In 2017, I ran a half marathon for charity.
Zero training. No plan. Just survive.
Finished in 2:14
Took pride in doing it with no prep
Team Dreyer’s Post-college Puffy Phase
Fast forward to last month: I ran another half.
This time, I had 5 Ironmans under my belt.
I was fit. Focused. Ready to push.
Ran a 1:30
It wrecked me
Same distance. Totally different game.
Here’s what changed:
2017: Just wanted to finish
2024: Wanted to find my edge
I spent the race on a razor’s edge…
"This is too fast… I can’t hold this…"
→ Dial back 1%...
"Okay, I can hang on to this."
→ Repeat for 13.1
That kind of racing?
It’s thrilling.
No time to cruise
No margin for sloppy form
No hiding behind “long slow miles”
That’s why I’m hosting a free webinar this Friday.
It’s for runners who’ve already gone long. And now want to get sharp.
What you’ll learn:
Why the half is the most honest distance
My exact 1:30 race plan
My favorite interval run (that builds speed + durability)
How to use short races to get better at long ones
A smarter way to train - less volume, better results
If you’ve run a half (or even a full marathon) before, it’s time to come back and do it right.
Less distance. More discomfort.
Way more growth.
Onward.
— Ryan
(Former “no training” jogger → sub-7 diesel engine)
