Last year, I watched a friend train for his first half marathon.
Every weekend, he posted a slightly longer run.
He was following one of those free online plans. The kind that just stacks mileage and tells you to keep grinding.
Then one day, it broke him.
He shared a video after a brutal long run…
“Endurance isn’t worth it”, he said, slouched, sunburnt, and totally defeated.
But what I saw wasn’t a flaw in endurance…
It was a flaw in approach.
And I know another way…
The Tribal Way.
It’s how we’ve helped dads, professionals, and total beginners go from “I can’t run a mile” to finishing their first 13.1.
Not by doing more, but by doing it better.
Last week, I hosted a webinar on that shared my Half Marathon Secrets - designed specifically for the everyday athlete.
Here’s the 3-part framework we covered:
⚡️ Secret 1: Frequency Builds Durability
Forget mileage. You need time on your feet.
We start with 3x/week run-walks, not long slogs.
Run-walks (ex: 3 min run / 1 min walk) build aerobic capacity and confidence.
Brick workouts (ex: 60 min ride, 30 min run) and double run days (ex: 5 miles in the am, 3 miles in the pm) give you long-run benefits with less wear and tear.
Hikes, walks, and big step days make you more durable too - because life can be training.
⚡️ Secret 2: Speed Work Teaches Form
Speed isn't about suffering. It’s about learning to move well.
Use strides and controlled intervals to improve posture, foot strike, and lean.
Most people do speed work too hard. We train with zones to build fitness and control.
Efficient movement = running feels better.
⚡️ Secret 3: Adventure Changes Everything
Training doesn’t have to be a grind.
Trails unlock joy, strength, and variability - all while building real-world durability.
You’re not limited by where you live. I regularly see new Tribal athletes start running on trails just 10-15 minutes from their house that they never knew existed
Pro tip: use AllTrails to find trails
We train guys to play offense - plan ahead, rise early, explore new terrain.
⚡ BONUS: Fueling For Fatherhood
You don’t just fuel to finish the run. You fuel to be present for your family after it.
Hydrate before every run (24 oz water + pinch of salt)
Eat carbs before and after
Use simple intra-run fuel (hydration mix or calorie bottle) to avoid crashes
If you’ve ever felt like endurance training was overwhelming, isolating, or just not made for you…
You’re not wrong.
But that doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you need a better way.
That’s what The Tribal Way is all about.
Onward.
— Ryan
P.S. Have you been thinking about signing up for your first half marathon?
Here’s your sign…
On September 28th, I’ll be coaching at the Boulderthon Half Marathon right here in Colorado.
And I’m looking for 3 people to train for this race and join me in Boulder for a complete Tribal Race Weekend Experience.
This isn’t a stock schedule off the internet.
It’s 12 weeks of hands-on coaching in a small group with:
support
structure
real accountability
All culminating in an unforgettable race weekend surrounded by mountains, momentum and a team.
Team Tribal at Boulder Sunset Tri 2024
Mindset and Breathwork at Tribal HQ
If you're ready for that kind of transformation...
If you want to train with intention and unlock the next version of you...
Reply with “Boulderthon” and I’ll send you the next steps.
Let’s make this the season you become a champion.
Let’s do it The Tribal Way.
