In The Long Run

Thoughts and BELIEFS:

(BELIEF is my chosen word for 2026 - what is yours?)

Hello Reader,

Sabastian Sawe ran a 1:59:30 to break the world record at the 2026 London Marathon Sunday morning. A feat that has been contemplated and chased for years.

He completed three marathons before this one, coming in first for each around 2:02. After every race, he returned to his training — knowing he was capable of more.

His coach knew it too. He noted a phrase from the book "The Way of Excellence" that had been a guiding concept in the last few weeks of preparation; 'Confidence is based on evidence.'

After crushing the world record and crossing the finish line, Sabastian said: "Everything is possible with a matter of time."

Within that sentence is my 2026 word: BELIEF.

Sabastian and I share the same conviction - "a matter of time". He kept working and building evidence with focus on preparation. His result was 1:59:30.

Right now, my running focus is on things within my control. Consistency, shorter runs, and patience while awaiting lab tests.

My ultimate result would be feeling like myself and rediscovering the joy of running.

On the hard days, I have to force myself out the door. Three or four miles - call it a shuffle. Frustrated by fatigue, having to lie down and rest after a run and shower. Holding belief there is reason for feeling this way.

It turns out there is.

One of my results showed just a trace of estrogen and testosterone — normal for menopause. A sigh of relief. Now we have answers to create a plan.

A note from my doctor:

I didn't break a world record nor will I ever.

But validation for the way I've felt for almost two years means everything. "Confidence is based on evidence."

Watching history made in a sport I've loved for more than twenty-five years was even better knowing that maybe — just maybe — I can get back out there again.

I have a long way to go, but change and hope are on the horizon.

Sabastian had control of his preparation, and was rewarded with a world record.

I have no control over how my body will respond to HRT, but sitting on the couch complaining about hot flashes will not contribute to possibility.

What evidence do YOU need to build?

Walking (or running) beside you — one step at a time.

Coach Nikki

PATIENCE ANYONE?

I traveled to the 2026 Boston Marathon with patience in mind. My experience was incredible, and I'll be sharing segments from that trip over the next several weeks.

Something REALLY helpful that provided perspective before the trip was this podcast from Rich Roll, called "Rebuilding My Body and Starting Over After Surgery."

I've admired Rich and his story of "alcoholic turned endurance athlete" along with his transformation to podcasting in order to help others.

For anyone dealing with adversity, it's a great listen. I shared these words for you after I heard it:

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What Can I Do For YOU?

These are the words from a client who was left wondering if she should "show up" for the Flying Pig marathon she has trained for.

"Hi Nicole- I am currently signed up for and hoping to run a marathon on 5/3.

...during my run my right hip seized up. I was able to walk/run and get 4.2 miles in with minimal issues but had some major discomfort afterwards. Since then I have run two times and each time have had some discomfort starting about a mile in, otherwise I am pain free and have had no issues.

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I went to an orthopedic specialist today, and good news is nothing is broken and they gave me a referral for an MRI. I won't be able to get that set up ahead of my race date so I am hoping to get some help figuring out next steps and if I can/should show up at the start line."

Five Days Later...

Instead of waiting and hoping, she took action and now has the confidence and a plan to execute her marathon.

If you have questions regarding your training, need help getting unstuck, or need to discuss options to help you feel better, I would love to help.

Don't wait and hope. Take action.

Invest in yourself and your body with a JumpStart.

​CLICK HERE TO WORK WITH COACH NIKKI​

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:

Have you seen the new Michael Jackson biopic? If so, shoot me a message- I'd love to hear what you thought!

I'm going next week, and I can't wait. I pulled up the end of a talk I gave at the Gray Institute in 2014 and I'm sharing it below.

If you want inspiration to see the movie, listent to that drum beat and bass line from this 2 minute snippet of "Billie Jean".

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If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about JSR Coaching/Injury or Performance Consult - hit reply, and we'll have a chat!

​CLICK HERE TO WORK WITH COACH NIKKI​

Thank you so much for reading, and please forward this to your friends!

Have a question or a topic request? CONTACT COACH NIKKI