What happens when the plan meets reality at mile 18? That’s where this episode of Beyond The Training begins.
In this episode, Santino Williams and I unpack our Oakland Marathon experience and not just the splits and finish times, but the full emotional rollercoaster that every everyday athlete knows all too well. Because let’s be real… the marathon doesn’t care about your training plan once those hills show up uninvited.
We start with what Oakland got absolutely right. From seamless race communication to a course that was dialed in, this event reminded us why race day logistics matter. And then there was the community. If you’ve never had a stranger hand you a donut mid-race, are you even living?
But this episode isn’t just a highlight reel. We get into the uncomfortable truths. The early hills that hit harder than expected. The pacing decisions that felt right… until they didn’t. Santino’s battle with an IT band issue in the closing miles. My own journey to a 4:29 finish that taught me more than any “perfect” race ever could.
Because that’s the thing about being an everyday athlete…..it’s not about flawless execution. For us, it is about adapting, adjusting, and still finding a way forward when things get messy.
We also zoom out and talk about something bigger. The Everyday Athlete Clubhouse community that showed up. They showed up, not just in Oakland, but across the world. Messages, comments, encouragement… all of it reminding us that this journey is never solo.
And yes, we may or may not pitch a billion-dollar idea involving French gourmet running gels. You’re welcome.
Next stop: Pittsburgh Marathon. Same mission. Different lessons.
Running the Oakland Marathon in 2027? Watch this episode.
Have a race that didn’t go to plan? Watch this episode.
Bored on a Friday evening? Watch this episode.
What I’m saying is: Watch this episode.
Then subscribe, rate, review and comment. I love reading your thoughts.