On this episode of Opinionated Off-Topic, we sit down with Mars Cernas to talk about a year filled with marathon training, international travel, personal milestones, and the constant pursuit of growth.

Mars has always approached life through a creative lens. A full-time videographer and visual storyteller, he fell in love with a camera early on and has spent years documenting life as it happens—capturing cinematic moments, telling stories through visuals, and turning everyday experiences into something meaningful on film. That same mindset of creativity, discipline, and curiosity has carried over into other areas of his life.

In this episode, Mars reflects on the discipline it takes to chase ambitious goals, how creativity and endurance sports often intersect, and what it means to document life while actively pushing yourself to live it.

With 2026 approaching and a Sub-3 marathon goal on the horizon, Mars looks back on a year defined by growth, resilience, and a relentless drive to keep leveling up—both behind the camera and on the road.