What Lil Nas X & Casey Neistat Learned From a Sub-3-Hour Olympic Run Coach

This is how 1% incremental changes and an Olympic mindset can make you a stronger runner—at any level.

In this episode, we dive into what it truly takes to become a better runner, not just through physical training but by harnessing a purpose-driven mindset. Roberto shares his journey as an Olympic athlete, the key lessons he’s learned about resilience, and why finding your “why” is essential to overcoming the hurdles in training. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, Roberto’s advice on small, incremental improvements will inspire you to chase after your running goals, one step at a time.

Key Takeaways

1. The importance of understanding your "why" in running to sustain motivation and achieve goals.
2. Small, incremental gains can yield massive results over time, even for elite runners.
3. Resilience is built by overcoming setbacks and framing challenges as growth opportunities.

Sections

• [00:00] – Introduction: The balance of genetics and lifestyle
• [00:26] – Roberto’s experience running with YouTubers and top musicians
• [01:24] – Roberto’s background: Olympic runner, coach, and race pacer
• [03:08] – Coaching Lil Nas X and other celebrities in their first races
• [06:02] – Finding the “why” in running and how it shapes training
• [07:36] – Planning and structuring a training routine with purpose
• [09:57] – Reflecting on the 2004 Olympics and the challenges faced
• [13:17] – Lessons from setbacks: Building resilience and perspective
• [14:45] – Helping others reach their goals: Citizen runners and incremental gains
• [17:05] – Balancing life, travel, and staying consistent in fitness

Links & Learnings

• Watch and read this episode
• The One Percent Better Runner Newsletter
• DLake Runs on Instagram
• Roberto Mandje Instagram
• Casey Neistat’s 20+ year sub-3-hour journey
• Lil Nas X’s first half marathon

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