



March 17, 2026
For 2026, the Flying Pig Marathon is getting one of its most meaningful course tweaks in years, driven by new bridge construction in Northern Kentucky. If you’ve run the Pig before, parts of this course will feel comfortingly familiar. Others will feel subtly, but importantly, different. Why the Course Changed This Year The 2026 course ...

July 29, 2025
For many runners, marathons are more than just a race. They’re a journey, a challenge, and sometimes even a passport to adventure. While the big-city races like Boston, New York, and Chicago offer prestige and crowds, there’s a whole other world of marathons that break the mold. From icy trails in the Arctic Circle to ...

July 16, 2025
There’s a lot of confusion out there about whether you should eat before running — especially first thing in the morning. Some runners swear by fasted runs, while others can’t imagine hitting the pavement without a bite to eat. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Learning how to fuel your body properly is a ...

July 16, 2025
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, setting the right kind of goals can make or break your running journey. In this post, we’re diving into process vs. outcome goals—two types of goals every runner should understand. It’s a simple shift in mindset that can help you stay consistent, motivated, ...

Hey, I’m Kyle. I’ve been running for years, not always perfectly, but always learning. I started The Optimal Runner to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in my own training, with the hope that it helps you find your own rhythm.
I’m all about taking a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to running; balancing data, mindset, and real life. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just trying to stay consistent, I’m right there with you. Let’s figure this out together!
