Sometimes the Best Runs Come on Days You Didn't Feel Like Running

You know the feeling—the alarm goes off, and every part of you wants to hit snooze. You tell yourself you'll run later, maybe tomorrow, maybe later this week. But then, you lace up anyway. And more often than not, those are the runs that surprise you.

That was me this week. Travel had me stuck on treadmills, fatigue was creeping in, and excuses were waiting to take over. But I pushed through, and somewhere in the middle of a run I didn't want to start, everything clicked. I felt lighter, stronger, locked in. The run I nearly skipped turned into one of my best.

Running teaches us over and over that consistency wins. Showing up when you don't feel like it is where real progress is made.

The Fastest Men on the Planet

This past week has been historic for track and field. Grant Fisher broke two world records—first in the indoor 3,000m (7:22.91) and then in the indoor 5,000m (12:44.09), smashing Kenenisa Bekele's 21-year-old record. Meanwhile, Jakob Ingebrigtsen snatched the indoor mile world record (3:45.14) just days after Yared Nuguse had set it.

It's clear we're in a new era of speed, and these guys are redefining what's possible.

Marathon Readiness: Are You Ready to Go the Distance?

The marathon remains one of the biggest goals in running, but how do you know if you're truly ready? An article I read this week outlined some key questions:

 Have you been running consistently for at least 8 months?

 Can you comfortably run 9+ miles?

 Have you trained through shorter races (5K, 10K, half marathon)?

 Are you committed to nutrition and recovery?

 Do you have a plan for managing setbacks?

Even if you check all those boxes, marathon training is unpredictable. Things will go wrong—you'll have rough long runs, tough workouts, and days where you question everything. The key is adaptability. If you're waiting for the perfect time to start, it won't come. But a year from now, you might wish you had started today.

Jelly Roll's Losers Run Club: Running for Everyone

Country artist Jelly Roll launched a running club this week, and I love everything about it. His "Losers Run Club" is about inclusivity, support, and judgment-free running. He's open about his own struggles and wants to make running welcoming to everyone, no matter their pace.

His message? "We use the word 'run' loose here. I walked my first 5K."

There's something powerful about breaking the mental barriers that keep people from getting started. Whether you run, walk, or shuffle—just keep moving forward.

Track and Field vs. Gimmicks: Noah Lyles vs. Tyreek Hill

Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles is set to race NFL star Tyreek Hill, but is it a good move? Some argue that Lyles has nothing to gain—if he wins, it's expected; if he loses, it's a hit to track and field's credibility.

Michael Johnson offered up his opinion of the race: "We don't need gimmicks. Track and field is amazing as it is."

I get the appeal of bringing new eyes to the sport, but track already delivers drama, speed, and pure competition. Maybe we don't need viral races—just more focus on the incredible athletes already breaking barriers.

Wrapping Up the Week

I'll leave you with this: The best runs often come when you least expect them. The days when you're tired, unmotivated, or just not feeling it—those are the days you should run the most. Because that's where progress happens.

This week, I got in some great miles, including a post-Valentine's Day 10K with my wife on the Cady Way Trail in Winter Park. We added another 5 miles this morning on the Cross Seminole Trail. Some days are about pushing hard; others are about appreciating the simple joy of running with someone you love.

See you here next Sunday. Keep moving forward.

J.R.