Oakland Marathon Lessons That Matter

/March 27, 2026

When Mile 18 Hits Back

There’s a moment in every marathon where the plan taps you on the shoulder and says, “Yeah… this ain’t happening.”

For me, that moment came around mile 18 at the Oakland Marathon.

In this episode of Beyond The Training, Santino Williams and I go beyond splits and finish times. We talk about the real experience that every everyday athlete knows but doesn’t always post about. The doubts. The pivots. The “why did I sign up for this again?” thoughts that creep in when the course punches back.

What Oakland Got Right

Let’s start here: Oakland delivered.

From race communication to course setup, everything felt intentional. Smooth. Thought out. And the community? Unreal. There’s nothing quite like running through a neighborhood where strangers hand you donuts and coffee like you’re a Tour de France rider on a sugar high.

That energy matters and I will admit that I felt it throughout the entire race.

The Hills Had Other Plans

We trained for the Bay Bridge.

The Bay Bridge did not show up the way we expected… but those early hills? Oh, they showed up loud.

Pacing felt smart…..until it didn’t. Effort felt controlled…..until it wasn’t. Santino battled through an IT band issue in the closing miles, and I ran my way to a 4:29 finish that taught me more than any “perfect race” ever could.

That’s the truth of being an everyday athlete. It’s not about executing perfectly but instead it is about adjusting when things fall apart.

Community > Finish Time

Here’s what stuck with me most: we weren’t alone.

The Everyday Athlete Clubhouse showed up. Peop from Oakland to across the globe were sending essages, cheers, and support. All of it reminded me that this journey is bigger than race day.

And yes… we may have brainstormed French gourmet running gels somewhere around mile 22. Because endurance sports are serious but they don’t have to be.

Next Stop: Pittsburgh

Six weeks out from Pittsburgh, the mission stays the same.

Show up. Learn. Adjust. Keep going.

Because going beyond the training isn’t about perfection.

It’s about becoming.

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.