The Trials and Tribulations of Running YouTubers

What do we think of RTJs app Kaizen for running? I know that running/training apps (namely runna) get some hate on here for good reason as a lot of times they are scams.

I share the opinion with most that RTJ is a refreshing and enjoyable watch on the runfluencer scene. Is this app he promotes useless as well? Why would he promote it if not for some money?

She's still acting as if 'just a bone bruise' is materially different from a stress fracture too.

I'd be interested in anyones reviews. Cole and RTJ seem to be hyping the race prediction feature.

Race prediction based only on pace and HR has big limitations: pauses, GPS errors, weather, surface, and running economy at race pace all matter. Without those, it’s more of a finger-in-the-air estimate than science.

I suspect the training plans are generic AI output, but happy to be proven wrong. Has anyone tested Kaizen’s predictions against actual race results? I suspect they are just jumping onto the AI hype train, and cash in on clueless hobby joggers.

How are you feeling about RTJ changes of sub 2:09:30?

I feel like his recent training marathons and workouts seem to suggest he is far away from holding that pace for a marathon. For the marathon today (which he hyped up as make or brake workout for the season) he wanted to do 3k MP with 2k steady but only managed 6 reps of those before changing his plans and finished at steady pace, and before that his paces started to slip significantly away from 3:05 min/km pace (last 3k rep went from 3:07 to 3:15).

Remember that he ran 2:16 marathon on his own (GPS timing)
before Tokyo this year, going 30k@3:18, 12k@3:05. He tried the same session in a race setting (hillier and further away from peak but still did a soft taper I think) and did not hold MP for the last 12k.

Now I don't know how much of a hole he is in with his 280km per week, but the taper really needs to do some magic for his plan to work out. He even seems to think so himself as his notes under his latest marathon express some concern with that pace not feeling too good.

I would agree. I like Jake and want him to crush it but he's a 2:13 guy right now at best. I don't think the taper gets him there.

I was thinking along the lines of 2.12 -- which is an amazing time.

To think he can hold a pace faster than he recently ran those half marathons at seems like a stretch!

I do wonder if he's playing the sub 2.10 for the good story and to hype that Kaizen app.

See and that's what I have a problem with..the normalisation of it. Yes, it's socially accepted but am I unnormal for seeing alcohol as the poison that it is and avoiding it? I don't think so. (no, I am not shaming anyone who has the occasional drink but let's not pretend like it's healthy).

Can't post the link but they've got a comparison to other running plans on their website.

They are outright lying about the garmin plans so I'm immediately thinking they are lying about everything else as well.

Garmin has both target pace plans as well as "just improve my fitness" plans but the biggest idiotic claim is that Garmin is not adapting to changes. They are tbh adapting too agressively.

Chris Ford of Fordy Runs on this Fridays Long Run Show, which you can watch on YouTube or listen to as a podcast. The topic being discussed by the panel was how runners can decide whether or not they should hire a coach;

Timestamp 25:55 "um, yeah, don't get me started on uh, influencers becoming running coaches and all that. That's another topic for another day"

Also Chris Ford, during the same show;

Timestamp 24:13 "I'm quite cheap, and that starts at 50 quid for the basic plan, a month"

2:09:30 is lofty, I dont think he gets there but I also dont think he misses it by much. I'm guessing 2:11:30. Valencia is fast as f*** (imo the fastest) and there will be a lot of elites to hang on to.

I predict he hangs on at 3:05 pace through 30-32k, falls off a bit, then rebounds for the last 5k (Valencia ends on a slight decline).

The main thing with Jake is he truly goes balls to the wall (almost died at Tokyo marathon), he's in better shape now and Valencia is also a better course with better expected conditions. Unlike basically every other Youtuber, he actually has the dog in him.

One wonders how much the most expensive plan is for someone who struggles to break 3:30.

I'm sure I could find it if I dug, but can anyone tell me what Jake's marathon PB is?

Yeah, but at this point I think he is choosing the 'tough guy' character to the detriment of his performance.

He wants to be the mega mileage trains so hard guy more than he wants to maximise his performance.

2:14:52 at Tokyo earlier this year.

In his latest vid he says Kiazen is predicting him a 2:10:XX marathon but as all the YT'ers who use (promote!) this app are quick to tell you, the prediction is based on PERFECT conditions; a flat course, perfect weather (heat & humidity), perfect pacing and running at maximum effort for the duration.

Valencia is definitely the best shot at the "ideal" race and achieving sub 2:10. I wouldnt bet my house on him doing it though - seems a but too much of a stretch IMO

The King posted again after months of radio silence.

I'm a bit late to the party and discussions. My view, Jake's definitely going to run a PB at Valencia no doubt about that. How much he'll improve by… well, time will tell.

He's already clocked 2:17 and 2:18 marathons off the back of those monster 280 km weeks. Imagine if he backed off the mileage a bit, let his body absorb all that work, and focused more on sharpening his speed. I honestly think he's got sub 2:09 potential.

Out of all the running influencers out there, RTJ and Ben Olson's channels are the ones I enjoy the most. Jakes performance at Wings for Life was incredible, and I really think he could be a serious contender in the ultra scene when he hits his prime. Maybe even a future Comrades winner.

I also really enjoy Hans Troyer's videos. It's rare to see someone push themselves to the point where their body starts to shut down. Both Hans and Jake seem to have that rare mindset , the will to run until they literally can't anymore.

RTJ will run a PB in Valencia but it will be 2:12-2:13 territory.

I'm getting some downvotes for my comments on RTJ.

To clarify, I like that guy and admire him and think he will continue to run well.

However, I also think he makes training decisions based on his online persona rather than what is best for his performance.

Do the majority disagree?

Wonder if it would be a cool idea to get some YouTubers on here to do an AMA (ask me anything) at some point soon. I know that some read this thread and comment so would be a really interesting look behind the scenes and their thoughts/insight to get a few of them on to do a live AMA.

Thinking the likes of FOD, Grose, Serious hobby jogger etc.

Griff Duncan has been here before too and just seen he has released a new raw video on having to DNF a marathon in his sub 3 quest. So could be an interesting person to start with. Appreciate if you could let us know if you’re reading Griff?

Never know if they go well and become popular we might be able to get some of the biggest names in running across to LetsRun to do their own AMAs. Thinking the likes of Ingrbritsen, Hodgkinson, Bester, Kipchoge, Kerr, Sydney, Bol, Noah etc..