An End-of-Year Message + The Marathon Project, New Women’s Records, Robert “Raven” Kraft Is Still Running, Gravel Shoes, Copenhagen Plank
A sneak peek at what’s ahead in 2026, plus a podcast episode with guest Ben Rosario, a Florida man’s 50-year running streak, a new shoe category, injury risk test, and more.
How was your 2025?
I hope it was filled with many happy miles, wonderful new (and old) relationships, and lots of joy. And during times when life felt heavy, I hope you were able to find light.
It’s been both a good and hard year for me. A first full year of Colorado adventures with my husband and our dog, a first marathon finish, and getting the opportunity to share the stories of so many runners on Running-Lifestyle.com. There’s also been a lot of uncertainty, career frustration, and a general sense of foreboding related to the current political climate.
As we near the end of the year, many people are defining their goals for 2026 and projecting where they’ll be in 365 days. I have some goals in mind and ideas of where different avenues could lead. But back to that uncertainty — there’s a lot of it right now.
Here’s what I do know: In the new year, I’ll continue to bring you the stories of runners, run club leaders, coaches, and small business owners doing incredible things within the running community. It’s what I love most.
I already have a bunch of interviews lined up, so here’s a sneak peek at just a few upcoming features:
How a Philly-based ultrarunner is working to break down the barriers women face in the sport
Why the co-founder of the original energy bar company is back in the game
How a Detroit-based run crew is working with local partners to inspire a community
On the running side, running will continue to be my mental and physical health outlet. I plan to spend more time on the trails and might train for a few shorter-distance races. (No more marathons on the calendar, as of now!)
Whatever 2026 has in store, and whichever goals you choose to work toward, I’m rooting for you.
Happy holidays, and I’ll be back in January!
- Kimberly, founder & editor
What I’m Listening to, Reading, and Watching
I’ve been curious about The Marathon Project, a marathon in Phoenix designed for pro and amateur runners running under about a 3:25. (It’s this weekend!) In this episode of the “Fast People” podcast, host Sarah Lorge Butler chats with Ben Rosario, CEO of the event and former coach of NAZ Elite. He shares the purpose behind the marathon, how to watch it live, and more.
On this episode of the “I’ll Have Another” podcast, host Lindsey Hein chats with Brad Stulberg, author of a soon-to-be-released book, titled The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World. They cover goals and having different identities for a balanced life, among other topics. One idea I love is Brad’s way of looking at going into a goal race, a new venture, and even a new chapter in life with the mindset: “brave new world.”
This super short film (less than 2 minutes) called “Gone for a Run,” by filmmaker Cathy van Ingen, is intended to convey the hypervigilance runners — especially female runners — must have when running these days. Watching the woman in the film felt so real, scary, and relatable. (Canadian Running Magazine)
During the Valencia Marathon earlier this month, female runner Peres Jepchirchir shared her fueling bottle with Joyciline Jepkosgei, after Joyciline had missed hers. The act of sportsmanship likely resulted in Joyciline’s win over Peres. (Canadian Running Magazine)
Courtney Dauwalter is proving she’s not only a great ultrarunner but also a great marathoner, running a 2:38:55 at the California International Marathon. (Marathon Handbook)
Also from CIM, 26-year-old Molly Born won the women’s race in 2:24:09 and set a new course record — in her very first marathon. (The Sacramento Bee)
At the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, an event during Honolulu Marathon weekend, Sinclaire Johnson set a new women’s record for the American road mile, running a 4:21.
At 75, Florida’s Robert “Raven” Kraft is still going! He’s been running every day since making a New Year’s resolution in 1975. (Today)
Gravel running shoes are getting a lot of attention right now. This article breaks down how they differ from a traditional trail shoe. (Wired)
From the team at Believe in the Run, these are the most exciting road shoes to look forward to in 2026. (Believe in the Run)
Looking to take some time off from running this winter? Here’s some research and anecdotes on how the time off — one week, two to three weeks, one month, more — affects our fitness. (RUN)
According to experts, cycling is the cross-training exercise that benefits runners most. (The Independent)
Have you heard of the Copenhagen plank? This exercise is a way to strengthen your adductors and increase stability. Doing this plank variation is also a way to test whether you’re at risk for injury. (Canadian Running Magazine)
In a small town in Maine, during the month of December, people dress in costumes and run a marathon through the woods to raise money for the town. (NPR)
While awaiting a flight after the Antarctic Ice Marathon, why not stage a backward mile race, decided this group of runners. (CBC)
How I would like to do speed workouts from now on:
Leaning into the GPS theory:
You just have to start (motivation for 2026!):
Partners & Promotions
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Salt Lake City Marathon: Voted Utah’s “Best Running Event” and “Best Half Marathon,” the 23rd annual Salt Lake City Marathon returns on April 25, 2026. Take in stunning city and mountain views, then celebrate your finish with friends and family downtown! Get 20% off your marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K registration using the code: RunningLifestyle
Lake Norman Half Marathon Series: The Lake Norman Half Marathon Series (in North Carolina, just north of Charlotte) is offering 10% off the registration price for any of its four races. Use coupon code kv through December 31, 2025.
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Happy running!
Currently at the Marathon Project. My husband is running the marathon on Saturday in the Gold Wave. I’m volunteering and running the 5k. So far everything is going great. Ben Rosario and the team are doing an awesome job. Excited to see some fast times by both armatures and elites.
Great curation of running content for the week. The gravel shoe category is actualy starting to make sense now that more hybrid terrain is getting populer. Back when I was training for my first ulttra, I kept switching between trail and road shoes depending on the route and always felt like I was compromising somewhere. That middle ground between aggressive trail lugs and flat road foam seems like it could save alot of gear rotation hassle for folks running mixed surfaces regularly.