Redefining Success

If I could just… 

A well-meaning thought that can be so detrimental to our mindset. If I could just… run a certain time goal, feel good while running, complete a challenging race or distance, beat that one runner. Chances are you’ve said those words, “If I could just...” before. There may be something you want to do or accomplish. Maybe a way that you want your life or running to look. You want to feel good about yourself. That phrase “If I could just…” could more accurately be written as “If I could just (do ____ ) then I would be happy and/or feel good about myself”. My question to you, and one that I can ask myself, is “why wait?” Why wait to be fulfilled?

In my intro blog Road to Recovery I share my two-year journey that began after the 2022 Tunnel Hill 50-mile race, a frustrating cycle of illnesses, persistent injuries, and debilitating fatigue. Enduring a slow return to racing, I made the calculated risk to aim for the Lincoln Marathon to reignite my passion, despite knowing what made sense in a logical progression. This period of struggle forced me to reflect on my "why" behind running and in turn lead me to focus on a healthier holistic version of myself. 

At turn of the year in 2025, I made this commitment to run the Lincoln Marathon, doing so in a way that I didn’t lose sight on the rest of my life. This buildup was different. I knew I had my work cutout for me given my recent meager training block. I wasn’t in the best shape of my life. In ways it took a mental adjustment to be okay with running less/slower than I was accustomed to for a big race build. I found myself wanting to say “If I could just”. It took a conscious effort to let go of needing a specific outcome for this race. I tried to embrace and enjoy the process. The common phrase “trust the process” came to life.

The Calculated Risk

Let’s compare the two training cycles and see why I said this was a fairly big calculated risk.

Fall 2024 

11 weeks

● 37.5 mile average for 11 weeks

● 42.8 mile average the last 6 weeks

● Handful of short 2-3 mile tempos (worked down to 6:00pace) 

● Manageable fartleks built up to 18-20 minutes of hard effort

Winter/Spring 2025 

22 weeks

● 54.1 mile average for 22 weeks

● 62.5 mile average last 8 training weeks

● Marathon pace work up to 10+ miles (6:15ish pace)

● Quicker VO2 work up to 24 minutes of hard effort 

The increase in mileage and overall effort from the Fall to Winter/Spring was huge. The training cycle was twice as long, which was significant because I hadn’t trained consistently since 2022. The length of the training cycle was also significant because of the cumulative work my body would have to absorb. My average weekly mileage increased by almost 45%. A big jump even with experience of averaging 70 miles during portions 2022.

Brick by Brick

Although overall it was a big leap of faith, I did so gradually. Any good buildup will have progressive overload. This training cycle I was very cautious with adding volume and took much smaller steps getting up to full mileage than I have in the past. This was done to allow my body time to absorb the training and avoid injury. Here’s a chart of my long run and weekly mileage progression for the 18 weeks leading up to the race. Weeks 11 and 15 were a bit inflated because I moved my long run to Sunday. Consequently, the week following weeks 11 and 15 had less miles with two rest days.

Tips for returning to running from a setback

Below were my focus areas for the Lincoln Marathon buildup and my advice for those returning to getting back to full speed from persistent injury:

• Strength training and mobility - Consistent strength training two days a week always completed in the afternoon after a morning hard effort. Regular mobility work after runs and stretching/mobility at time later in the day. 

  • • Keeping the ball rolling with consistency, is key here. Efforts should be short and focused covering your areas weakness. Building these strength and mobility sessions into your daily routine will help you to progress day after day.

• Bridging the Gap – My focus was on reconciling where I was with where I needed to be to succeed. The overall increase in mileage was big but week to week increases were very gradual. The same would be said for my workouts. I started with short farleks and progression runs. Then, built up from there being careful to how much volume I was adding. 

  • • Don’t take too big of a step only to face another setback. Small gains week after week will get you to where you want to be. When working to add in faster workouts, through in some bridge workouts such as some easy fartleks, or progression runs to allow the neuromuscular system a chance adapt to the new stimulus and to avoid overstressing your muscular and skeletal systems and risking injury. The more popular term progressive overload.

• Manageable expectations - This was one of the tougher areas and probably a tough area for anyone returning to full strength. My current fitness was not where I have been in the past. I had to accept the reality of where my current abilities were. I’d knew what paces I needed to hit for workouts but found myself thinking I should be running faster or remembering paces I’ve hit in the past. Recognizing that certain paces were good relative to my fitness and then holding back was a big challenge.

  • • Process over outcome goals. Set goals related to the effort/training that you want to put in and the variables that you can control. This gives you a chance to find success in taking steps on the way to your goal. 

    • Don’t need it. It’s easy to lose confidence and motivation when you’re holding onto a goal so tightly. It’s good to have goals but try to let go of “needing it”. “I have to break 3:00 in the Marathon” could be reworded to “my goal is to set myself up to have the chance to break 3:00” 

    • Be one with yourself. Acknowledge the fear, anxiety, and excitement and ask yourself where it comes from. Identify any negative self-talk and challenge it. This process can take some time and may bring up bigger emotions. So, try to avoid self-judgement, be kind to yourself. Work with your coach, counselor, or other professional if needed. 

Success Redefined

This training cycle was more than just logging miles; it was a daily practice in letting go. Letting go of past fitness, of comparing myself to where I used to be, and most importantly, letting go of the idea that my happiness was waiting at the finish line of a specific race time. By focusing on consistency in strength work, gradually bridging the gap in my running, and actively managing my expectations, I began to find fulfillment in the commitment itself. And while I was thrilled to hit my goal of a new marathon PR, I knew instantly that the real victory wasn't the time on the clock, but winning the mental battle against the “If I could just…” mindset that had held me back for so long.

Ultimately, this journey cemented a core belief: we don’t have to wait for a specific outcome to feel whole or proud of our efforts. The joy is available right now, in the disciplined grind, the quiet sunrise miles, and the resilient spirit we build along the way. My challenge to you is the same one I gave myself: stop placing your happiness on the other side of an achievement. Trust your process, embrace the journey you are on today, and find your strength in the simple, powerful act of showing up for yourself. 

If this story resonates with you, let's work together through Bulldog Endurance to find your version of success. Fill out our interest form, schedule a free call, or sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter.