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Hey - Conor here!

Today we’ll cover:

•  🧠 Embrace Your Journey — Why Consistency Trumps Comparison (Deep Dive)

• 🏜️ Race Recap: Arizona Monster 300 Highlights

• 🗓️ Weekly Training Plan Example

• 🔗 Favorite Find This Week

• 💭 Run & Reflect: Thoughts from the Road

🧠 Deep Dive: Embrace Your Journey—Why Consistency Trumps Comparison

In the age of digital tracking and social sharing, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing your running stats to others. Platforms like Strava showcase impressive distances and paces, but it's crucial to remember that every runner's journey is unique.

The Power of Consistency

Consistency is the cornerstone of running success. Regular, steady training allows your body to adapt, building endurance and strength over time.

Rather than focusing on intensity or volume, maintaining a consistent routine helps prevent injuries and promotes long-term progress.

Even short, easy runs contribute to your overall development. Over time, these efforts compound, leading to significant improvements in running economy and efficiency.

Avoiding the Comparison Trap

While it's natural to look at others' achievements, constant comparison can be detrimental. Remember, everyone's starting point, goals, and circumstances differ.

Instead of measuring your progress against others, focus on your personal growth and milestones. ​

Studies have shown that upward social comparisons—comparing yourself to those who are more advanced—can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and decreased motivation.

It's important to recognize that these comparisons often don't account for individual differences in experience, training history, and personal circumstances.​

Setting Personal Goals

Define what success looks like for you. Whether it's running a certain distance, improving your pace, or simply enjoying the run, personal goals keep you motivated and grounded.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Final Thoughts

Your running journey is personal. Embrace your progress, stay consistent, and remember that every step forward is a victory.

By focusing on your own development and resisting the urge to compare, you'll find greater satisfaction and long-term success in your running endeavors.

🏜️ Race Recap: Arizona Monster 300 Highlights

The inaugural Arizona Monster 300, held in early April 2025, proved to be a formidable challenge, pushing ultrarunners to their physical and mental limits.

Spanning approximately 308.6 miles through Southern Arizona's Sonoran Desert, the race featured a staggering 41,162 feet of elevation gain and 42,463 feet of descent.

🥇 Top Finishers

• First Place Overall: Peter Mortimer clinched victory with an impressive time of 3 days, 14 hours, 33 minutes, and 18 seconds, averaging a pace of 17:18 per mile.​

• Second Place: Taylor Spike followed closely, finishing in 3 days, 16 hours, 38 minutes, and 23 seconds, with a pace of 17:43 per mile.​

• Third Place: Ryan Snickles secured third, completing the race in 3 days, 17 hours, 51 minutes, and 15 seconds, averaging 17:58 per mile.​

• First Female Finisher: Anne Tisdell emerged as the top female competitor, showcasing remarkable endurance and determination throughout the grueling course. ​

👟 Notable Achievements

• Oldest Finisher: Carolyn Cunha, at 62 years old, exemplified resilience and tenacity, completing the race and earning recognition as the final official finisher. ​

• Finish Rate: Out of all participants, a commendable 70% managed to cross the finish line within the allotted time, a notable achievement for such an arduous ultramarathon.

🎥 Experience the Journey

For a visual glimpse into the race's challenges and triumphs, check out this recap video from Andy Glaze!

🗓️ A Simple Training Plan Example

Following on from the deep dive section above check out the below 16-week schedule designed to keep your training consistent while also building up your milage gradually to prevent injury:

• Weeks 1-4: Build a running base.

  • Run 4 times per week, 3-5 miles per run.

• Weeks 5-8: Increase mileage gradually.

  • Run 4 times per week, including one longer run (8-10 miles).

• Weeks 9-12: Focus on endurance.

  • Run 4-5 times per week, with long runs reaching 12-16 miles.

• Weeks 13-16: Taper and prepare for race day.

  • Reduce mileage to allow recovery, with the longest run at 20-22 miles three weeks before the marathon.

  ⬇️ Check out the below training example for Week 6.

🔗 My Favorite Find This Week

• Where Dreams Go to Die:
  An emotional portrayal of ultrarunner Gary Robbins' attempts at the Barkley Marathons, showcasing the challenges of one of the world's toughest races.

💭 Run & Reflect: Thoughts from the Road

• Every runner starts somewhere. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

• Remember: it's not about being the best, but being better than you were yesterday.

Week 13 Marathon Training Recap:

This week I had another long run planned at marathon pace, 20.5 miles (33km).

I fueled a lot better this week both before and during the run. I used a combination of gels and a carbohydrate drink which helped a lot.

I ran 30 seconds faster per mile compared to last week and the only difference in my opinion was proper fueling.

Check out the gels I used here. They are by far the best tasting gels I’ve tried and they are very easy on the stomach. Here’s a further breakdown of my week:

• Monday: 25 min recovery run.

• Tuesday: 30 minute run (easy pace).

• Wednesday: 30 minute run (easy pace), with my son in his jogging stroller.

• Thursday: 70 minute run (easy pace) with some hills.

• Friday: Rest day (pool and hot tub).

• Saturday: 20.5 mile long run @ marathon pace.

• Sunday: A well earned rest day, (pool and hot tub).

Total Weekly Mileage: 38 miles (62km).

That’s All for This Week Everyone

If you are in need of additional help in your training you might be interested in the below:

1. 1:1 Coaching: — For a personalized 16-week plan, reply with "Coaching" to learn more.

How was your training this week? Hit “reply” I’d love to hear how it’s going.

Let’s build some Endurance!

See you next week,

Conor

P.S. Check out my Strava, I’m only 3 weeks away from the Vancouver Marathon. The taper begins.