Jack Martindale is an exceptional distance runner, clocking in at 1:13:59 and finishing 8th of 2,196 in the Lake Garda half marathon this year.

He works full-time and doesn't periodise his training – surely he shouldn't be as effective as he is?

In this week's episode we discuss finding balance between competing interests (and income streams), the importance of community and the confidence to describe yourself as your dream job title, manifesting in Jack's vision for the perfect runner's hangout.

Jack and I have found community in our respective disciplines in Sheffield and so have been aware of each other online for probably a year now.

It was class to actually might him in-person, grab some coffees following our individual runs for the days and get into Jack's take on fitness and identity.

There's a lot in here, at a much steadier pace than either of our record attempts, and I hope yas enjoy it!

LinksJack's runclub (which I joined this week!) https://www.wearerunhappy.com/My stats on marathon runners around the world https://www.livestrong.com/article/13730338-running-statistics/

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F&T newsletterWhere it all started on Substack https://fitnessandthinking.substack.com/This week's newsletter https://fitnessandthinking.substack.com/p/are-you-living-or-merely-not-dead