🏃 RunLetters #19

Hellooooo runner 👋 

This week we head to Iceland and Bali. We find out why running backwards might actually make us better runners. I share my thoughts on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. And we close with Cameron Hanes, the dad of the guy who runs in jeans.

Alright, let’s run with it ⤵️

📹 Watchlist: Lucy takes on 102 km in Iceland

Lucy Davis is pure sunshine on YouTube, but don’t let that fool you. She’s one hell of a power woman. She’s a UK-based content creator and entrepreneur who shares the highs and lows of her life. Training struggles, endurance events, food. It’s all covered in her videos.

In this week’s watchlist, we see her join a small team to run a relay across Iceland. She was the only girl on the trip (40 lads) and the only woman running. The team started with seven incredible runners, including Russ Cook (the guy who ran across Africa). They kicked things off at a zippy 4:15/km pace. Unfortunately, some of them had to stop quite early on, so for a big part of the route, they were down to four. The original plan was simple: 5 km stints, hand off, repeat. But Iceland had other ideas. Rain, cold, relentless wind. So they cut it back to 3 km chunks.

Lucy? She ended up running 102 km herself. Nothing short of impressive.

A great watch for a lazy afternoon. Save this one for the weekend 🍿

📲 Social Spotlight: From Crazy Experiments to Hard Efforts → Göran Winblad

Göran Winblad is a runner, coach, and physio all rolled into one. Born in Norway, trained in Sweden, and now inspiring runners everywhere.

His channel is full of videos that are honest and relatable (even though Göran is a super-fast runner compared to most of us, including myself). What makes his content stand out is that it’s never flashy or over-edited. The videos are calm, easy to follow and the focus is always on running itself.

Instead of gimmicks, Göran shares thoughtful training experiments that make sense for everyday runners. One fun example is his video where he tried running backwards for 30 days. He discovered it can cut knee stress in half, give a measurable boost to running economy, and build strength in underused muscles that help keep injuries away.

But that’s just one of his videos. He also shares his personal running journey (his race recaps are fun to watch, like this one about a recent 5k attempt) and the science behind many running trends.

Bottom line: Göran is fun to follow because he blends knowledge with curiosity. He makes you feel like you’re learning alongside him, not being lectured. And he reminds us that running is about progress, not perfection.

🗓 Events & Races: Bali Hope Ultra 2026

Looking for a race that doubles as a full-blown adventure? The Bali Hope Ultra might be it. This is not your average ultra. It’s a small-group, all-inclusive experience that runs from May 20 to 26, 2026. From the moment you land in Bali, everything is arranged for you. Accommodation, meals, training support, even photography and video.

The ultra itself is a coast-to-coast challenge of about 82 km (a double marathon), but that’s just one part of the week. Leading up to race day, you’ll meet your teammates at a five-star resort, visit local schools and families that the fundraising supports, swim with dolphins, and join team calls in the months before to get fully prepared. There is also a fundraising target of $2,000 USD, which most participants exceed.

Race day comes with full support. Three different start times are available, one for newcomers, intermediates, and elite athletes. There are SUVs and motorbikes providing aid stations every 5 km, stocked with nutrition, hydration, and medical backup. Family or partners can also join the crew. The finish is followed by sunset drinks, a villa dinner, and a closing party to celebrate what you’ve just achieved.

It is more than a race. It is a week of vacation, connection, and exploration in one of the most beautiful parts of the Earth. Bali is said to be quite ruined by tourists. I feel like this run will show you parts of the island that most tourists won’t see, both in landscapes as well as in community.

👉 Check out the Bali Hope Ultra here

🎽 Gear & Gadgets: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is one of the most popular super shoes out there. And what makes a shoe a “super shoe”? Almost always it’s the carbon plate. These are the shoes most runners save for race day, designed to feel fast, stiff and springy.

Since I already love Saucony, I had to give them a try. I picked up a pair earlier this year and saved them for my A-race in spring. I did two track sessions in them beforehand and they felt good overall, though I had a bit of discomfort in my left foot. I figured it would sort itself out once I got used to them. Spoiler: that wasn’t exactly how it turned out.

If you want the full story, including how my race went, watch the video below.

But the short version is this: they’re great shoes, just not the right shoes for me. They’ve got plenty of cushioning, a stiff feel with a strong carbon plate, and most people rate them very highly.

They also fit snug, so I’d recommend going a size up. One plus: they’re relatively stable for a carbon-plated shoe, especially compared to something like the Alphafly. If you’ve found those a little too unstable around the ankle, the Endorphin Pro 4 could be a better fit.

✨ Wild Card: Cameron Hanes at Cocodona 250

Last week I told you about Truett Hanes, the guy who ran Leadville 100 in jeans, and shared the video of his race. What I didn’t fully call out is that his dad was also out there. And Truett had a goal: to beat him. Sounds strange, right? But his dad isn’t just any runner.

Cameron Hanes is an ultrarunner with a massive YouTube channel. He’s also someone who took on the Cocodona 250, one of the most brutal ultramarathons out there. That’s 250 miles through Arizona heat, desert and mountains.

In “Broken | The Road to Cocodona,” we get to follow him as he prepares for and takes on the race, dealing with the brutal physical challenges like a nagging foot injury and blistering that would send most people home. Despite everything, Hanes pushes on and crosses the line in the top 20.

Honestly, it could have been this week’s Watchlist. Put it on whatever big screen you’ve got, whether that’s your laptop or your TV. This is one you don’t want to miss.

🏁 The Finish Line

That’s it for another edition of RunLetters ✅ 

Don’t forget: if you have any suggestions for features or videos I should include, just hit reply to this email! I read all emails.

Now, let’s have an INCREDIBLE weekend ☀️ On my end, it’ll surely be a special one.. because I’m getting married tomorrow! Whooohoooo 💒

Cheers, Caroline