🏃 Train Harder, Not Smarter?

Everyone on my timeline seems to be either racing or recovering. With most training blocks wrapping up, it’s the perfect time to kick back, relax, absorb some good running content, and maybe even start planning your next race (I’ve got a fun one for you below!).

Let’s lace up those shoes and get into it ⤵️

📹 Watchlist: Ran To Japan

If you don’t know Jake yet, you’re missing out. This absolute maniac of a Brit is logging insane mileage week after week. He only started posting on YouTube seven months ago, and he’s been growing like crazy ever since.

No surprise there—Jake’s real, honest, and ridiculously fun to watch. No fluff, no over-editing—just enough to keep you hooked. Combine that with his wild training regime (we’re talking triples, not just doubles), and you’ve got yourself a must-watch for those moments when you just want to put your feet up and still feel fully immersed in running.

I loved his latest video where he talks about how he plans to train going forward. 280km a week, with recovery days of 40km. Whut… No wonder his motto is “Train Harder, Not Smarter”. Check. It. Out. 👇

📲 Social Spotlight: Lydia Oldham (@comerunwith.me)

Lydia Oldham has a few ultras under her belt—and now also the FKT (Fastest Known Time) running from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 5 days and 17 hours. 🤯

Her self-organized “Projeto Portugal” happened just last week, and it was so fun to follow along on her Instagram (go have a look!). But what I’m most excited for? The after movie. I know it’s coming—and when it drops, I’ll be sure to share it here in RunLetters too.

🗓 Events & Races: Venice Marathon (+ Half!)

After seeing the 1.1 million sign-ups for the 2026 London Marathon, I figured this space is perfect for highlighting races you might not have heard of—but that are just as epic (and still open for registration!).

This year marks the 36th edition of the Venice Marathon. And for those of us who love a good half, there’s exciting news: they’re hosting the very first half marathon on the same day! 🥳 The entry fee is €50 until June 30, but that’s the second wave—so don’t wait too long because prices will keep climbing.

The route? Pancake-flat—perfect if you’re chasing a PB or just want a smooth, scenic cruise. Add in running through Venice, carb loading in the country of pizza and pasta, a dose of culture, and (hopefully) perfect fall weather… sounds pretty good, right? I’m seriously considering signing up… who else?

🎽 Gear & Gadgets: FlipBelt?

The FlipBelt’s been around forever, and is probably one of the most recommended running accessories. And yet… I only discovered the brand itself this week.

I’ve got a belt already, but it’s bulky and slides around, so I usually ditch it for a vest or just run with my watch. But since I’m thinking about switching to a watch with better battery life (yes… I’ve got an Apple Watch), I’d need an easy way to carry my phone again—for podcasts and audiobooks.

Enter: FlipBelt. Sleek, simple, and with colors that’ll match any outfit. Seems like a win.

✨ Wild Card: 45 London Marathons (!!!)

Running the London Marathon is a dream for many. And as you’ve probably seen, the numbers are wild—1.1 million people applied for the 2026 edition. That’s insane.

Now imagine you’d run every single one since it began. That’s Malcolm Speake. He’s part of a group called the Ever Presents—a band of runners who’ve done every London Marathon since the very first in 1981. The group started with 42 people. It’s now down to just six (five of whom finished the live race this year, and one who did the virtual).

Malcolm’s not the only one still going, but he was the oldest of the group this year. He finished in 9 hours and 14 minutes. Not an easy feat—but he did it. Pretty wild, right? Forty-five London Marathons. Not many can say that.

🏁 Time For A Run

That’s it for the very first edition of RunLetters—I hope you liked it! Let me know what you want more of in the poll down below.