Helloooo runner and happy Friday! I hope you’ve had an incredible week thus far. In today’s edition of RunLetters, we talk about record setters, wild running adventures around the world, a new amazing running watch, and some more.

Before you dive in, though, don’t forget to join the RunLetters Run Club. It’s free, we’re a friendly bunch, and so much fun!

Okay, let’s get started ⤵️

The Year The Records Fell – The 2025 Javelina Jundred is a fast-paced, beautifully shot race film that captures what happens when ideal weather meets fearless racing.

This year’s Javelina 100 became the fastest in history. American runner Will Murray (who, by the way, jumped into full-on ice baths at aid stations to keep his body temp down), a rising name in ultra running, was chasing the men’s course record.

Meanwhile, Tara Dower, an extremely fast ultra runner who has already broken many FKTs, was running well ahead of record pace on the women’s side. For her final, stunning result, watch the video!

The editing is smooth, and the atmosphere is unique. It feels like a Halloween desert party where everyone loves running, and that somehow still produces world-class performances.

Stick around to the end. The film shifts from record-chasing to community, showing runners finishing after 24 hours, a 67-year-old grandmother determined to cross the line, and the crowd staying to cheer for the very last finisher. It’s emotional, fun, and a great reminder of what makes running so special.

Tara Dower (mentioned above in the watchlist, as she’s part of this week’s video!) is one of those runners who make you want to grab your shoes and go hit the trails. She’s lighthearted, funny, and full of joy, yet absolutely relentless when it comes to chasing big goals. Relentless, I repeat.

In 2024 she set the fastest known time on the entire Appalachian Trail, running all 2,189 miles from Georgia to Maine in just over 40 days. That wasn’t just a women’s record. It was the fastest time ever recorded. That’s not her only FKT though… Check this out.

And this year, she proved again that persistence pays off. After DNFing the 2023 Javelina Jundred because of heat and nutrition struggles, she returned stronger and smarter to set a course record in 2025.

Her content is a mix of trail grit and good energy. One day, she’s breaking records, the next she’s out hiking or just sharing the nice behind-the-scenes. Tara reminds everyone that breakthroughs are built from small, consistent steps, and that running can still be fun while you’re chasing big goals.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your long runs with real adventure, I’m glad to introduce you to Rogue Expeditions. They organize running trips that take you far beyond the usual marathon weekend. Think glaciers, mountains, and some of the most breathtaking trails on the planet.

Their trips are open to all levels and blend scenic runs with local food and culture. The groups are kept small. You could be running past waterfalls in Slovenia, exploring rugged trails in Patagonia, tracing ancient paths through Japan, or soaking up the raw beauty of Iceland and the Balkans. I’m personally interested in, eh… all of them 🫣

If you like to combine running with traveling, I think you should have a look.

And here’s the best part: RunLetters Run Club members get $250 off any Rogue Expeditions trip. Click here to join.

Now that’s one way to make running in 2026 unforgettable 💙

Yet to be tested by the RunLetters team (aka Caroline), but as a big fan of the Coros Pace 3, I think the Coros Pace 4 looks like a solid choice for anyone looking for a (new) running watch.

Budget-friendly, even better battery life, an AMOLED screen (nice and bright!), and of course, all the same features as its predecessor plus some (now with voice input, for example).

Expect a side-by-side comparison video on RunLetters, hopefully before the end of the year. For now, plenty of videos on YouTube have been published to give you more detailed info.

Price: $249 | €269 | £229.00 | Available here

This essay-style video from Just Another Runner explores how our thoughts shape our race experiences. It discusses cognitive reframing, which means changing how we look at a situation so it feels less negative and more helpful.

The idea is that meaning isn’t fixed: we create it. So we can choose to see a tough race or setback in a way that helps us grow rather than spiral. It’s a great watch if you are someone who tends to overthink race day, struggles with nerves, or wants a calmer, more mindful approach to racing.

I don’t think this video is for everyone, but for some, this one may really hit home.

Thank you for reading another edition of RunLetters. It honestly means the world to me. I’ve been writing this newsletter weekly for over six months now, and seeing people open the email and read it makes me so grateful. THANK YOU!

Don’t forget to answer the poll if you’d be interested in a RunLetters Run Club Trip!

Enjoy your weekend ☀️

Caroline