Reflect and Refocus: Lessons Learned from Spring Races
Endurance Mindset: Your Guide to Smarter Running
Henri ForQuint
Hi! 👋🏻 I'm a Running and Health Coach, and whether you're just starting out running or you're an experienced marathoner, our community offers support, motivation, and resources tailored to all levels of runners. Enjoy weekly insights on training techniques, nutrition advice, gear reviews, and personal stories that inspire and guide. Become a part of a vibrant running family dedicated to moving forward together. Lace up, sign up, and let’s hit the pavement as a team!
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👋🏻 Hello Reader...!
A few years ago, I signed up for a late spring marathon in Dallas that I’ll never forget. The race kicked off at 6 a.m., and by that time, the temperature had already climbed to 80°F. Heavy rain poured down for the first hour, turning the streets into rivers. Then, as the skies cleared, a scorching sun unleashed a brutal wave of heat that soared beyond 90°F. It was like running through a furnace with wet socks. Thankfully, the race was structured as a 3-mile loop, and my family—my rock-solid support crew—was stationed at each turn with chilled water, ice towels, and motivational cheers. Their presence and a disciplined pacing plan helped me endure, but the day was humbling and full of learning. I came out of it with far more than a finisher's medal.
That race taught me invaluable lessons, like the importance of adapting to conditions, relying on strategic support, and listening to my body. It also showed me that setbacks often plant the seeds for future breakthroughs. This week, we use those race-day revelations to set new intentions, so we can grow stronger heading into summer and beyond.
¿Hablas español o conoces a alguien que sí?
Estamos por lanzar Endurance Mindset en Español: desde cero al maratón, con ciencia y estructura. Compártelo o regístrate y forma parte desde el comienzo. 🏃♂️📩
Reflect and Refocus: Lessons Learned from Spring Races
Spring brought breakthroughs, personal bests, tough lessons, and everything in between. Whether you nailed your goals or hit a wall, this is the perfect time to slow down and take stock. Let's channel that race experience into transformation:
🧠 1. Analyze, Don’t Agonize
Go deeper than the stopwatch. Reflect on your fueling strategy, pacing decisions, and emotional state.
Break down the race into segments—start, middle, finish—and evaluate how your body and mind responded.
Did your race plan hold up under pressure? Where did things shift?
✍️ 2. Write It Down
Use a race journal to document your key takeaways. Highlight both strengths and struggles.
Track metrics like splits, heart rate, and cadence, but also jot down what you felt and thought.
These notes are gold when preparing for your next training block or race.
🎯 3. Set Summer Intentions
Let your spring insights guide your summer goals.
Choose one performance target (like improving pace or endurance) and one process goal (like consistency or mental focus).
Consider setting a seasonal intention—what do you want your training to feel like this summer?
🔄 4. Update Your Training
Bring your notes to your coach or revise your TrainingPeaks log.
Modify your long runs, plug in strength training or mobility work, or tweak your race calendar.
Adaptation is the secret weapon of smart athletes.
🤝 5. Talk It Out
Share your lessons with teammates, running partners, or online communities.
You’ll not only gain feedback but also support—and maybe inspire someone else in the process.
Remember: reflection becomes more powerful when it’s collective.
Photo: Dylan Martinez/Reuters
Post of the week
Jakob Ingebrigtsen is on a mission to be ‘recognized as the best runner to exist’
🔥 This Week is About... Rewriting Your Next Chapter
Use the heat of the past to fuel the fire of what’s next. Tag us in your reflection posts with #pmprunning and tell us what your biggest lesson was. Let’s build a more resilient, smarter running community—together. Whether your spring race was a breakthrough or a tough learning experience, your insights matter—so share them, own them, and let’s keep evolving as runners and humans alike.
The global running scene in 2025 is vibrant and evolving, with exciting developments across elite competitions, grassroots movements, and technological innovations. Here's a snapshot of what's shaping the sport this year:
🌍 Global Running Trends
Gen Z's Influence on Running Culture: Running is experiencing a resurgence, driven by Gen Z's enthusiasm.Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have popularized running as a fashionable and inclusive activity. Events like the London Marathon have seen record-breaking entries, with over 1.1 million applicants and a significant increase in participants aged 18-29 .theguardian.com
Trail Running's Growing Popularity: Trail running is gaining traction, especially in regions like Australia. Events such as Ultra-Trail Australia have expanded, introducing new challenges like a 100-mile race. The sport's appeal lies in its mental health benefits and the opportunity to connect with nature .dailytelegraph.com.au
Running Vacations: Combining Travel and Fitness: Athletic adventures are becoming a major travel trend. Travelers are increasingly seeking vacations that incorporate running, leading to a 50% rise in searches for "workout holidays."This trend reflects a desire to blend fitness goals with exploration .nationalgeographic.com
🏃♀️ Elite Performances & Innovations
Beatrice Chebet's Record-Breaking Year: Kenyan runner Beatrice Chebet has made headlines by breaking the women's 10,000 meters world record with a time of 28:54.14. She also set a new 5 km world record, becoming the first woman to run under 14 minutes on any surface .en.wikipedia.org
Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Indoor Dominance: Norwegian athlete Jakob Ingebrigtsen set a new indoor mile world record of 3:45.14 and achieved a rare double victory in the 1500m and 3000m at the World Indoor Championships .en.wikipedia.org
👟 Gear & Technology
Top Running Shoes of 2025: Runner's World tested over 100 pairs of running shoes, highlighting 26 standout models across racing, trail, and training categories.These selections cater to various running styles and preferences .runnersworld.com
Innovations in Running Gear: Nike's "After Dark Tour" introduced reflective, sweatproof necklaces designed for female runners, blending performance with style.The tour features nighttime races in cities like London, Los Angeles, and Shanghai, fostering community and self-expression .about.nike.com
🤝 Community & Inclusivity
Faith-Based Running Programs: Upward Running launched in 2025, offering a unique blend of physical fitness and spiritual growth.This program provides an inclusive environment for runners of all levels to connect and grow together .upward.org
Global Running Culture Report: The SportOnSocial Global Running Culture 2025 report highlights shifts in running behavior, emphasizing the importance of community, inclusivity, and the role of women in reshaping the sport's narrative .redtorch.sport
Today's Quote
"Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." Theologian and philosopher Saint Augustine on doing what you can for who you know
Let us know what interests you the most at the 'Preferences' link below! ¡Cuéntanos qué temas te interesan más en el enlace 'Preferencias' al final de este correo!
Hi! 👋🏻 I'm a Running and Health Coach, and whether you're just starting out running or you're an experienced marathoner, our community offers support, motivation, and resources tailored to all levels of runners. Enjoy weekly insights on training techniques, nutrition advice, gear reviews, and personal stories that inspire and guide. Become a part of a vibrant running family dedicated to moving forward together. Lace up, sign up, and let’s hit the pavement as a team!