I just ran a 2.49 marathon. Here’s what it takes

Consistency.

Consistency.

Here’s my advice: if you start googling for how to run a marathon in under…, you’re failing already. You’re not a runner. Because you are looking for a magic recipe, instead of always being a runner. Always being a runner, in my view, is being consistent about running. Consistency in my view is doing something every day, without any compromises (and it applies to any activity, not just running). Consistency is a path to excellence. By the way, in addition to running, I’ve been writing every day. I hope I’m on the right path!

Seven months ago I ran a 2.57 marathon (also in California) and my journey to that marathon (I wrote this story) is the foundation of my running philosophy. It’s a super simple foundation. It’s nothing eye-opening.

I’ve been running consistently for almost two years. No compromises. Ever. Not a single day without running, unless it’s a planned rest day.

Consistency!

Consistency and habits over goals! By the way, I really don’t like self-improvement books and motivational speakers but I want to recommend one book. Atomic Habits by James Clear. The great Eliud Kipchoge recommended it in one of his social media posts so I had to read it. The book resonated with me a lot — it described well my experience with running.

So before I talk about my race, I encourage every aspiring runner to focus on consistency first. Spend a year running…