7 Reasons Why Some Runners Make It to Race Day and Others Don’t | Coach Larry’s Corner
Meet Coach Larry Chow. He’s worked with runners of every level through the San Francisco Marathon training program RUN365. He’s seen them celebrate as they reached their goals, and he’s seen them walk away disappointed. Larry knows what actually makes the difference. We asked him a few simple questions.
1. What’s something most runners worry about that doesn’t matter as much as they think?
2. What’s something runners don’t think about enough?
Recovery, fueling, and strength work.
In San Francisco, where running weather is almost always ideal, it’s easy to just keep running. But the real gains happen when you rest well, fuel properly, and take care of the muscles that keep you moving.
Running more isn’t always the answer. Running smarter usually is.
3. After all these years, what separates runners who make it to race day from those who don’t?
Showing up.
The runners who make it to race day are the ones who keep showing up for the long runs and workouts, especially on the days they don’t feel like it.
4. What’s the most common mistake you see in training?
Doing too much, too fast, too hard.
Most runners ramp up mileage too quickly, push easy runs too hard, and skip recovery altogether. Training works best when it’s balanced. You need to make your easy days easy and hard days purposeful. You can’t rush progress; you have to build it over time.
5. What would you say to someone unsure they can do this?
You don’t have to be 100% confident, you just have to be willing to start.
The San Francisco Marathon is a big challenge, but it’s built one run at a time. Stay consistent and trust the process. Race day will surprise you.
6. What’s one small thing a runner can do this week to get closer to the start line?
Plan your runs. Put them on your calendar like any other commitment, and then follow through. Once it’s scheduled, it’s much more likely to happen.
7. What has changed in running over the years? What hasn’t?
A lot has changed. We now have super shoes, smarter fueling, more data,… but the core stayed the same. You still have to lace up, do the work, and run the miles. No app has figured out how to do that part for you (yet).
How Can RUN365 Help You Reach Your Goals?
RUN365 is not just a training plan. It puts a date on your calendar for a run with a group you actually look forward to seeing each week.
It’s fist bumps, miles that feel easier together, and lots of smiles. It’s like Strava kudos, just… in real life. Everything Larry described comes back to the same things; showing up, staying consistent, and having access to guidance when you need it.
That’s exactly what we built RUN365 for. It’s not just a plan, it’s a group that keeps you moving forward.
About Coach Larry
He’s been coaching for over 10 years and has completed 20 marathons, 60+ half marathons, and has 10 finishes at the San Francisco Marathon. He’s also completed all U.S. Abbott World Majors (New York, Chicago, and Boston).
Larry is passionate about helping runners of all levels reach their goals, whether that’s a first half marathon or a breakthrough marathon finish.
His work has been featured by Lululemon, The Run Experience, HotShot, and GU Energy Labs.
One thing you need to know: Showing up is the hardest part. Everything else is just running.