Breaking the Barrier: How One Young Runner Found More Than a Fast Time

Running is weird. I know that it might sound odd coming from a running coach, but stay with me.

We run for hours, chasing a number, measuring splits, tracking effort — all for something that, when you zoom out, doesn't really matter. It doesn't feed the world or fix homelessness. But here's the thing: sometimes the things that don't matter are the ones that end up mattering the most.

Just ask Aiden Hammond.

At 22 years old, Aiden is studying to become a nurse, which already says a lot about his heart. Aiden also comes from a running family. Both mom and dad are runners, as are his three younger brothers. One of his younger brothers clocks a 4:30 mile! Yes, really!

Last October, Aiden lined up at the 49th Running of the Marine Corps Marathon with a big dream: run a sub-3 hour marathon. It was an audacious goal. It was bold. It was something he'd prepared for — and while he came oh so close, Aiden missed his goal finishing in 3:03:47. For many runners, that would be a huge win. But for Aiden, the goal was clear — sub-3.

Instead of backing away from his goal, he leaned in. Aiden joined In-Training in late 2024 with eyes on the 2025 Publix Atlanta Marathon. And WOW, did it pay off!

"I did it, Coach! Sub-3 hour marathon. 2:57:33. BOOM!" Aiden wrote in a post-race email.

More than just a time, Aiden described it as a transformation. "I've never felt stronger and smarter in a race," he wrote. "It was the best feeling... Everyone involved in this In-Training program was so special. Not only did they teach me how to be a better runner, but how to be a better human."

And that is what makes In-Training so special. It's not about chasing arbitrary goals for ego's sake. It's about learning to love the process. It's about showing up week after week, getting mentally and physically stronger — not just as an athlete, but as a person.

"The work is the reward," says Coach Bob. "Every day, we show up not to prove something, but to become something. A better version of ourselves — that's what makes it all worthwhile."

For Aiden, the early Wednesday morning workouts at Cheney, the Saturday long-runs — those weren't just moments of training. They were moments of belief. Moments of becoming.

Aiden didn't just run faster — he also ran smarter. When asked what changed between Marine Corps and the Publix Atlanta Marathon, he pointed to two things: fueling and recovery. Two things he learned and applied from In-Training.

That's what In-Training offers. A program for building fitness, yes. But also a community that helps you find joy in the process, and purpose in the pursuit. It's about learning, laughing, leveling up, and leaning on others.

Now, as we gear up for the spring training season and 2025 In-Training for Peachtree, I invite you to join us. Whether you're chasing your own personal best, training for your first race, or just looking to fall in love with running again (or for the first time), this is your invitation.

Oprah once said, "Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." And here's the thing: When you put your heart into something — when you show up and work hard — incredible things happen. Just ask Aiden.

In-Training isn't just about miles. It's about support. It's about learning. It's about showing up on Saturday mornings and realizing that you're not alone. It's about high-fives at water stops, mid-week encouragement and finish-line hugs. It's about YOU, and the dreams that maybe feel a little too big right now — but totally aren't.

So, what's your version of sub-3? Whatever it is, we're here for it. Let's dream big, train hard, become better — together.

Come be weird with us.

BOOM!

Coach Bob