‘Elloooo runner 👋 Was your timeline also full of the Berlin Marathon this week?

I know mine sure was (being a contributor myself, since I got to run it 🙌). From the pineapple runner to crazy run clubs, influencers to people smashing their PBs, and some having to DNF. The Berlin Marathon absolutely took over.

So… let’s dive into this week’s news ⤵️

Minute 9 is where I got goosebumps all over my body 👀

Having run a marathon just this past Sunday, seeing the record above is even more mind-blowing. Yes, sure, the athletes had “the perfect conditions” and “all the high tech gear”, but let’s be honest: those things alone don’t make this possible. It’s the athlete running in the gear that performs the magic.

Absolutely insane. I’ll leave it at that. Grab yourself a snack and give it a watch!

Meet Ben & Mary of This Messy Happy. Two coaches, two educators, one mission: to help you fall in love with running and life, messy parts included.

They train, they race, they fall, they get back up, and they bring us along. They’ve got informational/educational videos, but also show the behind-the-scenes grind, the injury setbacks, and the mental fatigue. Things we all experience.

Recent favorites:

If you’re tired of polished feeds or models running ultras, Ben and Mary might be the couple for you. They remind us that consistency, kindness (to yourself haha), and curiosity matter more than perfection when it comes to running!

Pssst… they’re also on Instagram:

Ever wanted to run under trees taller than skyscrapers? The Avenue of the Giants Marathon, Half, and 10K (May 3, 2026) takes place in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Northern California. The course winds along the famous Avenue of the Giants, where GPS signals get swallowed by 300-foot redwoods towering over the road.

It’s a bucket-list race for good reason. You can pick your distance: the full marathon (Boston Qualifier), a half, or a 10K. Prices start at $60 for the 10K and $100 for the marathon if you grab early registration.

And even though it’s a Boston Qualifying marathon, the whole weekend still has small-town charm. There’s no major corporate sponsor, and they have a fun “spaghetti feed” event where you can carb up with everyone.

If you’re looking for a runcation in 2026, this one’s hard to beat. Fly into San Francisco, then road trip north for one of the most magical race settings in the U.S. I’ve personally always wanted to road trip through California, so this one goes onto my wish list!

Finding a good hydration vest is not easy. They are often too big, too bouncy, lacking pockets, or packed with zippers you don’t need. The list goes on.

After watching a Running Channel video about different packs, I decided to give the INOV8 Racepac 8 a try. Just before ordering one I reached out to the brand and they kindly sent me one. Let me tell you: it is worth every penny.

And the best part? It is already not that expensive, which is why I was considering it in the first place. Positive reviews, low cost.

And the best part? It is already not that expensive, which is why I was considering it in the first place. Positive reviews, low cost.

The Racepac 8 can carry more than you’d expect: two 500 ml bottles in the front, another two 250 ml bottles on the sides, plus your phone, headphones, keys, and even an extra shirt or sweater. It is comfortable, does not chafe, and doesn’t bounce. I’ve had zero problems with this vest and can confidently say you will not be disappointed.

If you’re ready to give it a try, you can use this link to get 15% off your order.

Oh, and… here is my review video of this vest:

Can you imagine being overtaken in an all-out sprint by a 67-year-old runner? 🚀

Me neither. But José Aguiar, from Brazil, who only started racing after turning 50, would probably leave us in the dust. In the last 17 years he’s picked up more than 200 trophies and still hammers out beach intervals at sub-3:00 min/km pace (4:56 per mile).

His motto is simple: “It’s never too late to start.” Scroll his Instagram and you’ll see the same routine — morning or evening, rain or shine, always flying across the sand with a smile.

José is living proof that longevity in running isn’t about slowing down. It’s about showing up. Feeling stuck with your own training? Think of him. Then lace up and go.

That’s it for another edition of RunLetters ✅ THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for reading this edition!

Click some links, as that boosts the metrics 🙌 and have a solid weekend ahead! I’ll be running a fun 20km trail race. What about you?

See you on another starting line next week ☀️

Caroline

P.S. I’m starting a global, online community for runners, the RunLetters Run Club. The first 50 members get in for free. I haven’t publicly announced anything yet, so this invite is JUST for RunLetters subscribers (YOU!).

Expect fun weekly and monthly challenges with prizes, expert calls, and the best discounts. You can join by tapping here.