Beyond the Training Together

/January 8, 2026

Beyond the Training: Where Real Life Shows Up

We go beyond the training plan and the spreadsheets. Beyond the perfectly executed workouts. This is where this series lives and honestly, that’s where endurance sports actually happen.

In Episode 3 of Beyond The Training, Santino Williams and I sat down thinking we’d talk about marathon prep, and somehow ended up talking about intro music, mental resilience, walking as training, and why this whole thing absolutely has to stay fun. Which, if you know us, tracks.

We kicked things off talking about vibes. Yes, vibes. As training intensity increases, the energy we need changes too. Early-build Jason can survive on chill tunes. Week-ten-of-marathon-training Jason? He needs hype. Acoustic banjo has a shelf life, and it expires fast.

Time on Your Feet Still Counts

One of the more important realizations I shared came from a recent trip to Philadelphia and New York. I didn’t run except for one time. But I walked 35 miles in one week. And here’s the thing…..my body felt it. In a good way.

We’re way too quick to dismiss walking as “not real training.” But aerobic development doesn’t care if you’re wearing carbon shoes or sightseeing sneakers. Time on your feet matters. Period.

Marathon Goals and Mental Gymnastics

The heart of this episode was goal-setting and the mental load that comes with it. I’m staring down a 3:45 goal at Oakland and two other marathon attempts this year. And if you’ve ever thought too far ahead in a training cycle, you know how quickly “what if” turns into mental quicksand.

Santino brought the grounding perspective, especially coming off a shortened build after Phoenix. Ambition is important. So is realism. If those two don’t coexist, your brain will sabotage your legs long before race day.

This Is Still a Hobby

Somewhere between baseball slump analogies and me confessing to bombing an economics exam in college, we landed on something that matters: this is supposed to be fun.

No one in this community is judging finish times. The memories that stick aren’t splits they are conversations, shared miles, and showing up together.

Why the Run Club Tour Matters

That’s exactly why the Everyday Athlete Clubhouse 2026 Run Club Tour matters so much to us. This is about turning online connection into real-world community. Running together. Grabbing coffee. High-fives over finish times.

We wrapped with practical talk regarding nutrition, hydration, elevation maps, my ongoing feud with track workouts and what’s ahead in training. But the takeaway is simple: the journey matters more than the destination.

Let’s enjoy it. Together.

Jason Bahamundi Run Tri Bike Magazine Owner Triathlete Ultra Runner Trail Runner

Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run Tri Bike, is a passionate and accomplished endurance athlete dedicated to proving that there is a spot at the starting line for everybody and every body. With a background deeply rooted in the world of triathlons, running, and cycling, Jason has not only excelled in his personal athletic endeavors but is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive world of endurance sports. This led him to establish Run Tri Bike, a platform that serves as a hub for enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Jason's genuine enthusiasm for endurance sports, continues to inspire individuals to pursue their goals and embrace the transformative power of an endurance sports lifestyle.