Miles, Mindset, Oreos & Growth

From Heartbreak to the Starting Line

Running doesn’t always begin with a shiny medal or a perfectly color-coded training plan. Sometimes, it starts with heartbreak, confusion, and a need to reset. That’s exactly where Derrick Song’s running journey began and it’s why his Fireside Chat conversation hits home for so many everyday athletes.

Inspired by his father, who ran five LA Marathons in his 40s, Derrick laced up during a pivotal life moment. His first run? No music. No plan. Just movement and a whole lot of thinking. In those quiet miles, running became less about pace and more about perspective.

One Mile at a Time (On Every Continent)

What started as emotional processing quickly evolved into global adventure. Derrick has since tackled marathons in Berlin, Sydney, London, Chicago, New York, LA, Big Sur, and Rio de Janeiro. Each race wasn’t just a finish line. It brought with it culture, community, and connection rolled into 26.2 miles.

And yes, Derrick openly admits that sometimes the destination mattered just as much as the race itself. Honestly? Respect. Running should be meaningful but it should also be fun.

Consistency Beats Motivation (Every Time)

At the heart of this Fireside Chat is a powerful reminder: consistency matters more than motivation. Derrick breaks down big goals the same way he runs races, one mile at a time. It’s a mindset that translates far beyond running, helping reframe stress, work challenges, and life’s inevitable curveballs.

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When Tech Meets the Human Body

As a cybersecurity engineer, Derrick brings a unique lens to endurance sports. He shares how the Aletheia Run wearable, a sacrum-mounted device, revealed subtle biomechanical imbalances he never noticed. Used wisely, tech becomes a tool, not a crutch, for injury prevention and smarter training.

Oreos, Candy Corn, and Keeping Perspective

And because this is Fireside Chat, food matters. Oreos? Yes. Candy corn? Absolutely not. Steak and smoothies after long runs? Always. The food round reminds us that joy, humor, and balance belong in endurance sports too.

Derrick Song’s story proves you don’t need a podium to grow, travel, heal, or belong. Just show up. One mile at a time.

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