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The 1% Better Runner with DLake
How To Learn From Your Racing Failures
If you want to reframe racing failures as lessons learned then you should listen to this episode.
Some endurance athletes say “failure is not an option”. If you’ve ever attempted to do a race or event that was slightly ambitious, I would argue that a failure is an option. In my head, I’ve redefined failure to mean all of the ways to not do something. Or in other words “lessons learned”.
Every mistake, misstep and failing moment is a stride towards triumph.
In this episode, I’ll show you a few race lessons I learned that will help you crush your next running or endurance event.
I'm bringing in a previous guest and endurance sports enthusiast - J mike Remy or as he calls himself now "Remy B Reel". He will help me highlight some really interesting findings around my last few races. We did a live video event on his series "Adjust Adapt Achieve" a short time ago and I thought it would be cool to chop up the audio and re-hash it in a dynamic way that helps tell this story better.
The 5 key takeaways from my convo with Remy were;
Takeaway 1 - Reframing running my fastest 5k time to my best 5k
Here I talk about the spectrum of what you have to work with. This spectrum is similar to the cards you're dealt or the crayon box colors you got. You just gotta work with what you have. Here's more on that.
Takeaway 2 - The Twenty 1% changes
Here I go deep on the nitty-gritty of the 1% changes and upgrades that I did months, weeks, and days before my race. Nutrition, sauna, dynamic warmup/drils/plyos, etc.
Takeaway 3 - Addition and subtraction
I know that sounds like word salad but stay with me on this.
When you take things away you strip things down to it's core. I call this essentialism.
My maximal brain tries to live a minimal life, so this was my take on it but through the lens of racing
Takeaway 4 - Use Data - Then ignore it and trust the process
Using data, trusting it, but at the end of the day listening to your body because sometimes the data you give the algorithms is wrong. That's why coaches are important.
The human touch is necessary with all machines, algorithms, data and formulas.
Without the human, it's just data. with the human and the data/tech you become superhuman.
Takeaway 5 - Running Virtuous Cycle
This is my fun take on creating a model, frame and lens that can help us see things better in our training and specifically running.
Links
- Adjust Adapt Achieve with Remy B Reel (Youtube Live Video) - https://youtu.be/77K504FGRnA
- War Juice- https://dlakecreates.com/drink-war-juice-race-faster/
- Sauna - https://runnersconnect.net/sauna-running-performance/
- Don't Cut Caffeine The Week Of a Race - https://www.caffeinebullet.com/post/should-you-cut-out-caffeine-before-a-race
- DLake Creates - https://DLakecreates.com
Quotables
- "Using data, trusting it But at the end of the day, listening to your own body."
- "If you're injury-free you can run more. If you run more you get faster."
More episodes
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Why You Don’t Need to Choose Between Strength and Running
19:36|What if the thing holding back your running is your fear of lifting weights?If you’ve ever felt torn between running and lifting, this episode shows you how to build both without choosing sides. I walk through what hybrid training really is, why it’s blowing up, and how to make it work even if you’re brand new. You’ll learn the mistakes that keep runners weak, the habits that hold lifters back, and the simple weekly structure that helps anyone get stronger, faster, and fitter at the same time. It’s a clear roadmap for training smarter so your body can finally do more without falling apart.Key TakeawaysYou don't have to choose between running and lifting. Combining them builds a fitness level that helps you perform better in sports and everyday life.If you are a runner, strength training makes you more efficient. This means you can run the same pace while using less energy.If you are a lifter, learning to run at an easy, conversational pace builds your cardio without hurting your strength gains.Timestamps[00:30] What You'll Learn[01:16] What is Hyrox[03:00] The Fork in the Road: Runner vs Lifter[03:29] Use This to Become a Hybrid Athlete[03:46] For Runners—How to Train Like a Gym Bro (Without Becoming One)[07:00] Functional Lower Body Work[08:26] Use This to Schedule Your Running Lifting Perfectly[09:03] For Lifters—How to Run Like a Hybrid Athlete (Not a Broken Bro)[12:38] Run Economy Basics for Big Humans[15:50] A Simple Hybrid Week Plan[18:46] Use This to Run a Faster HYROXLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free hybrid athlete/hyrox training plan here https://dlakecreates.com/hyroxfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/hyroxLearn how to run far and fast easier - https://dlakecreates.com/baseLearn the top 5 body weight strength exercises for runners - https://dlakecreates.com/10w2s-5Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running
20:45|What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your pace but your training habits?In this episode, I break down the nine lessons that completely changed the way I train and helped me finally run faster without constant injuries or burnout. You’ll learn why slowing down matters, how to use walking the right way, and what it takes to build the kind of consistency that actually sticks. I explain how progress really works, the mindset shift that makes running feel easier, and the simple habits that make training feel automatic. If you’ve ever wondered why your hard work isn’t showing up in your pace, this episode gives you the tools to fix that—without overcomplicating anything.Key TakeawaysRunning slower most of the time actually makes you faster: Easy, conversational-paced runs build your aerobic base, reduce injury risk, and teach your body to use energy more efficiently.Walking during runs isn’t failure, it’s smart training: Strategic walk breaks help manage fatigue, protect your joints, and let you run longer without burning out.Being a runner starts the moment you run, not when you hit a goal: You don’t need speed, distance, or a race bib to call yourself a runner; showing up is enough.Timestamps[00:27] What You'll Learn[00:52] Rule #1 — Running Slow Actually Makes You Faster[03:31] Rule #2 — It's Okay to Walk[06:10] Use This to Fully Implement the 9 Rules Right Now[06:35] Rule #3 — Shoes Matter... But Not the Way You Think[08:23] Rule #4 — Progress Isn't Linear (And That's Okay)[12:29] Help Another Runner[12:58] Rule #6 — You Don't Need to Run Every Day. You Need Consistency[14:51] Rule #7 — You're Starting From Zero. That's Normal.[16:49] Rule #8 — You Don't Need Motivation. You Need a System[19:05] Rule #9 — You're a Runner as Soon as You Start[20:01] Here's What You Really Need to Start RunningLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free run farther and longer base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, read and learn more https://dlakecreates.com/9thingsSteal my 7 minute warmup routine https://dlakecreates.com/warmupRun farther and longer with this https://dlakecreates.com/baseInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
The Dangerous Level of Marathon Running No One Talks About
12:03|Most runners aren’t stuck because of fitness… they’re stuck because they keep repeating the same mistakes.Every marathoner is somewhere on the five-level spectrum—and most don’t even realize they’re training themselves into a trap. In this episode, I break down the stages every runner moves through, the exact moments the transitions happen, and why some levels lead to growth while others quietly wreck your performance, mindset, and enjoyment. You’ll learn how to recognize where you are right now, avoid the psychological and physical pitfalls that derail so many runners, and dial in the approach that keeps you improving without burning out.Key TakeawaysEvery marathoner moves through predictable levels, and most get stuck because they repeat the same habits without changing anything.Chasing times too aggressively turns smart training into obsession, which often leads to injury, burnout, and frustration.The best progress happens when you stay curious, train with intention, and avoid letting your self-worth depend on one race result.Timestamps- [00:00:20:14] What You'll Learn- [00:01:02:26] LEVEL 1: THE BUCKET-LISTER- [00:02:08:15] Use This To Run a Smarter Marathon- [00:02:51:27] Level 2 – The Repeater- [00:05:02:12] Do This Easy Thing To Help Another Runner- [00:05:17:00] Level 3: The Student- [00:07:24:14] LEVEL 4: THE QUALIFIER- [00:09:36:13] LEVEL 5: THE ZEN PSYCHOPATH- [00:10:45:04] What Level Should You Really Be On?- [00:11:43:25] Do This Before You Run Your MarathonLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free run far and long easier base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/marathonlevelsLearn how to hydrate for races like NASA astronauts - https://dlakecreates.com/smart-hydration-runners/Learn why and how I ran a half-marathon 1% better for 10 years so you can do it too - https://dlakecreates.com/half2024Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
Are You Training Wrong? The Truth About 4x4 Workouts
17:04|4x4 intervals are the most overrated workout in running, and continuing to do them could be the very thing stopping you from breaking your personal record.You've probably heard about 4x4 intervals for boosting VO2 max, but are they really the best way to get faster? In this episode, I break down the real science behind VO2 max training and explain why the 4x4 method might be holding you back. I’ll explore why this popular workout often fails both new and experienced runners and, more importantly, I’ll share proven, alternative interval workouts that are just as good—if not better. You'll learn the fundamentals of how this training works and get a clear plan on how to structure these workouts to build speed and endurance safely.Key TakeawaysFour-by-four intervals aren’t the gold standard they’re made out to be—they’re often too hard for beginners and too short for experienced runners to maximize VO₂ max gains.There are smarter, research-backed VO₂ max workouts—like 30/30s, 12 x 400m, 6 x 3 minutes, and 4 x 5 minutes—that match different experience levels and race goals better.Time spent actually at VO₂ max matters more than the workout name—shorter recoveries and properly paced efforts can give you more quality minutes near your true aerobic ceiling.Timestamps[00:17] What You'll Learn[00:59] What Are 4x4 Intervals?[02:00] Why Are They So Popular?[03:08] 4 Reasons Why 4x4 Intervals Are Overrated[05:39] Free Improve Your Vo2Max Guide[06:02] The 4 Better Vo2 Max Workouts[06:37] Option 1: 30/30 Protocol (Billat Method) - For Variety Speed demons[09:20] Option 2: 12x400m - For All Levels (Especially Speedy Folks That Like To Go Fast)[12:12] Help Another Runner Out[12:26] Option 3: 6x3 Minutes - For Intermediate Runners[13:04] Option 4: 4x5 Minutes (Jack Daniels Method) - For Experienced Runners[15:35] How To Fit This In Your Schedule[16:28] Learn About Vo2 Max First Before You Train ItLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free Improve Vo2 Max Training Plan https://dlakecreates.com/4x4free🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/4x4Use this to find your VDOT Score - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuh4bsdo1CYRun far and long easier with this - https://dlakecreates.com/baseLearn everything you need to know about Vo2 Max here - https://dlakecreates.com/vo2maxInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
Are You Recovering Wrong? What I Wish I Knew Years Ago
15:04|What if the secret to running faster and training harder isn't found in your workouts, but in what you do when you're not running?I used to believe that pushing harder meant getting better, until my body finally pushed back. In this episode, I break down what recovery really is, why skipping it silently drains your progress, and how your stress, sleep, nutrition, and mindset all shape the way your body adapts to training. I walk through the difference between true rest and the kind of “easy days” that still count as training, plus the simple habits that help you bounce back stronger instead of burning out. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel tired, tight, or slower even when you’re working hard, this is where everything starts to make sense.Recover Smarter with This Red Light Therapy Tool - PRUNGO FluxGo Black Friday Sale The lowest price of the year, only $299 (up to 60% off), and extended 60 days warranty!Key TakeawaysOvertraining is often a result of under-recovering. Your body can handle hard workouts, but it breaks down when you combine them with life stress and poor sleep.Recovery is an active skill, not just doing nothing. It means choosing activities that lower your total stress and help your body adapt, like a walk or light mobility work.Listen to your body's warning signs, like a higher resting heart rate or constant irritability. Ignoring them leads to injury, while heeding them lets you train harder and smarter.Timestamps[00:15] What You'll Learn[01:02] When 'No Days Off' Destroyed My Marathon[02:08] The Science Behind What Happened[03:02] Use This Tool to Help With Recovery[04:30] The Real Definition of Recovery[05:57] Get My Free Recover Easy Without Thinking Guide[06:16] What to Do on Recovery Days: Active Recovery[08:05] Passive Recovery Explained[10:31] Quick Cheat Sheet to Tell Difference[10:59] What Not to Do on Recovery Days[12:43] How to Know When You Need Rest[14:36] Do This Once You Really Understand RecoveryLinks & Learnings🔴 Get 50% off Prungo FluxGO: USA Use - https://dlakecreates.com/prungoamazon ||Rest of World Use Code: "1BETTERRUN10" https://dlakecreates.com/prungo10📈 Get your free recovery cheat sheet and training plan bundle https://dlakecreates.com/recoveryfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/recoveryRun far and long easier with this - https://dlakecreates.com/baseThe best cross training workouts for runners - https://dlakecreates.com/crosstrainactivitiesInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
How Fast Do You REALLY Lose Running Fitness? (New Science)
09:12|Losing fitness in the off-season isn’t the setback you think it is—it’s actually where your next breakthrough begins.What if the fear of losing your running fitness is actually the very thing holding you back? This episode breaks down the surprising science that reveals how resilient your body really is and why those planned or unplanned breaks from training aren't your enemy. I'll share the simple, minimal-effort formula to maintain over 90% of your fitness and show you how to flip your mindset, turning panic into power. You'll learn how to strategically use this time to not just protect your progress, but to set the stage for your biggest running wins yet.Key TakeawaysFitness fades much slower than you think. Your core endurance stays with you for a long time, even when you take a break.You can keep most of your fitness with very little work. Just a couple of easy runs a week is enough to maintain your hard-earned base.A break is not a setback, it's a strategic reload. Shifting your mindset to see time off as "loading the slingshot" helps you come back stronger and avoids injury.Timestamps[00:01] What's Really Happening With Runners Mindsets[00:11] What You’ll Learn[02:52] How To Do The Slingshot Season In Your Training[05:12] Use This To Run Faster, Farther and Longer with Less Effort[05:50] Why This Is Important For Runners[08:22] Do This To Stop Running PerfectLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free run faster and longer base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/slingshotHow to not let perfection rule your running - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxCjqqnPokgInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
I Tried Low HR Zone 2 Training for 13 years - This happened
16:40|What if running slower was actually the secret to running faster—and most people just never stick around long enough to see it?If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not getting faster, or keep getting injured, burned out, or stuck in a running rut, this episode breaks down the exact method to rebuild your fitness from the ground up. You’ll learn why running slower than you think builds real, lasting speed, what to expect each week during your first two months of low-heart-rate training, and the six mistakes that silently sabotage progress before most people ever see results.Key TakeawaysRunning slower builds endurance faster than constant high-intensity training because it strengthens the aerobic system, boosts mitochondria, and prevents burnout.Most people fail at zone two training because they quit before week seven—right when the real progress begins.True speed comes from consistency, patience, and knowing your heart rate zones instead of chasing pace or instant results.Timestamps[00:09] What You'll Learn[00:34] How Running Slow Makes You Fast —My Story[01:37] What Is Zone 2 Running?[03:41] The 6 Common Mistakes: Mistake #1 Using Watch based/Optical HR Monitor[04:22] Use This to Run Farther and Longer with a Low HR[04:40] Mistake #2: Using the 220 – Age Formula.[06:00] Mistake #3: Letting Pace Dictate Effort.[06:38] Mistake #4: Living In The Gray Zone And Doing Too Much Zone 3 And Zone 4 Work[07:36] Mistake #5: Ignoring External Factors.[08:02] Mistake #6: Giving Up Too Soon.[08:21] Help Another Runner Be Amazing[08:48] What To Expect When You First Start Training: Week By Week[11:58] How To Find Your Zone 2 Hr - The Tests[12:55] Find Zone 2 Breath Test[14:37] Why Zone 2 Is So Important[15:53] What You Really Need Is Base TrainingLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free run far and long with no effort training plan here - https://dlakecreates.com/zone2free🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/lowhrUse the Free Vdot Calculator Tool - https://dlakecreates.com/vdotLearn all about Base Training - https://dlakecreates.com/baseIs Zone 3 Gray Zone a waste of time or genius - https://dlakecreates.com/grayzoneHow to do MAF Test - https://dlakecreates.com/mafInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
