Running has a way of humbling us, lifting us up, and teaching us lessons that extend far beyond the miles on the road or trail. From reclaiming the Boston Marathon finish line after tragedy, to discovering the joy of trail running in the mountains of Wyoming, to experiencing the Berlin Marathon hand-in-hand with my wife, each run has changed my life in profound ways. These runs remind me that no run is ever wasted—every step is a gift, a challenge, and a chance to grow.

Running has been part of my life for nearly two decades, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly found joy in the sport. For years, I chased PRs, mileage goals, and external validation—often at the cost of my mental health and happiness. The turning point came when I shifted my focus from proving myself to others, to running for myself and alongside those I love. From pacing my wife in the Berlin Marathon to coaching runners of all levels, I’ve discovered that joy in running isn’t about numbers or times—it’s about connection, presence, and doing it for the right reasons.

Running should always come back to one simple question: are you having fun? In a sport filled with PRs, training plans, and endless advice on how to run “better,” it’s easy to lose sight of why we run in the first place. Burnout, overtraining, and injury often creep in when joy takes a backseat to performance. This post explores how to recognize the signs of running fatigue, reset your goals, and rediscover the fun—whether that means scaling back, switching distances, or trying something entirely new.

In this personal journal-style reflection, Kelly Whittaker-Cummings shares her journey from a casual high school athlete to a seasoned marathoner who once obsessed over breaking the three-hour barrier. After years of chasing PRs and burning out, the pandemic forced a reset—leading to a transformative shift in mindset. By slowing down, ditching the watch, and embracing the joy of running for longevity rather than speed, she found herself healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. Now, with 47 marathons behind her, Kelly reminds runners that success isn’t just about the clock—it’s about enjoying every mile of the journey.

Slowing down might be the secret weapon to running faster. While it sounds counterintuitive, easy “conversation pace” runs are one of the most important tools for building endurance, improving recovery, and boosting performance. Even world record holder Eliud Kipchoge logs long runs much slower than his race pace. By mastering the art of slowing down, you’ll avoid burnout, stay injury-free, and set yourself up for stronger race-day results.

We’ve all heard of the “runner’s high”—that euphoric buzz that keeps runners coming back for more miles. But is it just a myth, or is there real science behind it? Coach Kelly Whittaker-Cummings unpacks what’s really going on in your brain during a run, from the role of endorphins to the surprising effects of endocannabinoids. Plus, learn how to unlock that feel-good magic with comfy pace runs and mental clarity miles.

Running isn’t always sunshine and cool breezes—especially in the middle of a brutal summer heat wave. In this post, Kelly Whittaker-Cummings shares her hard-earned tips and mindset shifts for staying motivated when weather conditions are less than ideal. From hydrating smarter to embracing early morning miles (hello, runner’s tan!), you’ll learn how to train through tough temps and come out stronger for fall racing season. If you’ve ever battled the elements just to lace up your shoes, this one’s for you.

In a world dominated by Strava stats and TikTok highlight reels, it's easy to forget why you started running in the first place. This honest reflection explores the highs and lows of chasing PRs for the internet, the burnout that comes from constant comparison, and the joy that returns when you run for you. From fast marathons to party pace and coaching beginners, this is a story about reclaiming purpose, finding balance, and remembering that forward is a pace.