2026: The Refinement Year

Fewer mistakes, smoother habits, cleaner progress

Every year has its purpose.
2024 was exploration.
2025 is consistency.
And 2026 is something different—not a reinvention, but a refinement.

I’m not trying to become a new person this year. I’m just taking what I’ve already built—running, strength, nutrition, routine—and making it smoother, cleaner, and more repeatable.

Consistency Over Intensity

I’m aiming for training that feels steady and sustainable. Regular weekly miles, a long run I don’t skip, and no dramatic swings in motivation or burnout. Just showing up, again and again.

Weight as a Performance Lever

I’m not chasing perfection or aesthetics. I’m simply keeping my weight in a range that makes running feel easier. That means high protein, a small calorie deficit, carbs around training, and avoiding the late-night chaos that derailed me in the past.

Strength as the Missing Link

Short, efficient lifts—push, pull, legs, and mobility—to support my running and keep me moving well. Nothing extreme. Just enough to make everything feel stronger and more stable.

Simplifying the Mental Side

I understand my patterns now: long work days, ADHD hyperfocus, and late-night fatigue can lead to overeating or skipped workouts. So this year is about guardrails—better routines, less friction, fewer decisions, and a calmer training rhythm.

Alcohol in Check

I handled alcohol well before, and 2026 is about keeping it clean: limited, intentional, and without the late-night spirals afterward.

Running as a Skill, Not an Identity

This year, running isn’t about proving anything. It’s about improving pacing, cadence, long-run comfort, and the small details that make races more enjoyable and less punishing.

A More Balanced Life

Writing, working, running, and lifting all fit into a steady weekly rhythm. Nothing overwhelming. Nothing chaotic. Just a more grounded version of my goals.

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2026 isn’t about extremes. It’s about fewer mistakes, smoother habits, and cleaner progress.
A year where the system finally feels natural—and where I quietly build the foundation for the marathon I want to run.