January Miles, Tight Muscles and Hope for February

January 2026 is officially in the books, and let’s just say my right foot and I are negotiating a peace treaty that’s moving about as fast as rush-hour traffic on the Schuylkill (IYKYK). Sometimes I feel like I am on the train to nowhere!

For most people, January is about resolutions. For endurance athletes, it’s about getting the engine warm without blowing a gasket. Except, in my case, one muscle group, somewhere around the right heel, didn’t get the memo. It’s tight, cranky, and determined to remind me I’m 51 going on 91 every time I take that first step out of bed. The mornings feel like a sneak preview of a Tin Man reboot.

My Battle With the Stubborn Right Foot

I’ve thrown quite the arsenal at it: magnesium rubs, ice, stretching, and my trusty Hypervolt. Some days, I think the Hypervolt is just mocking me with its hum of false confidence. I’ve rolled, stretched, cursed, rolled again, and still wake up feeling like someone swapped my foot for a brick overnight.

But that’s endurance life, right? It’s never a straight line. Some months are full of long climbs and big wins; others are about maintenance, problem-solving, and not losing your sense of humor. My official training season kicks off the day after the Super Bowl, and while I might not be 100% ready, I’m certainly more prepared than any Philadelphia Eagles defense in the fourth quarter (too soon?).

Enter the Nutrition Detective

The bright spot this month has been my new nutritionist. We’re going full detective mode, testing food sensitivities, balancing supplements, and searching for the root cause of my inflammation. Over the years, I’ve developed a greatest-hits list of ailments: foot pain, knee aches, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, shoulder twinges, even a rebellious back. It’s like a game of musculoskeletal whack-a-mole.

But I’m genuinely optimistic. Nutrition has always been one of those hidden edges in endurance sports, and I know dialing it in could be the difference between surviving training cycles and thriving through them.

Looking Ahead to Training Season

So January was less about miles and more about mindfulness, learning patience, listening to my body, and appreciating that even the tough stretches teach something. February? That’s when the comeback tour begins. Maybe I won’t be flying up the mountain trails right away, but I’ll be walking with purpose, one careful, hopefully pain-free step at a time.

Because at the end of the day, endurance training isn’t just about finishing the race. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when your right foot is in full mutiny.

If you want to participate in an epic endurance challenge this year, check out my blog about the top 5 endurance challenges to try this year!

If you want to learn more about Gavin Mlinar, check out my website: yesyourway.com.

And Don't forget to check out my book: Yes Your Way to Success! Why Don't You?

Click this link to Support the 2026 Kyle Pease Foundation 29029 Everesting team