your steady anchor when everything else feels like it’s in motion. Keep showing up for yourself, even if it’s just for one mile.
Happy Holidays, and happy running from the Runcoach team!
What is the secret to your success?
Working on my pacing for the earlier miles. I tend to go out too fast and die. I also kept a sting mental state. Reminding myself that I could actually keep pushing, I was uncomfortable but that doesn’t mean to slow down.
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
The biggest obstacle for sure is the mind. I think most runners are capable of a little more. You have to be willing to be uncomfortable and push through.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
Knowing that I accomplished something I’d been working on. I’m over 40 and the messaging tends to be you start slowing at 40… maybe there is still speed to be had.
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Show up for yourself. Whether that’s a workout, easy run, or race day. Remember the hard work that has gone before.
The right pair of running shoes can make the difference between running pain-free and logging miles with discomfort—or even injury. But with so many styles, brands, and techy-sounding features out there, choosing the right pair can feel overwhelming. Coach Rosie cannot stress enough that going into your local shoe store is the single best trip you’ll make when deciding on the right fit.
The expertise of the staff cannot be matched and you’re supporting your local store. You may even learn about a local running group! Here are a few things to look for when there. 
1. Know Your Foot Type
Understanding your foot’s shape and movement is the foundation of finding the right shoe. Pay attention to your arch type (high, neutral, or flat). You can try the "wet test" (step on paper with wet feet and look at your footprint) or by having a running store assess your gait:
-Pronation: This is how your foot rolls when it lands. Most runners either:
Many running shoes are designed to support these specific movement patterns and wearing the right pair can decrease injury risk.
2. Consider Where You Run
Where you run affects what kind of shoe you need:
High-mileage runners need more cushioning and durability. Occasional runners may prefer something lighter and more flexible. Be honest about how often and how far you run, it’ll help narrow your options.
4. Go for Fit Over FashionYes, flashy colors are fun, but comfort is everything. Your running shoes should feel great the moment you put them on - no break-in period required.
Checklist for fit:
5. Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype
Carbon plates, rocker soles, and ultralight foam all sound impressive, but not every runner needs elite-level tech. Focus on comfort, support, and how the shoe works for your running style.
6. Replace Worn Shoes Regularly
Running shoes don’t last forever. Most last around 300-400 miles before the cushioning and support wear down. If you start noticing aches or your shoes feel flat, it’s probably time for a new pair, even if they still look fine.
Finding the right running shoes is part science, part personal feel. Take your time, try different pairs, and listen to your body. The right shoes should support your goals, keep you injury-free, and make every step more enjoyable.
Run happy, run healthy - one good pair at a time
It’s officially the best time of year if you’re a marathoner. The heat and humidity give way to cool and crisp conditions to train in. It’s also the time of year where you are probably close to your goal race, but not quite at your taper. This can only mean one thing; peak mileage! And with that unfortunately comes a greater risk for injury. Runcoach has compiled a list of tips below to help you ward off the bug no one wants to get. 
Prevention
We recommend strength and conditioning for all of our runners. Not only is it a great way to support your training and racing goals, but it is also beneficial when it comes to staying physically durable. Most endurance athletes are in the weight room not only to lift heavy, but to also focus on specific rehab they may need for their injury history. For me, that means doing my eccentric calf raises after every lift because I know they keep my achilles happy. If you aren’t sure where to start, we are happy to offer a variety of resources to help guide you.
Bodywork
As the volume increases, so does the tension in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This is where we recommend regular body work. I used to limp into my massage therapists office on a weekly basis, and he would help put me back together so I could resume normal training. No accesss to massage? Not to worry. There are several DIY alternatives that are equally as effective. There are a number of recovery tools out there for purchase these days. I have found the most success mobilizing soft tissue with a lacrosse ball. But that being said, it really is up to the user. Whether it be massage gun, foam roller, or graston tool. . . try to be consistent. Dedicate time to recovery and rehab just like you would running. Being intentional is key here.
Fuel
It goes without saying that our muscles and bones need repairing after what we put them through. Diet plays a huge role in this repair process. The research out there still supports trying to replenish within 30 minutes of a hard effort. For some that is a quick calorie dense smoothe before it’s off to work. For others it’s heading home to make a big breakfast. Either way the idea is that you get some protein and carbs in quick. Supplements can play a role too. Runners can struggle with bone health and anemia among other disorders. Routine blood work is recommended, and make sure you consult your doctor following any abnormal labs.
Sleep
Our best recovery tool will always be sleep. We do most of our repair (both mentally and physically) when our eyes are closed. For this reason, it’s the first metric I ask about when it comes to an athlete’s health. Injuries love sleep deprivation. So what’s the magic number? Most of the research out there suggests 7-8 hours at a minimum. But I’ll be honest I have found that wasn’t enough for me personally. During the peak of my training, I would sleep 10-12 hours a night and take a nap during the day. Now not everyone has the ability to do this. So what we recommend is prioritizing the quality of your sleeping and napping. Make sure your room is dark and cool. Unwind by reading instead of scrolling. Eliminate caffeine after lunch time. And keep your sleep and wake times regular.
It’s important to remember that no runner is immune to injury. Let’s say you caught the injury bug. You’ve been in pain for more than a week and you’re not sure what to do next. While our coaches have been through a wide range of injuries, we are not medical professionals. I would encourage you to get in to see a doctor so they can refer you to physical therapy. It never hurts to have someone take a look. You’ve invested a lot of time into your goals. Don’t forget to also invest in your health.
Major milestone:
Completed the Boston to Big Sur Challenge put on by the Big Sur International Marathon.
What is the secret to your success? 
-Consistent running. Taking rest days when I needed to or when life happens changes your plans.
-Not worry about skipping a training day and knowing that not any one day matters as much as the whole plan. Being flexible.
-Training the mind with the body. Using affirmations and being grateful in the moments (especially the hard times during training or racing) to be healthy and able to run.
-Smiling
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
The first 48 hours between Boston and Big Sur where I doubted I could physically run another 26.2 miles in 6 days. The mental struggle was just as great as the physical part of getting my body ready to run another marathon.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
Crossing both finish lines. At Boston and then 6 days later at Big Sur. Big Sur was a tough course and the most beautiful ones I’ve ever run. That finish line feeling x2.
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Enjoy the run. There will be good and bad days whether running or on race day. Learn from the bad and soak in the good. Run in the moment
Anything else you would like to share?
I am very grateful to Tom and the entire Runcoach team for their diligence in helping me achieve my early goals in a healthy, fun and supportive environment.