Stop Wasting Energy When You Run (Fix This First)
12:41|Your arm swing isn’t just movement—it’s balance, rhythm, and power. Get it wrong, and you’re leaving free speed on the table.What if the thing you’re ignoring in your running form is secretly draining your energy mile after mile? This episode breaks down the real, science-backed reason why your arm swing is a powerhouse for efficiency and balance, not just for looks. I’ll give you four simple fixes and drills you can use immediately to clean up your mechanics, reduce wasted effort, and finally start feeling as strong at the end of your run as you did at the beginning.Key TakeawaysArm swing isn’t just for looks. It’s essential for balance and energy efficiency. Poor arm movement forces your core and legs to overcompensate, wasting fuel and slowing you down.Four small tweaks—dropped shoulders, soft 90° elbows, driving hands back (not across), and relaxed “potato chip” hands—add up to smoother, fresher running.Your arms and legs are neurologically wired together, so clean arm motion helps your stride stay in rhythm without extra mental or physical effort.Timestamps[00:11] What You'll Learn[00:50] The 6 Levers of Running Form[02:09] Lever 4 – Cadence[03:28] What Is Arm Swing?[05:20] Use This to Improve Your Arm Swing[05:37] Fix Drill #1 — Shoulder Drop, Not Shrug[06:55] Fix Drill #2 — Elbow Angle ≈ 90° (But Soft)[07:56] Do This to Help Another Runner[08:15] Fix Drill #3 — Drive Back, Don't Cross[09:09] The Study on Arms and Legs Relationship[10:01] Fix Drill #4 — Hands Low; Loose Grip With Thumbs Up[11:32] What Happens When You Put All of That Together?[12:07] What You Really Need to Fix Your Run FormLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free improve arm swing training plan here https://dlakecreates.com/armswingfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/armswingLearn more about Run Form - https://dlakecreates.com/runformLearn about strength training https://dlakecreates.com/10w2s-5Improve your breathing https://dlakecreates.com/running-breathing-techniques/Cadence Toolkit https://dlakecreates.com/improve-running-cadence-tips/Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507
The Legal Supplement Pro Runners Use (I Tested It 4 Times) | Baking Soda
13:33|Yup... I tried the “white powder” every pro whispers about—and almost ruined a race.I road-tested baking soda for running: what it is, how it buffers lactate, and where it actually helps. I break down the science in plain English, show my four real-world tests (including a DIY version of the pricey pro formula), and map out who should even consider it. You’ll see the trade-offs—timing, dose, gut risk—and when a tiny 1–3% bump is worth the stress. If you’re chasing short, hard efforts, there’s a smart way to run the experiment. If you’re not, there’s a better place to put your energy.Key TakeawaysBaking soda can help in short, hard efforts (about 30 seconds to 12 minutes).Dose and timing matter; gut issues are common and can ruin race day.Test a system in training; for most runners, consistent training beats supplements.Timestamps[00:00:38] How Baking Soda Works for Runners [00:02:02] Do This To Help Another Runner [00:02:32] The Science Behind Baking Soda Buffering In Running [00:04:46] Experiment 1: This Actually Works [00:06:39] Use This To Make Your Own Baking Soda and Run Faster [00:07:05] Experiment 2: My Gut Rebels [00:08:54] Experiment 3: Cracking The Maurten Baking Soda Code [00:10:19] Experiment 4: The Truth [00:11:47] Do You Really Need Baking Soda To Run Faster? [00:12:34] Use This To Really Race Faster With Less Effort Links & Learnings📈 Get your free improve your race times with baking soda training plan and guide - https://dlakecreates.com/bakingsodafree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/bakingsodaWTF is Lactate Threshold - https://dlakecreates.com/lactate1wtf5 Lactate Mistakes - https://dlakecreates.com/threshold-running-mistakes/Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507