Mitch Ammons is living proof that small, steady habits can transform a life.

Just a few years removed from barely jogging half a mile after rehab, the Austin realtor has run 2:16:01 in the marathon, joined Bat City Track Club, won his hometown half in 1:08:32, and even stood on the start line in Boston’s Professional Open Men’s Field–all without ever running in college.

What’s his secret? Nothing flashy.

Mitch leans on simple, controllable routines, like stacking threshold-heavy weeks, looped courses to calm race-day chaos, and dialing in a fueling plan he trusts.

In training, he’s learning to check his old “race every rep” instinct, following coach Jeff Cunningham’s mantra to stay in control and always leave one in the tank.

And the big dreams still burn for him, like dipping under the 2:16 Olympic Trials Qualifier, a mark he missed by seconds on a circular “micro marathon.”

He’s also caught the ultra-marathon bug.

From a last-man-standing test of grit, to his first-ever DNF after an ankle sprain, to the belief that marathon fitness carries into the 50K distance and beyond.

Running is both anchor and amplifier for Mitch, as he believes PRs matter no matter the level, and embraces being “a little nuts.”

Because in the end, loops, thresholds, and habits aren’t just for racing...they’re for living.

Tap into the Mitch Ammons Special.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review!

I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it.

Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I’ll DM you a link to listen.

If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!

S H O W N O T E S

-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs

-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT’S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run

-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run

-THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ

-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz