The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year

Happy New Year!

As we step into a new year, I just want to say thank you for being part of the Run the Riot community. I hope 2026 starts with good health, clear goals, and a sense of excitement about what’s ahead.

This time of year is full of motivation. New plans. New races. New training cycles. And while that energy is a good thing, it can also get us into trouble if we’re not careful.

That’s why the latest Run the Riot Podcast episode is called “The Skill Every Ultrarunner Needs in the New Year.”
That skill is what I call “Training Patience.”

Patience isn’t about doing less or holding back out of fear. It’s about knowing when to push, when to stay steady, and when to protect the long game. January isn’t the race—it’s the foundation. The runners who stay consistent all year are usually the ones who resist the urge to rush fitness early.

In this episode, I talk about:

  • Why “winning January” often leads to problems later
  • How patience becomes a real competitive advantage in ultrarunning
  • A smarter way to think about New Year goals and training progress
  • Why consistency and durability matter more than early-season intensity

If you’re setting goals for the year, coming back from a break, or just want to train with more intention, I think this episode will resonate.

You can listen here:

Or you can find it on all of the other platforms with a search.

Thanks again for being here. I’m excited to keep sharing conversations, lessons, and encouragement with you this year.

Here’s to staying healthy, consistent, and in the game all year long.

Happy New Year! Be Blessed!


David Theriot

P.S. Also, don’t miss my podcast with Jeff Browning! It was a blast!

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