Don’t Get in Your Own Way

Why simplifying your training might be the breakthrough you’re missing

As a running coach, I see it all the time, runners pushing themselves so hard they end up… stuck. Frustrated. Burnt out. Running in circles.

They overthink every session. Obsess over every split. Try to control every variable.

But the truth? That chase for perfection is often what holds them back the most.

The Problem with Chasing Perfect

I’ve been there too.

For years, I tried to get everything just right. The perfect session, the ideal mileage, the flawless race build-up. It felt like the more I tried to control things, the more pressure I put on myself… and the less progress I actually made.

Some of the biggest breakthroughs in my own journey, including a 2:22 marathon, came when I let go of perfection and focused on consistency. I stopped overthinking, simplified my training, and most importantly, I was kinder to myself.

When Running Starts to Feel Heavy

When you’re tense and too focused on outcomes, you miss the enjoyment of the journey. You stop flowing. You get stuck in your head. And ironically, that’s when your performance drops.

Running should challenge you, but it shouldn’t become a constant pressure cooker making you feel like you’re going to pop any minute.

If training feels more stressful than rewarding, the issue might not be your fitness. It might be your mindset.

How a Running Coach Can Help

This is where coaching makes all the difference.

A great running coach doesn’t just give you a plan, a coach will help you make sense of it. They provide the structure, clarity, and support you need to keep progressing without burning out.

Here’s what a coach helps you do:

• Stay consistent—even when life gets busy
• Keep it simple—so you’re not overwhelmed by options
• Adjust when needed—so one bad session doesn’t derail your week
• Shift your mindset—so you stop being your own biggest obstacle
• Relax into your training—because the more calm you are, the better you’ll perform

We don’t just focus on pace and performance, we help to focus on the human behind the runner.

Let Go of the Pressure

If you’re constantly chasing perfect, stuck in analysis mode, or second-guessing every session… maybe it’s time to step back.

Let go of the pressure. Focus on showing up. Trust the work. A smart, sustainable plan, that is guided by someone who understands the journey and this will get you further than overthinking ever will.

Need Help With Your Marathon Training?

Whether you’re aiming for a marathon PB, building back from a setback, or just want to enjoy your running again, I’m here to help.

Apply for coaching or DM me on Instagram to start building a plan that works for you.

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#runningcoach #marathontraining #runningmindset #runbetter #consistencyoverperfection #trusttheprocess