In the seventh episode of At Your Own Pace, host MikeRunsMarathons sits down with Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run, Try, Bike, to explore how representation, community, and sustainable training can reshape the endurance sports space for the better. Jason shares his journey into running in 2007 and how his experience as a Puerto Rican athlete in a predominantly white sport fueled his mission to create platforms that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and everyday athletes at every pace and background.

The conversation challenges the glorification of “grind culture” in endurance sports and unpacks why smarter training, recovery, and mental well-being matter more than perfection. Jason introduces his “Christmas tree” training philosophy — a balance of hard, moderate, and easy days — and reframes the stigma around DNF and DNS as strategic decisions that protect long-term growth. Together, Mike and Jason reflect on the mental hurdles new runners face, the pressure created by social media comparisons, and the power of storytelling and community support in helping athletes feel seen and supported.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is space at the starting line for everyone, that progress matters more than finish times, and that relentless forward motion is built through patience, self-trust, and connection.