Where It Started

I began serious training in 2014 with Jack Daniels’ Running Formula.
It was the first time I saw how much a structured plan could change everything. Running became more than just logging kilometers — it became about progress.
From that point on, I rarely ran without a plan.

The challenge? Daniels’ plans are built mainly for professionals. Without a coach, it’s tough to fine-tune technique or adjust when something feels off. But it taught me the value of structure — and how a plan can push you further than you think.

Another book that shaped my thinking early on was Maraton by Jerzy Skarżyński. I liked his approach — detailed, disciplined, well thought-out. His training plans were solid, and I took a lot from them.

Over time, I realized it was too strict for me. It felt more like a belief system than a training plan: never skip a session, eat exactly this, sleep exactly that.
That might work if training is your job — but when your real job is demanding, and life keeps throwing things at you, it becomes impossible to follow without burning out.

I needed something more flexible. Something human.

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Back to the Basics

Right now, I’m on day 59 of Eric Orton’s 90-day training program — the one from Born to Run 2. And I love it.

It’s the first plan that really goes back to the fundamentals: movement, form, awareness.
Over the years, I’ve made several attempts to improve my technique — including a great in-person session with Flugphase (which I highly recommend). But it’s Orton’s and McDougall’s book that finally gave me a practical, home-based method to actually work on it.

It’s not written for elite athletes. It’s written for people like me: time-crunched, mid-40s, and figuring it out as I go.
I’m curious to see what happens after day 90 — but so far, I feel like I’m finally doing it right.

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The Ironman Switch — or How to Lose Everything

At some point, I realized I had to shift gears — from trail running and ultras to full Ironman training. So I got a book. The cover promised to show “how to train for an Ironman without losing your family, friends, or job.” Sounded like exactly what I needed.

Then I opened the first week’s plan.

I still don’t know how that was supposed to work. Double sessions, long rides midweek, barely any recovery time.
It honestly looked more like a blueprint for losing your family, friends, and job.

That’s when it hit me: if I want to do this, I need to build a plan that works for my life — early mornings, short windows, smart recovery, and zero illusions.

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Not Perfect — but Possible

I don’t have the perfect plan yet — but I’ve learned what doesn’t work.
And that’s a pretty good place to start.